Health Sciences

The Department of Health Sciences offers transferable associate degrees in Nutrition and Dietetics, Public Health Sciences, as well as a local degree in Health Sciences. The Department also offers Certificates in Community Health Worker and Pharmacy Technician. The U.S. Department of Labor has estimated that one in every four new jobs will be in the field of health care and health care support between now and 2028. These degrees allow students to enter the field in a variety of roles and/or transfer to a four-year institution. Students interested in transferring should consult with a counselor to discuss the transfer process and the appropriate sequence of courses.

Advisors:

Adrian Casas
acasas@collegeofthedesert.edu
760.568.3089

Kurt Spurgin
kspurgin@collegeofthedesert.edu
760.565.4820


 

Associate Degrees for Transfer (ADT)

Associate Degrees (AA/AS)

Certificate of Achievement

Health Science (HS)

HS 013  General Nutrition   Units: 3

This course is a study of the chemical composition of foods and their utilization by the body. Students study the roles, functions, and interactions of proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, and water. Practical problems of nutrition and relationship of adequate diet to fitness, energy balance, disease risk, and lifespan. C-ID: NUTR 110
Lecture Hours: 54         Lab Hours: None          Repeatable: No
Grading: Letter
Prerequisite: None
Advisory: ENG 061.
Limitation on enrollment: None
Transfer Status: CSU/UC                 Degree Applicable: AA/AS
COD GE: A7          CalGETC: None

HS 014  Principles of Food   Units: 3

Application of food science principles with emphasis on ingredient function and interaction, food preparation techniques, sensory evaluation standards, food safety and sanitation, and nutrient composition of food. (C-ID NUTR 120)
Lecture Hours: 36         Lab Hours: 54          Repeatable: No
Grading: Letter
Prerequisite: None
Advisory: ENG 061.
Limitation on enrollment: None
Transfer Status: CSU                 Degree Applicable: AA/AS
COD GE: None          CalGETC: None

HS 061  Medical Terminology   Units: 3

This course introduces medical terminology as used by all health service personnel, including medical doctors, dentists, nurses, respiratory therapists, physical therapists, EMTs, medical secretaries and doctors' office assistants.
Lecture Hours: 54         Lab Hours: None          Repeatable: No
Grading: Letter
Prerequisite: None
Advisory: ENG 061.
Limitation on enrollment: None
Transfer Status: CSU                 Degree Applicable: AA/AS
COD GE: None          CalGETC: None

HS 065  Basic Pharmacology   Units: 3

This course provides an introduction to basic pharmacology. Content covers major categories and classes of pharmacological agents. The actions, untoward actions, and desired and undesired effects of commonly used drugs in the major classifications are presented.
Lecture Hours: 54         Lab Hours: None          Repeatable: No
Grading: Letter
Prerequisite: None
Advisory: BI 004.
Limitation on enrollment: None
Transfer Status: None                 Degree Applicable: AA/AS
COD GE: None          CalGETC: None

HS 066  Home Health Aide   Units: 2

This course expands on the content taught in the nursing assistant course to provide preparation for care of residents in home care settings. The content emphasizes personal care, basic communications, safety, meal planning, and maintaining a healthful environment. With a blend of theoretical knowledge and hands-on experiences, students will be well-equipped to provide high-quality care in home health settings, and ready to meet the demands of the contemporary health care landscape.
Lecture Hours: 27         Lab Hours: 27          Repeatable: No
Grading: Letter
Prerequisite: None
Advisory: None
Limitation on enrollment: None
Transfer Status: None                 Degree Applicable: NAA
COD GE: None          CalGETC: None

HS 067  Introduction to Med/Dosage Calculations   Units: 1

This course provides a basic foundation for the study of pharmacology and covers the general principles of drug administration with a review of arithmetic and the calculation of math dosages. It utilizes a nursing process approach which focuses on the understanding of pharmacological principles, medication administration, and the evaluation of the client's responses in the health care setting. This course is designed for the beginning vocational nursing student and other allied health care disciplines.
Lecture Hours: 18         Lab Hours: None          Repeatable: No
Grading: Letter
Prerequisite: None
Advisory: MATH 060 & ENG 061.
Limitation on enrollment: None
Transfer Status: None                 Degree Applicable: AA/AS
COD GE: None          CalGETC: None

HS 068  Pharmacy Technician   Units: 4

This course provides technical and practical training to prepare students for the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board exam and to function as a competent entry-level assistant to the pharmacist. Topics covered include pharmacy law and regulations, sterile and non-sterile compounding, pharmacy billing and reimbursement, pharmacy inventory management, and pharmacy system usage and application.
Lecture Hours: 54         Lab Hours: 54          Repeatable: No
Grading: Letter
Prerequisite: Take HS-067 Take HS-065.
Advisory: Take Math-060, Take ENG-061, Take HS-074.
Limitation on enrollment: None
Transfer Status: None                 Degree Applicable: AA/AS
COD GE: None          CalGETC: None

HS 069  Optical Dispensing Technician   Units: 4

This course provides technical and practical training to prepare students for the National Opticianry Competency Examination (NOCE) and the Contact Lens Registry Examination (CLRE). Topics covered include optical principles and lens technology, frame materials and measurements, contact lens fitting and evaluation, ocular anatomy and physiology, and optical laws and regulations.
Lecture Hours: 54         Lab Hours: 54          Repeatable: No
Grading: Letter
Prerequisite: None
Advisory: HS 061, HS 067, HS 074, ENG 061 and MATH 060.
Limitation on enrollment: None
Transfer Status: None                 Degree Applicable: AA/AS
COD GE: None          CalGETC: None

HS 074  Informatics for Health Science   Units: 3

This course provides an overview of the computer software used by members of the Health Science profession. It will introduce students to the software in: assessment, planning,education, program implementation and management currently used in health science and allied health. It will introduce students to programs such as statistical packages, Project management, GIS, and Electronic Health Records. The course will also cover the legal and ethical use of software linked to client care.
Lecture Hours: 54         Lab Hours: None          Repeatable: No
Grading: Letter
Prerequisite: None
Advisory: None
Limitation on enrollment: None
Transfer Status: CSU                 Degree Applicable: AA/AS
COD GE: None          CalGETC: None

HS 075  Cultural Competence in Health and Social Services   Units: 3

This course provides a comprehensive exploration of cultural competence within the context of health and social services. Students will learn about the diversity of cultures, races, and ethnicities and their implications on health and wellness. The course covers topics such as the definitions of culture, race, and ethnicity; characteristics of diverse population groups; common health and social service needs; and the impact of socioeconomic status, racism, prejudices, and stereotyping on access to health and social services. Through this course, students will develop the skills necessary for effective care coordination, case management, and system navigation, preparing them for culturally competent practice in diverse health and social service settings.
Lecture Hours: 54         Lab Hours: None          Repeatable: No
Grading: Letter
Prerequisite: None
Advisory: ENG 001A or ENGL C1000 or ENGL C1000E or college-level composition or equivalent.
Limitation on enrollment: None
Transfer Status: CSU                 Degree Applicable: AA/AS
COD GE: None          CalGETC: None

HS 076  Essential Skills for Community Health   Units: 1

This introductory course equips students with fundamental skills critical for effective community health work and broader health-related careers. Focusing on personal care, safety protocols, basic health assessments, and communication, students engage in hands-on workshops and simulation exercises designed to provide a practical understanding of home health care. The course aims not only to prepare students for immediate roles in community health but also to foster personal growth and interest in the health sciences field. Ideal for those looking to enhance their caregiving abilities or explore health care as a potential career path, the course offers valuable insights and skills for professional and personal development.
Lecture Hours: 9         Lab Hours: 27          Repeatable: No
Grading: Letter
Prerequisite: None
Advisory: None
Limitation on enrollment: None
Transfer Status: None                 Degree Applicable: AA/AS
COD GE: None          CalGETC: None

HS 080  Electrocardiogram (ECG) Interpretation   Units: 3

This course is designed for persons interested in working with patients who require cardiac monitoring. It provides an overview of the anatomy and physiology of the heart and the conduction system. Students apply analytical thinking to interpret graphic representations of normal and abnormal electrical activity of the heart. The emphasis of this course is on the interpretation of heart rhythms, lead placement, obtaining a 12 lead electrocardiogram and interpretation of cardiac rhythms that require immediate intervention.
Lecture Hours: 54         Lab Hours: None          Repeatable: No
Grading: Letter
Prerequisite: None
Advisory: None
Limitation on enrollment: None
Transfer Status: None                 Degree Applicable: AA/AS
COD GE: None          CalGETC: None

HS 095A  Health Sciences Work Experience   Units: 1-5

This work experience course of supervised employment provides students the opportunity to connect academics to applied experiential learning in the workplace. It assists students in developing transferable employability skills, career awareness, learning industry culture, competencies and norms, and developing professional networks that support career mobility. To enroll, students must have a job or internship placement in a part-time or full-time capacity. Credit may be accrued at the rate of one to five (1-5) units per semester based on the student's ability to meet the hours required per unit enrolled. Students must work 54 hours per unit earned. This Work Experience course is available to students whose job or internship placement is directly related to Health Science.
Lecture Hours: None         Lab Hours: 270          Repeatable: Yes
Grading: Letter
Prerequisite: None
Advisory: None
Limitation on enrollment: None
Transfer Status: CSU                 Degree Applicable: AA/AS
COD GE: None          CalGETC: None

HS 300  Nursing Skills Lab   Units: 0

This course provides an opportunity for practice and mastery of nursing skills necessary for safe patient care. It uses multimedia materials, computers and instructor assistance to improve the skills needed and is directed to students needing a review of nursing procedures. Students must complete at least 1 hour and a maximum of 54 hours to pass the course.
Noncredit Hours: 54                                        Repeatable: Yes
Grading: Pass/No Pass
Prerequisite: None
Advisory: None
Limitation on enrollment: Acceptance into the registered nursing program
Transfer Status: None                 Degree Applicable: NONC
COD GE: None          CalGETC: None

Nursing (N)

N 004  Concepts of Nursing Practice-Acute Complex Alterations in Health   Units: 9.5

In this course students gain knowledge and experience with clients whose optimum level of wellness is altered by acute and complex conditions. Students will gain experience as direct care providers in the acute/critical/emergent and home health care settings utilizing concepts of care management. A materials fee of $20.00 - $50.00 is required for this course to cover lab learning activities.
Lecture Hours: 81         Lab Hours: 270          Repeatable: No
Grading: Letter
Prerequisite: N 003A.
Advisory: None
Limitation on enrollment: None
Transfer Status: CSU                 Degree Applicable: AA/AS
COD GE: None          CalGETC: None

Vocational Nursing (VN)