The curriculum in Health Science focuses on providing a broad base of knowledge and skills to support students’ development into competent health care professionals.  The objective of the degree is to provide a foundation for continued study in Health Science or related field at a four-year college or university and for employment in the healthcare fields.  Students will develop a breadth of understanding and skills in health science, human health and human physiology. The curriculum encompasses courses that are relevant to many healthcare careers including: health administration, occupational therapy, environmental health, clinical laboratory, dental hygiene, paramedic, registered nursing, respiratory therapy, physical therapy, and physician's assistant. For the degree, students must fulfill the following major requirements with grades of “C” or better, complete a minimum of 60 degree-applicable semester units (12 of which must be completed at Sierra College) with a grade point average of at least 2.0, and complete one of the following general education patterns:

✔ Associate Degree Requirements;

✔ California State University General Education Breadth pattern; or

✔ Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC).

Program Student Learning Outcomes

✔ Demonstrate and confirm knowledge of current industry standards by successfully completing all course requirements and successfully passing the certifying written examination of the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians.

✔ Demonstrate effective and clear communication skills required for patient care, completing critical skills and incident management, using both verbal and written medical summarizations.

✔ Demonstrate ability to perform a primary assessment on a medical or trauma patient, manage a simulated emergency scenario, and determine the appropriate critical care interventions.

✔ Determine the role of legal, ethical, and professional standards of conduct within the Emergency Medical Services and other health care professions.

✔ Demonstrate proficiency of all required practical skills as mandated to qualify for the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians Certification and for EMT and EMR licensing with the State of California.