This is an archived copy of the 2023-2024 catalog. To access the most recent version of the catalog, please visit http://catalog.sierracollege.edu.

Contact Information

Contact Information
Division
Nursing and Allied Health
Dean
Nancy James
Location
Division Office
V 211, Rocklin Campus
Department Office
RN1 100, Rocklin Campus
Phone Number
Department Phone
(916) 660-8300

Overview

Allied Health offers alternatives to nursing and medicine for students interested in healthcare professions. Careers include Dental Hygiene, Licensed Vocational Nursing, Medical Assisting, Physical Therapy Assistant, Respiratory Therapist, Radiology Technician, Sonography, and others. Allied Health at Sierra College is designed to help identify and train for these alternative healthcare careers and to prepare students for success working in hospitals, clinics, dental offices and long term care facilities.

Allied Health Advisory Committee

  • Alpine Allergy and Asthma, Auburn, CA
  • ARC Point Labs, Sacramento and Roseville, CA
  • Dr. Allison McCormick, MD, Auburn, CA
  • Dr. Mark Vaughn, MD, Auburn, CA
  • ELICA Greater Sac. Region, Greater Sacramento Region
  • Kaiser Permanente Roseville Medical Center, Roseville, CA
  • Marshall Medical Center, Placerville, CA
  • Sutter Health, Sacramento, CA (HQ)

Degrees/Certificates

Allied Health - General Option

AS Degree

The Allied Health General Option is designed as a gateway into allied health professions and to prepare students for success in Allied Health degree and certificate programs at Sierra and other institutions. This may include training programs for professions such as Dental Hygiene, LVN, Medical Assistant, Occupational Therapy Assistant, Physical Therapy Assistant, Respiratory Care, Radiology Technician, Sonography and others. Some variation in degree/certificate requirements may exist for particular Allied Health programs, therefore, it is essential that students refer to the catalog of their intended transfer institution and contact a counselor to ensure that all required coursework is completed. 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 three general education patterns:

 Required Courses 

ALH 0020Introduction to Allied Health1
Select 17 units from the following: 117
Cultural Anthropology
General Biology
Microbiology
Human Anatomy
Human Physiology
General Human Anatomy and Physiology
Biology: A Human Perspective
and Biology: A Human Perspective Laboratory
Computer Applications for Business
General Chemistry I
General Chemistry I - Part 1
and General Chemistry I - Part 2
General Chemistry II
Introduction to Chemistry I
Introduction to Chemistry II
Introduction to Computing
Fundamentals of Public Speaking
Small Group Communication
Communication Foundations
Intercultural Communication
Interpersonal Communication
Introduction to College Writing
College Reading, Writing and Research
Human Development Through the Lifespan
Standard First Aid/Community CPR
Medical Terminology
Intermediate Algebra
Practical Mathematics
B-STEM Intermediate Algebra
Elementary Statistics
Trigonometry
Food Preparation for Nutrition and Life Fitness
Principles of Nutrition
Basic Concepts in Physics
General Physics I
General Physics I Laboratory
General Principles of Psychology
Introduction to Psychological Statistics
Introduction to Sociology
Introduction to Statistics in Sociology
Total Units18

1At least one course must be from Biology, Chemistry, or Physics.

Allied Health - Pre-Nursing Option

AS Degree

Successful completion of the Associate in Science, Allied Health ‐ Pre‐Nursing Option, prepares the student with the knowledge, skills and qualities necessary to apply to most nursing programs. The program includes the prerequisites necessary for most registered nursing programs at community colleges and may be transferable to nursing majors at various universities. Some variation in degree requirements may exist for a particular program; therefore, it is essential that students refer to the catalog of their intended institution and contact a counselor to ensure that all required coursework is completed. 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 three general education patterns:

Required Courses

ALH 0020Introduction to Allied Health1
ANTH 0002Cultural Anthropology3
or SOC 0001 Introduction to Sociology
BIOL 0004Microbiology5
BIOL 0005Human Anatomy5
BIOL 0006Human Physiology5
CHEM 0002AIntroduction to Chemistry I 15-6
or CHEM 0001A General Chemistry I
or CHEM 0003A
CHEM 0003B
General Chemistry I - Part 1
and General Chemistry I - Part 2
COMM 0001Fundamentals of Public Speaking3
ENGL 0001ACollege Reading, Writing and Research4
HDEV 0001Human Development Through the Lifespan3
or PSYC 0104 Developmental Psychology
NUTF 0010Principles of Nutrition3
PSYC 0100General Principles of Psychology3
Demonstrate mathematics proficiency by one of the following:0-6
Elementary Algebra
Intermediate Algebra
Practical Mathematics
B-STEM Intermediate Algebra
College Algebra
Elementary Statistics
Calculus for Social and Life Sciences
Calculus for Social and Life Sciences
Modern Business Mathematics
Pre-Calculus Mathematics
Analytical Geometry and Calculus I
Analytical Geometry and Calculus II
Business Calculus
Introduction to Psychological Statistics
Introduction to Statistics in Sociology
Completion of one year (or block schedule) of Algebra I or higher level mathematics in high school with grades of “C” or better
Total Units40-47

1CHEM 0002A is preferred for most Nursing programs. Speak with a counselor to discuss Chemistry options. 

Allied Health - General Option

Certificate of Achievement

The Allied Health General Option is designed as a gateway into allied health professions and to prepare students for success in Allied Health certificate program at Sierra and other institutions. This may include training programs for professions such as Dental Hygiene, LVN, Medical Assistant, Occupational Therapy Assistant, Physical Therapy Assistant, Respiratory Care, Radiology Technician, Sonography and others. Some variation in certificate requirements may exist for particular Allied Health programs, therefore, it is essential that students refer to the catalog of their intended transfer institution and contact a counselor to ensure that all required coursework is completed. A certificate is designed to provide career technical skills; it is not equivalent to an associate degree.

Required Courses

ALH 0020Introduction to Allied Health1
Select 17 units from the following: 117
Cultural Anthropology
General Biology
Microbiology
Human Anatomy
Human Physiology
General Human Anatomy and Physiology
Biology: A Human Perspective
and Biology: A Human Perspective Laboratory
Computer Applications for Business
General Chemistry I
General Chemistry I - Part 1
and General Chemistry I - Part 2
General Chemistry II
Introduction to Chemistry I
Introduction to Chemistry II
Introduction to Computing
Fundamentals of Public Speaking
Small Group Communication
Communication Foundations
Intercultural Communication
Interpersonal Communication
Introduction to College Writing
College Reading, Writing and Research
Human Development Through the Lifespan
Standard First Aid/Community CPR
Medical Terminology
Intermediate Algebra
Practical Mathematics
B-STEM Intermediate Algebra
Elementary Statistics
Trigonometry
Food Preparation for Nutrition and Life Fitness
Principles of Nutrition
Basic Concepts in Physics
General Physics I
General Physics I Laboratory
General Principles of Psychology
Introduction to Psychological Statistics
Introduction to Sociology
Introduction to Statistics in Sociology
Total Units18
1At least one course must be from Biology, Chemistry, or Physics.

Medical Assisting

Certificate of Achievement

Successful completion of the Medical Assisting Program certificate prepares the student with the knowledge, skills and qualities necessary for the medical assisting profession. The medical assistant acquires a broad scope of skills which makes him/her a valuable allied health professional within the ambulatory care setting. During this program, students will learn and demonstrate vital signs, EKGs, venipunctures, injections, assist with minor office surgeries and patient education, as well as medical office administrative tasks. Students will also learn basic anatomy, physiology and pharmacology. This comprehensive education allows graduates to find employment in clinics, urgent‐care facilities, primary care and specialty physician offices. Medical assistants are also employed in medical laboratories, surgical centers, and electrocardiography departments in hospitals, government agencies and educational institutions. Core coursework will be fulfilled in two semesters, followed by a 160‐hour externship. A certificate of achievement will be earned after completing all courses with a grade of “C” or better and successfully passing the externship (ALH 0009). The certificate is designed to focus on providing specific career technical skills; it is not equivalent to an associate degree.

Required Courses

ALH 0001Electronic Health Record/Billing2.5
ALH 0002Medical Coding2.5
ALH 0003Introduction to Pharmacology for Medical Assisting2.5
ALH 0004Physical Exam Procedures3
ALH 0005Medical Office Procedures3
ALH 0006Medical Office Laboratory Procedures3
ALH 0007Medical Asepsis and Surgical Procedures3
ALH 0008Medication Administration and Injection Procedures3
ALH 0009Medical Assisting Clinical Practicum Experience3
Total Units25.5

Courses

Understanding course descriptions

ALH 0001. Electronic Health Record/Billing

Units: 2.5
Prerequisite: Completion of BIOL 55, BUS 250, HED 2, and HSCI 3 with grades of "C" or better
Hours: 63 (36 lecture, 27 laboratory)
How to document the total patient encounter in the Electronic Health Record using a current vendor product along with Medisoft Clinical Practice Management which incorporates the electronic billing process. (letter grade only) (not transferable)

ALH 0002. Medical Coding

Units: 2.5
Hours: 63 (36 lecture, 27 laboratory)
Students will acquire basic knowledge of the functions of coding in the ambulatory medical setting. In addition, students will learn to interpret and locate codes in both the CPT (Current Procedural Terminology) and ICD-10-CM (International Classification of Disease, clinical modification 10) manuals. (letter grade only) (not transferable)

ALH 0003. Introduction to Pharmacology for Medical Assisting

Units: 2.5
Hours: 63 (36 lecture, 27 laboratory)
Introduction to the principles of pharmacology and medication forms, routes of administration, and common medication for each body system as used in the ambulatory setting. (letter grade only) (not transferable)

ALH 0004. Physical Exam Procedures

Units: 3
Hours: 90 (36 lecture, 54 laboratory)
Prepares students to perform clinical tasks within the scope of practice of a medical assistant. Skill competencies include preparation of exam rooms, acquisition of patient history and vital signs, introduction to oral medication administration, nutritional education planning, orthopedic bracing/casting, handling office emergencies, and performing CPR and electrocardiograms. (letter grade only) (not transferable)

ALH 0005. Medical Office Procedures

Units: 3
Prerequisite: Completion of ALH 1, 2, 3, and 4 with grades of "C" or better
Hours: 90 (36 lecture, 54 laboratory)
Designed for the Clinical Medical Assistant to learn legal/ethical and accepted procedures for any ambulatory setting. (letter grade only) (not transferable)

ALH 0006. Medical Office Laboratory Procedures

Units: 3
Prerequisite: Completion of ALH 1, 2, 3, and 4 with grades of "C" or better
Hours: 90 (36 lecture, 54 laboratory)
Students will acquire skills to competently implement and evaluate standard laboratory tests as performed in medical offices or general lab settings. Emphasis on specimen collection, handling and storing procedures, analysis and interpretation of normal and abnormal lab values. Acquire phlebotomy skills that prepare students to practice within their scope of work as a medical assistant. (letter grade only) (not transferable)

ALH 0007. Medical Asepsis and Surgical Procedures

Units: 3
Prerequisite: Completion of ALH 1, 2, 3, and 4 with grades of "C" or better
Hours: 90 (36 lecture, 54 laboratory)
Students will acquire knowledge to apply theory to practice while assisting with minor office surgeries and wound care. Sterile and aseptic techniques, sterile field and instrument sanitization procedures and protocols prepare students with the necessary skills to practice within the scope of practice of a medical assistant. (letter grade only) (not transferable)

ALH 0008. Medication Administration and Injection Procedures

Units: 3
Prerequisite: Completion of ALH 1, 2, 3, and 4 with grades of "C" or better
Hours: 90 (36 lecture, 54 laboratory)
Students will acquire and apply knowledge of various routes of medication administration and the related injection safety, techniques, and site selection. Medication dosage calculations, medication side effects and emergencies pertaining to medication administration will prepare students to practice within the scope of practice of a medical assistant. (letter grade only) (not transferable)

ALH 0009. Medical Assisting Clinical Practicum Experience

Units: 3
Prerequisite: Completion of ALH 5, 6, 7, and 8 with grades of "C" or better
Hours: 162 laboratory
Students will acquire clinical Medical Assisting experience in the work setting under the supervision of a licensed physician in a Board-Certified medical office setting or outpatient facility. (letter grade only) (not transferable)

ALH 0010. Introduction to Phlebotomy

Units: 3
Hours: 91 (43 lecture, 48 laboratory)
Introduction to the principles of Phlebotomy. Emphasis on phlebotomy techniques, infection control, safety, specimen collection and handling, medical and legal considerations, patient care and preparation and performance in venipunctures, capillary punctures, and basic laboratory tests expected of the entry level phlebotomy position (CPT 1). Upon successful completion of ALH 10 and ALH 11, students will be eligible to sit for the phlebotomy exam to become a Certified Phlebotomy Technician I (CPT 1) with the state of California. (letter grade only) (CSU)

ALH 0011. Phlebotomy Clinical Practicum Experience

Units: 0.5
Prerequisite: Completion with grade of "C" or better or concurrent enrollment in ALH 10
Hours: 40 laboratory
Students will acquire Phlebotomy experience in the work setting under the supervision of a certified phlebotomist. The clinical practicum is conducted as a non-paid clinical laboratory experience. Students will perform at least 50 venipuncture procedures on patients that represent a variety of age groups and medical conditions. Emphasis on phlebotomy techniques, infection control, safety, specimen collection and handling, medical and legal considerations, patient care and preparation and performance in venipunctures, capillary punctures, and basic laboratory tests expected of the entry level phlebotomy position (CPT 1). (letter grade only) (CSU)

ALH 0020. Introduction to Allied Health

Unit: 1
Hours: 18 lecture
Introduction to career choices in the Allied Health field. Topics include: education and career mapping, job outlooks, occupational and professional requirements, pay ranges, and employer expectations. Students will get hands-on experience related to various Allied Health occupations and gain insight into job roles and responsibilities through guest speakers. Course includes an overview of health care delivery systems, associated career opportunities, infection control, and laws governing patient confidentiality. Students will have the opportunity to participate in organized field trips. (letter grade only) (CSU)

Program Student Learning Outcomes

  • Demonstrate an understanding of the functions of the organ systems of the human body.
  • Use the Scientific Method to investigate biological questions and critically evaluate and effectively communicate scientific data.
  • Understand and apply foundational knowledge for a future allied health career or program of study.