Contact Information
- Division
- Nursing and Allied Health
- Dean
- Nancy James
- Division Office
- V 211, Rocklin Campus
- Department Office
- RN1 100, Rocklin Campus
- 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.
Chloe Maurico
Assistant professor, Allied Health
A.S., Sierra College
B.S., Dominican University of California
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
Associate Degrees
Certificates of Achievement
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
Code | Title | Units |
---|---|---|
ALH 0020 | Introduction to Allied Health | 1 |
Select 17 units from the following: 1 | 17 | |
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 - Microsoft | ||
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 | ||
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 Units | 18 |
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:
- Sierra College Associate Degree Requirements;
- California State University General Education Breadth pattern;
- Intersegmental General Education Transfer Curriculum (IGETC).
Required Courses
Code | Title | Units |
---|---|---|
ALH 0020 | Introduction to Allied Health | 1 |
ANTH 0002 | Cultural Anthropology | 3 |
or SOC 0001 | Introduction to Sociology | |
BIOL 0004 | Microbiology | 5 |
BIOL 0005 | Human Anatomy | 5 |
BIOL 0006 | Human Physiology | 5 |
CHEM 0002A | Introduction to Chemistry I 1 | 5-6 |
or CHEM 0001A | General Chemistry I | |
or CHEM 0003A & CHEM 0003B | General Chemistry I - Part 1 and General Chemistry I - Part 2 | |
COMM 0001 | Fundamentals of Public Speaking | 3 |
ENGL 0001A | College Reading, Writing and Research | 4 |
HDEV 0001 | Human Development Through the Lifespan | 3 |
or PSYC 0104 | Developmental Psychology | |
NUTF 0010 | Principles of Nutrition | 3 |
PSYC 0100 | General Principles of Psychology | 3 |
Demonstrate mathematics proficiency by one of the following: | 0-6 | |
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 Units | 40-47 |
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
Code | Title | Units |
---|---|---|
ALH 0020 | Introduction to Allied Health | 1 |
Select 17 units from the following: 1 | 17 | |
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 - Microsoft | ||
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 | ||
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 Units | 18 |
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
Code | Title | Units |
---|---|---|
ALH 0001 | Electronic Health Record/Billing | 2.5 |
ALH 0002 | Medical Coding and Charting | 2.5 |
ALH 0003 | Introduction to Pharmacology for Medical Assisting | 2.5 |
ALH 0004 | Physical Exam Procedures | 3 |
ALH 0005 | Medical Office Procedures | 3 |
ALH 0006 | Medical Office Laboratory Procedures | 3 |
ALH 0007 | Medical Asepsis and Surgical Procedures | 3 |
ALH 0008 | Medication Administration and Injection Procedures | 3 |
ALH 0009 | Medical Assisting Clinical Practicum Experience | 3 |
Total Units | 25.5 |
Surgical Technologist
Certificate of Achievement
The Surgical Technology program prepares students for entry-level employment as surgical technologists in hospital surgery centers and specialty clinics. The program combines didactic instruction, laboratory simulation, and clinical experiences, providing students with the knowledge and skills required to enter the field of surgical technology in accordance with the American Medical Association and the Association of Surgical Technologist’s guidelines. A Surgical Technologist (ST) is a member of the surgical team who works with surgeons, anesthesiologists, registered nurses, and other surgical personnel in delivering patient care and assuming appropriate responsibilities before, during and after surgery, including passing instruments to the surgeon and assisting during surgery.
Required Courses
Code | Title | Units |
---|---|---|
ALH 0022 | Basic Sciences for Surgical Technology | 6.5 |
ALH 0023 | Patient Care Concepts for Surgical Technology | 5.5 |
ALH 0024 | Skills Lab for Surgical Technology | 5.5 |
ALH 0025 | Surgical Specialties for Surgical Technology | 6 |
ALH 0026 | Surgical Technology Clinical Practicum | 10 |
ALH 0027 | Law and Ethics for Allied Health Professionals | 2 |
ALH 0029 | Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) Exam Prep | 1 |
Total Units | 36.5 |
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: 99 (45 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. Students will perform training for recognizing risks of bloodborne pathogens, infection control, body substance isolation (BSI), and personal protection equipment in accordance with OSHA standards specific to the healthcare professional and in accordance of the scope of practice of a medical assistant. Provides the American Heart Association (AHA) Basic Life Support/CPR certification for Healthcare Providers. (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)
ALH 0022. Basic Sciences for Surgical Technology
Units: 6.5
Prerequisite: Completion of HSCI 3 and BIOL 55 or BIOL 5 and BIOL 6 with grade(s) of "C" or better
Hours: 135 (108 lecture, 27 laboratory)
Review human anatomy and physiology for surgical procedures and common disease states requiring surgical intervention. Also covers medications used during surgery. Concepts of microbiology and basic physics are discussed as they are applied to operating room procedures and practices. Introduces operating room protocols and procedures, aseptic techniques, disinfection, sterilization, instruments, and equipment. (letter grade only) (not transferable)
ALH 0023. Patient Care Concepts for Surgical Technology
Units: 5.5
Hours: 99 lecture
Provides the student with a theoretical and practical understanding of the technology and practices used in caring for a patient undergoing a surgical procedure. Additional material covers the structure and function of a healthcare facility specifically the Operating Room. (letter grade only) (not transferable)
ALH 0024. Skills Lab for Surgical Technology
Units: 5.5
Prerequisite: Completion of ALH 22 and ALH 23 with grades of "C" or better
Hours: 297 laboratory
Students practice the clinical skills required to demonstrate competency in the operating room. Skills include, but are not limited to aseptic practices such as scrubbing, gowning and gloving, setting up the instrument table, positioning the patient, and passing instruments supplies and medications to the surgeon. Prepares the student for clinical internship. (letter grade only) (not transferable)
ALH 0025. Surgical Specialties for Surgical Technology
Units: 6
Hours: 108 lecture
Covers the most common procedures and equipment utilized by the surgical technologist during specialty surgery. These specialties include neurosurgery, vascular surgery, orthopedic surgery and others. Prepares the student for the national certification exam. (letter grade only) (not transferable)
ALH 0026. Surgical Technology Clinical Practicum
Units: 10
Prerequisite: Completion of ALH 24 and ALH 25 with grades of "C" or better
Hours: 540 laboratory
Provides the student with hands-on experience in the surgical suite caring for patients under the supervision of a surgical technologist or a registered nurse. They will also gain experience in patient and staff interaction and communication. It prepares the student for the national certification examination. (letter grade only) (not transferable)
ALH 0027. Law and Ethics for Allied Health Professionals
Units: 2
Hours: 36 lecture
Legal relationships of physicians and patients, contractual agreements, professional liability, malpractice, medical practice acts, informed consent, and bio-ethical issues. Emphasis is placed on legal terms, professional attitudes, and the principles and basic concepts of ethics and laws involved in providing medical services for the allied health professional. (CSU)
ALH 0029. Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) Exam Prep
Unit: 1
Prerequisite: Completion of ALH 22, ALH 23, ALH 24, ALH 25, ALH 26 and ALH 27 with grades of "C" or better
Hours: 24 lecture
Preparation and review for the Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) examination offered by the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting. (letter grade only) (not transferable)
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.