Contact Information

Contact Information
Division
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.

Faculty

Hannah Schwartz

Professor, Allied Health

B.A., University of California, Los Angeles
M.A., Sierra Nevada College

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
Microsoft 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
COMM 0001
Small Group Communication
Communication Foundations
Intercultural Communication
Interpersonal Communication
Introduction to College Writing
ENGL 0001A
Human Development Through the Lifespan
Standard First Aid/Community CPR
Medical Terminology
MATH 0013
Trigonometry
Food Preparation for Nutrition and Life Fitness
Principles of Nutrition
Basic Concepts in Physics
General Physics I
General Physics I Laboratory
Introduction to 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 00013
ENGL 0001A4
HDEV 0001Human Development Through the Lifespan3
or PSYC 0104 Developmental Psychology
NUTF 0010Principles of Nutrition3
PSYC 0100Introduction to Psychology3
Demonstrate mathematics proficiency by one of the following:0-6
College Algebra
MATH 0013
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
Microsoft 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
COMM 0001
Small Group Communication
Communication Foundations
Intercultural Communication
Interpersonal Communication
Introduction to College Writing
ENGL 0001A
Human Development Through the Lifespan
Standard First Aid/Community CPR
Medical Terminology
MATH 0013
Trigonometry
Food Preparation for Nutrition and Life Fitness
Principles of Nutrition
Basic Concepts in Physics
General Physics I
General Physics I Laboratory
Introduction to 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 Coding3.0
ALH 0003Introduction to Pharmacology for Medical Assisting2.5
ALH 0004Physical Exam Procedures3
ALH 0005Medical Office Procedures4
ALH 0006Medical Office Laboratory Procedures3
ALH 0007Medical Asepsis and Surgical Procedures3.5
ALH 0008Medication Administration and Injection Procedures3
ALH 0009Medical Assisting Clinical Practicum Experience3
Total Units27.5

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

ALH 0022Basic Sciences for Surgical Technology6.5
ALH 0023Patient Care Concepts for Surgical Technology5.5
ALH 0024Skills Lab for Surgical Technology5.5
ALH 0025Surgical Specialties for Surgical Technology6
ALH 0026Surgical Technology Clinical Practicum10
ALH 0027Law and Ethics for Allied Health Professionals2
ALH 0029Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) Exam Prep1
Total Units36.5

Phlebotomy

Skills Certificate

Upon completion of both Introduction to Phlebotomy (ALH 10) and the Phlebotomy Clinical Practicum Experience (ALH 11), the well trained phlebotomy student will be prepared to take the next steps in a career as a phlebotomist.  These two courses meet the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) guidelines and requirements to earn the State of California Phlebotomy Technician 1 (CPT1) Certificate.  Within the curriculum and practicum experience, there is 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. 

Students will acquire Phlebotomy experience in the work setting under the supervision of a certified phlebotomist. The completed clinical practicum is conducted as a non-paid clinical laboratory experience. Within this clinical practicum, student have performed the required minimum 50 venipuncture procedures on patients that represent a variety of age groups and medical conditions. The clinical sites will reinforce and further the training for the necessary 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). 

 Required Courses

ALH 0010Introduction to Phlebotomy3
ALH 0011Phlebotomy Clinical Practicum Experience.5
Total Units3.5

Registered Behavioral Technician (RBT)

Skills Certificate

Successful completion of ALH 0030: Registered Behavioral Technician (RBT) and ALH 0031: Registered Behavioral Technician Clinical Practicum Experience results in students becoming eligible to take the RBT exam with the Behavioral Analyst Certification Board (BACB). This will prepare students with the understanding, skills and qualities necessary for the behavioral health profession. The behaviorist will acquire knowledge about ethical standards, conducting assessments, skill acquisition, documentation and reporting, data collection, and professional conduct and scope of practice. Students will also learn a basic understanding of neurodivergent individuals and their challenges/struggles. These comprehensive courses allow students to find employment immediately after passing their RBT exam in organizations such as behavioral therapy clinics, educational environments, group homes, and some health care facilities.

 Required Courses

ALH 0030Registered Behavioral Technician5
ALH 0031Registered Behavioral Technician Clinical Practicum.5
Total Units5.5

Courses

Understanding course descriptions

ALH 0001. Electronic Health Record/Billing

Units: 2.5
Prerequisite: Completion with grade of "C" or better or concurrent enrollment in HSCI 3
Advisory: Completion of BIOL 55 or BIO 5 and BIO 6 with grade(s) 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: 3
Hours: 77 (44 lecture, 33 laboratory)
Students will acquire basic knowledge and the correct medical language for the functions of procedural and diagnostic coding in the ambulatory medical setting. In addition, students will learn to interpret and locate codes for procedural coding essentials using the CPT (Current Procedural Terminology) and diagnostic coding essentials using the ICD-10-CM (International Classification of Disease, clinical modification 10) manuals. Students will acquire the corresponding medical terminology required for abstracting and interpreting medical charts in order to code with the appropriate 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, assisting in physical examinations, acquisition of patient history and vital signs, introduction to oral medication administration, nutritional education planning and patient coaching, orthopedic bracing/casting, handling office emergencies, and performing nebulizers and electrocardiograms. (letter grade only) (not transferable)

ALH 0005. Medical Office Procedures

Units: 4
Prerequisite: Completion of ALH 1, 2, 3, and 4 with grades of "C" or better
Hours: 108 (54 lecture, 54 laboratory)
Designed for the Clinical Medical Assistant to learn legal/ethical and accepted procedures for any ambulatory setting. Students will acquire the knowledge on how to properly answer interview questions, identify professional transferable skills needed in the industry, and how to develop a resume, cover letter, and engage in a mock interview. (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: 3.5
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)

ALH 0030. Registered Behavioral Technician

Units: 5
Hours: 162 (54 lecture, 108 laboratory)
This course introduces the core principles and practices essential for a Registered Behavior Technician (RBT). Key topics include measurement and documentation/reporting, assessments, skill acquisition, behavior reduction, professional conduct, ethical responsibilities, and decision-making. The course also emphasizes the development of transferable skills crucial for professional success. Students will receive guidance on crafting a resume, cover letter, and reference page to use in their mock interviews and to enhance their career readiness. Upon successful completion of this course, students must meet additional requirements, including certification in First Aid and CPR (in-person only), passing a criminal background check and abuse registry check, providing a vaccination record, and completing high school (high school seniors in their final semester may apply). This course is part of a two-course certification sequence. Following this course, students will enroll in ALH 31. (letter grade only) (not transferable)

ALH 0031. Registered Behavioral Technician Clinical Practicum

Units: 0.5
Prerequisite: Completion of ALH 30 with grade of "C" or better
Hours: 40 laboratory
This course provides students with hands-on experience as Behavioral Technicians in a professional setting under the supervision of a Board-Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) or Program Specialist. Students will complete a minimum of 40 hours of practical work, focusing on measurement and documentation of behaviors, reporting, assessments, skill acquisition, behavior reduction, and adherence to professional conduct, ethical responsibilities, and decision-making protocols. Upon successful completion of the course and the associated competency forms, students will be eligible to sit for the Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) examination administered by the Behavior Analyst Certification Board (BACB) and qualify as a Registered Behavior Technician. (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.