Medical Careers Class Descriptions

Medical Terminology* - Medical Terminology is the study of the principles of medical word building to help the student develop the extensive medical vocabulary used in healthcare occupations. Students thoroughly understand basic medical Terminology by studying root words, prefixes, and suffixes.

 

Anatomy & Physiology - This course provides the basic structure and function of the human body. Topics include an introductory study of the body systems and an introduction to homeostasis, cells, tissues, nutrition, acid-base balance, and electrolytes. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate a basic understanding of the fundamental principles of anatomy and physiology and their interrelationships—a prerequisite for the BAS VN program.

 

Medical Math - Students will learn math concepts for vocational nurse preparation or other health career programs. This includes basic math concepts such as Roman numerals, fractions, decimals, percentages, ratios, and proportions. It is based on the dimensional analysis system, which focuses on the equivalents for metric, apothecary, and household weight and volume.

 

Healthcare Support Occupations/HSO - This program prepares participants for entry-level jobs that assist healthcare professionals in completing their tasks. Participants benefit from a balanced blend of classroom and supervised clinical site training at local hospitals, clinics, and related medical offices. In addition, all trainees receive job readiness training and introductory computer skills instruction. Classroom instruction is followed by the opportunity to train at a clinical site for job experience.

 

Nurse Assistant/NA - Nurse Assistant students learn skills to ensure their patients' well-being by performing various tasks that help with daily living activities such as feeding, bathing, dressing, and other hygiene practices. Upon completing the Nurse Assistant program, The CNA checks and monitors patient vital signs safely, turns and moves patients, and follows individualized patient care plans. Because CNAs typically spend more time with patients than nurses or doctors, they understand patient behaviors and health statuses. They get to know each patient, their typical behaviors, and their general state of health and are often the first to notice physical or emotional changes. Whether identifying decreased mobility, increased pain, or memory issues, CNAs play essential roles in the early detection of symptoms and may identify issues that other healthcare personnel do not.

 

Home Health Aide - Certified Home Health Aides (HHAs) are healthcare professionals who provide non-medical, in-home support services to clients under the supervision of a Registered Nurse, according to an authorized plan of care. HHAs assist patients with personal care, exercise, ambulation, and nutrition, depending on client needs. An active Certified Nurse Assistant license is required to participate in the HHA training program.

 

Medical Assistant/MA (approximately 10-12 weeks) - Medical Assistants greet patients in medical offices or other medical settings where they help doctors with examinations and treatments. They administer vaccinations and run routine lab tests such as urinalysis and blood counts. They may take blood pressure readings and take temperatures. Medical assistants may instruct patients about medication and self-treatment. They prepare treatment rooms for patient examinations and sterilize and arrange instruments and equipment for treatment and diagnosis. They check office and lab supplies and keep the waiting, consulting, and examination rooms neat and orderly.

 

Neurodiagnostic Technologist - Embark on an illuminating journey in Neurodiagnostic Technology with an emphasis on EEG studies, paving the way to lucrative, in-demand careers in healthcare. Dive into recording brain and nerve activity, honing skills highly sought after by healthcare employers.

 

Our intensive courses, aligned with ABRET standards, prepare you for excellence in EEG procedures and diagnostic support under certified guidance. Elevate your professional profile with expertise in neurodiagnostic research and clinical practice. This program leads to an industry-recognized EEG certification from ABRET, opening doors to rewarding opportunities in a rapidly growing field. Join us to explore this dynamic domain where your skills meet the demands of a thriving healthcare industry, offering fulfilling, sought-after careers with high earning potential.

 

Vocational Nurse/VN (approximately 22 months encompasses Level 1, 2, 3 and 4) - Under the supervision of registered nurses (RNs), LVNs deliver quality care and comfort measures to patients. This covers many clinical responsibilities and provides primary care and assistance to patients in various environments, including hospitals, doctor's facilities, and long-term care institutions. The duties of a qualified vocational nurse will differ depending on the work environment. They usually monitor a patient's health and provide primary nursing care. In most situations, they will also perform assessments and take vital signs like blood pressure, pulse, and respiration when required.

 

Patient Care Provider - This introductory level Career Technology Education course will prepare students to become Patient Care Providers for in-home settings. Patient care providers work with elderly, blind and/ or disabled individuals who are unable to remain safely in their homes without assistance. This competency-based course is designed to provide an overview of the role of a patient care provider and to provide the knowledge and skills necessary to provide safe and effective care to patients.

 

The course will be taught through a combination of lectures, discussions, and hands-on practice. Instructional techniques will include laboratory techniques, lecture methods, small-group discussion, grouping plans, and other strategies. Students will have the opportunity to practice the skills they have learned in a simulated patient care setting.

 

Upon completion of the course, participants will have a thorough understanding of patient care and be equipped with the skills necessary to provide safe, effective, and compassionate care to patients.

 

As part of the program, interested students will apply for a Patient Care Provider permit through Kern County Aging and Adult Services and receive training on the responsibilities and administrative requirements of the job.  

 

Psychology for the Health Care Provider - This one semester, introductory level, Career Technical Education course is designed to introduce students to the field of mental health and how it relates to nursing. This course teaches clinical application of nursing concepts, mental health assessment, and interpersonal skills needed to positively treat patients.

 

Through a combination of direct instruction (lecture and demonstration) and laboratory practice (guided and individual) students are provided the opportunity to develop an understanding of and apply basic psychological methodology to assist patients in attaining and maintaining mental well-being.

 

The primary focus of this course is the nursing management of selected mental health issues across the lifespan. Disease management and health promotion provide the framework for the study of mental health. Psychological phenomena are examined within developmental, cognitive, sociocultural, and biological theories.  Psychological disorders and treatments are examined utilizing diverse groups and populations.

 

Upon successful completion of this course the student will have a basic understanding of the fundamental processes and concepts of Psychology.