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Health Science

The BS in Health Science provides students with a broad-based curriculum to pursue many career paths in the health field. Four options are available:

The Option in Environmental Health prepares students to play a critical role in ensuring the safety of life's necessities: food, water, air, and shelter. Most graduates work in the public sector at the federal, state, and local levels. Despite the important role in public safety that environmental health professionals play, their numbers are insufficient to meet the demand. The environmental health curriculum is designed to prepare students to become certified as Registered Environmental Health Specialists, [REHS] by the California Department of Health Services. Graduates of the Environmental Health Option are qualified to take the REHS exam after completing 9 months of full-time employment in an environmental health work setting.

The Option in Gerontology prepares students to meet the health-related needs and challenges of the fastest growing segment of the American population-older adults. Gerontology professionals are needed in senior centers, health and social service agencies, assisted living communities, nutrition and recreation programs, adult day-care centers, and long-term care settings.

The Option In Health Education prepares students for entry-level positions as health educators in county health departments, non-profit health agencies, medical service settings, school systems, and businesses. Health educators promote, maintain, and improve individual and community health. They do this by assessing needs; planning, implementing, and evaluating health education programs; coordinating health education services; serving as a resource person; and advocating for specific health issues. Graduates in this option are qualified to apply to take the test for national credentialing as a Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES). The Health Education curriculum has been approved by the Society for Public Health Education.

The Option In Health Services Administration qualifies graduates for a range of entry-level positions in the health care delivery system, such as department manager in a hospital, director of a convalescent hospital, managed care negotiator, clinic manager, or administrator of a public health program. The curriculum addresses the business skills related to operation of healthcare organizations as well as the organization of the healthcare system. The Health Services Administration program (HSA) is a fully certified undergraduate member of the Association of University Programs in Health Administration (AUPHA).

The Minor in Gerontology gives the undergraduate an opportunity to learn about the critical aging-related issues that can enhance their major field of study.

The Minor in Health Science provides a concentration of courses in the health field which can be a useful adjunct for students in psychology, sociology, social work, recreation, physical education, child development, and nutrition.

The Minor in Health Services Administration enables students to expand career potential with courses in the health care management field. The minor is especially suited for students in business, economics, public administration, public relations, nursing, psychology, and sociology.

The Certificate in Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Administration combines knowledge of health administration and the healthcare system with specialized courses in EMS organizations and EMS systems. Career opportunities include EMS provider organizations and EMS coordinating/regulatory agencies.

The Certificate in Gerontology consists of an interdisciplinary cluster of courses and an internship to enable students to effectively work with older people in a variety of settings. The certificate prepares individuals in social work, recreation, nursing, psychology, sociology, nutrition, and other helping professions to work with older adults.

The Single Subject Teaching Credential Waiver in Health Science allows students to become subject matter competent in health science so that they can enter the teaching credential program and teach in California public schools.

Catalog Cycle:11