Rio Hondo College logo
Rio Hondo College logo
Rio Hondo College logo
Certificate of Achievement
Health Science Preparation

The Certificate of Achievement in Health Science Preparation will provide students with all the courses necessary to pursue further education in a variety of health science programs such as nursing, dental hygiene, physical therapy, occupational therapy, medical laboratory technicians, and radiological sciences. In order to earn this Certificate of Achievement, students must complete all required courses with a grade of “C” or higher.

Please contact the Student Success Team for this program if you have any questions.

Apply Now!


Sample Education Plan

This sample education plan for the 2023-2024 catalog year represents one possible pathway through the program. Each university (UC, CSU, private, and others) has their own transfer requirements; please see a counselor to create an education plan that is customized to meet your needs. Additional course descriptions may be found in the College Catalog.
CourseUnitsTypically Offered
1st Semester
Select one: MATH 130 / MATH 130H M4.0
MATH 130 - Statistics (4.0 units)

Prerequisite:Enrollment requires appropriate placement (based on high school GPA and/or other measures), or completion of a pre-statistics or an intermediate algebra course.
Advisory: ENGL 101; READ 101
Transfers to: UC (*crdit limit),CSU
(*Students will receive credit for only one of the following courses: MATH 130 or MATH 130H)

This course is designed for students majoring in business, social sciences, and life sciences. This course provides an overview of descriptive and inferential statistics. Students learn to read, interpret, and present data in a well-organized way via a study of frequency distributions, graphs, measures of central tendency and variability, correlation, and linear regression. While discussing inferential statistics, students learn to make generalizations about populations, including probability, sampling techniques, confidence intervals, and hypothesis tests.

MATH 130H - Statistics Honors (4.0 units)

Prerequisite:Enrollment requires appropriate placement (based on high school GPA and/or other measures), or completion of a pre-statistics or an intermediate algebra course. ENGL 101
Advisory: READ 101
Transfers to: UC (8credit limit), CSU
(*Students will receive credit for only one of the following courses: MATH 130 or MATH 130H)

This course is designed for students majoring in business, social sciences, and life sciences. This course provides an overview of descriptive and inferential statistics. Students learn to read, interpret, and present data in a well-organized way via a study of frequency distributions, graphs, measures of central tendency and variability, correlation, and linear regression. While discussing inferential statistics, students learn to make generalizations about populations, including probability, sampling techniques, confidence intervals, and hypothesis tests. This course is intended for students who meet Honors Program requirements.

BIOL 125 - Human AnatomyM4.0
BIOL 125 - Human Anatomy (4.0 units)

Advisory:BIOL 101, BIOL 105
Transfers to: UC, CSU

This course is primarily a systems approach to mastering the anatomical structures of the human body. The study of each body system includes structural specializations and functions at a microscopic and macroscopic level, emphasizing the interdependence of form and function. Additional topics include methods of anatomical study, human genetics, and embryonic development. This course is intended for pre-health students specifically preparing to enter careers in the health sciences.

Total Semester Units:8.0 
2nd Semester
Select one: CHEM 110 / CHEM 120 M5.0
CHEM 110 - Chemistry for Allied Health Majors (5.0 units)

Prerequisite:Enrollment requires appropriate placement (based on high school GPA and/or other measures), or completion of an elementary algebra or pre-statistics course.
Advisory:It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college level and read college-level texts.
Transfers to: UC, CSU
(* Students will receive credit for only one of the following courses: CHEM 110, CHEM 120)

This introductory course takes up the fundamental concepts of general, organic, and biological chemistry. Emphasis is placed on the relationship between chemistry and the health/medical sciences, so the course is especially appropriate for students who intend to pursue a career in nursing and other health-related professions, including kinesiology and psychology. Weekly laboratory activities require students to empirically verify concepts presented in lectures. No previous background in chemistry is required or expected of students enrolling in this course.

CHEM 120 - Introduction to Chemistry (5.0 units)

Prerequisite:Enrollment requires appropriate placement (based on high school GPA and/or other measures), or completion of an intermediate algebra course.
Advisory:It is advised that students be able to engage in written composition at a college level and read college-level texts.
Transfers to: UC (*Credit limit), CSU
(*Students will receive credit for only one of the following courses: CHEM 110, CHEM 120; no credit if taken after CHEM 130)

This one-semester course is designed for students intending to major in science or engineering. The course primarily prepares students for CHEM130; additionally, it fulfills the General Education requirement in the physical sciences. This course introduces the fundamental principles of general chemistry, with emphasis on chemical nomenclature and quantitative problems in chemistry. The lecture presents classical and modern chemistry, including atomic theory, periodic properties, chemical bonding, chemical reactions, stoichiometry, acids and bases, gas laws, and solutions. The laboratory introduces the techniques of experimental chemistry with examples from all areas of chemistry.

ENGL 101 - College Composition and ResearchM3.5
ENGL 101 - College Composition and Research (3.5 units)

Prerequisite:Enrollment requires appropriate placement (based on high school GPA and/or other measures), or eligibility for college composition.
Transfers to:UC, CSU

This composition course enables students to generate logical, coherent essays that incorporate sources necessary for academic and professional success. Students become proficient in researching, evaluating, and incorporating sources, and in learning critical reading and thinking skills through expository and persuasive reading selections before applying these skills to creating original documented essays. The writing workshop component of the course is designed to assist students with improving and refining their writing and language skills: Students complete writing workshop activities that enhance their ability to compose logical, well-supported arguments that exhibit grammatical fluency and correct citation styles. Students meet with composition instructors through individual or small group conferences that address students’ specific writing concerns. This course is designed for students who wish to fulfill the General Education requirement for Written Communication.

Total Semester Units:8.5 
3rd Semester
BIOL 226 - Human PhysiologyM4.0
BIOL 226 - Human Physiology (4.0 units)

Prerequisite: BIOL 125 and CHEM 110
Advisory:BIOL 101; BIOL 105
Transfers to: UC, CSU

This course is a general introduction to the function and regulation of human body systems. Physiological integration of the systems to maintain homeostasis and the significance of biochemistry is emphasized throughout the course. Course content includes neural and hormonal homeostatic control mechanisms, as well as the musculoskeletal, circulatory, respiratory, digestive, urinary, immune, and endocrine systems. Laboratory exercises allow students to gather physiological data and draw conclusions about how physiological mechanisms are regulated. This course is intended for students preparing to enter careers in the health sciences.

BIOL 222 - MicrobiologyM5.0
BIOL 222 - Microbiology (5.0 units)

Prerequisite: CHEM 110
Advisory:
BIOL 101
Transfers to:UC, CSU

This course encompasses the biology of microorganisms with an emphasis on the role of bacteria and viruses on human health and disease. Other topics include resistance and immunity to disease, basic biological principles, microbial genetics and physiology, the harmful and useful aspects of microorganisms in nature, medicine, and industry. Laboratory exercises emphasize sterile culture techniques and the detection, isolation, and identification of microorganisms. This course is intended for students preparing to enter careers in the health sciences.

Total Semester Units:9.0 
Total Units for Health Science Preparation COA program 25.5 
Notes:
AP exams and courses taken outside of Rio Hondo College may fulfill general education and/or major requirements. Please check with a counselor.
Legend:
M Major course; course may also meet a general education requirement
Advising Sheet:
Click or tap here to open the program's advising sheet.

Program Learning Outcomes

About RHC

Rio Hondo College, serving the communities of El Monte, Pico Rivera, Santa Fe Springs, South El Monte, and Whittier for over 50 years.

Contact

Rio Hondo College
3600 Workman Mill Road
Whittier, CA 90601

Phone: (562) 692-0921
Comments? Questions?
Contact Us

searchth-largeclosearrow-circle-o-downchevron-upchevron-downbarsmap-o linkedin facebook pinterest youtube rss twitter instagram facebook-blank rss-blank linkedin-blank pinterest youtube twitter instagram