pcc.edu/programs/medical-professions
Career and Program Description
Healthcare occupations are projected to grow faster than most other fields to meet the medical needs of an aging population. The Healthcare Careers (14-credit) and Healthcare Pathways (25-credit) programs are both Less than One-Year Certificates that prepare students with the foundational skills required by employers for entry-level positions in the healthcare industry. In addition, these programs prepare students to continue their education in allied health by introducing the breadth of career opportunities available.
Students will explore essential soft skills, technical knowledge, credentials, and career pathways within the healthcare field. Through completion of either certificate, students will gain an understanding of the requirements to become a healthcare professional, earn First Aid and CPR certification for healthcare providers, and build a foundation in basic medical terminology. In addition, students will develop key interpersonal competencies alongside the practical technical skills needed for success in healthcare settings. Graduates will be well prepared to pursue entry-level roles such as Patient Access Specialist, Patient Relations Representative, Medical Office Assistant, Sterile Processing Technician, Dietary Aide, and other entry-level positions within the industry.
The Healthcare Careers 14-credit certificate prepares students with the foundational skills employers require for entry-level positions in the healthcare industry. In addition, it introduces the breadth of career opportunities in healthcare, helping students consider how to continue their education. Students will develop both the customer service skills required in the healthcare industry and the necessary technical knowledge. Areas of study include medical terminology, health law and ethics, electronic health records, healthcare career pathways, and American Heart Association CPR and First Aid certifications.
The Healthcare Pathways Certificate requires a minimum of 25 credits, including 8 credits of required core courses and 17 credits of approved elective coursework. All students must complete the 8-credit core to earn the certificate. For the elective portion, students must select 17 credits from approved courses. Through this flexible structure, students can gain the knowledge and skills needed for entry-level positions while also earning credits that may apply toward prerequisites for competitive HEP programs. Students should not choose electives without first consulting a HEP advisor or an advisor from their intended healthcare program, as not all electives may meet specific program requirements.
Degrees and Certificates Offered
Less than One-Year Certificate
Healthcare Careers
Healthcare Pathways
Academic Prerequisites
- None
Academic Requirements
- Pass/No Pass grades are not acceptable.
- Courses must be completed with a "C" grade or better.
Non-Academic Prerequisites
- None
Non-Academic Requirements
- None
Less than One-Year Certificate
Healthcare Careers
Healthcare Pathways
Healthcare Careers Less than One-Year Certificate
Minimum 14 credits. Students must meet all certificate requirements.
Healthcare Careers Certificate Courses
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MP 108 | Healthcare Career Essentials | 3 |
| MP 113 | Healthcare Provider CPR/AED, First Aid, Bloodborne Pathogens | 1 |
| MP 111 | Medical Terminology | 4 |
| MP 140 | Introduction to Health Law and Ethics | 3 |
| HIM 182 | Healthcare Delivery Systems | 3 |
| Total Credits | 14 | |
Healthcare Pathways Less than One-Year Certificate
Minimum 25 credits. Students must meet all certificate requirements. In addition to the Certificate Courses, students must complete 17 credits from the approved Elective List below. All courses must be completed with a grade of C or better; the Pass/No Pass (P/NP) option is not permitted. Students should not select electives without first consulting with a HEP advisor or an advisor from their intended healthcare program, as not all electives may fulfill program requirements.
Healthcare Pathways Certificate Courses
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MP 108 | Healthcare Career Essentials | 3 |
| MP 111 | Medical Terminology | 4 |
| EMS 100 | Introduction to Emergency Medical Services (or MP 113) | 1 |
| Healthcare Pathways Elective List | 17 | |
| Total Credits | 25 | |
Healthcare Pathways Elective List
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| BI 112 | Cell Biology for Health Occupations | 5 |
| BI 120 | Survey of Body Systems | 5 |
| BI 231Z | Human Anatomy and Physiology I Z | 4 |
| BI 232Z | Human Anatomy and Physiology II Z | 4 |
| FN 225 | Nutrition | 4 |
| HE 251 | Community and Public Health | 4 |
| HUS 102 | Mental Health First Aid: Adult | 1 |
| HUS 104 | Introduction to Trauma Informed Care | 1 |
| HIM 182 | Healthcare Delivery Systems | 3 |
| MP 135 | Pharmacology for Allied Health | 3 |
| MP 140 | Introduction to Health Law and Ethics | 3 |
| NA 100 | Nursing Assistant | 6 |
| PSY 215 | Human Development | 4 |
| STAT 243Z | Elementary Statistics I Z | 4 |
| WR 121Z | Composition I Z | 4 |
- Z
This course is part of Oregon Common Course Numbering. The following courses are equivalent at PCC:
- MTH 243 is equivalent to STAT 243Z
- WR 121 is equivalent to WR 121Z
- BI 231 is equivalent to BI 231Z
- BI 232 is equivalent to BI 232Z
MP 108. Healthcare Career Essentials. 3 Credits.
Introduces skills required to become a competent and productive health care professional including effective communication, teamwork, emotional intelligence, and professionalism. Covers the importance of HIPAA compliance in patient interactions and workplace practices. Explores various career pathways in today's healthcare industry focusing on educational and licensing requirements, professional responsibilities, and the workplace environment. Introduces job searching, resume writing, and interviewing techniques. Prerequisites: (RD 90 and WR 90) or IRW 90 or equivalent placement. Audit available.
MP 111. Medical Terminology. 4 Credits.
Covers abbreviations, prefixes, suffixes, and root words of terminology used in the medical field. Introduces anatomy and physiology, pathological conditions, diagnostic tests, procedures, and treatment for common medical disorders. Covers spelling, defining, and pronouncing medical terms. Audit available.
MP 113. Healthcare Provider CPR/AED, First Aid/Bloodborne Pathogens. 1 Credit.
Introduces CPR, first aid and bloodborne pathogens, applicable to working in healthcare environments, home, and community settings. Covers skills to perform CPR and operate an Automatic External Defibrillator (AED) for adults/children/infants. Includes citizen level first aid for providing initial care to persons injured or stricken by sudden illness where help is not immediately available. Covers how to minimize communicable disease transmission while providing emergency care. Recommended: RD 115 or IRW 115 or equivalent placement. Audit available.
MP 135. Pharmacology for Allied Health. 3 Credits.
Introduces basic pharmacology principles and medicine classifications. Covers pharmacologic terminology and concepts such as drug categories, mechanism of drug action, drug forms, and routes of administration. Introduces generic and proprietary names of drugs prescribed for common diseases and disorders. Pharmacology is an integral part of every aspect of health careers and this course is recommended for any individual with a health career objective. Prerequisites: MP 111, and (WR 115 and RD 115) or IRW 115 or equivalent placement. Audit available.
MP 140. Introduction to Health Law and Ethics. 3 Credits.
Introduces the legal aspects, codes of ethics, and policy issues relevant to allied health. Emphasizes working within legal/ethical boundaries in healthcare. Includes confidential communication with a focus on HIPAA compliance and patient privacy, informed consent, medical malpractice, release of information, professional codes of ethics, credentialing, responsibility, and liability. Examines legal and ethical issues relating to the beginning of life and end of life. Prerequisites: (WR 115 and RD 115) or IRW 115 or equivalent placement. Audit available.