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The Health and Community Services Career Cluster is comprised of six classes which will prepare students for careers in the Health and Community Services fields. Student internships are available in most classes; students earn certificates of completion and are eligible for higher education and/or employment in the field. College units can be earned by students who earn grades of “B” or better and academic equivalency may be earned towards graduation.

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Dental Assisting Fire Science & EMT (Emergency Medical Technician) Forensic Investigation Health Occupations Law Enforcement Medical Assistant Medical Office Careers Probation and Legal Careers Veterinary Assistant

Dental Assisting WHAT YOU WILL LEARN Learn chair side assisting, laboratory and X-ray procedures, with radiation and clinical experience. The Dental Assisting Program prepares the student for employment as a dental chair side assistant and/or office assistant upon graduation. It also provides the student with a good foundation for entering related areas such as dental x-ray technician, hygienist, dentist, dental laboratory technician, and the continuation of a dental assisting program in a community college. Students have the opportunity to explore all related areas in dentistry. First and second semester classes are conducted on campus and include laboratory demonstrations and practice, classroom lecture and discussion, individualized instruction, and frequently, outside speakers. Instructional areas covered are terminology, dental anatomy and physiology, radiation-safety theory and lab practice, sterilization and disinfection to OSHA standards, chair side procedures, dental materials, dental laboratory procedures, and basic front office duties. Students have the opportunity to achieve their California State Radiation Safety Certificate. Eligible students complete a 120-hour internship during the school year, which is required to receive the California State X-Ray Certificate. LENGTH and CREDIT Two semesters, 3 hours daily 15 credits per semester Graduation Equivalency may be available in Physical Science and Biological Science. ELIGIBILITY Juniors and seniors SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS Uniform Industry internships required CAREER OPPORTUNITIES Registered Dental Assistant Registered Dental Assistant – Expanded Duties Dental Hygienist Dentist Receptionist/Dental Office Management Dental X-Ray Technician Dental Instructor Dental Laboratory Technician

Fire Science & EMT (Emergency Medical Technician) This is a new program at Central County Occupational Center (CCOC) beginning in the fall semester, August 2007. The course description for the website will be available soon. The August 2007 class is full. To get on the wait list, contact your high school counselor.

Forensic Investigation WHAT YOU WILL LEARN Explore the procedures used to process evidence and solve crimes. The course is designed to prepare students for Forensic Science careers. The course content will focus on: Rules of evidence; processing crime scenes; examination of evidentiary items; testing of evidentiary items obtained; laboratory safety rules and regulations The class consists of a combination of discussions, hands-on activities, guest speakers and field trips designed to assist the student in developing the knowledge, training and competencies related to forensics LENGTH and CREDIT Two semesters, 3 hours daily 15 credits per semester ELIGIBILITY Juniors and seniors High interest and strong skills in math and science recommended. COMMUNITY COLLEGE CREDITS Community college credits can be earned while in high school for students earning grades of “A” or “B” and are transferable to ___________ CAREER OPPORTUNITIES Arson Investigator & Insurance Fraud Corrections Public Safety Dispatcher Highway Patrol Officer Park Ranger Fish & Wildlife Agents Police Officer Private Security There are a number of law enforcement opportunities within the Federal Government.

Health Occupations WHAT YOU WILL LEARN Medical terminology and communication skills are coupled with experience in health occupations in community hospitals or other health facilities. During the first quarter students complete a core curriculum consisting of medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, nutrition, metrics, patient care, diseases, infection control; and lab training in CPR, first aid, vital signs, positioning/transferring patients, primary and secondary patient surveys. During the second quarter each student selects a training area from the following areas: central supply, surgery center, respiratory, emergency room, med/surgery unit, physical therapy, radiology, labor and delivery, transportation, pediatrics, laboratory, veterinary office, activity program, sterile processing, nursery. Placements in specific departments/hospitals are limited and not guaranteed. Second semester students continue receiving related classroom instruction, with emphasis on anatomy and physiology, and training in one or more of the areas listed above. Most of the second semester instructional program includes training experiences in hospitals, community health centers, clinics, or convalescent hospitals. LENGTH and CREDIT Two semesters, 3 hours daily 15 credits per semester Graduation equivalency may be available in biological science ELIGIBILITY Juniors and seniors 2.5 GPA recommended. SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS Community Classroom/Clinical Prerequisites: A physical examination is required within 6 months prior to internship with documentation of: serum blood levels for Varicella, Rubella, Rubeola and dates of the Hepatitis B vaccine. Also, a TB skin test is required two months prior to internship. A uniform and shoes must be purchased. Students must provide their own transportation to the community/clinical sites. CPR certification is required. Some hospitals require a drug test and background check. COMMUNITY COLLEGE CREDITS Community college credits can be earned while in high school for students earning grades of “A” or “B” and are transferable to Evergreen Valley College, 1.0 unit, Business Information Systems; West Valley College, 7.0 units, Health Technology. Industry internships required CAREER OPPORTUNITIES Transporter Unit Clerk Physical Therapy Aide Environmental Services Admitting Clerk Veterinary Technician Instrument Technician Emergency Room Tech. Front Office Medical Medical Lab Worker Obstetric Technician Medical Records Clerk Physical Therapist Physician’s Assistant Registered Nurse Licensed Vocational Nurse Physician

Law Enforcement WHAT YOU WILL LEARN Prepare for a career in public and private investigative fields. Understand the criminal justice system, investigate crimes, and improve decision-making skills. The course is designed to prepare students for careers in law enforcement and related careers. The course content will focus on local, state and federal laws; physical training and defensive tactics. The class consists of a combination of lectures, hands-on activities, guest speakers and field trips designed to assist the student in developing the knowledge, training and competencies related to law enforcement. Opportunities are available in the law enforcement field immediately following completion of this program. LENGTH and CREDIT Two semesters, 3 hours daily 15 credits per semester ELIGIBILITY Juniors and seniors SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS Uniforms are required. Students must not have any felony convictions or serious misdemeanor convictions. COMMUNITY COLLEGE CREDITS Community college credits can be earned while in high school for students earning grades of “A” or “B” and are transferable to West Valley College, administration of justice, 10.0 units Industry Internships available CAREER OPPORTUNITIES Arson Investigator Corrections Public Safety Dispatcher Highway Patrol Officer Park Ranger Police Officer Private Security Parole Officer Sheriff’s Deputy Medical Lab Worker There are a number of opportunities in law enforcement with the federal government.

Medical Assistant WHAT YOU WILL LEARN Learn back office medical procedures with clinical training in medical offices. In this program, the students prepare for work in doctors’ offices, clinics, hospitals and related occupations. An applied emphasis on back office skills with an introduction to front office skills is taught. Additional topics include: medical terminology, introduction to pharmacology, nutrition, anatomy and physiology, and lab procedures. Students need good physical and mental health and must meet health requirements for clinical experience. Students must provide own transportation to clinical sites. LENGTH and CREDIT Two semesters, 3 hours daily 15 credits per semester Graduation equivalency may be available in biological science ELIGIBILITY Juniors and seniors One year of science desirable. RECOMMENDATION It is recommended that students take Medical Office Careers in junior year and Medical Assistant senior year, in order to meet the age 18 eligibility requirement to take the CA State Certification Test for Medical Assistant. SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS Uniform, white shoes, stethoscope, watch with a second hand, pocket saver and scissors. Part of the instructional program includes training experiences in hospitals, community health centers, clinics and doctors' offices. A physical examination is required with documentation of serum blood levels for Varicella, Rubella, Rubeola and dates of the Hepatitis B vaccine. Also requires a TB skin test within the past six months, if positive student must have a negative chest x-ray. Drug screen tests and background checks may be required by some facilities. Students must provide their own transportation to the medical facilities. COMMUNITY COLLEGE CREDITS Community college credits can be earned while in high school for students earning grades of “A” or “B” and are transferable to Evergreen Valley College, business information systems, 1.0 units; West Valley College, health technology, 7.0 units Industry Internships available CAREER OPPORTUNITIES Medical Assistant (Back Office – Clinical) Physician Chiropractic Assistant Pediatric Assistant Hospital Admitting Clerk EKG Technician Outpatient Admitting Clerk Unit Clerk Licensed Vocational Nurse Registered Nurse

Medical Office Careers WHAT YOU WILL LEARN Prepare for entry-level employment in medical offices and clinics. Gain an understanding of terminology, documents, and procedures. If you want to work in a doctor’s office, clinic or hospital as a clerical support person, this is the class for you. You will learn medical terminology, medical receptionist duties, medical typing and transcription, medical billing procedures, and medical office procedures, as well as alphabetic and numeric filing, 10-key calculator skills, personal computer skills, telephone techniques, typing skill and theory, English grammar and spelling, business vocabulary and job preparation. RECOMMENDATION It is recommended that students take Medical Office Careers in junior year and Medical Assistant senior year, in order to meet the age 18 eligibility requirement to take the CA State Certification Test for Medical Assistant. LENGTH and CREDIT Two semesters, 3 hours daily 15 credits per semester Graduation equivalency may be available in English and computer literacy ELIGIBILITY Juniors and seniors Basic keyboarding skills required Good spelling and English skills helpful COMMUNITY COLLEGE CREDITS Community college credits can be earned while in high school for students earning grades of “A” or “B” and are transferable to Evergreen Valley College, business information systems, 3.5 units, San Jose City College, computer applications, 5.0 units; West Valley College, computer applications and health technology, 13.0 unit Industry Internships available CAREER OPPORTUNITIES Documentation Clerk Hospital Admitting Clerk Insurance Clerk Medical Administrative Assistant Medical Front Office Assistant Medical Receptionist Medical Records Technician Medical Secretary Outpatient Registration Clerk Research Associate/Assistant Secretary

Probation and Legal Careers: WHAT YOU WILL LEARN Prepare for working in the judicial system in careers such as probation officer, paralegal, legal assistant, legal secretary, court reporter, or attorney. Students will learn about the roles, responsibilities and ethical standards of Administration of Justice careers such as: probation or parole officer, legal assistant, paralegal, court reporter, legal secretary, attorney. An overview will be covered on ethical rules, law office administration and systems, evidence, principles and techniques of legal research, communication, interviewing, investigation, legal analysis, state and federal judicial systems, litigation, and specialty areas of law. Employability skills and job search techniques will be taught and emphasized. The class consists of a combination of lectures, hands-on activities, guest speakers and field trips designed to assist the student in developing the knowledge, training and competencies related to administration of justice careers. LENGTH and CREDIT Two semesters, 3 hours daily 15 credits per semester ELIGIBILITY Juniors and seniors

Veterinary Assistant WHAT YOU WILL LEARN Learn anatomy and physiology, as well as animal health and disease, to prepare for employment as a veterinary assistant in clinics, kennels, laboratories, shelters, and pet stores. Course includes hands-on experience in clinic settings. During the first semester students will study animal anatomy and physiology, as well as animal health and disease, to prepare for employment as a beginning Veterinary Assistant in veterinary clinics, kennels, laboratories, shelters, and pet stores. Topics include basic veterinary medical terminology, safety, animal behavior, handling and restraint techniques, nursing techniques, laboratory procedures, nutrition, sanitation, and owner communication. In the second semester continuing classroom instruction will be linked with hands-on worksite learning in a community classroom or coop internship. LENGTH and CREDIT 2 semesters, 3 hours daily 15 credits per semester Graduation Equivalency may be available in biological science ELIGIBILITY Juniors and seniors SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS Students are required to have a uniform and to provide their own transportation to clinical internship sites. Industry Internships required CAREER OPPORTUNITIES Veterinary Assistant Animal Caretaker Pet Store Sales Animal Breeder Kennel Assistant Veterinary Tech Animal Groomer Wildlife Biologist

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