Medical Science - MEDS
15 courses · Bakersfield College · 2026-2027 Catalog
Classes: Fall 2026 · Spring 2027
MEDS B35 Lifespan Development
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 lecture hours
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
- C-ID
- PSY 180
Study of normal human growth and development in prenatal, childhood, adolescent, adult and old age periods. Offers a balanced study of basic theories, research, applications; principles of physiological, cognitive, and psychosocial development are discussed. Related observations are required. Health maintenance and safety issues for all age levels are incorporated. Concepts of death and dying are considered.
MEDS B37 Medical Terminology
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 54 lecture hours
- Transfers to
- CSU, UC
This course is an introduction to the study of medical terminology and will help the student to learn the anatomic and clinical terms pertaining to each body system. This course is for students interested in building a medical vocabulary. Three units are required for radiologic technology, medical billing, and transcribers. Note: Not open to students that have successfully completed MEDS B60.
MEDS B52 Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation for Healthcare Providers
- Units
- 0.5
- Hours
- 9 lecture hours
An initial and retraining course in Basic Life Support (BLS) that trains participants to promptly recognize several life threatening emergencies, give high-quality chest compressions for adults, children, and infants, delivery appropriate ventilations and provide early use of an automated external defibrillator (AED). At the end of the course, the students will qualify for an American Heart Association Healthcare Provider BLS card.
MEDS B52NC Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation for Healthcare Providers
- Units
- 0
- Hours
- 9 lecture hours
An initial and retraining course in Basic Life Support (BLS) that trains participants to promptly recognize several life threatening emergencies, give high-quality chest compressions for adults, children, and infants, delivery appropriate ventilations and provide early use of an automated external defibrillator (AED). At the end of the course, the students will qualify for an American Heart Association Healthcare Provider BLS card.
MEDS B55 Phlebotomy
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- 54 lecture hours, 54 lab hours
This course equips aspiring phlebotomists and those pursuing medical careers with the foundational knowledge, skills, and professional attitudes needed for interactions with various Healthcare Disciplines including the Clinical laboratory settings. Through hands-on practice, instructor guidance, and a clinical practicum, students build confidence in blood collection techniques. Key topics covered include communication, medical terminology, specimen collection, basic anatomy and physiology, and managing venipuncture complications. The curriculum aligns with National Health Career Association (NHA) standards, preparing students for the Phlebotomy Technician Certification Examination.
MEDS B56 Clinical Medical Assistant 1
- Units
- 4
- Hours
- 72 lecture hours
- Prerequisite
- Successful completion of MEDSB37 or equivalent with a grade of C or better. AND Successful completion BIOL B18 or equivalent with a grade of C or better.
- Corequisite
- MEDSB56 Clinical Medical Assistant 1 must be taken concurrently with MEDSB58 Clinical Medical Assistant Learning Lab.
This introductory course equips students with the essential skills and knowledge for entry-level roles as assistants in medical office environments. Students will develop practical abilities in taking vital signs, practicing infection control, conducting patient interviews, performing diagnostic testing and specimen collection. The course also covers healthcare team dynamics, management of examination and treatment rooms, and foundational pharmacology, including safe drug administration.
MEDS B57 Clinical Medical Assisting 2
- Units
- 2
- Hours
- 36 lecture hours
- Prerequisite
- Successful completion of MEDSB56 or equivalent with a grade of C or better.
This course builds on foundational medical assistant skills with a focus on additional clinical responsibilities and professional practices in healthcare settings. Students will learn to assist with eye and ear procedures, support general physical and specialty exams, and handle diagnostic and lab test orders in coordination with healthcare providers. The course also covers managing patient referrals and other administrative duties including maintaining professionalism with telephone etiquette. Legal and ethical considerations in the clinical setting are emphasized, along with training in electronic health record (EHR) entry and navigation, ensuring accurate and efficient patient record management.
MEDS B58 Clinical Medical Assistant Skills Learning Lab
- Units
- 1
- Hours
- 54 lab hours
- Corequisite
- MEDSB58 Clinical Medical Assistant Learning Lab must be taken concurrently with MEDSB56
This introductory laboratory course prepares students for medical assistant roles through hands-on experience in essential skills. Students will learn to measure and record vital signs, implement infection control protocols, perform specimen collection, and conduct routine laboratory tests. Additionally, they will gain proficiency in electrocardiograms, medication administration, and oxygen delivery system setup. The course also covers autoclaving instruments, establishing sterile fields, assisting with minor procedures, and accurately documenting in Electronic Health Records (EHR).
MEDS B59 Clinical Medical Assistant Externship
- Units
- 3
- Hours
- 162 lab hours
- Prerequisite
- Successful completion of MEDS B56 or equivalent with a grade of C or better. AND Successful completion of MEDS B57 or equivalent with a grade of C or better. AND Successful completion of MEDS B58 or equivalent with a grade of C or better.
The Medical Assistant Clinical Externship is a practical application of the theory and skills learned in the classroom. The student participates in front and back office procedures under the direct supervision of the physician and the office manager and the indirect supervision of the classroom instructor.
MEDS B66 Intravenous Therapy and Blood Withdrawal
- Units
- 2
- Hours
- 27 lecture hours, 27 lab hours
This course introduces the principles of intravenous therapy and blood withdrawal. The course is designed to enable the Licensed Vocational Nurse to safely initiate and maintain intravenous therapy and to perform blood withdrawal in a clinical setting. This course is approved by the Board of Vocational Nurses and Psychiatric Technicians. Students eligible to enroll are required to hold a Vocational Nursing License in good standing or be enrolled in a pre-licensure Registered Nursing program in which the student has already completed the IV therapy curricular content.
MEDS B68 Home Health Aide
- Units
- 2
- Hours
- 27 lecture hours, 27 lab hours
- Prerequisite
- Successful completion of MEDS B69 or equivalent with a C or better.; AND/OR Has current Nursing Assistant Certification.
This course follows the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) guidelines and builds upon the foundation of the nurse assistant training. The course is designed to prepare students to work with clients in the home setting and includes a minimum of 20 hours in the clinical setting. Skills competencies will be assessed utilizing objective, measurable criteria. Note: Upon completion of the course, the student will be eligible for the State of California Home Health Aide Certification.
MEDS B68NC Home Health Aide
- Units
- 0
- Hours
- 27 lecture hours, 27 lab hours
- Prerequisite
- Successful completion of MEDS B69 or equivalent course with a grade of "C" or better. AND AND/ OR Has a current Nurse Assistant Certification.
This course follows the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) guidelines and builds upon the foundation of the nurse assistant training. The course is designed to prepare students to work with clients in the home setting and includes a minimum of 20 hours in the clinical setting. Skills competencies will be assessed utilizing objective, measurable criteria. Note: Upon completion of the course the student will be eligible for the State of California Home Health Aide Certification.
MEDS B69 Nurse Assistant
- Units
- 5.5
- Hours
- 63 lecture hours, 108 lab hours
The focus of this course is to prepare the nurse assistant for certification by the State of California as an entry-level worker on a health care team. The curriculum is structured to provide theory and practical application on skills needed to function as a nurse assistant. Correlated laboratory experiences are provided with emphasis on providing basic nurse assistant care to residents in a long term care setting. Concepts presented in MEDS B69 are applied in the laboratory and clinical settings (formerly Meds B67 and B67L). Note: not open to students that have successfully completed MEDS B67 and B67L.
MEDS B69NC Nurse Assistant
- Units
- 0
- Hours
- 63 lecture hours, 108 lab hours
The focus of this course is to prepare the nurse assistant for certification by the State of California as an entry-level worker on a health care team. The curriculum is structured to provide theory and practical application on skills needed to function as a nurse assistant. Correlated laboratory experiences are provided with emphasis on providing basic nurse assistant care to residents in a long term care setting. Concepts presented in MEDS B69 are applied in the laboratory and clinical settings. Note: not open to student that have successfully completed MEDS B67 and B67L.
MEDS B70NC Nurse Assistant Essentials
- Units
- 0
- Hours
- 9 lecture hours
This course will provide students who have applied and been accepted to the Nurse Assistant Training Program with an overview of the program policies, handbook, expectations, and meet state requirements. This course will help prepare and aid the student for success, provide resources, and instructional tools.