# Vocational - Health (VHLTH) courses Santa Ana College · 2026-2027 Catalog · 24 courses Source: https://sac.curriqunet.com/catalog/iq/34279/35693/35604 "Offered" lists sections in this catalog year's class schedules: Fall 2026, Spring 2027. ### VHLTH 100 — Topics Health Services - **Units:** 0 - **Hours:** 12-72 Lecture - **Offered:** not on the Fall 2026, Spring 2027 schedules - Open Entry/Open Exit Topics taught in this course vary. It's a specialized course that covers topics that are current or immediate needs of students in the Vocational Health program and/or healthcare/medical industry. ### VHLTH 101 — Overview of the Nursing Assistant Training Program - **Units:** 0 - **Hours:** 3-10 Lecture - **Offered:** Fall 2026, 17 sections (/c/santa-ana-college/schedule/fall-2026/vhlth.md) This course is designed to provide an introduction to the theoretical, skills and clinical requirements for admission into the Nursing Assistant Program. Successful completion of this course is required for admission consideration into the following three courses that make up the Nursing Assistant Program: VHLTH 102 Certified Nursing Assistant Theory, VHLTH 103 Certified Nursing Assistant Skills Lab, and VHLTH 104 Certified Nursing Assistant Clinical. In short, this course serves as a mandatory orientation for the Nursing Assistant Program. ### VHLTH 102 — Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Training - Theory - **Units:** 0 - **Hours:** 60-110 Lecture - **Prerequisite:** Completion with a grade of "C" or better or a Passing grade in: VHLTH 101 Overview of the Nursing Assistant Training Program and VBUS 402 Workforce Power Skills or ESL 520 English for Work 2 (CNA or Healthcare or Medical Professionals) - **Corequisite:** Completion of or concurrent enrollment in: VHLTH 103 Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Training- Skills Lab and VHLTH 104 Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Training- Clinical - **Formerly:** Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Training - **Offered:** not on the Fall 2026, Spring 2027 schedules This is the theory component of the Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Training Program. Designed for students who want to be a CNA. This course provides students with the knowledge and skills to provide basic nursing care to patients/residents. The content includes safety precautions, emergency procedures, infection control and prevention, recognition of abuse and neglect, activities of daily living, personal hygiene, nutrition, body mechanics and transferring a patient. Five (5) high school elective credits may be awarded if a student passes the course with a minimum grade of 75%. ### VHLTH 103 — Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Training- Skills Lab - **Units:** 0 - **Hours:** 40-60 Lecture - **Prerequisite:** Completion with a grade of "C" or better or a Passing grade in: VHLTH 101 Overview of the Nursing Assistant Training Program and VBUS 402 Workforce Power Skills or ESL 520 English for Work 2 (CNA or Healthcare or Medical Professionals) - **Corequisite:** Completion of or concurrent enrollment in: VHLTH 102 Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Training - Theory and VHLTH 104 Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Training- Clinical - **Offered:** not on the Fall 2026, Spring 2027 schedules This is the skills lab component of the Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Training Program. Designed for students who want to be a CNA. This course provides students with the knowledge and skills to provide basic nursing care to patients/residents. The content includes safety precautions, emergency procedures, infection control and prevention, recognition of abuse and neglect, activities of daily living, personal hygiene, nutrition, body mechanics and transferring a patient. Four (4) high school elective credits may be awarded if a student passes the course with a minimum grade of 70%. ### VHLTH 104 — Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Training- Clinical - **Units:** 0 - **Hours:** 100 Lecture - **Prerequisite:** Completion with a grade of "C" or better or a Passing grade in: VHLTH 101 Overview of the Nursing Assistant Training Program and VBUS 402 Workforce Power Skills or ESL 520 English for Work 2 (CNA or Healthcare or Medical Professionals) - **Corequisite:** Completion of or concurrent enrollment in: VHLTH 102 Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Training and VHLTH 103 Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Training- Skills Lab - **Offered:** not on the Fall 2026, Spring 2027 schedules This is the clinical component of the Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Training Program. Designed for students who want to be a CNA. This course provides students with the knowledge and skills to provide basic nursing care to patients/residents. The content includes safety precautions, emergency procedures, infection control and prevention, recognition of abuse and neglect, activities of daily living, personal hygiene, nutrition, body mechanics and transferring a patient. Six (6) high school elective credits may be awarded if a student passes the course with a minimum grade of 70%. ### VHLTH 105 — Overview of the Acute Care Nursing Assistant Program - **Units:** 0 - **Hours:** 3-10 Lecture - **Offered:** Fall 2026, 6 sections (/c/santa-ana-college/schedule/fall-2026/vhlth.md) This course is designed to provide an introduction to the theoretical, skills and clinical requirements for admission into the Acute Care Nursing Assistant (ACNA) Program. Successful completion of this course and possessing an active California State CNA license or be a recent graduate of a nursing assistant program who passed the California State CNA Exam, but pending certification from California Department of Public Health, is required for admission consideration into the following three courses that make up the ACNA Program: VHLTH 106 Acute Care Certified Nursing Assistant Theory, VHLTH 107 Acute Care Certified Nursing Assistant Skills Lab, and VHLTH 108 Acute Care Certified Nursing Assistant Clinical. In short, this course serves as a mandatory orientation for the ACNA Program. ### VHLTH 106 — Acute Care Nursing Assistant Theory - **Units:** 0 - **Hours:** 30-50 Lecture - **Prerequisite:** Completion with a grade of "C" or better or a Passing grade in: VHLTH 105 Overview of the Acute Care Nursing Assistant Program and VBUS 402 Workforce Power Skills or ESL 520 English for Work 2 (CNA or Healthcare or Medical Professionals). and Must possess valid California Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) certification for the duration of the program and Be a recent graduate of a nursing assistant program who passed the California State CNA Exam and is pending certification from California Department of Public Health (pending clinical site approval). - **Corequisite:** Concurrent enrollment in: VHLTH 107 Acute Care Nursing Assistant Skills Lab and VHLTH 108 Acute Care Nursing Assistant Clinical - **Offered:** not on the Fall 2026, Spring 2027 schedules - Must be 18 years of age or older, by first day of program - Must possess a valid State Issued ID or Driver's License - Must possess Social Security Card or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) - Must pass a background check, including criminal background check - Must pass physical exam, if required by clinical facility - Immunity/Passed immunization forms with proof of immunizations (Varicella, Tdap, MMR, Hep B, Influenza & COVID). - TB test passed with 90 days of the start of the program and/or cleared chest x-ray within 1 year of the start of the program. - Active certification for BLS for Healthcare Professionals from American Heart Association only, valid for duration of the program This is the theory component of the Acute Care Nursing Assistant (ACNA) Program. This course is designed to prepare students who have previously received their California Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) certification to advance their skills and knowledge in providing principles of nursing care to meet patient needs in an acute care setting under the supervision of a licensed Registered or Vocational Nurse. Current California CNA certification is required. Three (3) high school elective credits may be awarded if a student passes the course with a minimum grade of 70%. ### VHLTH 107 — Acute Care Nursing Assistant Skills Lab - **Units:** 0 - **Hours:** 20-30 Lecture - **Prerequisite:** Completion with a grade of "C" or better or a Passing grade in: VHLTH 105 Overview of the Acute Care Nursing Assistant Program and VBUS 402 Workforce Power Skills or ESL 520 English for Work 2 (CNA or Healthcare or Medical Professionals) and Must possess valid California Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) certification for the duration of the program or Be a recent graduate of a nursing assistant program who passed the California State CNA Exam and is pending certification from California Department of Public Health (pending clinical site approval). - **Corequisite:** Concurrent enrollment in: VHLTH 106 Acute Care Nursing Assistant Theory and VHLTH 108 Acute Care Nursing Assistant Clinical - **Offered:** not on the Fall 2026, Spring 2027 schedules - Must be 18 years of age or older, by first day of program - Must possess a valid State Issued ID or Driver's License - Must possess Social Security Card or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) - Must pass a background check, including criminal background check - Must pass physical exam, if required by clinical facility - Immunity/Passed immunization forms with proof of immunizations (Varicella, Tdap, MMR, Hep B, Influenza & COVID). - TB test passed with 90 days of the start of the program and/or cleared chest x-ray within 1 year of the start of the program. - Active certification for BLS for Healthcare Professionals from American Heart Association only, valid for duration of the program This is the skills lab component of the Acute Care Nursing Assistant (ACNA) Program. This course is designed to prepare students who have previously received their Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) certification to advance their skills and knowledge in providing principles of nursing care to meet patient needs in an acute care setting under the supervision of a licensed Registered or Vocational Nurse. Students will receive hands-on experience in the lab and clinical setting that strengthens skills that meet the basic care needs of the patient in an acute care environment. Current California CNA certification is required. Two (2) high school elective credits may be awarded if a student passes the course with a minimum grade of 70%. ### VHLTH 108 — Acute Care Nursing Assistant Clinical - **Units:** 0 - **Hours:** 50-100 Lecture - **Prerequisite:** Completion with a grade of "C" or better or a Passing grade in: VHLTH 105 Overview of the Acute Care Nursing Assistant Program and VBUS 402 Workforce Power Skills or ESL 520 English for Work 2 (CNA or Healthcare or Medical Professionals) and Passed the California State CNA Exam and is pending certification from California Department of Public Health (pending clinical site approval). and Must possess valid California Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) certification for the duration of the program or be a recent graduate of a nursing assistant program. - **Corequisite:** Concurrent enrollment in: VHLTH 106 Acute Care Nursing Assistant Theory and VHLTH 107 Acute Care Nursing Assistant Skills Lab. - **Offered:** not on the Fall 2026, Spring 2027 schedules - Must be 18 years of age or older, by first day of program - Must possess a valid State Issued ID or Driver's License - Must possess Social Security Card or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) - Must pass a background check, including criminal background check - Must pass physical exam, if required by clinical facility - Immunity/Passed immunization forms with proof of immunizations (Varicella, Tdap, MMR, Hep B, Influenza & COVID). - TB test passed with 90 days of the start of the program and/or cleared chest x-ray within 1 year of the start of the program. - Active certification for BLS for Healthcare Professionals from American Heart Association only, valid for duration of the program This is the clinical component of the Acute Care Nursing Assistant (ACNA) Program. This course is designed to prepare students who have previously received their Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) certification to advance their skills and knowledge in providing principles of nursing care to meet patient needs in an acute care setting under the supervision of a licensed Registered or Vocational Nurse. Students will receive hands-on experience in the lab and clinical setting that strengthens skills that meet basic care needs of the patient in an acute care environment. Current California CNA certification is required. Students rotate through varying units throughout the acute care setting for hands-on experience and observation. Four (4) high school elective credits may be awarded if a student passes the course with a minimum grade of 70%. ### VHLTH 109 — Personal Caregiver/Care Aide-Theory - **Units:** 0 - **Hours:** 40 Lecture - **Corequisite:** Completion of or concurrent enrollment in: VHLTH 110 Personal Caregiver/Care Aide-Skills Lab. - **Formerly:** Introduction to Caregiving - **Offered:** Fall 2026, 2 sections (/c/santa-ana-college/schedule/fall-2026/vhlth.md) This course provides students with the knowledge and skills required to provide safe, compassionate, and professional care in a home or a care facility. Two (2) high school elective credits may be awarded if a student passes the course with a minimum grade of 70%. ### VHLTH 110 — Personal Caregiver/Care Aide-Skills Lab - **Units:** 0 - **Hours:** 24 Lab - **Corequisite:** Completion of or concurrent enrollment in: VHLTH 109 Personal Caregiver/Care Aide-Theory - **Formerly:** Caregiver Training - **Offered:** Fall 2026, 2 sections (/c/santa-ana-college/schedule/fall-2026/vhlth.md) This course provides hands-on experience for students to practice and demonstrate essential personal caregiver skills. Students perform tasks such as infection control, body mechanics, transfers, activities of daily living (ADLs), and nutrition support. Emphasis is placed on safe, competent, and professional performance in a caregiving environment. One (1) high school elective credit may be awarded if a student passes the course with a minimum grade of 70%. ### VHLTH 122 — BLS for Healthcare Providers & Heartsaver CPR/ First Aid - **Units:** 0 - **Hours:** 4-6 Lecture - **Offered:** Fall 2026, 3 sections (/c/santa-ana-college/schedule/fall-2026/vhlth.md) - Open Entry/Open Exit This course, depending on their need, will train students in Basic Life Support (BLS) or Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and First Aid. The American Heart Association designated the BLS training to teach healthcare professionals how to perform high quality CPR individually or as part of a team. BLS skills are applicable for any healthcare setting. BLS students will learn rescue techniques for adults, children, and infants. The Heartsaver CPR and First Aid training is designed to prepare people to provide first aid, CPR, and automated external defibrillator (AED) use in a safe, timely and effective manner. This course is for students who are interested in obtaining their BLS or CPR/First Aid certification for the first time or renewing their certification. ### VHLTH 200 — Dental Assistant Training Program Orientation - **Units:** 0 - **Hours:** 3-10 Lecture - **Offered:** Fall 2026, 5 sections (/c/santa-ana-college/schedule/fall-2026/vhlth.md) This course serves as the mandatory orientation for all prospective students seeking admission into the Dental Assistant Training Program. The session provides an in-depth overview of the program requirements, structure and schedule, curriculum, time commitment, academic expectations, the dental assistant career, and professional standards of the dental assisting field. Students will receive detailed information about the documentation needed for program eligibility. Attendance at this orientation is required for program admission consideration. ### VHLTH 201 — Dental Assisting- Introduction to Dentistry & Compliance - **Units:** 0 - **Hours:** 60 Lecture, 20 Lab - **Prerequisite:** Completion with a grade of "C" or better or a Passing grade in: VHLTH 200 Dental Assistant Training Program Orientation; Possession of BLS/CPR for Healthcare Professionals from American Heart Association card, valid for the duration of the program. - **Corequisite:** Completion of or concurrent enrollment in: VBUS 402 Workforce Power Skills. - **Offered:** not on the Fall 2026, Spring 2027 schedules This course provides students with foundational knowledge and essential skills for a successful career in dental assistance. Topics include the history of dentistry, patient documentation, HIPAA regulations, the California Dental Practice Act, infection control protocols, waste management, sterilization procedures, recognition of common oral diseases, and the measurement of vital signs. Emphasis is placed on developing clinical awareness, ethical responsibility, and an understanding of professional standards. Five (5) high school elective credits will be awarded if a student passes the course with a minimum grade of 70%. ### VHLTH 202 — Dental Assisting- Dental Sciences & Radiology - **Units:** 0 - **Hours:** 60 Lecture, 60 Lab - **Prerequisite:** Completion with a grade of "C" or better or a Passing grade in: VHLTH 200 Dental Assistant Training Program Orientation.; Possession of BLS/CPR for Healthcare Professionals from American Heart Association card, valid for the duration of the program. - **Corequisite:** Completion of or concurrent enrollment in: VHLTH 201 Dental Assisting - Introduction to Dentistry & Compliance and VBUS 402 Workforce Power Skills. - **Offered:** not on the Fall 2026, Spring 2027 schedules This course includes instruction in clinical functions which are integral to the dental office. Subject areas include foundations in radiography, radiation safety, digital dental imaging, intraoral and extraoral dental imaging, tooth morphology, and oral anatomy. Eight (8) high school elective credits will be awarded if a student passes the course with a minimum grade of 70%. ### VHLTH 203 — Dental Assisting Procedures & Dental Materials - **Units:** 0 - **Hours:** 40 Lecture, 80 Lab - **Prerequisite:** Completion with a grade of "C" or better or a Passing grade in: VHLTH 200 Dental Assistant Training Program Orientation.; Possession of BLS/CPR for Healthcare Professionals from American Heart Association card, valid for the duration of the program. - **Corequisite:** Completion of or concurrent enrollment in: VHLTH 201 Dental Assisting - Introduction to Dentistry & Compliance and VHLTH 202 Dental Assisting - Dental Sciences & Radiology and VBUS 402 Workforce Power Skills. - **Offered:** not on the Fall 2026, Spring 2027 schedules This course provides students with theoretical knowledge and practical skills related to restorative and esthetic dental materials, impressions and laboratory procedures, matrix systems, liners, bonding agents, bases, and the use and maintenance of dental instruments and hand pieces. Emphasis is placed on chairside assisting procedures, infection control, and the integration of current dental technologies to prepare students for effective support in restorative procedures and laboratory communication. Five (5) high school elective credits will be awarded if a student passes the course with a minimum grade of 70%. ### VHLTH 204 — Dental Assisting- Patient Care, Communication & Administration - **Units:** 0 - **Hours:** 40 Lecture, 20 Lab - **Prerequisite:** Completion with a grade of "C" or better or a Passing grade in: VHLTH 200 Dental Assistant Training Program Orientation.; Possession of BLS/CPR for Healthcare Professionals from American Heart Association card, valid for the duration of the program. - **Corequisite:** Completion of or concurrent enrollment in: VHLTH 201 Dental Assisting - Introduction to Dentistry & Compliance and VHLTH 202 Dental Assisting - Dental Sciences & Radiology and VHLTH 203 Dental Assisting Procedures & Dental Materials and VBUS 402 Workforce Power Skills. - **Offered:** not on the Fall 2026, Spring 2027 schedules This course includes instruction in the non-clinical functions which are integral to the dental office. Subject areas include office communications, scheduling appointments, making financial arrangements, recall, completing insurance forms, record keeping, inventory, bookkeeping, marketing strategies, the use of computers, and other related skills required of a secretarial dental assistant. Four (4) high school elective credits will be awarded if a student passes the course with a minimum grade of 70%. ### VHLTH 205 — Dental Assisting Clinical Skills & Chairside Assisting - **Units:** 0 - **Hours:** 75 Lecture, 80 Lab - **Prerequisite:** Completion with a grade of "C" or better or a Passing grade in: VHLTH 200 Dental Assistant Training Program Orientation.; Possession of BLS/CPR for Healthcare Professionals from American Heart Association card, valid for the duration of the program. - **Corequisite:** Completion of or concurrent enrollment in: VHLTH 201 Dental Assisting - Introduction to Dentistry & Compliance and VHLTH 202 Dental Assistant - Dental Sciences & Radiology and VHLTH 203 Dental Assistant Procedures & Dental Materials and VHLTH 204 Dental Assisting - Patient Care, Communication & Administration and VBUS 402 Workforce Power Skills. - **Offered:** not on the Fall 2026, Spring 2027 schedules This course includes supporting the dentist efficiently during procedures while ensuring patient comfort and infection control. Gain proficiency in clinical skills to adequately serve patient's needs. Ten (10) high school elective credits will be awarded if a student passes the course with a minimum grade of 70%. ### VHLTH 206 — Dental Assisting - Clinical Externship - **Units:** 0 - **Hours:** 265 Lab - **Prerequisite:** Completion with a grade of "C" or better or a Passing grade in: VHLTH 200 Dental Assistant Training Program Orientation.; Possession of BLS/CPR for Healthcare Professionals from American Heart Association card, valid for the duration of the program. - **Corequisite:** Completion of or concurrent enrollment in: VHLTH 201 Dental Assisting - Introduction to Dentistry & Compliance and VHLTH 202 Dental Assisting - Dental Sciences & Radiology and VHLTH 203 Dental Assisting Procedures & Dental Materials and VHLTH 204 Dental Assisting - Patient Care, Communication & Administration and VHLTH 205 Dental Assisting Clinical Skills & Chairside Assisting and VBUS 402 Workforce Power Skills. - **Offered:** not on the Fall 2026, Spring 2027 schedules This course provides a structured, supervised clinical experience in approved community dental offices partnered with Santa Ana College School of Continuing Education. Students work under the direct supervision of a licensed dentist, performing chairside and patient-care duties in general and specialty practices. Emphasis is placed on intraoral procedures, dental equipment proficiency, infection control, radiation safety, charting, four-handed dentistry, instrument processing, and professional communication. Faculty conduct site visits and provide midterm and final evaluations, while on-site dental staff supervise daily activities and verify skills. No classroom instruction is included; all course hours are completed at externship sites. Clerical tasks are limited to brief exposure. Legal, ethical, and professional standards are reinforced throughout the course. Eighteen (18) high school elective credits will be awarded if a student passes the course with a minimum grade of 70%. ### VHLTH 414 — Introduction to Mental Health Disorders - **Units:** 0 - **Hours:** 72 Lecture - **Offered:** Fall 2026, 1 section (/c/santa-ana-college/schedule/fall-2026/vhlth.md) Provide students with a basic foundation in major concepts of mental health for personal growth and workforce preparation. Mental health topics covered: Generalized Anxiety Disorder, major depressive disorder, Post-Traumatic Stress disorder (PTSD), Adjustment Disorder, Attention Deficit/ Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Autism Spectrum Disorder, and substance use disorder. Five (5) high school elective credits may be awarded if a student passes the course with a minimum grade of 70%. ### VHLTH 415 — Introduction to Mental Health Services/Careers - **Units:** 0 - **Hours:** 60 Lecture - **Corequisite:** Completion of or concurrent enrollment in: VHLTH 414 Introduction to Mental Health Disorders - **Offered:** not on the Fall 2026, Spring 2027 schedules Provides students with services available for consumption and/or entry level career opportunities in the mental health industry. Mental health services and entry level career opportunities covered include, but not limited to: Inclusion Assistant (learning disabilities in school setting), In Home Supportive Services (IHSS), Respite Caregiver, Mental Health Advocate, Social Human Service Assistant, Private Caregiver, Behavior Interventionist, Adaptive Skills Therapist, and Parent Advocate. Four (4) high school elective credits may be awarded if a student passes the course with a minimum grade of 70%. ### VHLTH 704 — Introduction to Biotechnology - **Units:** 0 - **Hours:** 54 Lecture - **Offered:** not on the Fall 2026, Spring 2027 schedules This course is a general examination of biology as it relates to the field of biotechnology. Topics include the fundamental chemical processes common in prokaryotic and eukaryotic biology, chemistry of bio-molecules (proteins, enzymes, nucleic acids and lipids), cellular and molecular biology, basic immunology, and classical and molecular genetics with an emphasis on gene expression and genetic engineering. Three (3) high school elective credits may be awarded if a student passes the course with a minimum grade of 70%, Upon completion of VHLTH 704, students may earn credit for BIOL 190 through the credit by exam process. ### VHLTH 705 — Introductory Biotech Lab - **Units:** 0 - **Hours:** 54 Lab - **Corequisite:** Completion of or concurrent enrollment in: VHLTH 704 Introduction to Biotechnology or BIOL 190 Introduction to Biotechnology - **Offered:** not on the Fall 2026, Spring 2027 schedules This laboratory is a general examination of biology as it relates to the field of biotechnology. The laboratory addresses basic skills and techniques common to the biotechnology industry. Topics include the measurement of activity and quantity of proteins, growth and manipulation of bacteria, genetic engineering and antibody methods. This course is intended as a laboratory class for students majoring in applied biology and as a general education laboratory option for all students. Three (3) high school elective credits may be awarded if a student passes the course with a minimum grade of 70%. Upon completion of VHLTH 705, students may earn credit for BIOL 190L through the credit by exam process. ### VHLTH 799 — Introduction to Pharmacy Technology - **Units:** 0 - **Hours:** 36 Lecture - **Offered:** not on the Fall 2026, Spring 2027 schedules Overview of the SAC Pharmacy Technician training program. Definition of the roles and preview of the opportunities open to pharmacy technicians in various practice settings. Presentation of pharmaceutical dosage forms, the drug development process, and drug classification systems. Introduction to prescription labeling and to the law and ethics of pharmacy practice. Will award two (2) high school elective credits if student completes all the required assignments with a minimum passing grade of 70%. Upon completion of VHLTH 799, students will earn credit for PHAR 048 through the credit by exam process.