Healthcare Education Programs at Houston Community College

Houston Community College (HCC), located in Houston, TX, offers a comprehensive range of healthcare education programs designed to prepare students for various roles within the healthcare industry. These programs are structured to provide both theoretical knowledge and practical skills essential for success in healthcare professions. Below are detailed descriptions of the key healthcare education programs available at HCC:

Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)

HCC offers an Associate Degree in Nursing program that prepares students to become Registered Nurses (RNs). This program includes classroom instruction, laboratory work, and hands-on clinical experience. Graduates are eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN).

• Program Length: Approximately 2 years
• Course Highlights: Anatomy and Physiology, Nursing Fundamentals, Pharmacology, Medical-Surgical Nursing, Mental Health Nursing
• Clinical Experience: Various healthcare settings including hospitals and community health facilities.

Vocational Nursing Program (LVN)

The Vocational Nursing program equips students with the skills needed to become Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVNs). The curriculum is intensive and includes both theoretical instruction and supervised clinical practice.

• Program Length: Typically 12 months (full-time)
• Course Highlights: Nursing Skills, Nutrition, Pediatric Nursing, Maternity Nursing, Mental Health Nursing
• Licensure: Graduates are eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN).

Medical Assistant Program

HCC’s Medical Assistant program prepares students to manage both administrative and clinical tasks in a healthcare setting. The program includes instruction in medical office procedures, patient care, and laboratory techniques.

• Program Length: Usually 1 year
• Course Highlights: Clinical Procedures, Medical Terminology, Anatomy and Physiology, Medical Office Management, Phlebotomy
• Certification: Graduates can sit for the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) exam.

Health Information Technology (HIT)

The Health Information Technology program trains students to become skilled professionals in the management and use of patient healthcare information. Students learn about health data management, information policy, and the infrastructure of health information systems.

• Program Length: 2 years (Associate Degree)
• Course Highlights: Medical Coding, Healthcare Data Analytics, Database Management, Legal Aspects of Health Information, Quality Management
• Certification: Graduates are prepared for the Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) certification exam.

Pharmacy Technician Program

The Pharmacy Technician program at HCC provides comprehensive training in pharmacy practice, including medication dispensing, pharmacy law, and customer service.

• Program Length: Generally less than 1 year
• Course Highlights: Pharmacology, Pharmacy Law and Ethics, Drug Classification, Pharmacy Software Applications, Sterile Compounding
• Certification: Graduates can become Certified Pharmacy Technicians (CPhT) by passing the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB) exam.

Radiologic Technology Program

The Radiologic Technology program prepares students to perform diagnostic imaging examinations and is accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT).

• Program Length: Approximately 2 years
• Course Highlights: Radiographic Procedures, Patient Care, Radiologic Physics, Radiation Protection, Imaging Equipment
• Certification: Graduates are eligible to take the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exam.

Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Programs

HCC offers a range of Emergency Medical Services (EMS) programs including Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) and Paramedic levels. These programs provide essential skills for emergency care professionals.

• Program Length: Varies (EMT: Approx. 1 semester, Paramedic: Approx. 1 year)
• Course Highlights: Basic Life Support, Advanced Cardiac Life Support, Trauma Management, Medical Emergencies
• Certification: Graduates can obtain certification through the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT).

Get Started Today

Houston Community College’s diverse healthcare programs are designed to meet the growing needs of the healthcare industry. With a focus on comprehensive training and hands-on experience, HCC prepares students for successful careers in various healthcare fields. For more details about these programs, admission requirements, and the application process, visit the HCC website or contact the admissions office. Start your journey in healthcare education at HCC and make a positive impact in the healthcare community.