Healthcare Education Programs at Houston Community College, Houston, TX
Houston Community College (HCC) offers a wide array of healthcare education programs designed to cater to various interests and career goals within the medical and health services sector. HCC provides both certificate and degree programs to ensure students receive quality education and professional training, preparing them for successful careers in the healthcare field.
Nursing Programs
Associate Degree Nursing (ADN)
HCC’s ADN program prepares students for a rewarding career as a Registered Nurse (RN). The program combines classroom instruction with clinical practice, covering topics such as medical-surgical nursing, maternal and pediatric nursing, and mental health nursing. Graduates are well-prepared to sit for the NCLEX-RN licensure exam.
Vocational Nursing (VN) Certificate
This program is designed to train students to become Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVNs). The curriculum includes fundamentals of nursing, pharmacology, and patient care across the lifespan. Successful completion qualifies graduates to take the NCLEX-PN exam.
Transition Program
HCC offers a transition program for LVNs and paramedics to advance their careers by becoming RNs. This program acknowledges prior experience, allowing for an accelerated pathway to an Associate Degree in Nursing.
Allied Health Programs
Medical Assistant
The Medical Assistant program at HCC equips students with the skills needed to assist physicians in clinical settings. Training covers administrative tasks, patient care, phlebotomy, EKG, and pharmacology. Graduates receive a certificate and are eligible to take the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) exam.
Dental Hygiene
HCC’s Dental Hygiene program leads to an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree. The program provides comprehensive education in oral health, focusing on disease prevention, patient care, and community dental health. Graduates are eligible to take the National Board Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE).
Radiography
The Radiography program offers an AAS degree, preparing students to become radiologic technologists. Coursework includes anatomy, patient positioning, imaging techniques, and radiation safety. Graduates can sit for the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exam.
Respiratory Therapy
This program awards an AAS degree and prepares students to provide care for patients with cardiopulmonary disorders. Training includes mechanical ventilation, airway management, and pulmonary function testing. Graduates are eligible to take the Certified Respiratory Therapist (CRT) and Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) exams.
Pharmacy Technician
HCC offers a Pharmacy Technician certificate program, preparing students for roles in both retail and hospital pharmacy settings. Courses cover pharmacology, pharmaceutical calculations, drug preparation, and prescription processing. Graduates can take the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE).
Emergency Medical Services Programs
Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)
The EMT certificate program provides foundational knowledge and skills for emergency medical care. Students are trained in patient assessment, airway management, and trauma response. Graduates are prepared for the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) exam.
Paramedic
HCC’s Paramedic program builds on the EMT certification, offering in-depth training in advanced medical techniques. The curriculum includes pharmacology, advanced life support, and critical care. Graduates can sit for the National Registry Paramedic (NRP) exam.
Other Health Sciences Programs
Health Information Technology
This AAS degree program trains students to manage health information systems in various healthcare settings. Topics include coding, electronic health records, and healthcare data analytics. Graduates are eligible for the Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) exam.
Surgical Technology
HCC offers a Surgical Technology program leading to a certificate or an AAS degree. Students receive training in preoperative, intraoperative, and postoperative care. Graduates can take the Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) exam.
Medical Laboratory Technology
The Medical Laboratory Technology program awards an AAS degree and prepares students to perform laboratory tests to diagnose diseases. The curriculum covers clinical chemistry, microbiology, and hematology. Graduates are eligible for the Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT) certification exam.
Get Started Today
Houston Community College is committed to delivering high-quality education and professional training in the healthcare field. Whether you’re starting your career or looking to advance, HCC offers a range of programs to help you succeed. Explore their offerings, meet with an advisor, and take the first step toward a fulfilling healthcare career today.