Health & Public Safety

Degrees and Certificates

Courses

DAE 100: Introduction to Dental Assisting

Credits 3.0
This course covers the history of dentistry, the education and characteristics of the dental assisting professional, members of the dental healthcare team, professional code of ethics in the field of dentistry, and the statutory law for the field of dentistry.

DAE 101: Dental Health and Safety

Credits 3.0
This course provides training to help the student understand the difference between regulations and recommendations pertaining to health and safety for employees and patients. The students will also identify professional organizations for dentists, dental assistants, and dental hygienists relative to safety training. Students will be given the opportunity to identify the government agencies and their function in relation to dentistry.

DAE 105: Oral Health and Dental Disease Prevention

Credits 3.0

The student will classify dental caries, discuss early childhood caries, and explain the importance of saliva related to tooth decay, explain the goal of CAMBRA, describe the prevalence of periodontal disease, identify the two basic types of periodontal disease and list and describe the seven basic care types.

DAE 107: Science in Dentistry

Credits 4.0
This is an introductory course to bio-sciences as it relates to oral embryology and histology, hand and neck anatomy, and tooth morphology. This course provides information on regions of the face (landmarks) and oral cavity. Upon completion, students will identify planes and associated body direction used to divide the body into sections and describe the four levels of organs of organization of the human body.

EMT 103: Emergency Medical Technician

Credits 9.0

Introductory course focusing on skills to recognize and properly treat illness and injury in the prehospital setting. Successful completion of the course allows students the opportunity to test for certification by the National Registry of EMTs and the Arizona Department of Health Services. A total of 24 hours of clinical and/or vehicular experience will be scheduled to provide direct, hands-on experience with a variety of patients. An additional fee is required.

Concurrent enrollment in EMT 103L is required.

EMT 120: Community Training in Basic Life Support

Credits 0.5

This course equips participants with the knowledge and skills to respond to medical emergencies safely, promptly, and effectively. It is designed for individuals with little or no medical training and is not designed for health care providers. The course covers essential first aid procedures, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) for adults, children, and infants along with proper use of the automated external defibrillator (AED). Upon successful completion of the course, participants will be prepared to act confidently in emergency situations at home, work, or in the community. Successful completion of the course will enable the student to receive a valid Basic Life Support (BLS) with AED and CPR card from the American Heart Association (AHA).

EMT 121: Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation

Credits 0.5
This course follows the American Heart Association guidelines for knowledge and skills in cardiopulmonary resuscitation and AED use at the healthcare provider level. Learning is focused on developing the necessary skills to help an individual with an airway obstruction, respiratory arrest, and/or cardiac arrest.

EMT 122: First Aid and CPR

Credits 2.0

The course offers a comprehensive overview of essential life support procedures for healthcare providers. Topics include patient assessment, airway management, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, shock, bleeding, wounds, injuries, poisoning, burns, temperature-related emergencies, bone injuries, medical emergencies, emergency childbirth, and first aid. This course is identical to HCE 101.

FSC 106: Hazardous Materials for First Responder Operations

Credits 3.0

This course prepares students to function effectively as First Responders at the Operations Level, in accordance with NFPA 1072 and IFSAC-accredited certification standards. Emphasis is placed on:


•    Identification and classification of hazardous materials,
•    Understanding hazardous materials laws and regulations,
•    Risk assessment and defensive response strategies,
•    Implementation of basic control, containment, and decontamination procedures,
•    Use of personal protective equipment (PPE),
•    Integration into a coordinated emergency response plan.


Students will gain the competencies required to respond defensively to hazardous substance releases, protecting life, property, and the environment without attempting to stop the release directly.

This course meets the training requirements outlined in 29 CFR 1910.120(q)(6)(ii) for First Responder Operations Level personnel and complies with the Arizona Administrative Code Title 8, Chapter 2. Upon successful completion, students will be eligible for Arizona Structural Fire Fighter certification through the Arizona Center for Fire Service Excellence (AzCFSE), with testing conducted under IFSAC accreditation.
 

FSC 135: Strength and Fitness for Fire Service

Credits 2.0

This course provides students with foundational knowledge and practical skills essential for physical fitness in firefighting. Through a participatory learning environment, students will engage in activities designed to enhance strength, cardiovascular endurance, and flexibility. Instruction will cover aerobic and resistance training, proper lifting techniques, warm-up and stretching routines, core training principles, and key components of overall wellness. Additionally, students will be introduced to the correct handling of fire service equipment.

FSC 150: Basic Wildland Firefighting

Credits 3.0

The course is presented with a strategic approach with hands on learning to be a successful first year wildland firefighter. A variety of field exercises, classroom lectures, group presentations a full day field exercise with wildland fire equipment involved. A few quizzes, 10 & 18’s test and a final exam will be used to evaluate students’ academic portion of the course.

HCE 100: Basic Health Care Concepts and Skills

Credits 4.0

This introductory course provides students with a foundational knowledge of health care concepts, practices, and systems. It explores essential topics such as human anatomy and physiology, common medical terminology, basic patient care, infection control, and the roles and responsibilities of health care professionals. Students will also examine health promotion, ethical and legal considerations in health care, and effective communication within clinical settings. Designed for students pursuing health-related fields, this course lays out the groundwork for more advanced study and practical training in health care careers.

HCE 101: Basic Life Support

Credits 2.0

The course offers a comprehensive overview of essential life support procedures for healthcare providers. Topics include patient assessment, airway management, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, shock, bleeding, wounds, injuries, poisoning, burns, temperature-related emergencies, bone injuries, medical emergencies, emergency childbirth, and first aid. This course is identical to EMT 122.

HCE 112: Medical Terminology

Credits 2.0

This course introduces students to the language of medicine, focusing on the word structures and vocabulary used in health care settings. Students learn to identify and interpret prefixes, suffixes, root words, and abbreviations commonly used in medical terms. Emphasis is placed on spelling, pronunciation, and the correct usage of terminology related to body systems, diseases, diagnostics, procedures, and treatments. Through practical application and case studies, students will develop the foundational language skills needed for effective communication in health care professions.

HCE 116: Medical Dosage Calculations

Credits 2.0

This course provides students with the knowledge and skills necessary to accurately calculate medication dosages used in healthcare settings. Emphasis is placed on understanding measurement systems (metric, apothecary, and household), interpreting drug labels and physician orders, and performing dosage calculations for oral, injectable, and intravenous medications. Students will learn dimensional analysis, ratio-proportion methods, and formula-based calculations to ensure patient safety and accuracy in medication administration. This course is essential for those entering nursing, medical assisting, or other allied health professions.

HCE 125: Future Health Professionals I

Credits 2.0

The course is designed to develop leadership and technical competencies aligned with HOSA-Future Health Professionals standards through structured motivation, awareness, and recognition activities. Participants will be prepared for regional allied health competitions.

HCE 126: Future Health Professionals II

Credits 2.0

This course builds upon Future Health Professionals I and focuses on developing leadership and technical competencies aligned with HOSA-Future Health Professionals standards through structured motivation, awareness, and recognition activities. Students will prepare for regional allied health competitions.

HCE 130: Medical Assisting: Administrative Competencies

Credits 3.0

This course is designed to provide the essential knowledge needed to perform the administrative duties of a medical assistant. The curriculum includes an introduction to common equipment used for filing and maintaining medical records, as well as defining and outlining the security and safety measures necessary for handling these records. It also identifies and distinguishes between active, inactive, and closed medical records while explaining how to establish a medical record retention system for a healthcare office. 
 

Additionally, this course encompasses an overview of medical assisting within the healthcare profession, addressing ethics, safety, and security in a medical setting. It covers cultural diversity, integrated administrative procedures, health insurance, medical coding, and billing practices. Furthermore, it emphasizes the significance of the FDA and DEA in administrative procedures and summarizes key federal healthcare regulations, including HCQIA, the False Claims Act, OSHA, and HIPAA.
 

HCE 156: Science for Allied Health

Credits 4.0

This course offers an overview of human anatomy and physiology. It is designed for non-science majors in occupational programs. The course provides a broad overview of all major body systems—including the integumentary, skeletal, muscular, nervous, cardiovascular, respiratory, digestive, urinary, endocrine, and reproductive systems, with emphasis on structure and function.

HCE 160: Medical Assisting: Clinical Competencies

Credits 6.0

The course provides foundational knowledge required to perform clinical competencies as a professional medical assistant in diverse healthcare settings. Key clinical skills include conducting patient physical examinations, obtaining vital signs, compiling patient histories, and applying clinical judgment to determine when to alert healthcare providers to potential or apparent medical concerns. The course highlights medication administration under the supervision of a licensed physician or healthcare provider, covering oral, intradermal, subcutaneous, and intramuscular routes. Additional competencies include assisting with general and specialty examinations, supporting patients throughout the lifespan, collecting laboratory specimens, processing point-of-care tests, and educating patients regarding disease processes, medication regimens, diagnostic procedures, and nutrition. The course also addresses sterile technique, first aid, and electrocardiogram (ECG) procedures. Emphasis on cultural diversity and strict adherence to HIPAA guidelines are integral to the course.

HCE 170: Medical Assisting: Externship

Credits 4.0

Course Description
This course is structured to provide students with a clinical environment where they can develop both clinical skills and administrative office competencies under the supervision of an experienced Medical Assistant. Each student is required to complete a minimum of 160 hours of externship in an ambulatory or clinical health care setting. Students are expected to demonstrate proficiency in both administrative and clinical competencies. Administrative competencies include performing clerical functions, scheduling, coordinating, and monitoring appointments, understanding and applying third-party guidelines, and adhering to managed care policies and procedures. Clinical competencies encompass fundamental principles, specimen collection, diagnostic testing, and patient care. Transdisciplinary competencies are integrated throughout both clinical and administrative activities, including professionalism, effective communication with patients and teams, legal concepts, patient education, and operational functions. Students must provide documentation of a current tuberculosis skin test, a clear chest X-ray, or a statement from a healthcare provider confirming the absence of pulmonary tuberculosis symptoms. They must also provide proof of Hepatitis B, MMR, and current influenza vaccinations, as well as a valid CPR certification.
 

HCE 171: Introduction to Medical Pharmacology

Credits 3.0

This course provides a foundational overview to pharmacology within the context of healthcare practice. It covers drug classifications, mechanisms of action, therapeutic and adverse effects, and drug interactions. The course emphasizes commonly prescribed medications, safe administration protocols, and the significance of pharmacology in disease prevention and management. Legal and ethical considerations in medication use are also addressed. The course is intended for students preparing for careers in nursing, medical assisting, or allied health professions, equipping them to apply pharmacological principles in clinical environments.

HCE 186: Phlebotomy and Clinical Laboratory

Credits 3.0

This course offers a thorough study of current, practical information and instruction in phlebotomy procedures and techniques, complemented by a solid foundation in phlebotomy theory and principles. Skills developed include drawing blood, obtaining blood cultures, utilizing a lancet or Microlance for micro-draws or infant heel sticks, and measuring bleeding time. Successful completion of the course requires performing thirty-five (35) invasive intravenous draws, using a vacutainer system, along with five (5) capillary sticks. For those wishing to meet the requirements set by the American Medical Technologists, additional invasive draws can be completed in HCE 189.

HCE 189: Phlebotomy Certification Review

Credits 2.0

This course offers an in-depth review of contemporary phlebotomy theory and a structured study plan for certification through the American Medical Technologist (AMT). Students will assess and apply their knowledge of phlebotomy theory in both classroom and online settings to prepare for certification and professional advancement. Successful completion of the course requires a minimum of 15 venipunctures and 5 capillary punctures performed on human subjects.

HCE 190: Human Body in Health and Disease

Credits 4.0

This course provides an overview of the structure and function of the human body, examining the integration of body systems in maintaining health and the consequences of disease-related disruptions. The course covers fundamental concepts in anatomy and physiology, introduces prevalent diseases, and analyzes the impact of illness on various body systems. The course emphasizes mastery of medical terminology, identification of disease signs and symptoms, and application of this knowledge in healthcare contexts. This foundational content equips students for advanced study in health sciences and allied health fields.

HCE 240: Human Pathophysiology

Credits 4.0

This course analyzes functional alterations in the human body resulting from disease processes. Building on foundational knowledge of anatomy and physiology, it explores the causes, progression, and effects of prevalent disorders affecting each body system. Topics include cellular injury, inflammation, immune responses, fluid and electrolyte imbalances, and the pathophysiology of major organ systems. The course emphasizes understanding disease mechanisms, identifying clinical signs and symptoms, and applying this knowledge to clinical practice. The course serves as essential preparation for students pursuing careers in nursing, allied health, or health sciences.

HCE 241: Nutrition

Credits 3.0

This course explores the scientific foundations of human nutrition with a focus on promoting health and effectively communicating accurate nutrition information in professional settings. Students will examine principles of medical nutrition therapy for managing common health conditions, and investigate nutrient sources, basic nutrient metabolism, and the interplay between diet and lifestyle factors. Topics include dietary supplements, current food selection guidelines across the life cycle, and practical tools for planning food intake and assessing nutritional status. 

HPE 101H: Beginning Hiking

Credits 1.0

This course introduces hiking concepts and skills necessary to hike safely as a regular fitness activity. It covers fitness for hiking, route planning, safety, and environmental considerations. Students must be able to comfortably walk on outdoor trails for three miles or more. Be prepared for day hiking trips off campus by providing your own transportation, parking fees and equipment. 

HPE 101P: Beginning Pilates I

Credits 0.5 1.0

This course focuses on the practice of Pilates with an emphasis on enhancing core strength and stabilization, muscle balance, tone, coordination, and flexibility. It incorporates exercises designed to promote overall body awareness and control, including modifications to accommodate different fitness levels.

HPE 101Q: Beginning Qigong I

Credits 1.0

This course is an introduction to the movement of ancient Chinese Qigong and its philosophy and meditation in movement and preventive medicine.

HPE 101S: Beginning Stability Ball I

Credits 1.0

This course centers on core training exercises with a stability ball and is designed to enhance your balance, stability, and muscular endurance. 

HPE 101T: Beginning T'ai Chi Ch'uan I

Credits 1.0

T'ai Chi Ch'uan is an ancient Chinese martial art that combines gentle movement, mindful breathing, and mental focus. It is designed for beginners and offers numerous benefits including improved balance, stress reduction, enhanced flexibility, and mental clarity.

HPE 101W: Beginning Power Walking I

Credits 1.0
Designed to give students the opportunity to learn warm-up, walk, and cool down using the proper stretching and power walking techniques.

HPE 101Y: Beginning Hatha Yoga I

Credits 1.0
This course is designed to give the student an understanding of yoga basics for proper breathing and spinal health. The student will learn elementary steps toward meditation to relax and calm the mind using 20 to 30 basic poses and variations thereof.

HPE 102H: Intermediate Hiking

Credits 1.0

This course is designed for students with prior hiking experience who wish to further develop their skills. Emphasis is placed on building endurance through moderate to strenuous hikes, improving trail navigation, and practicing safe techniques for varied terrain. Students will gain confidence and proficiency on longer hikes that may include elevation gain, uneven ground, and extended time on the trail.


Students must be able to comfortably walk on outdoor trails for five miles or more. Be prepared for day hiking trips off campus by providing your own transportation, parking fees and equipment. 
 

HPE 102P: Beginning Pilates II

Credits 0.5 1.0

This course builds on HPE 101P with a focus on the practice of Pilates with an emphasis on enhancing core strength and stabilization, muscle balance, tone, coordination, and flexibility. It incorporates exercises designed to promote overall body awareness and control, including modifications to accommodate different fitness levels. 

HPE 102Q: Beginning Qigong II

Credits 1.0

This course is an introduction to the movement of ancient Chinese Qigong and its philosophy and meditation in movement and preventive medicine.

HPE 102T: Beginning T'ai Chi Ch'uan II

Credits 1.0

This course builds on the beginning T'ai Chi Ch'uan I course. It is designed for beginners combining gentle movement, mindful breathing, and mental focus to improve balance, relieve stress, enhance flexibility, and increase mental clarity.

HPE 102Y: Beginning Hatha Yoga II

Credits 1.0
This course is designed to give the student an understanding of yoga basics for proper breathing and spinal health. The student will learn elementary steps toward meditation to relax and calm the mind using 20 to 30 basic poses and variations thereof.

HPE 104: Physical Fitness I

Credits 0.5 2.0

This program offers a complete workout targeting improved cardiovascular health, increased joint flexibility, and enhanced muscular strength. It's designed to lower your resting heart rate, reduce body fat, and help manage stress and blood pressure.

HPE 105: Physical Fitness II

Credits 0.5 2.0

This program offers a complete workout targeting improved cardiovascular health, increased joint flexibility, and enhanced muscular strength. It's designed to lower your resting heart rate, reduce body fat, and help manage stress and blood pressure.

HPE 201H: HPE 201H

Credits 1.0

This course is intended for experienced hikers prepared for challenging and strenuous hikes. Students will engage in longer distances, steeper terrain, and higher elevations while refining advanced hiking skills. Topics include endurance strategies, route planning, backcountry safety, and preparedness for demanding trail conditions. The course will strengthen both physical ability and technical knowledge for advanced outdoor exploration.


Students must be able to comfortably walk on outdoor trails for ten miles or more. Be prepared for day hiking trips off campus by providing your own transportation, parking fees and equipment. 
Prerequisites
 

HPE 201T: Intermediate T'ai Chi Ch'uan I

Credits 1.0

This course is designed for students interested in more advanced T'ai Chi Ch'uan. It combines gentle movement, mindful breathing, and mental focus to improve balance, relieve stress, enhance flexibility, and increase mental clarity.

HPE 201Y: Advanced Hatha Yoga I

Credits 1.0

This course is designed to give the student an understanding of yoga basics for proper breathing and spinal health. The student will learn advanced steps toward meditation to relax and calm the mind using 20 to 30 basic poses and variations thereof.

HPE 202T: Intermediate T'ai Chi Ch'uan II

Credits 1.0

This course continues with the teaching of more advanced T'ai Chi Ch'uan movements. It combines gentle movement, mindful breathing, and mental focus to improve balance, relieve stress, enhance flexibility, and increase mental clarity.

HPE 202Y: Advanced Hatha Yoga II

Credits 1.0

This course is designed to give the student an understanding of yoga basics for proper breathing and spinal health. The student will learn advanced steps toward meditation to relax and calm the mind using 20 to 30 basic poses and variations thereof.

HPE 204: Physical Fitness III

Credits 0.5 2.0

This program offers a complete workout targeting improved cardiovascular health, increased joint flexibility, and enhanced muscular strength. It's designed to lower your resting heart rate, reduce body fat, and help manage stress and blood pressure.

HPE 205: Physical Fitness IV

Credits 0.5 2.0

This program offers a complete workout targeting improved cardiovascular health, increased joint flexibility, and enhanced muscular strength. It's designed to lower your resting heart rate, reduce body fat, and help manage stress and blood pressure.

NUR 100: Nursing Assistant

Credits 6.0

A course designed to prepare individuals for entry-level positions as nursing assistants in structured health care settings directly supervised by a registered or licensed practical nurse. 

Students must attain a minimum of 120 hours of total instruction, which must include a minimum of 40 hours of classroom instruction, 20 hours in the skills lab, and 40 clinical hours in a skilled nursing facility. Students are required to meet the clinical requirements of the clinical facility prior to attending clinicals. Skills lab and clinical days will typically fall on Friday or Saturday depending upon availability of both the skills lab and clinical facility. 

 

The following items are required to maintain enrollment in NUR 100 paid by the student, through a third-party vendor:

1. Concurrent enrollment in EMT 121 or present current CPR card issued by the American Heart Association (BLS Healthcare Provider).
2. A negative urine drug screen. 
3. Proof of TB immunization or clear chest x-ray within the last 6 months.
4. Proof of MMR and Hepatitis B immunizations or sign declination. COVID-19 and/or Flu immunizations may be required per clinical facility policy.
5. Fingerprints in order for DPS/FBI to conduct background checks for criminal convictions. Student must obtain a Level One Fingerprint Card.

Students must complete the course with a grade of "C" or better to be eligible to take the certification/licensure exam.

The Arizona State Board of Nursing requirements for certification include proof of legal presence in the United States and disclosure of felony conviction(s).

Successful completion of the certification written and manual skills exams, and application for licensure, will lead to a designation as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) through the Arizona State Board of Nursing.

NUR 103: Certified Medication Assistant

Credits 5.0

This course provides basic background information and routine procedures that are essential for the safe administration of select medications by experienced Certified Nursing Assistants (CNA) or Licensed Nursing Assistant (LNA) in a long-term care facility under the supervision of a licensed nurse. Content includes basic principles of medication administration, simple calculations, and categories of medications. Upon successful completion of this course, students are eligible to take the written and manual skills certification exams administered by the Arizona State Board of Nursing (AZBN). Passing both written and manual skills exams will meet the qualifications to become a Certified Medication Assistant (CMA).


Concurrent enrollment in NUR 103G is required.

NUR 105: Pharmacology for Nursing

Credits 3.0

This course presents the foundation of pharmacological concepts and principles. It offers drug information in the group classification format and includes drug indications, actions, contraindications, side effects, implications for administration, and related patient/family teaching. It integrates anatomy and physiology, basic pathophysiology, microbiology, and drug administration concepts.

NUR 110: Nursing One

Credits 9.0

Course Description

This course introduces Nurse of the Future competencies as a foundational framework for developing professional nurses. It covers basic care concepts, the nursing process, clinical reasoning to address the needs of adult and older adult patients, and the fundamentals of mental health nursing care. Additionally, the course addresses the fundamentals of nursing care, including patient assessment, hygiene, mobility, nutrition, and medication administration. Emphasis is placed on patient-centered care, safety, and effective communication as well as collaboration skills essential for quality nursing practice.

Course Requirements:

1.    Clinical hours are mandatory.
2.    Students must keep clinical requirements such as background checks, certifications, immunizations/exemptions, current throughout the program. A list of requirements can be found in the Nursing Student Handbook.
3.    Students enrolled in the course must also register for the associated NUR 110L course.

Course Fees: Nonrefundable fees are required for each Nursing course. See the fee schedule in the catalog and Nursing handbook for details.
 

NUR 120: Nursing Two

Credits 9.0

Course Description
This course builds on the Nurse of the Future competencies and clinical judgment skills necessary for students to develop the knowledge, skills, and attitudes required for providing safe, quality, patient-centered care. The course addresses care for patients in both medical-surgical and mental health settings across the wellness-illness continuum. This course covers mental health disorders, psychiatric medications, and therapeutic communication, assessment, and nursing interventions for mental health conditions. 
Course Requirements:

1.    Clinical hours are mandatory.
2.    Students must keep clinical requirements such as background checks, certifications, immunizations/exemptions, current throughout the program. A list of requirements can be found in the Nursing Student Handbook.
3.    Students enrolled in the course must also register for the associated NUR 120L course.

Course Fees: Nonrefundable fees are required for each Nursing course. See the fee schedule in the catalog and Nursing handbook for details.
 

NUR 230: Nursing Three

Credits 9.0

Course Description 
This course applies the Nurse of the Future competencies and emphasizes the development of clinical judgment to the practice and management of nursing care for child and family units, newborns, and childbearing patients requiring care throughout the wellness-illness continuum. Emphasis is placed on delivering comprehensive, holistic nursing care that addresses the physical, emotional, and spiritual needs of these patient populations. 


Course Requirements:

1.    Clinical hours are mandatory.
2.    Students must keep clinical requirements such as background checks, certifications, immunizations/exemptions, current throughout the program. A list of requirements can be found in the Nursing Student Handbook.
3.    Students enrolled in the course must also register for the associated NUR 230L course.

Course Fees: Nonrefundable fees are required for each Nursing course. See the fee schedule in the catalog and Nursing handbook for details.
 

NUR 240: Nursing Four

Credits 10.0

This course, based on the Nurse of the Future competencies, focuses on critical care and advanced medical-surgical nursing. Students will utilize the knowledge, skills, and attitudes necessary to provide high-quality, evidence-based care to patients with complex and acute health conditions. The course emphasizes advanced clinical judgment, critical thinking, and the integration of holistic care principles, including physical, emotional, and spiritual aspects, to meet the diverse needs of critically ill patients. This course provides students with preparation to transition into the nursing profession.

Course Requirements:

1.    Clinical hours are mandatory.
2.    Students must keep clinical requirements such as background checks, certifications, immunizations/exemptions, current throughout the program. A list of requirements can be found in the Nursing Student Handbook.
3.    Students enrolled in the course must also register for the associated NUR 240L course.

Course Fees: Nonrefundable fees are required for each Nursing course. See the fee schedule in the catalog and Nursing handbook for details.