This program will introduce students to health science, including personal health and public health. Students can choose from a variety of courses that will increase their knowledge and understanding of the biopsychosocial model of health, the determinants of health, and how to work towards reducing health disparities across communities. Students will be able to evaluate the burden of disease for a population and analyze global health issues for a social justice perspective. The impact of the environment, socio-economics, politics, and culture on health and health systems are also explored.

Program Outcomes

1. Students will be able to analyze disparity in health outcomes across populations using evidence-based methods and identify effective intervention strategies.
2. Students will be able to analyze global health issues and identify the impact of environment, socioeconomics, politics, and culture on health and health systems.

Certificate of Achievement Requirements

The Certificate of Achievement is a state-approved career program that requires a minimum of eight units and is designed to prepare the graduate to enter a particular field of employment.  In order to be awarded a certificate, students are required to obtain a grade of “C” or better in all program-required courses. Grades of “CR” or “P” will be accepted whereas “CR” or “P” meets the equivalency of a “C” or better.  At least 3 units in an advanced course from the certificate must be completed at OCC at the department’s discretion.  Certificates of Achievement are not automatically awarded.  A petition must be filed in Enrollment Services or online at the beginning of the semester in which the student will be completing their final requirements.  The petitioning periods are listed in the Graduation Requirements section of this catalog.  Check with a counselor to determine the requirements for completion.

A list of certificate programs can be found in the Programs A-Z section of this catalog.  

Program Sequence

These sequences at Orange Coast College are curriculum maps for students to finish all requirements for the certificate. There may be advisories, prerequisites, or time requirements that students need to consider before following these maps. Students are advised to meet with an Orange Coast College Counselor for alternate sequencing.