Departments and Programs in the Health Sciences and Environmental Studies Division
Did You Know…?
In 2010-2011, the California Community College system continued to contribute to the state's health care labor force, with more than 8,000 students earning degrees or certificates in nursing. Source: Accountability Reporting for Community Colleges.
70% of the nurses in California received their education from community colleges. Source: Community College League of California. Learn more about Ohlone College's Registered Nursing program.
Registered Nursing
Ohlone's Registered Nursing Program, accredited by both the National League for Nursing Accrediting Commission and the California Board of Registered Nursing, emphasizes care of individuals with a variety of health care needs across the life span. Graduates are prepared to promote client wellness and assist clients adapting to the stress of illness. The curriculum is scientific based and focuses on the spectrum of health from acute to chronic in hospitals, clinics, and community settings. Ohlone's faculty are experts and leaders in the development of clinical preceptorships and geriatric care. More about the Registered Nursing Program.
Learn more about a career as a registered nurse at DiscoverNursing or job market information for Registered Nurses.
Physical Therapist Assistant
Physical Therapist Assistants (PTAs) are skilled health care providers who work under the direction of a physical therapist. Duties of a PTA include implementing treatment programs, training patients/clients in exercise and activities of daily living, conducting individualized treatments, and reporting to the physical therapist on the patient/client's response. PTAs work in a variety of health care settings including hospitals, private physical therapy clinics, community health centers, corporate health centers, nursing homes, home health agencies, schools, pediatric centers and colleges and universities. Ohlone's Physical Therapist Assistant Program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education. More about the Physical Therapist Assistant Program.
Learn more about a career as a physical therapist assistant by visiting the American Physical Therapy Association or job market information regarding PTAs.
Did You Know…?
100% of Ohlone's Registered Nursing graduates consistently pass their national licensing exam!
Respiratory Therapist
Our Respiratory Therapist Program is fully accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Educational Programs through the Committee on Accreditation for Respiratory Care. Respiratory Care is a profession that provides patient care at the hospital bedside. This profession is a high-tech, high-touch field using state-of-the-art life support equipment for premature infants, children and all ages of adults. Respiratory Care Practitioners assist the physician with the diagnosis and treatment of individuals with abnormalities or disorders of the heart and lungs. Respiratory Care Practitioners work in life-saving and life-supporting situations with physicians, nurses, and other members of the health care team. Currently, the beginning pay in the Bay Area is $23 per hour. The employment outlook is excellent with experienced Registered Respiratory Therapists earning $65,000 per year or more. Respiratory Care Practitioners work in hospitals, clinics, skilled nursing facilities, home care environments, medical equipment companies, and in management and educational roles. However, most therapists work in hospitals with eight- and twelve-hour shifts being the norm. This exciting field needs motivated people who want to help others as a health care provider, are mechanically inclined, have solid communication skills, and think clearly under stress. More about the Respiratory Therapist Program.
Discover a career as an Respiratory Therapist by visiting the American Association of Respiratory Care or find job market information for Respiratory Therapists.
Environmental Studies
The mission of the Ohlone College Department of Environmental Studies is to prepare students to be active participants in shaping a sustainable future. By fostering student understanding of how human society and the environment are interwoven, our program emphasizes the benefits of the triple-bottom line - promoting stewardship of the earth, fostering innovation for a strong economy, and respect, value and equity for the lives of all living things. See Environmental Studies for information.
Also, learn about the Home Energy Retrofit Occupations (HERO) Grant Program.
Additional Departments and Programs
- Consumer Family Sciences
- Contract Education / Workforce Development
- Early Childhood Studies
- Education
Early Childhood Studies Department
The Early Childhood Studies Program at Ohlone College prepares students for employment in child development programs including preschools, children’s centers, family childcare centers, school age programs, and infant and toddler programs.
The Ohlone College program meets or exceeds the requirements for teachers in centers and programs licensed in the State of California by the Department of Social Services. The program also meets the requirements for the Child Development Permit issued by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing.
Learn more about the ECS Program.
Emergency