Health Education
The Health Education Program offers courses for students planning to transfer in a variety of health-related fields as well as for students needing to fulfill general education requirements (Plans A and B). Career opportunities include teaching; health care administration; federal, state, and local health care agency work (such as for the County Health Department, Cal OSHA, and the Environmental Protection Agency); and health care and education in the private sector.
Contact Information
Department Chair: Karen Smith Dean: Al Taccone |
Department: Kinesiology, Health, Hospitality and Nutrition Office: Building T412, (760) 795-6841 |
Full-Time Faculty
Gail Meinhold Linda Shaffer |
Associate Degrees
Associate in Arts Degree
Health Science
The Health Science Program focuses on community health education, health care administration, and occupational health and safety. Students are introduced to significant issues, such as health care costs, drug-related problems, causes and prevention of non-intentional injury, and health care administration and management. This program offers lower-division preparation for students who plan on transferring to pursue a bachelor's degree in health science. Students planning to transfer and/or earn this associate degree may also need to complete additional requirements or electives required by the transfer institution, as many CSUs and UCs have unique admissions and preparation-for-the-major requirements. Students should meet with a MiraCosta College counselor to identify required courses and to develop a written plan for their targeted university.
Required courses: | ||
BIO 100 | General Biology (Lecture and Lab) | 4 |
or BIO 101 & BIO 101L | General Biology and General Biology Laboratory | |
BIO 230 | Fundamentals of Microbiology | 5 |
BIO 210 | Human Anatomy | 4 |
CHEM 100 | Introductory Chemistry | 4 |
HEAL 100 | Nutrition Today | 3 |
HEAL 101 | Principles of Health | 3 |
Total Units | 23 |
Related courses that may be required in preparation for a health science major at a four-year university:
Required courses: | ||
One of the following: | ||
Biostatistics | ||
Statistics for Behavioral Science | ||
Statistics | ||
PSYC 101 | General Psychology | 3 |
SOC 101 | Introduction to Sociology | 3 |
or SOC 101H | Introduction to Sociology (Honors) |
Associate in Science Degree
Massage Therapist (500 Hours)
Students may earn the above-named associate degree by completing a certificate of achievement and the general education courses required for MiraCosta's Associate in Science degree. Students should meet with a MiraCosta counselor to identify required courses and to develop a written educational plan for the specific degree or certificate they wish to earn.
Certificates
Certificate of Achievement
Massage Practitioner (250 Hours)
The Massage Practitioner (250 Hours) certificate program satisfies the state requirements to be certified as a Massage Practitioner by requiring 250 hours of instruction. Based on the medical model, the program requires comprehensive knowledge of medical terminology, anatomy, pathology, and physiology. This program satisfies the state requirement, which includes instruction addressing anatomy and physiology, contraindications, health and hygiene, and business ethics, with at least 100 hours devoted to these curricular areas. To apply for state certification, applicants must be 18 years old and have completed the entire program. The certificate provides students with the necessary theoretical background and practical experience to work in the industry. Graduates of the program can expect employment in physician offices, spas, and the salon industry.
Required courses: | ||
HEAL 110 | Therapeutic Massage I | 3 |
HEAL 210 | Therapeutic Massage II | 3 |
HEAL 215 | Massage Clinical Practicum | 2 |
BIO 190 | Survey of Human Musculoskeletal System | 1 |
NURS 151 | Body Systems Survey for Health Professions | 3 |
Total Units | 12 |
Certificate of Achievement
Massage Therapist (500 Hours)
The Massage Therapist (500 Hours) associate degree and certificate of achievement satisfy state requirements to be certified as a Massage Therapist by building upon the Massage Practitioner (250 Hours) certificate and requiring 500 hours of instruction. Based upon the medical model, the program requires comprehensive knowledge of medical terminology, anatomy, pathology, and physiology. This program satisfies the state requirement, which includes instruction addressing anatomy and physiology, contraindications, health and hygiene, and business ethics, with at least 100 hours devoted to these curricular areas. To apply for state certification, applicants must be 18 years old and have completed the entire 500 hours. The certificate provides students with the necessary theoretical background and practical experience to work in the industry. Graduates of the program can expect employment in physician offices, spas, and the salon industry.
Required courses: | ||
HEAL 110 | Therapeutic Massage I | 3 |
HEAL 210 | Therapeutic Massage II | 3 |
HEAL 215 | Massage Clinical Practicum | 2 |
BIO 190 | Survey of Human Musculoskeletal System | 1 |
NURS 151 | Body Systems Survey for Health Professions | 3 |
HEAL 218 | Chair Massage | 1 |
HEAL 220 | Sports Massage | 2 |
HEAL 222 | Stress Management | 2 |
HEAL 101 | Principles of Health | 3 |
BIO 210 | Human Anatomy | 4 |
Total Units | 24 |
Courses
HEAL 100: Nutrition Today
Units: 3
Prerequisites: None
Acceptable for Credit: CSU, UC
Lecture 3 hours. (0837.00)
This course focuses on the fundamentals of nutrition. Individual well-being will be discussed through the study of nutrients and their effects on the micro-environment of the living cell, correlation of these principles with diet and eating habits, influences on food choices, food safety, and world health problems. Special attention will be given to nutrition throughout the life cycle, special dietary needs, and food budgeting.
HEAL 101: Principles of Health
Units: 3
Prerequisites: None
Advisory: Concurrent enrollment in HEAL 101L.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU, UC
Lecture 3 hours. (0837.00)
This survey course on the principles of health and wellness aims to enhance the student's self-awareness through exposure to the principles of wellness. Topics covered include exercise, weight maintenance, nutrition, human sexuality, sexual responses, sexually-transmitted diseases, drug use, misuse and abuse, cancers, and cardiovascular diseases.
HEAL 101L: Principles of Health Laboratory
Units: 1
Prerequisites: None
Advisory: Concurrent enrollment in HEAL 101.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU, UC
Laboratory 3 hours. (0835.00)
This physical activity course introduces current research on fitness and wellness and involves each student in fitness assessment. Topics include cardiorespiratory endurance, muscular strength, muscular endurance, body composition, weight management, and behavior modification. Students repeating the course will develop and implement a customized exercise program based upon the student's current fitness level. Offered pass/no pass only. (May be repeated three times.)
HEAL 105: Human Performance and Sports Nutrition
Units: 3
Prerequisites: None
Acceptable for Credit: CSU, UC Approval pending
Lecture 3 hours. (0837.00)
This course introduces nutrition concepts to individuals interested in sports, fitness, and health. It emphasizes current theories and practices related to nutrition and athletic performance. Topics include macro and micro nutrient intakes, hydration, pre- and post-event food, supplements and ergogenic aids, weight control, and body composition related to performance.
HEAL 110: Therapeutic Massage I
Units: 3
Prerequisites: None
Lecture 2 hours, laboratory 3 hours. (1262.00)
This foundation course for therapeutic massage includes theory, practical experience, methods, procedures, and contraindications of massage. Topics covered include anatomy, applicable medical terminology, proper body mechanics, draping, sanitation and physiological changes associated with massage. Students will review the rich international history of massage, including massage techniques from different countries around the world as well as career opportunities in the field. Each class meeting will include time to practice massage techniques utilizing the therapeutic principles of massage.
HEAL 210: Therapeutic Massage II
Units: 3
Prerequisites: HEAL 110.
Lecture 2 hours, laboratory 3 hours. (1262.00)
This is the advanced course for therapeutic massage. It includes advanced massage theory, methods and procedures of advanced soft tissue techniques, contraindications, and practical experience. Students will identify anatomy while assessing common pathology.
HEAL 215: Massage Clinical Practicum
Units: 2
Prerequisites: HEAL 210.
Lecture 1 hour, laboratory 3 hours. (1262.00)
This course is the clinical practice for massage therapy. Students will focus on massage methods, business practices, massage marketing, ethics, and clinic procedures of massage experience.
HEAL 218: Chair Massage
Units: 1
Prerequisites: HEAL 110.
Lecture 0.50 hour, laboratory 1.50 hours. (1262.00)
This foundation course for the practice of chair massage builds on skills gained in Health 110 as students learn and practice chair massage techniques. Topics include physiological effects, related anatomy, contraindications, body mechanics, ethics, hygiene, and sanitation standards. Students are required to receive a professional chair massage.
HEAL 220: Sports Massage
Units: 2
Prerequisites: HEAL 210.
Lecture 1 hour, laboratory 3 hours. (1262.00)
This advanced massage course builds on the concepts and practices of Health 210 and specifically covers massage techniques and evaluation procedures for providing massage to athletes. It focuses on the athlete's condition, anatomy, and sport. Topics include muscles and movement, common sports injuries, basic postural analysis, contraindications, and sport massage techniques.
HEAL 222: Stress Management
Units: 2
Prerequisites: None
Lecture 2 hours. (1262.00)
This course introduces students to the concepts of stress management and prevention. It emphasizes the analysis of stressful events, application of appropriate techniques, and development and implementation of a stress reduction/prevention plan. Topics include the physiology of the stress response, adaptive and maladaptive behaviors, stress-prevention strategies, stress-reduction techniques, and how to implement a self-care stress-reduction plan.
HEAL 292: Internship Studies
Units: 0.5-3
Prerequisites: Complete 6 units at MCC prior to internship; permission of instructor and department chair required.
Corequisite: Must currently be enrolled in 3 units and complete 60 hours of non-paid or 75 hours of paid work per unit of credit.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU
(0837.00)
Individualized study linking classroom learning to the workplace. Approval form must be signed by instructor and department chair before registration. (May be taken for a total of 12 units.)
HEAL 293: Topics in Health
Units: 1-3
Prerequisites: None
Repeatability Rule: Allow four completions in any combination of HEAL 293, HEAL 296.
Lecture 1 hour.
Lecture 2 hours.
Lecture 3 hours. (0837.00)
A study of relevant topics in the discipline not covered in the current selection of courses. Designed to meet special needs; content determined by participating faculty members in consultation with students and the community. Non-transfer topics only.
HEAL 296: Topics in Health
Units: 1-3
Prerequisites: None
Repeatability Rule: Allow four completions in any combination of HEAL 293, HEAL 296.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU
Lecture 1 hour.
Lecture 2 hours.
Lecture 3 hours. (0837.00)
A study of relevant topics in the discipline not covered in the current selection of courses. Designed to meet special needs; content determined by participating faculty members in consultation with students and the community.
HEAL 298: Directed Studies in Health
Units: 1-3
Prerequisites: Permission of instructor and department chair.
Acceptable for Credit: CSU
Laboratory 3 hours.
Laboratory 6 hours.
Laboratory 9 hours. (0837.00)
Individualized study, project or research in area of particular interest to the student and not included in the regular courses of the college. Approval form must be signed by instructor and department chair before registration. (May be taken for a total of 3 units.)