Department Programs in the Health Sciences
Health sciences programs are organized into three departments. Specific degree plan information is available by department. These programs are also responsible for closely related health sciences transfer degrees. The departments and their respective programs include:
- Department of Allied Health
- Health Information Technology
- Medical Assisting
- Medical Laboratory Technology
- Occupational Therapy Assistant
- Pharmacy Technology
- Physical Therapist Assistant
- Pre-Medical Technology
- Respiratory Therapy
- Surgical Technology
- Department of Dental Imaging and Technology
- Dental Assisting
- Dental Hygiene
- Diagnostic Medical Sonography
- Echocardiography
- Radiologic Technology
- Department of Nurse Education
- Nurse Education
- Professional Nursing - Registered Nurse to Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Bachelor of Science in Nursing Degree
- Registered Nurse Education
- Registered Nurse Education - LVN/Paramedic to RN Transition
- Vocational Nurse Education
The certification programs in health sciences are designed to
- provide educational opportunities to students who desire employment in health or health-related facilities upon attainment of a certificate
- provide students the opportunity to build upon their earned certificate and complete an Associate of Applied Science degree.
The Associate of Applied Science degree programs in the health sciences are designed to
- provide educational opportunities to high school or General Education Development (GED) graduates who desire to enter health programs leading to the associate degree
- provide the first two years of education leading to a bachelor's degree in health fields.
If students intend to continue education at another institution, they should carefully relate these programs to those at the college to which they plan to transfer. Prospective students should consult with a program advisor for specific information.
Accreditation and Approval
Programs are accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges as listed earlier in this catalog, and all are approved by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board, Community College and Technical Institutes Division. Specific programs are approved by the professional accrediting agency of each area; advisory committees and boards assist each department in curricula and standards.
Grades and Reports
Health sciences program grades are recorded as "A" (100–90); "B" (89–83); "C" (82–75); "D" (74–70); "F" (below 70) failing. A final grade of "D" or "F" in any course in the student's major in the health sciences programs will automatically remove a student from eligibility to continue in that program until the unsatisfactory grades are removed. Removal can be done only by readmission to the program.
A minimum grade of "C" is required for all health sciences students in all courses to remain in good standing in all health sciences programs.
A student may be recommended for dismissal for failing grades, cheating, inappropriate behavior or attitude, or unsatisfactory clinical performance in any and all health sciences programs. An evaluation of unsatisfactory (unsafe) clinical performance will supersede any classroom grade and will, therefore, mean failure for the semester.
Liability
In accordance with clinical affiliation policies, all health sciences students are required to purchase professional liability insurance in order to continue their program of study. Students are responsible for their own health and accident insurance.