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Health Occupations programs and courses of instruction are designed to prepare students for employment in Nursing or Allied Health occupations after one or two years of study.

The technical programs offered through the Health Occupations Division are college-level programs of study that have been developed by advisory committees comprised of representatives from the fields of education and health disciplines. Students who complete all courses prescribed in a particular curriculum receive an Associate of Applied Science degree or Certificate of Proficiency. Many of the degree and certificate programs are nationally accredited. These programs are primarily designed to meet state and national licensure and certification requirements. Students desiring information on the transferability of courses within these programs to university baccalaureate programs should consult the program advisor, the counseling staff, or a representative at the transfer school.

South Plains College offers a number of health occupation programs which award a Certificate of Proficiency upon successful completion. These college-level certificate programs are designed to provide specialized training for a particular health discipline in a relatively short period of time. Most certificate programs can be completed in one year. The courses in these programs are designed to prepare persons for employment in the current job market or in emerging occupations. All health occupation programs are approved by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board and the State Approval Agency for the Veterans Administration.

Minimum competency levels for graduation have been established for all programs in this division. These competency levels have been determined by business and industry advisory committees comprised of employers and representatives from the professional medical community and by accrediting bodies. Competency levels generally are acquired over the prescribed course length unless the program instructor grants a student advanced standing on the basis of previous experience and/or education or certifies the student has reached a demonstrated proficiency level sufficient for early graduation.

Programs in the Health Occupations Division are under the administrative direction of Sue Ann Lopez, Dean of Health Occupations.

Departments and Programs of Study

South Plains College offers selected health occupations programs on its Levelland Campus, the SPC Reese Center and the Plainview Extension Center. The division is organized into two departments that offer 19 individual programs and curriculum options.

Special Supplies and Equipment

Certain supplies and equipment are required in laboratory work in specified technical programs. Supply lists are determined at the discretion of the instructor. Equipment and supplies purchased by the student are the responsibility of the student. Since the requirements and costs vary according to the specific program, students should contact the program instructors for information regarding required supplies.

Safety Recommendations for Allied Health Students

This policy is recommended for the protection of students enrolled in the Health Occupations Division who may be exposed to disease and illness through their clinical and practicum experiences.

A physical examination may be required for some programs. Evidence of a recent negative tuberculin (Mantoux) PPD intradermal test or negative chest x-ray is required.

Submission of a record of poliomyelitis vaccination, diphtheria and tetanus toxoid immunization is required. A complete vaccination series for Hepatitis B or proof of immunity is required. If the student has not had measles (Rubeola or Rubella) or mumps (epidemic parotitis) immunizations for these diseases are required. Immunization for chicken pox is recommended. For more information on immunizations, contact the director of the program of study.

Verification of Workplace Competencies

To qualify for associate degrees or certificates, students must demonstrate eligibility through a capstone experience or an external learning experience during the last semester of the student’s educational program.

Criminal Background Checks

All students accepted to a Health Occupations Program may be subjected to a criminal background check. This may be completed by the college, clinical site or accrediting agency depending on the program of study.

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