Note: This program may lead to an occupational license for which a prior criminal history may make a student ineligible. For more information, please visit: https://www.dcccd.edu/hb1508.
(Skills Achievement Award)
- Students pursuing this certificate are waived from the Texas Success Initiative (TSI) standards, but must meet course prerequisites.
- Students must earn at least 25% of the credit hours required for graduation through instruction by the college awarding the degree.
Degree Plan Code: SA.HPRS.READ.II
The Health Professions Readiness Award 2 (HPRA 2) is a skills achievement award that prepares students for employment as a Patient Care Technician. To be admitted to the HPRA 2 Program, students must complete the HPRA 1 prior to admission or receive approval from the Program Coordinator.
The HPRA 2 provides didactic instruction and lab experience in the pathology and general management of diseases and injuries across the lifespan. Students will also learn the pharmacological principles of drug classifications, actions, therapeutic uses, adverse effects, and routes of administration as well as the calculation of dosages. Graduates will be able to perform head-to-toe body systems assessments, perform EKG's and identify basic arrhythmias, perform venipuncture and I.V. starts and management, handle medical records, apply basic first aid skills, utilize Universal Precautions, and develop a written patient teaching plan.
This award promotes student success in the allied health program of their choice, prepares students for application to multiple programs, results in the acquisition of Patient Care Technician workforce skills for graduates of the program, and prepares candidates for successful completion of the National Healthcareer Association (NHA) Certified Patient Care Technician/Assistant exam (CPCT/A).
Successful completion of the CPCT/A exam will result in the candidates eligibility to use the title Certified Patient Care Technician. The NHA is accredited by the National Commission for Certifying Agencies.
NOTE: Students must complete Health Professions Readiness 1 prior to admission to Health Professions Readiness 2.
| Course | Course Title | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| HPRS 2300 | Pharmacology for Health Professions | 3 |
| HPRS 2201 | Pathophysiology | 2 |
| HPRS 2210 | Basic Health Profession Skills 2 | 2 |
| Semester Total | 7 | |
| Minimum Hours Required | 7 | |
|---|---|---|
NOTE: Students enrolling in this program who plan to transfer to a four-year institution should consult an advisor or counselor regarding transfer requirements and the transferability of these courses to the four-year institution of their choice.
