People attracted to careers in this pathway like to work with people. This career path includes programs related to the promotion of health as well as the treatment of injuries, conditions, and disease. These may include medicine, dentistry, nursing, therapy and rehabilitation, nutrition, fitness, and hygiene.

BC Programs - Allied Health

Emergency Medical Technician

The Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) course consists of 120 hours, which includes 16 hours of emergency room/ambulance experience. The course prepares the student to perform basic emergency care as part of a mobile emergency team. It also provides the student with an understanding of the skills and assessment techniques needed to care for an ill or injured person in the pre-hospital setting. Upon successful completion of the course, students are eligible to take an examination for certification as an Emergency Medical Technician 1. EMT's are employed by ambulance companies and some private industries to provide emergency care in case of illness or injury. The course is required for ambulance personnel, the California Highway Patrol and many other first care providers. Students may later choose to become paramedics.

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• Certificate of Completion

Nurse Assistant

The Nurse Assistant Academy course work prepares the student to provide services to those who need health care. The student will learn the role of the caregiver, the healthcare environment, healthcare safety; adult needs in health and illness and basic care giving skills. Upon successful completion of the Nurse Assistant Academy the student is eligible to take the competency exam as a Certified Nursing Assistant by the Department of Health Services. The Nurse Assistant Employment Readiness Academy program is a 10-week program. Students with a misdemeanor and/or felony record may not receive certification or licensure from the State or County - clarification can be provided by the Bakersfield College Director of Nursing programs.

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• Certificate of Completion

Radiologic Technology

Radiologic Technology is a health care profession whose practitioners work in hospitals, imaging centers, clinics and private physician's offices. The radiologic technologist (radiographer) is a member of the health care team who works directly with the patient and the physician performing a wide variety of diagnostic x-ray procedures. The role of the graduate radiographer may be that of staff radiographer, special imaging radiographer, supervisor, administrator or educator, depending upon the level of education and experience obtained. The Radiologic Technology Program provides concurrent classroom study at Bakersfield College and clinical education leading to the Associate of Science (A.S.) degree. Once a student has completed the prerequisites for admission, the program is twenty-four months in length starting in June of the first year and ending twenty-four months later in May. This combination of didactic (classroom) education with practical, on-site clinical education affords students an opportunity to immediately put into practice what they learn. Students should anticipate making a full time commitment to the program during the regular school year. Summer sessions are required and the fall, spring and summer sessions may be scheduled beyond the regular college session dates. Clinical education sites include hospitals and imaging centers affiliated with the college. Current clinical education settings include sites in Bakersfield, CA and Delano, CA. Successful completion of the requirements of the Radiologic Technology Program makes the student eligible to write the national examination by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) and the Certified Radiologic Technologist (CRT) examination, administered by the State of California, Department of Health Services, Radiologic Health Branch. The student is also eligible to write the fluoroscopy permit examination administered by the State of California, Radiologic Health Branch. Students must earn a minimum of "C" in all radiography courses and have met all clinical education objectives to be recommended for the above examinations.

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• Associate in Science

Registered Nursing

Registered nursing education prepares the graduate to provide services to those who need healthcare. As needs are varied so are educational programs, which may proceed from the simpler to the more complex in accordance with the career ladder concept. The progression reads: nurse assistant, licensed vocational nurse, registered nurse, and other nurses with Bachelor of Science, Master of Science or Doctorate in Nursing and special certifications. The role of a new graduate is usually that of a staff nurse. With additional education, a nurse may advance to a position of supervisor, administrator, clinical specialist, educator, or researcher. Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) is a four-semester program after the prerequisite courses have been completed. In addition, students must complete all the Bakersfield College general education requirements for graduation. Upon successful completion of the ADN Program, graduates are eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination for licensure as a Registered Nurse in the State of California.

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• Associate in Science

Vocational Nursing

Vocational nursing education prepares the graduate to provide services to those who need healthcare. As needs are varied so are educational programs, which may proceed from the simpler to the more complex in accordance with the career ladder concept. The progression reads: nurse assistant, licensed vocational nurse, registered nurse, and other nurses with Bachelor of Science, Master of Science, Doctorate in Nursing and special certifications. The vocational nurse practices under the direction of a licensed physician or a registered nurse.

Vocational Nursing (VN) is a three-semester program after the prerequisite courses have been completed. Students may also choose to complete the general education requirements of the College and obtain an Associate of Liberal Arts Degree. The College does not award an AA in Vocational Nursing. Consult the Bakersfield College Catalog or the Counseling Center for specific requirements.

Upon successful completion of the VN Program, graduates are eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses for licensure as a Vocational Nurse in the State of California.

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• Certificate of Achievement

BC Department Websites

To further explore career possibilities in this career pathway, try these sites:

Professional Associations

If an association has a website, you may find the information you need there. You may also write to request helpful career information. Be sure to include a stamped, self-addressed envelope.

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