HLSCI-101 - Introduction to Health & Healthcare Careers - Sophie Forbes-Johnson

Introduction

Welcome to Introduction to Health and Health Care Careers! My name is Sophie, and I'm excited to be your instructor for this course. I'm a clinical nutritionist and health educator with a passion for nutritional science, functional medicine and equitable access to both healthcare and food.

I have a master’s degree in nutrition & integrative health and own a private nutrition practice where I see patients who are seeking medical nutrition therapy to help manage or reverse chronic conditions and metabolic disorders, as well as people who are trying to improve their overall health and wellbeing, lose weight or improve athletic performance.

I am passionate about food as medicine but throughout my career I have been fortunate enough to work collaboratively with clinicians and experts from all corners of the healthcare world.

If you're interested in learning more about careers in health care, you're in the right place. Over the next 16 weeks we will explore the U.S. healthcare system and the many professions that make it work. You'll also hear directly from healthcare professionals as they share their career journeys, experiences, and advice, giving you valuable insight into the field. 

Whether you're interested in becoming a health care provider, or working in an allied field, understanding the different roles within the healthcare team is the first step. I hope this course helps you explore your interests and prepares you for your future career. I look forward to learning with you this semester! 

Course Description

This course introduces students to a variety of allied health occupations, including roles and responsibilities, educational preparation requirements, career planning, and an overview of the US health care system.

We will explore:

• the health care system in the US: health service categories, how to pay for health services, overall health and long term care for the aging population, medical reform as well as the role technology plays in medical and health information.
• career planning and development.
• over 40 different careers in the health care profession (including health care practitioners, technicians, support personnel and other health related professions).

Upon completion of this course, the student will be able to:

• Differentiate the roles and responsibilities, scope of practice, and educational requirements with various health occupations. Discuss the roles of various health care professionals in the current health care delivery system.
• Outline the educational background methods of credentialing and  licensing requirements of healthcare professions on a state and national level.
• Identify legal and ethical issues affecting the practice of health professionals.
• Define professionalism and the rights and responsibilities of being a health care professional as well as the factors that affect success in a health science program.

Lecture/Discussion Based; 3.0 Unit Course; 54 hours; CSU Transferable

What to Expect in this Course

This is a dual enrollment hybrid class which includes twice weekly in person class meetings on campus with the remainder of the time being conducted online. NO classes will be held on Thursday August 27th (due to Back To School Night) OR the week of November 23rd (due to Thanksgiving).

You will need access to the following:

• Canvas is used heavily in conjunction with lectures and discussions (in class and online via Canvas).
• Computer/laptop/tablet with reliable internet connection to do work inside/outside of class meetings as needed.
• Scanner: or something to use to scan, upload, and submit assignments into Canvas. (iPhone with Notes app or other apps (Camscanner, etc...).
• Folder/Notebook.
• Pens/Pencils/Highlighters.
• Weekly workload will include attending and participating in both in class and online discussions, reading assignments, research, participation activities/concept checks as well as available extra credit case study and enrichment activities.

What else is expected:

I expect you to please check your email, messages, announcements, and Canvas as well as to READ everything that is available to you often so that you are prepared.

Communication is one of the keys to your success in any environment so please do not hesitate to reach out to me should you need any assistance, clarification, or have concerns/issues.

Academic honesty and integrity as well as respectable and courteous behavior is also expected in any learning environment. Please conduct yourself with professionalism both on campus and in the virtual classroom. Being rude; use of profanity or derogatory expressions; intolerant views of others; refusal to follow directions; discourtesy toward the instructor and/or fellow students; not treating others with respect, and/or cheating, WILL NOT BE TOLERATED. This includes the uncredited use of AI to complete assignments. 

Any student who chooses to conduct themselves in any of these ways will be warned ONLY one time. If a second occurrence happens, disciplinary steps will be taken. In the event of particularly offensive behavior, the student will be dropped from the course immediately and recommended for disciplinary action by the College will be taken.

Types of Assessments

This hybrid course includes mandatory weekly on-campus class meetings, as listed in the Schedule of Classes, along with online coursework that you will complete on your own time, including readings, videos, assignments, activities, and studying.

At the start of the course, students are expected to log in and do the initial course orientation assignments on the first day of class. Students who do not complete the syllabus agreement and orientation module on the first day may be dropped from the class. On a typical week, students can expect to have assignments (e.g., discussion boards, knowledge check quizzes, participation activities). By the end of this course, students will complete a 3-4 page final project. 

Assessments will include the following:

• Quizzes throughout the semester to assess understanding of the material covered.
• Participation, written chapter activities/concept checks as well as in class and online discussions.
• Group project with short presentation.
• Portfolio paper: research and explore all aspects of a potential career in health care.
• Extra credit will be available by completing written case studies and enrichment activities of your choice.

***There may be other opportunities for additional extra credit throughout the course.

Textbook Information

Textbook information: Introduction to Health Professions by Stanfield, P.S.; Cross, N, McWay, D, 8th edition, Jones and Bartlett Learning, ISBN: 978-1-284-21945-6

The textbook IS REQUIRED. Please check out your textbook from your library.

Other Relevant Course Information

I am here to help you succeed! Please do not hesitate to reach out should you need to. You can talk to me before class, contact me via Canvas email, or come to scheduled office hours as needed.

• Dedication to your education and self-motivation are required for any learning format that is not fully face-to-face. Please be advised that when you leave the classroom, you will still have "work" to complete on your own time. This aspect of this course should not be taken lightly.
• Please check your email and Canvas OFTEN so you are not missing any information. If you are not willing to or are unable to do this, please reconsider taking the class.
• I strongly recommend that you practice logging onto Canvas prior to the start of class, to make sure any potential problems are addressed sooner than later. This is especially important if you have never taken a class that relies on technology to deliver course content before.
• For help, you can contact student support; contact computer support; contact canvas Help;  or call the Canvas Help Desk in the Tutoring, Learning & Computing Center (TLC) at 661-362-3351, extension 3344 for assistance.

Additional Resources

Canvas

This course can be accessed on the first day of class via Canvas at https://coc.instructure.com. Log into Canvas using your CanyonsID single sign-on:

• CanyonsID Username is your COC student email address (Ex: username@my.canyons.edu)
• CanyonsID Password is your COC student email password

Please visit the Get to Know Your Online Classroom page for help logging into Canvas and for tips on using Canvas and Zoom. Canvas Chat Support is also available 24/7 for any Canvas related issues.

Online Education

Check out the Online Education website for more information on a variety of topics that can help you be a successful online student such as: exam proctoring, learning styles, computer skills, and tips for student success. If this is your first online course, feel free to take our online learning readiness assessment to assess your skills.

The Learning Center (TLC)

The TLC provides FREE online tutoring resources to COC students!

Academic Accommodation Center (AAC)

College of the Canyons AAC provides educational services and access for eligible students with documented disabilities who intend to pursue coursework at COC. A variety of programs and services are available which afford eligible students with disabilities the opportunity to participate fully in all aspects of the college programs and activities through appropriate and reasonable accommodations. For more information on their services visit the Academic Accomodation Center website.

Online Counseling

The Counseling Department offers appointments online. You can schedule an appointment by visiting the Online Counseling website. Counselors can help you map out a plan to reach your educational goals as well as advise you on course selection and registration.

Management of Stress and Mental Health

Often the pressure on our students is very strong, involving academic commitments, relationships, outside jobs and family pressure to name a few. The staff and faculty of College of the Canyons are here to see you succeed academically and care about your emotional and physical health. You can learn more about the broad range of confidential student services, including counseling and mental health services available on campus by visiting the Student Health & Wellness Center in the Student Services Building (across from the bookstore). The phone number is 661-362-3259 that you can call 24/7. You can also e mail for an appointment at StudentHealthCenter@canyons.edu. At the Canyon Country Campus the Health Center will be in the new Student Services Building.

Also, the National Suicide & Crisis Lifeline number is now 988. All students at COC are encouraged to enter that phone number in their cells. You can call it when you, or someone you know, is having thoughts of suicide or is in severe distress.

You can also now use the Crisis Text Line: Just text "Courage" to 741741. Someone will get back to you immediately. Its free, 24/7, and confidential.

Veterans Resource Center

The College of the Canyons Veterans Resource Center is a department within the Student Services Division at the college, created to help veterans and veteran dependents with applying to College of the Canyons, enrolling in classes, and requesting VA Education or Vocational Benefits. For more information please visit the Veterans Resource Center website, email veterans@canyons.edu or phone (661) 362-3469.

Library

The Library provides live online and in-person research help, access to a full range of e-resources and physical materials that support the curriculum, individual and group study areas, and much more!

Last updated: 08/15/2026 Sub#: 2073 Sub ID: 218796