Foundations of Health

Kimberly Slepchuk, M.Ed.
Job Title: Academic & Career Advisor
Bio: I have been involved with the FOH program since its inception at HCC – first as an instructor for HTH 101, then advising students who were in our prehealth major. Beginning in 2012, I started advising FOH students full time. Foundations of Health was the first program on campus to have a dedicated advisor within the major to assist students with their career and academic pathway. I have had the pleasure to work with many students pursuing a career in healthcare. I meet with students on campus, over the phone, or via email to discuss their individual goals and assist with college navigation, challenges, and successes as they continue their academic and career journey.
Outside of HCC: I teach health and wellness classes, and enjoy spending time with my family and friends.

Elizabeth Hayward-Jansen, BSN, MPH, RN
Job Title: Faculty/Advisor
Bio: I joined the Foundations of Health team in 2013 and I currently work as an instructor and academic advisor. My background includes emergency nursing, community care management, and work with older adults (among other healthcare experiences). I am thrilled to be a part of the hard-working and dedicated FOH team at HCC! We are committed to helping students navigate college and achieve success in a wide variety of health-related careers. We welcome you to come and grow with us!
Outside of HCC: I enjoy hiking, cycling, exploring, and spending time with family and friends.

program expectations

1. Show up
2. Communicate
3. Be prepared
4. Ask for help

plagiarism

Academic integrity is expected of all students. Any dishonesty in the performance of coursework, such as plagiarism or cheating in other forms, will be reported.

In the event that a student is charged with some form of dishonesty, the Student Discipline Policy will be followed (see the Student Handbook: "Plagiarism" for additional information).

student handbook

View the HCC Student Handbook.

what is a syllabus?

It is an outline or a summary of the main points of your class:

1. Objectives
2. Goals
3. Requirements
4. Materials
5. Evaluation
6. Grading

meet with your advisor

Watch this video to learn about meeting with your FOH advisor.

steps for applying to selective programs

"Selective" means selective admissions, or many applicants for just a few slots.

1. Enroll in FOH
2. Attend information sessions
3. Take pre-requisites
4. Work with your advisor
5. Apply

transfer questions?

HCC has numerous transfer partnerships with four-year colleges, including selective ones.

Choosing to attend college to pursue a career in health care requires dedication, commitment, and many hours of studying. We want our students to be successful and to know that support toward their success is available. Foundations of Health advisors practice proactive, holistic advising.

The Foundations of Health major is for all students interested in pursuing a career in healthcare. As a Foundations of Health major, you are assigned an advisor, who will assist you as you navigate your way toward your desired healthcare career.

As a student, you want to be successful in your academics, expedite your time at HCC, network with other students interested in a healthcare career, and, above all, have a familiar face to turn to with your questions. Who will assist you? Your Foundations of Health advisor! 

How to locate your advisor

• Log into your online services
• Choose student services
• Next select Student Program & Advisor Information
• The name of your advisor will be listed

Schedule an appointment within the first month of the semester. Send your advisor an email message using your HCC email. As a student at HCC, you have an email account which is used by your instructors as well as important HCC announcements.  

After you schedule an appointment with your advisor, write the date and time into your Google calendar, which is part of your HCC email account. It is important not to miss your appointment. If you need to reschedule, use your HCC email to notify your advisor. Make a list of questions to cover, including those about academics, career goals, and your student handbook.

Your Foundations of Health advisor will also assist you with course selection, which depends on your career goal. This is very important, as healthcare programs have specific prerequisites and program requirements, so the earlier you learn which courses you need to complete, the less chance there is of your taking courses you may not need. Your Foundations of Health advisor will also show you how to register for your courses and make suggestions for networking, so you can gain experience in your desired healthcare profession.

meet with your advisor

Watch this video to learn about meeting with your FOH advisor.

steps for applying to selective programs

"Selective" means selective admissions, or many applicants for just a few slots.

1. Enroll in FOH
2. Attend information sessions
3. Take pre-requisites
4. Work with your advisor
5. Apply

What is Foundations of Health, and how do I navigate this program?
How do I find my advisor?
What classes should I take first?
What is HTH 101?
If I tested into developmental English, are there any courses I can take in this major?
What elective courses can I take in the FOH major?
How do I know what courses to take as electives if I choose the transfer option?
What is HTH 210?
Do I have to take HTH 210 if I already have my CNA license?
What kind of jobs can I get with an associate degree in Foundations of Health?
If I choose the career option degree, can I still transfer?
What does a direct care worker do?
What does a medical assistant do?
What is a medical biller/coder?
What is a community health worker?
If I am interested in the community health worker certificate, what do I need to know about HTH 209: Practicum for CHWs?
What if I'm already working as a CHW?
What if I have a CORI/SORI record?
What if I use recreational or medical marijuana?
What are the selective programs at HCC?
Is HTH 101: Introduction to Health Careers required for selective programs?
If I already know which selective degree program I want to apply to, do I still have to take all these courses?
Why it is important to have an alternate career pathway when applying to selective programs at HCC?
How can I make sure I'm competitive for admission to HCC's nursing program?
What else do you consider in the medical assisting or medical billing and coding application process besides coursework?
When is the application deadline for medical assisting or medical billing and coding?
When and how are medical assisting or medical billing and coding classes offered?
Do I have to be a full-time student to attend/complete medical assisting or medical billing and coding?
Are there additional fees associated with the medical assisting and medical billing and coding programs?

What is Foundations of Health, and how do I navigate this program?

"Foundations of Health" is the formal name for the health science program/allied health program at Holyoke Community College. FOH is designed for students interested in exploring health careers, as well as for students who intend to apply to HCC programs with selective admission (nursing, radiologic technology, veterinary technician, medical assistant, and medical billing and coding).

The FOH major offers two degree tracks: the “career” option is designed to allow students direct entry into a healthcare field upon graduation; the “transfer” option prepares students to transfer to a health-related bachelor's degree program.

How do I find my advisor?

Every FOH student is assigned an advisor. Log into Online Services using your username and password. Choose "advisor" from the menu. Your advisor should be listed there.

If there is no name listed, please visit Academic Affairs in FR 317 or call 413.552.2036 for support.

What classes should I take first?

We highly recommend that you begin with HTH 101: Introduction to Health Careers. This course offers critical information about many career options in healthcare, as well as strong support and advising when it comes to your journey at HCC.

Your score on the placement test, as well as whether you choose the career or transfer track, will determine what additional courses you should enroll in.

What is HTH 101?

HTH 101: Introduction to Health Careers is the foundation of the FOH program. It is a three-credit course in which students learn about the United States healthcare system and explore the wide range of health-related fields – including those within allied health, mental health, and public health. Some projects in this course include interviewing healthcare professionals, and researching health topics that impact local communities. HTH 101 also provides students with crucial career skills and will help identify a “backup” career plan if your primary goal is to enroll in a selective program (please see list above).

Regardless of how strong a student you are or prior work experience you have, FOH advisors strongly recommend that you take this course!

If I tested into developmental English, are there any courses I can take in this major?

Yes. Although many courses require English 101 eligibility as a prerequisite, there are several courses in FOH that you can take, including HTH 101, HTH 102, SPA 111, HTH 114, GRT 110, and HTH 210.

What elective courses can I take in the FOH major?

The FOH transfer track has 19 arts and science elective credits available, and room for one 3-4 credit general elective. The FOH career track currently has space for 4-8 credits of elective coursework from the list of suggested electives provided on the curriculum sheet, depending on what certificate a student completes as part of the FOH degree.

How do I know what courses to take as electives if I choose the transfer option?

Listed on the curriculum sheet in the course catalog for the transfer option, you will find a list of courses that fulfill the requirements for specific healthcare programs at several local colleges and universities. DegreeWorks will assist with course selection for the general education and program requirements. Log into Online Services and select “DegreeWorks.”

What is HTH 210?

HTH 210 is a six-credit field experience course designed to give students hands-on experience in healthcare while earning college credits. The HTH 210 course is linked with GRT 110: Introduction to the Study of Aging, with the option of taking GRT 110 either before the field experience or at the same time. HTH 210 houses the curriculum required for a certified nurse's assistant/aid, and at the end of the course students take the exam that certifies them as a nursing assistant (CNA). CNA certification is highly valued by three of our selective programs (nursing, radiologic technology, and vet tech) as well as by healthcare facilities and transfer programs at four-year schools.

NOTE: Students cannot be enrolled in HTH 210 until they have met immunization requirements as outlined by HCC Student Health Services office, in addition to completing a CORI/SORI background check and drug testing. All fees affiliated with this course are considered “course fees,” which means they are typically covered by financial aid pending student eligibility.

Do I have to take HTH 210 if I already have my CNA license?

No. Students with a current, unrestricted CNA license may either:

1. Request a waiver from FOH department chair if you do not need the six credits to graduate with the degree; OR
2. Take the HTH 210 challenge exam (there is a cost associated with this) along with other requirements in order to obtain six college credits for this course.

What kind of jobs can I get with an associate degree in Foundations of Health?

With the FOH career track, a student will earn an associate degree as well as a certificate in one of four areas: medical assisting; medical billing and coding; direct healthcare worker; or community health worker. In addition, you will be able to sit for the certified nurses assistant/aid exam, the medical assisting exam, or the medical billing & coding exam. Many students are able, depending on skill set, to work as patient care technicians, home health aides, personal care attendants, and some entry-level human services positions. Graduating with an associate degree, in addition to having a healthcare certificate, is a very desirable attribute for a potential employer.

Students in the FOH transfer track are well positioned for transfer to four-year schools to earn bachelor's degrees in public health, occupational therapy, health administration, and many other allied health majors.

If I choose the career option degree, can I still transfer?

Yes. HCC has an articulation agreement with Elms College in Chicopee, Mass. Once a student completes the A.S. Degree in Foundations of Health, the student can apply to Elms for a Bachelor's in Health Services Administration. This is a 20-month, weekend-only program based on the HCC campus and taught jointly by Elms and HCC faculty.

If you wish to transfer to a different college under the Mass Transfer Compact, speak with your advisor about declaring as an FOH transfer major. If you have a specific school or program that you would like to transfer to, your advisor can assist you in selecting courses that could be applied toward that major.

Please contact HCC’s transfer counselors with any additional questions.

What does a direct care worker do?

A direct care worker (DCW) helps patients with their healthcare needs in a variety of settings including nursing homes, hospitals, hospices, rehabilitation centers, and assisted living facilities. DCWs can also work in a patient’s private home as a home health aide. The DCW certificate combines the specialized training that meets both state and federal standards with academic coursework that students need to successfully apply for entry-level positions.

What does a medical assistant do?

A medical assistant performs basic administrative, clinical, and clerical duties under the direct supervision of a licensed health care provider. Medical assistants are employed in healthcare centers, hospitals, and physician offices. Duties may include maintaining electronic health records for patient data; reimbursement and claims submissions; performing basic phlebotomy and electrocardiography procedures; obtaining patient history and vital signs; and preparing patients for examination.

Upon successful completion of the medical assisting registry exam, as administered by the American Medical Technologists, the student will become a registered medical assistant (RMA).

What is a medical biller/coder?

Medical billers and coders perform medical billing and coding procedures in an electronic environment in order to complete health insurance claims required by the health insurance industry. Students learn how to dictate, transcribe, format, and edit various types of medical reports and correspondence and become proficient in the use of all relevant coding systems.

Upon successful completion of coursework, students can sit for state and national exams, the passing of which will qualify them for employment in physician offices, insurance and billing departments, health information management departments, and hospitals.

What is a community health worker?

A community health worker (CHW) is a frontline public health worker who performs activities to promote, support, and protect the health of individuals, families, and communities through client advocacy, health education, and assistance in navigating the health system. CHWs may also serve as a bridge between a healthcare organization and an underserved community. CHW students will also gain experience towards the required hours necessary to apply for state certification through a three-credit practicum.

If I am interested in the community health worker certificate, what do I need to know about HTH 209: Practicum for CHWs?

This three-credit class offers students the opportunity to learn in a work setting while obtaining practical experience in community health work. Students will work for a minimum of 125 hours at an internship at a local healthcare or social service organization, and participate in a weekly seminar to discuss their fieldwork and apply academic theory to practice. These hours may then be applied toward the required hours of work experience for state certification.

Prerequisite(s): HTH 104 with a grade of C or better. Students are also required to meet with the CHW program coordinator during the semester prior to enrolling in HTH 209 in order to secure a practicum placement.

What if I’m already working as a CHW?

If you are already working as a community health worker, with your supervisor and employer’s approval you may complete your practicum class as part of your current CHW position. You will need to check with the CHW program at HCC regarding health clearance requirements. You will still be required to attend class one day per week, in addition to completing your practicum hours.

NOTE: Students cannot be enrolled in HTH 209 until they have met immunization requirements as outlined by HCC Student Health Services office, in addition to completing a CORI/SORI background check and drug testing. All fees affiliated with this course are considered “course fees,” which means they are typically covered by financial aid pending student eligibility.

What if I have a CORI/SORI record?

Eligibility for entry into health science programs require completion of CORI/SORI background checks. Results of these checks do not automatically prevent individuals from enrolling in particular health-related programs, but can impact program enrollment, which may vary depending on the program a student wishes to attend.

For example, background checks for nursing or other direct patient care programs tend to be stricter, while programs such as community health worker often value and prioritize folks with unique lived experience in order to work in the health/human service fields. A CORI/SORI history will not necessarily preclude you from entry into a health-related program; however, final determination will be made on an individual basis by the dean of health sciences. Students are strongly encouraged to disclose any history of CORI/SORI to the dean of health sciences in order to determine whether the results will impact their enrollment.

What if I use recreational or medical marijuana?

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts passed a law legalizing medical marijuana in 2013 and legalizing recreational marijuana in 2016. These laws can be confusing to students wishing to enroll in a health science program at a community college, because they imply to students that use of marijuana is acceptable for entry into health science, allied health, and nursing programs, which is not necessarily the case. At this point in time, marijuana is still recognized as an illegal narcotic under federal law, and as an institution of higher education, HCC’s policies align with the federal law – not the state law.

Almost all health science programs require students to complete a clinical placement, practicum, or field placement in order to obtain necessary experience and skills to enter the workforce. Any clinical placement in the health science division at HCC requires drug testing prior to placement. The majority of our clinical placement sites also abide by the federal law where marijuana is recognized as an illegal narcotic.

Therefore, students wishing to enter a clinical or direct patient care field (CNA, nursing, rad tech, medical assisting, etc.), may not be able to be placed in a clinical placement, which would mean they could not successfully complete a degree program – even if the student has a medical marijuana card. However, the dean of the health sciences division will meet with individual students who have a medical marijuana card, or possess any other drug testing-related issues. Determination of eligibility for clinical placement will be made on an individual basis. Students who have questions regarding this policy should contact the dean of health sciences directly to address any concerns.

HCC’s Marijuana Policy

Although Massachusetts law now permits the use of medical marijuana and the possession, use, distribution, and cultivation of marijuana in limited amounts, federal law, including the Federal Controlled Substances Act of 1970, the Drug Free Workplace Act of 1988, and the Drug Free Schools and Communities Act of 1989, prohibits the possession, use, distribution, and/or cultivation of marijuana at educational institutions. Further, as marijuana remains classified as an illegal narcotic under federal law, institutions of higher education that receive federal funding are required to maintain policies prohibiting the possession and use of marijuana on their campuses. Accordingly, the possession, use, distribution, or cultivation of marijuana, even for medical purposes, is prohibited on all community college property or at college sponsored events and activities.

What are the selective programs at HCC?

Nursing, practical nursing, radiologic technology, veterinary technician, medical assisting, and medical billing and coding.

Please work closely with your FOH advisor if you’re planning to apply to any of the selective programs.

Is HTH 101: Introduction to Health Careers required for selective programs?

No. HTH 101 is not required for any of the selective programs. However, many students find this course helpful in clarifying their career goals and preparing for a successful career in healthcare. Furthermore, FOH advisors strongly urge students to take this course in order to create a suitable alternate career pathway in the event the student is not accepted into the selective program of choice.

If I already know which selective degree program I want to apply to, do I still have to take all these courses?

No, you do not need to complete the entire Foundations of Health degree program prior to applying to a selective program. However, the FOH career or transfer tracks offer great support for the many students each year who are not accepted into a selective program. It is recommended that students who are not at the top of their class take advantage of these other offerings in order to keep their options open. If you are planning to apply to nursing, radiographic technology, medical assisting, or medical billing and coding, it is highly recommended that you enroll in the FOH career option, which will provide you with additional training as an entry level health professional. If you know your long-term goal is to transfer to a four-year nursing or allied health program, the transfer option is the best fit.

Why it is important to have an alternate career pathway when applying to selective programs at HCC?

There are many applicants for the selective programs, and the number of seats in each program versus the number of applicants is quite small. For example:

450 individuals applied to nursing (LPN and RN)
4 were admitted to 1 + 1 program
7 were admitted to LPN to RN program
54 were admitted to RN program
11 were admitted to LPN program

A total of 76 individuals out of 450 applicants is roughly a 17% acceptance rate.

To explore the many career pathways in healthcare, visit Western Mass Health Careers.

How can I make sure I’m competitive for admission to HCC’s nursing program?

The application process is competitive and your file will be ranked using the following:

1. Grade point average (GPA) for those courses applicable to the nursing curriculum (e.g. English, psychology, anatomy and physiology, etc.) The more general education courses completed with excellent grades (A-B), the better.
2. Two or more years of work experience in the field of healthcare. Examples: Direct patient care with current unencumbered certification and experiences: CNA, Corpsman/Medics, licensed mental health worker, EMT/paramedic with a license, vet tech, surg. tech, medical assistant. Online verification or documentation must be provided for any certification. No points for indirect care or volunteer work.
3. Educational background (prior degrees completed)
4. PAX Exam: Minimum score of 50% in English Verbal. There is no minimum score for math and science, but higher scores (100+) may increase a student’s eligibility for admission. Candidates should prepare to do their best on all sections. Scores are valid for two application cycles.

Minimum academic requirements

• Math Proficiency/Placement: ≥ 82 in Algebra or completion of MTH 095: Intermediate Algebra or MTH 099: Introductory and Intermediate Algebra, or comparable with a C- or better from an accredited college or university.
• English Proficiency/Placement: ≥ 70 in reading and ≥ 80 in the sentence skills portion of the CPT or ability to enter college-level coursework in English. English competency may also be demonstrated through college coursework (completion of English Composition I).
• Science Proficiency: The HCC biology department requires the successful completion (C or better) of BIO 107 prior to taking anatomy and physiology. This prerequisite may be waived by passing the biology challenge exam. Testing may be scheduled by calling the assessment center.
• Completion of Anatomy & Physiology I and Anatomy & Physiology II prior to the application deadline is strongly encouraged. Nursing students must achieve a C+ or better in all nursing and laboratory sciences courses (A&P I and II and Microbiology) to remain in and graduate from the program.

What else do you consider in the medical assisting or medical billing and coding application process besides coursework?

We value work and volunteer experience in the healthcare and customer service fields, proficiency with Microsoft Office, and capacity and availability to take four program courses per semester. Applicants who apply into these programs will be sent a form on which to list these items.

When is the application deadline for medical assisting or medical billing and coding?

Rolling admissions for fall start.

When and how are medical assisting or medical billing and coding classes offered?

All courses are either online or meet in the evening.

Do I have to be a full-time student to attend/complete medical assisting or medical billing and coding?

Yes. Both these programs start in the fall of each academic year with a new group of students. Set courses run in the fall, spring, and summer, and students are expected to take them on schedule since they only run once a year. This way, students will be prepared to sit for their respective exams after they complete all certificate courses at the end of the academic year.

Are there additional fees associated with these programs?

There are additional fees associated with Medical Assisting and HTH 210. Please visit our tuition and fees page for a comprehensive breakdown of all fees associated with your program.

The HCC Foundations of Health Program provides Health Sciences students with the knowledge, skills, and behaviors to achieve their academic, professional, and personal goals as competent healthcare and public health professionals and as thoughtful, effective citizens in their communities.

Foundations of Health Students should note the College marijuana policy below and be cognizant of how it may affect their clinical, practicum, externship placements, and/or ability to continue in direct-care-based coursework including but not limited to: Nursing, Practical Nursing, Medical Assisting, Community Health Worker, Radiologic Technology, and Direct Care Worker. Please contact Kara Moriarty at kmoriarty@hcc.edu with any questions or concerns.

hcc Marijuana Policy

Although Massachusetts law now permits the use of medical marijuana and the possession, use, distribution and cultivation of marijuana in limited amounts, federal law, including the Federal Controlled Substances Act of 1970, the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988, and the Drug-Free Schools & Communities Act of 1989 prohibits the possession, use, distribution and/or cultivation of marijuana at educational institutions. Further, as marijuana remains classified as an illegal narcotic under federal law, institutions of higher education that receive federal funding are required to maintain policies prohibiting the possession and use of marijuana on their campuses. Accordingly, the possession, use, distribution or cultivation of marijuana, even for medical purposes, is prohibited on all community college property or at college sponsored events and activities.