FAQs - Allied Health | Orange Coast College

1. What is Health Occupations?

Health Occupations (Allied Health A010) is a required course to complete the application process for the School of Allied Health Professions at Orange Coast College. This course assists prospective students to learn about the application and acceptance process, and then to complete the application process. The class provides students the opportunity to make career decisions based on information learned in the class.
2. What is the purpose of the course?
Health Occupations (Allied Health A010) provides an introduction to Allied Health careers and the specific career programs offered at Orange Coast College. These career programs include:
- Cardiovascular Technology (Echocardiography and Electrocardiography)
- Dental Assisting – Services
- Diagnostic Medical Sonography (Ultrasound)
- Dietetic Technician/Nutrition Care
- Emergency Medical Services
- Medical Assistant – CCMA Eligible
- Neurodiagnostic Technology
- Polysomnography (Sleep disorders)
- Radiologic Technologist (Radiographer)
- Respiratory Care
- Speech Language Pathology Assistant
Class presentations by the program director and professionals in the field from each of the above noted career programs are a major component of this course. These 40 minute presentations are designed to give the prospective student applicant a snapshot view of that specific career including educational requirements, job responsibilities, and employment opportunities. The application process for the career program is also completed through this course. The on campus section encourages students to ask questions and hear questions others may ask about a career area.
3. When is the next Health Occupations start date?
4. How do I enroll in Health Occupations?
5. How much does the course cost?
6. How much do the specific Allied Health programs cost?
7. What is the approximate admission wait time for each program?
8. What are the prerequisites for each Allied Health program?

Each program has specific prerequisite classes that must be completed before you can be accepted into the program. A list of the prerequisites for each program can be found on the Allied Health Program Grid (PDF).

Please note that BIOL A221 – Anatomy and Physiology is highly recommended to be taken in person. Students tend to be more successful in the program when they gain hands-on experience in their Anatomy and Physiology labs.
9. Can I take any of the prerequisites at another college?
The following courses must be taken at OCC. Courses taken outside of OCC are not considered equivalent for the following courses:
- ALH A010 - Health Occupations
- RADT A100 - Radiologic Physics
- DMS A110 - Introduction to Sonography
- ALH A115 - Patient Care
Students who have completed classes at another accredited College or University, and wish to submit the transcripts for for meeting degree/certificate requirements, may send official transcripts to Orange Coast College. Currently, official transcripts take about 6 weeks to be evaluated (12 weeks for out-of-state and 4-year institutions).

If you are taking prerequisite courses outside of the Coast District, please submit your transcripts as soon as possible and speak with a General Counselor regarding any petitions that may be needed for course equivalency.

Please Note: To submit an academic petition for evaluation, your official transcripts, with final grades posted, must already be on file. Due to the high volume of requests, our evaluators will not evaluate courses prior to you completing the course.
10. How can I enroll in RADT A100 & DMS A110?
Beginning Spring 2026, RADT A100 and DMS A110 will now require permission to enroll.

To be eligible to register, students must have completed all prerequisite courses with final grades posted. The required prerequisites are:
- ALH A010 – Health Occupations
- ALH A111 – Medical Terminology
- BIOL A221 – Anatomy and Physiology (in-person lab highly encouraged)
- AS General Education
If you have completed all of these requirements, you may submit a prerequisite form to the Allied Health Office. After submitting the ALH Prereq form, please note that there will be a wait time before you are able to enroll in the class due to limited class capacity.

For assistance or to request access to the form, please email Ms. Wood at awood26@occ.cccd.edu
11. Who can I contact if I have further questions?

Frequently Asked Questions