Health & Medical:
Bachelor's Degrees

The Animal BioHealth/Pre-Professional option prepares students for professional careers in veterinary medicine, and animal science teaching and research. Extensive training is provided in the biological and physical sciences, offering an excellent foundation for graduate study.

Requirements include the core curriculum and additional credits as required by the College of Veterinary Medicine. The Animal BioHealth/Pre-Professional option is designed for students interested in fulfilling requirements for admission to the OSU College of Veterinary Medicine. It allows students who are admitted to the college, upon completion of three years of undergraduate study, to apply credit earned during the first year of professional study toward the BS degree in Animal Sciences. Students choosing not to attend veterinary school after the third year of this program may complete additional requirements to qualify for the BS degree in Animal Sciences.

​

Oregon State University

Rewarding career helping children and adults with speech, language, swallowing, and hearing disorders in the growing fields of speech-language pathology, audiology, health, and education. Support children with developmental disorders and adults with traumatic brain injuries.
You will learn how we speak, hear, swallow, and process language — and how disorders of those systems can affect communication, education, and daily life.
 

With a bachelor’s degree, you can apply to graduate and professional schools to become speech-language pathologists, audiologists, physical and occupational therapists, special educators, rehabilitation counselors, and other health-care providers. A Bachelor's degree also opens doors to work in support and administrative jobs in schools, hospitals, businesses, and organizations, including:

speech-language pathology assistant, audiology assistant, classroom assistant, special education aide, early childhood teachers, rehabilitation or health aide, health-care administrator, social service coordinator or research assistant.

​

Portland State University - Speech & Hearing Sciences

University of Oregon - Communication Science & Disorders

Portland State University - Certificate for students with Bachelor's degree in another field

Dental hygienists are licensed dental health care professionals. They provide the following types of care for patients of all ages in dental clinics:

• Dental cleanings and preventative care

• Diagnostic imaging

• Oral health assessment, screening, and education

• Periodontal (gum) disease treatment

• Local anesthetic administration and Nitrous oxide sedation

• Place and finish dental fillings

 

Central Oregon students can complete pre-requisite courses at COCC and apply for Associate or Bachelor degree programs in Dental Hygiene at other Oregon colleges and universities (all programs are selective admissions). See Associate degree options in Oregon.

​

Oregon Institute of Technology - Bachelor of Science (Salem & Klamath, also offer online Bachelor degree completion for students with an Associates Degree)

Pacific University - Bachelor of Science

Radiologic technologists create images of patients’ bodies using medical equipment to help doctors diagnose and treat diseases and injuries. Radiologic technologists, or x-ray techs, perform diagnostic imaging examinations in both clinic and hospital settings. Certification in general radiography opens the door to pathways towards specialty imaging modalities like CT, MRI, ultrasound, mammography, and more.

 

Central Oregon students can complete pre-requisite courses at COCC and apply for Associate or Bachelor degree programs in Diagnostic Imaging at other Oregon colleges and universities (all programs are selective admissions). See Associate degree options in Oregon.

​

Oregon Institute of Technology

• Diagnostic Imaging & Radiologic Science

• Diagnostic Medical Sonography (ultrasound)

• Echocardiography

• Nuclear Medicine and Molecular Imaging Technology

• Vascular Technology

The Emergency Medical Services (EMS) program offers students a diversified education experience designed to develop strong field provider skills, as well as EMS management and leadership training.

Provides graduates with practical training in three core areas; general business management training, specific EMS industry management training and finally advanced clinical training (EMT & Paramedic).

​

Oregon Institute of Technology & Oregon Health Sciences University (Portland)

Coursework focuses on the application of the biological, physical, social and behavioral sciences in the study of physical activity and sport, and their effects on the health, fitness and quality of life of people of all ages and abilities. Prepares students for employment and graduate school in areas related to kinesiology and exercise, including health professions such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, chiropractic, nutrition and dietetics, physician assistant, athletic training, wellness coaching, education, as well as medicine, public health, and research.

​

Western Oregon University: Exercise Science

Southern Oregon University: Health & Exercise Science

Portland State University & Oregon Health Sciences University: Applied Health & Fitness

University of Oregon: Human Physiology

Oregon State University: Kinesiology

Oregon State University - Cascades: Kinesiology

Bushnell University - Kinesiology

Corban University - Kinesiology and Bio-Kinetics

George Fox University - Kinesiology

Linfield University - Exercise Science

Multnomah University - Exercise Science

Pacific University - Kinesiology

Willamette University - Exercise & Health Science

Healthcare Administration & Management: Prepares students to manage the business operations of medical organizations. Students receive instruction on the fundamentals of business, healthcare administration, employee management, quality assurance, finance, and data analytics. Healthcare administrators plan, direct, and coordinate the medical and support services in healthcare (including policies and procedures).

​

Health Informatics: Rapidly developing scientific field that utilizes computer technology in the advancement of health care. Combines computer technologies, information science, clinical practice and business management. It is the study of how health data are collected, stored and communicated; how those data are processed into health information suitable for administrative and clinical decision making; and how computer and telecommunications technology can be applied to support these processes.

​

• Southern Oregon University - Healthcare Administration with concentrations in data analytics, community public health, and personnel management.

• Oregon Institute of Technology

  • Healthcare Management

  • Health Informatics

• George Fox University: Healthcare Administration

​

Certified veterinary technicians provide the day-to-day care essentials that assist veterinarians in treating animal patients of all types from pets to wildlife to farm animals. They are trained in a wide range of  advanced skills including radiology, diagnostic testing, dental care, lab work, assisting in surgery, and anesthetic monitoring.

​

University of Portland - Bachelor of Science in Integrative Health & Wellness: Dedicated to empowering students to acquire an evidence-informed relationship with their own physical, psychosocial, and spiritual health. Students also gain the skills required to engage with individuals, organizations, communities, and populations to promote sustainable well-being. Prepares students for a professional future in integrative medicine, population health, or health coaching as well as pursuing health profession graduate programs.

​

American College of Health Care Sciences - Undergraduate programs:

• Integrative Health Sciences with specializations in Aromatherapy & Herbal Medicine

• Holistic Nutrition

National University of Natural Medicine

• Nutrition

• Integrative Health Sciences

Medical Laboratory Science is the science behind diagnostic testing. It is estimated that up to 75% of clinicians' decisions regarding a patient's diagnosis and treatment are based on laboratory test results. By analyzing blood, body fluids and tissues, medical laboratory scientists generate the data needed to assist physicians in a variety of tasks, including diagnosing and managing diseases and maintaining patient health. Designed around intensive coursework in biology and chemistry, specialized study of the immune system, body chemistry, and the hematological system, and extensive clinical lab work using state-of-the-art equipment to analyze real human samples.

​

Oregon Institute of Technology & Oregon Health Sciences University (partnership program)

Undergraduate education in a science related field can help students launch a career into many different health care pathways. For example, students intending to apply to a graduate degree program in health care may choose to earn their Bachelor degree in a science field.  Science degrees can also launch students into careers in laboratory science, research, pharmaceuticals, bioengineering, biomedical product development and so much more. Related Bachelor's degrees:

​

• Biology

• Chemistry

• Biochemistry: Coursework on fundamental chemical and physical systems, biology, and chemical systems and processes underlying biology

• Biophysics: Coursework in physical chemistry and physics, bioinformatics, statistics, and mathematics

• Molecular Biology: Learn about the chemical, cellular, genetic and molecular processes of life, including: genetics, bioinformatics, metabolic regulation, RNA processing, and chromosome structure.

• Bioengineering: Bioengineers create new materials, devices, and processes for medical applications and biotech industries, including: pharmaceuticals, drug delivery systems, diagnostic tools, implants, and imaging systems, biomaterials, and bioreactors.

• Microbiology: Learn about microbes and small organisms such as bacteria, viruses, and parasites that are at the center of many of the world's most urgent health and environmental problems.  Address environmental, medical and molecular biological problems.

 

Many universities offer related science programs - Explore university "Academic Programs" websites for more information.

​

Neuroscience studies the relationship between the brain and behavior with coursework in biology, human physiology, psychology, chemistry, math, physics, molecular/cellular neuroscience, systems neuroscience, and cognitive neuroscience. With a neuroscience degree, many students apply to graduate programs in medicine, physical therapy, occupational therapy, and other health and psychology-related fields. Graduates will also be equipped for science-related government, nonprofit, health industry, and research jobs.

​

University of Oregon

Oregon State University (Option in Biochemistry & Biophysics program)

Students studying nutrition learn the following: Understand the behaviors and social factors behind dietary choices; learn how food can help manage diseases and reduce the risk of others; and create healthy meals and menus using local ingredients. Practice counseling individuals who want to improve their overall health. Students completing this program can continue their education into graduate school to become a dietician.  Additionally, this major is a good choice for students interested in pursuing graduate school admissions (physician, nurse practitioner, physician assistant, and more).

​

Oregon State University

American College of Health Care Sciences - Holistic Nutrition

National University of Natural Medicine

Public health includes a wide variety of careers that focus on the following skills and responsibilities: disease & injury prevention, health promotion, health and social equity, environmental sustainability, health education & coaching, advocacy, addressing health disparities, case management, developing health policies & programs, health program management, community needs assessment, healthcare reform, disaster preparedness, workplace safety, epidemiology, and so much more. Work settings include health departments, government agencies, non-profit & social service organizations, medical clinics, academic institutions, and international health. There are many undergraduate pathways to choose in public health:

​

Western Oregon University

• Public Health

• Gerontology - Aging & Older Adulthood

Portland State University & Oregon Health Sciences University partnership:

• Applied Health & Fitness

• Public Health concentrations: Health Aging, Community Health Promotion, Health Services Administration, Clinical Health Science, School Health Educator & Indigenous Health

• Lactation (certificate)

Oregon State University

• Public Health

• Health Management & Policy

• Health Promotion & Health Behavior

• Human Development & Family Sciences

Oregon Institute of Technology - Population Health Management

Linfield University - Public Health: Health Promotion

Pacific University - Public Health

Warner Pacific University - Human Development

Willamette University - Public Health

Prepares Radiation Therapists to work in the field of Radiation Oncology, a highly specialized branch of medicine that utilities ionizing radiation in the treatment of disease. Students gain a strong foundation in oncological diseases, physics, patient care and clinical skills. Technical skills gained will allow students to utilize ionizing-radiation producing equipment in the treatment of cancer for both curative and palliative purposes.

​

Oregon Health Sciences University

​

Provide care for patients in a wide variety of settings including hospitals, clinics, schools, public health departments, hospice, and more. Nurses monitor, record and report symptoms or changes in patient condition. They maintain accurate patient reports and obtain medical histories. They administer medications, obtain laboratory specimens, perform diagnostic tests, provide wound care and other interventions, supervise nursing assistants, and provide patient education and case management.

 

Students are eligible to become registered nurses after completing an Associate of Applied Science or a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree. Additionally, they must pass the NCLEX-RN exam after completing their degree.  It is required that students complete a Bachelor's of Science in Nursing if they plan to apply to graduate school to pursue advanced practice such as a Nurse Practitioner.

 

Explore Associate of Applied Science Registered Nurse programs

​

RN programs require selective admissions application and many are very competitive to get into.  It is recommended that students apply to more than one school.  Research each school's admission requirements because they vary by school (also attend RN program Information Sessions if offered).  The Pre-Nursing Advisor at COCC assists students with creating an academic plan to apply to the COCC RN program as well as other programs across the state (and beyond). All RN programs require pre-requisites which take about 1-2 years to complete. Once admitted into an RN program, it will take another 2-3 years to complete the degree.

 

Bachelor of Science - Registered Nurse programs:

• Southern Oregon University (OHSU program)

  • Bachelor of Science in Nursing

  • Accelerated BSN (for those with a Bachelor's degree in another field)

• Oregon Health Sciences University

  • Bachelor of Science in Nursing

  • Accelerated BSN (for those with a Bachelor's degree in another field)

  • Registered Nurse to BSN (online, for students in an Associate degree in Nursing)

• Oregon Institute of Technology (OHSU program)

  • Bachelor of Science in Nursing

• Bushnell University

  • Accelerated BSN (for those with a Bachelor's degree in another field)

• George Fox

  • Bachelor of Science in Nursing

• Linfield University

  • Bachelor of Science in Nursing

  • Accelerated BSN (for those with a Bachelor's degree in another field)

  • Registered Nurse to BSN (online, for students in an Associate degree in Nursing))

• University of Portland

  • Bachelor of Science in Nursing

• Warner Pacific University

  • Bachelor of Science in Nursing

• Sumner College

  • Bachelor of Science in Nursing

  • Registered Nurse to BSN (online, for students in an Associate degree in Nursing))

Respiratory Therapists is a discipline that uses scientific principles to carry out physician directed diagnosis and treatment of abnormal respiratory conditions. Students learn, in classrooms and at hospitals, about helping adults, babies, and children with breathing problems. After they finish the program, they can take an exam to become certified to work as a respiratory therapist. They can work in hospitals, medical clinics, skilled nursing facilities, home care, research, Air Life, education and medical equipment sales.

​

Central Oregon students can complete pre-requisite courses at COCC and apply for Associate or Bachelor degree programs in Respiratory Therapy at other Oregon colleges and universities (all programs are selective admissions). See Associate degree programs.

​

Oregon Institute of Technology - Bachelor of Science (also offers online Bachelor degree completion for students with an Associates Degree)

​

Prepares students for future graduate programs, across numerous healthcare fields. Students complete coursework towards their chosen major as well as pre-requisites for graduate school admissions in their field of interest. Many health care graduate programs do not specify a required major; hence, students often complete a Biology, Chemistry, or Biochemistry degree, as they already encompass many of the prerequisite courses.

​

Students interested in preparing for a graduate program in health care need to review admissions requirements on university websites so they can create an undergraduate academic plan that meets the pre-requisite course and degree requirements. Academic advisors help students develop an academic plan based on their career and graduate school goals. Many university websites provide advising and guidance for students interested in preparing for a graduate program in health care:

 

Explore Graduate Programs in Health Care

 

Academic advisors help students develop an academic plan based on their career and graduate school goals. Many university websites provide advising and guidance for students interested in preparing for a graduate program in health care:

• Eastern Oregon University

• Portland State University

• Oregon State University

  • BioHealth Sciences

  • College of Health - Pre-Health Professions

  • College of Science - Pre-Health Professions

• University of Oregon

• Pacific University

• George Fox University

​

Examples of health care graduate school pathways:

• Pre-Athletic Training

• Pre-Audiology

• Pre-Chiropractic

• Pre-Dentistry

• Pre-Medicine

• Pre-Medical Laboratory Science

• Pre-Naturopathic Physician

• Pre-Nurse Practitioner or Advanced Nursing Practice

• Pre-Occupational Therapy

• Pre-Optometry

• Pre-Pharmacy

• Pre-Physical Therapy

• Pre-Physician Assistant

• Pre-Veterinary Medicine

Students interested in pursuing a degree in Optometry can start their undergraduate education at Pacific University. The Bachelor of Science in Vision Science (BSVS) is an accelerated optometry program for exceptional undergraduate students to enter the doctor of optometry (OD) program prior to obtaining a bachelor’s degree.

​

Pacific University