Allied Health Professions Introduction

 Allied Health professionals aid in preventing the spread of disease, and work to diagnose, treat, and rehabilitate patients of all ages in all areas. These professionals are distinct from medical doctors or nurses, and with the help of support staff they serve an important role under the medical umbrella. We know these professionals as dental hygenists, occupational therapists, nutritionists, physical therapists, optometrists, and more. Students who complete the Pre-health program at La Sierra University go on to interesting and fulfiling careers after earning their degrees at schools like Loma Linda University. 

Programs Offered

Dental Hygiene
Pre-Professional Program

  • Quick Facts

  • Level
    Undergraduate
  • Location
    La Sierra Campus
  • Duration
    77 Units / 4 Years
  • Accreditation
    WASC
  • Curriculum Sheet

Description:

Dental Hygienists work in dental offices, school system, health-related or governmental agencies, or teach in schools of dental hygiene. The dental hygienist cleans teeth and provides other preventive dental care as well as teaches patients how to practice good oral hygiene. Hygienists examine patients’ teeth and gums, recording the presence of disease and/or abnormalities. They remove stains and plaque from teeth; take and develop dental x-rays; place temporary fillings and periodontal dressings; and smooth and polish metal restorations.

ANYRELAny Religion class (RELB, RELG, RELT, RLGN)4
ANYRELAny Religion class (RELB, RELG, RELT, RLGN)4
Choose at least 3 of the following:
ANYARTDRAM 160, FLTV118 or any ARTA or any MUHL4
ANYHSTAny History or Philosophy class 4
ANYARTSAny studio art or performing arts class (ARTS/MUPF)4
ANYHUMAny humanities class (excluding 108 and 109)4
BIOL131Human Anatomy & Physiology I5
BIOL132Human Anatomy & Physiology II5
BIOL185Medical Microbiology5
MATH121College Algebra4
Taken together:
CHEM105Introduction to Chemistry I4
CHEM105LIntroduction to Chemistry I Laboratory1
Taken together:
CHEM106Introduction to Chemistry II4
CHEM106LIntroduction to Chemistry II Laboratory1
PSYC104General Psychology4
SOCI104General Sociology4
Choose either:
ANTH215Cultural Anthropology4
HPSC106Race, Ethnicity, and Class in American History4
ENGL111College Writing3
ENGL112College Writing3
ENGL113College Writing3
Choose either:
COMM104Fundamentals of Speech4
COMM244Interpersonal Communication4
Choose either:
HLSC 214Dimensions of Health4
HLSC 225Nutrition Theory & Practice4
2 Physical activity courses: May use HLSC 120 Lifetime Fitness (2) as one of the activity courses.

Occupational Therapy
Pre-Professional Program

  • Quick Facts

  • Level
    Undergraduate
  • Location
    La Sierra Campus
  • Duration
    22 Units / 4 Years
  • Accreditation
    WASC
  • Curriculum Sheet

Description:

The occupational therapist works with persons who find it difficult to cope with physical or psychological dysfunction. They help patients improve basic motor functions and reasoning abilities, and compensate for permanent loss of function. Common disabilities seen include stroke, paralysis, brain damage, accidents of hands and arms, arthritis, birth and developmental disabilities, and emotional and mental illness. Occupational therapists assist patients in performing activities of many kinds, ranging from using a computer to caring for daily needs, such as dressing, cooking and eating. Professional practice may be in general hospitals, rehabilitation centers, geriatric homes, out-patient or home-care community programs, and private practice.

ANYRELAny Religion class (RELB, RELG, RELT, RLGN)4
ANYRELAny Religion class (RELB, RELG, RELT, RLGN)4
PSYC234Developmental Psychology4
BIOL131Human Anatomy & Physiology I5
BIOL132Human Anatomy & Physiology I5
Choose either:
MATH155Introductory Statistics4
MATH251Introduction to Statistics4
Medical Terminology: not offered at La Sierra University
Experience: A minimum of 40 hours of work/observation experience in an occupational therapy department.

Nutrition & Dietetics
Pre-Professional Program

  • Quick Facts

  • Level
    Undergraduate
  • Location
    La Sierra Campus
  • Duration
    96 Units / 4 Years
  • Accreditation
    WASC
  • Curriculum Sheet

Description:

The Registered Dietitian (RD) is a supportive member of the professional health care team who directs nutritional care to achieve optimal health of individuals and groups. Dietitians and nutritionists promote healthy eating habits, evaluates clients’ diets, and suggests diet modifications to help prevent disease and treat illnesses. RDs who manage large scale food service systems for institutions such as hospitals, prison and schools are usually referred to as Management Dietitians. Consultant Dietitians, often work under contract with various entities such as with sport teams, extended health care facilities or in a group or private practice. Dietitians in Medical Nutrition Therapy (MNT) assess nutritional needs of patients, prescribe a therapeutic plan, and assess the results. Community Dietitians work in public health clinics, supermarkets and home health agencies. Within the last few years, interest in nutrition has led to opportunities in food manufacturing, advertising and marketing. Some dietitians engage in research activities to enhance the profession.

ANYRELAny Religion class (RELB, RELG, RELT, RLGN)4
ANYRELAny Religion class (RELB, RELG, RELT, RLGN)4
Choose at least 3 of the following:
ANYARTDRAM 160, FLTV118 or any ARTA or any MUHL4
ANYHSTAny History or Philosophy class 4
ANYARTSAny studio art or performing arts class (ARTS/MUPF)4
ANYHUMAny humanities class (excluding 108 and 109)4
PSYC104General Psychology4
SOCI104General Sociology4
ANYSOCSAny Social Science Class (ANTH,PSYC, PLSC, SOCI)4
BIOL131Human Anatomy & Physiology I5
BIOL132Human Anatomy & Physiology I5
BIOL185Basic Medical Microbiology5
MATH121College Algebra4
Take together:
CHEM111General Chemistry I4
CHEM111LGeneral Chemistry I Lab1
Take together:
CHEM112General Chemistry II4
CHEM112LGeneral Chemistry II Lab1
Take together:
CHEM113General Chemistry III4
CHEM113LGeneral Chemistry III Lab1
ENGL111College Writing3
ENGL112College Writing3
ENGL113College Writing3
COMM104Fundamentals of Speech4
COMM244Interpersonal Communication4
HLSC225Nutrition Theory & Practice4
ANYEXSCAny Exercise Science Activity Class or HLSC1203
ANYEXSCAny Exercise Science Activity Class or HLSC1203
ANYChoose electives to reach 96 units0-10
ANYChoose electives to reach 96 units0-10
ANYChoose electives to reach 96 units0-10

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Program Stats

Our Alumni Work in these Occupations

  • Dental Hygienists
    8
  • Occupational Therapists
    2
  • Associate
    1
  • Cashiers
    1
  • Guidance, Career, and Academic Counselors
    1
  • Registered Nurses
    1
  • High School Spanish Teachers
    1

Our Alumni Work Here

  • Loma Linda University
    2
  • Brain Balance Achievement Centers
    1
  • Buy Buy Baby, Inc.
    1
  • Loma Linda University Heart and Surgical Hospital
    1
  • Petsmart, Inc.
    1
  • Portland Adventist Medical Center
    1
  • Escrowweb LLC
    1

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