Courses

Introduction to gerontology for students pursuing careers in the aging field and those who will work with older adults in various work settings. Employs a multidisciplinary perspective, incorporating biology, psychology, sociology, and public health approaches and combining gerontology theory, research, and practice with social justice and multicultural perspectives.

An intersectional, feminist perspective to explore the social determinants and issues related to the complexity of women's health at the individual and community levels. Emphasis on the role of risk factors and prevention, behavior change theories and processes, and critical analysis and evaluation of health resources.

Exploration of male gender construction and issues related to the complexity of men's health on the individual and community levels. Emphasis on evaluation of health resources, behavior change theories and processes, and role of risk factors and prevention.

This course offers an examination of the history of alcohol, tobacco, and drug use. From a public health perspective, students will analyze drug policies and their impact on the health of culturally diverse, marginalized, and low income communities. Students will also develop skills to advocate for policy change.

Introduction to the causes and consequences of illness and the promotion of individual, family and community health based on research in public health, social and behavioral sciences. Examination of the causes, consequences, available treatments and strategies for prevention of major health conditions across the life cycle.

This course is designed for students in the health, justice, or social service fields. It includes an examination of types of trauma, an analysis of the ways trauma affects survivors, an exploration of building resiliency, various approaches to recovery, and person-centered skills to support recovery.

Public health perspectives on diverse types of violence, with a focus on trends over time, causes and risk factors of violence, and resiliency, in order to develop strategies for violence prevention. Trauma and other consequences of violence will be examined. Community-based advocacy skills for violence prevention are introduced and practiced in this course.

Introduction to ethical and legal issues in counseling people with substance use disorders. Develops frameworks for addressing ethical and legal issues that include a variety of socio-cultural models. Develops understanding of laws, code of ethics, and client rights. The relationship between personal values and professional behavior will be explored as well as an Introduction to client centered counseling skills and practice.

Explores the primary determinants of global health, inequalities in health status between nations, and current challenges, controversies and public policy priorities.

Critical analysis of the causes and contributors to individual and community health and illness based on public health and other social and behavioral sciences. Exploration of physical, mental, social and political aspects of health along with causes, consequences, prevention strategies and treatments for major health conditions across the life cycle.

Introduction to public health approaches for the prevention and control of disease and injury, drawn from epidemiology, health policy, behavioral health, environmental health, community organizing, maternal and child health and other public health disciplines. Examination of contemporary health challenges with an emphasis on addressing social determinants to improve health for all.

This course critiques the United States food system and policies through a health equity framework exploring topics including nutritional guidelines, dieting and weight loss industry, food assistance programs, food security, legislation, industrial food production, the role of agriculture and corporations, and alternative food systems.

An introduction to the roles and core competencies of Community Health Workers (CHW) and the requirements of the CCSF CHW Certificate Program. Students will learn key public health concepts and models for providing person-centered services, and assess their readiness and interest in the CHW Certificate Program.

Principles and practice in the planning, facilitation and evaluation of public health education and trainings. This course covers basic theories and participatory training methods, with a focus on meeting the needs of diverse communities and adult learners.

This course is an introduction to the principles of youth development and significant health issues affecting today's youth. The course focuses on strategies and skills to engage and involve young people in their own decision-making and advocacy.

Prepares front-line health and public health workers to support patients in the self-management of chronic health conditions through the use of person-centered concepts and skills.

Prepares frontline workers to provide navigation services to those at risk for and living with HIV and hepatitis diseases and common co-occurring conditions informed by a public health and social justice framework.

This course provides an overview of basic physiology and pharmacology including how
chemicals are administered and metabolized, The systemic, behavioral, and psychological
effects of addiction, along with the latest clinical research and evidence-based treatment
practices, are reviewed.

An introduction to case management, counseling and documentation. Topics include intake and assessment, counseling skills, record management and documentation, treatment planning, ethics and professional skills, clients� rights, and confidentiality. This course prepares students to work in the field of substance use and community behavioral health services.

This course supports the HLTH 79W fieldwork class and allows students to make a connection between core course materials and the workplace. Throughout this course, students engage in critical analysis of their strengths and weaknesses as interns and as potential professionals in the field. Key concepts and skills include establishing professional boundaries, using clinical supervision, certification examination support and seeking employment strategies.

Students complete an internship with local employers to gain meaningful work experience and earn credit towards their Addiction and Recovery Counseling certificate. One unit of credit is earned for 54 hours of unpaid or paid work.

Training for bilingual individuals to develop awareness, knowledge, and skills necessary for effective language interpretation in various settings. Emphasis on the standards of practice of a healthcare interpreter, active listening, memory development, basic knowledge of common medical conditions, treatments, diagnostics and procedures, cultural and linguistic competency in the art of interpretation.

Practice interpreting skills, standards, and protocols, with a focus on active listening, linguistic equivalency, vocabulary development, and managing the flow of interpreting sessions, such as maintaining pace, ensuring transparency, facilitating understanding and communication, and respecting communicative autonomy of all parties in health care and other settings.

Advanced training for bilingual individuals as integral members of healthcare teams, bridging linguistic and cultural gaps between clients and providers. A focus on specialty areas such as genetics, mental health, physical medicine, palliative care, and issues related to diverse populations. Advanced skills development in ethical decision-making, note-taking, advocacy, active listening, and the art of feedback. Continued development in cultural competency and intercultural communication.

Practice advanced interpreting skills, standards, and protocols, with a focus on active listening, linguistic equivalency, vocabulary development, and ethical decision-making. In addition, practice managing the flow of interpreting sessions, such as maintaining pace, ensuring transparency, facilitating understanding and communication, and respecting communicative autonomy of all parties in fast-paced health care and other settings of varying dynamics and complexity.

This course addresses professional skills required in the workplace and is an integral part of the Healthcare Interpreting Certificate program. Students focus on a seamless integration of interpreting skills, knowledge of special populations, systems, legal, regulatory, and accreditation standards, and the role of advocacy.

Multilingual students are introduced to the field of healthcare interpreting (HCI) and the California HCI Standards, exploring the roles and scope of practice of healthcare interpreters. Completion of this course, along with proof of language proficiency in English and in a language of service, is required for possible admission to the HCI Certificate of Achievement program.

Designed for students pursuing the Community Health Worker Certificate who are interested in working with communities in the areas of nutrition education, food security, and justice. Overview of trends, policies and resources that will enable students to advocate and promote the health of diverse communities.

An introduction to the applied principles of the wellness and recovery model when working with families in behavioral health settings. The course examines the implications of cultural humility, life cycle, counseling principles, assessment, supportive resources, and the impact of the system of care in applied practice.

Individual or group study on topics and issues in public and community health in which students perform scholarly research or community-based projects under the supervision of HLTH faculty. Students are either required to write or present their work.

Basic principles and practices of harm reduction and overdoes prevention strategies.

Students will review definitions of trauma, identify common traumatic events, and analyze the ways in which trauma experiences affect the health of survivors. Students will discuss diverse approaches to recovering from traumatic events.

Overview of the different types of viral hepatitis, their characteristics and treatment options with a focus on hepatitis C as a current public health issue especially among IV drug users. Emphasis on the practice of harm reduction, prevention, navigation and advocacy for communities experiencing substance use, HIV and viral hepatitis.

Elder abuse, its varied forms, and physical, behavioral and environmental indicators. Social determinants of elder abuse, multicultural perspectives, and methods of prevention.

Linguistic, cultural, and systemic barriers impede the health of individuals and can be costly to society at large. This course provides skills and strategies to advance language justice and equip monolingual and multilingual health workers to work cross-culturally by providing services that are culturally and linguistically appropriate, and through advocacy that promotes systemic changes, empowering self and clients.

Language and cultural barriers can impede the health of individuals and can be costly for health systems. This course provides language access strategies and effective collaboration with interpreters across language and cultural barriers in healthcare settings.

This course focuses on mindfulness-based stress reduction practices, including mindfulness meditation and movement practices. Application of these stress reduction practices in everyday life will be supported through the in-class practice of various mindfulness techniques and shared self-reflection.

This course is designed for healthcare interpreters who enjoy teaching and are interested in coaching emerging interpreters in academia or at their workplaces. Students will explore mentoring, coaching, and adult learning principles, including intercultural communication, and learn skills and techniques to conduct practice labs, assess interpreting skills, and facilitate coaching sessions.

Designed to explore the complexities of health and health care, and provides a learning laboratory for collaboration and innovation, breaking the isolation in the work of interpreters. Students will be equipped with 21st-century skills in managing the interpreting session while learning about advances in medicine. All are welcome to join in this learning collaborative aiming towards advancing patient and family-centered care. Healthcare interpreter CEUs for eligible participants.

Integration of Tai Chi philosophy and theory with contemporary health practices and principles. Recognition of Tai Chi patterns will improve body balance and energy control. Tai Chi and Qigong exercises promote physical, mental and social health. Knowledge is particularly beneficial to health and social workers.

A critical analysis of the public health status of transgender populations. The course will provide knowledge, skills, and resources necessary to work effectively in health and social service settings that serve transgender clients and communities.

Overview of social and behavioral theories and core concepts of stress, stress reduction and stress management. Critical assessment of the health impacts of stress on individuals, communities, and society. Evidence-based approaches to reducing stress responses and promoting improved health indicators.

This course is designed to examine the different approaches and structures in the treatment continuum for substance use and co-occurring disordered clients. Students will also examine the relationship between mental health disorders and substance use disorders.
Barriers to integrated treatment will also be appraised.

Introduction to group facilitation skills within the context of treatment for substance use disorder (SUD). Focus will be on group dynamics, interpersonal and intrapersonal process and group facilitation skills. It prepares students for competence in group and family addiction treatment facilitation and to work towards the Certified Addictions Treatment Counselor credential, as required by the California Consortium of Addiction Programs and Professionals (CCAPP).

This course introduces students to the field of alcohol and drug counseling and provides an over view of the requirements for the Addiction and Recovery Counseling Certificate. Students will identify necessary skills and potential challenges to succeeding in the field.

This course offers an introduction to the applied and theoretical principles of the wellness
and recovery model. The course emphasizes consumer-directed services, action planning,
documentation, systems navigation, trauma informed care, crisis management and counseling
skills.

This course offers an introduction to group facilitation skills, community evaluation
methods, community and group dynamics, action planning and community-based
leadership development. It prepares students to work in the fields of behavioral health,
wellness and recovery, and related fields.

The course prepares students for internship placement in behavioral health settings. Emphasis is placed on reviewing and practicing course counseling skills, legal and ethical issues, standard documentation of service delivery, expectations and responsibilities, cultural humility, self-care, and placement strategies including resume writing and employment interviewing skills.

This course supports students in enhancing key professional skills essential for success in internship placements and on the job. It addresses priority professional concepts, skills, and behaviors for students enrolled in the Community Mental Health Certificate and Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialist course of study.

Students complete an internship with local employers to gain meaningful work experience and earn credit towards their Community Mental Health Certificate. One unit of credit is earned for 54 hours of unpaid or paid work.

Health impacts of incarceration for individuals, families and communities. Incarceration and reentry policies will be examined. New models for promoting positive health outcomes among formerly incarcerated populations will be analyzed.

In this interactive course, students will learn the impact of unresolved conflict on health and practice essential skills for the management of conflict in their own lives, their communities and community health settings. Implications of culture and power dynamics on conflict resolution will be examined. Students will develop an understanding of their own conflict style and identify areas for growth.

Focuses on the scope and nature of work in the nutrition field, including higher education pathways, career opportunities, professional roles, skills, responsibilities, and ethics. Includes guest presentations by various nutrition professionals and networking opportunities.

An overview of child feeding, eating and nutrition, with an emphasis on practical skills and approaches to influence positive eating behaviors that promote optimal health and nutrition. Topics include the feeding relationship, breast/chest feeding, planning healthy meals & snacks, food safety, weight inclusion, physical activity, nutrition education, policy, child nutrition programs & food assistance resources.

Prepares students for Community Health Worker (CHW) positions in the health and social service fields. The course emphasizes skill development in areas such as cultural humility and client-centered assessment, health education and counseling.

Students will continue to develop core CHW competencies such as cultural humility and client-centered health education, counseling and care management services. They will continue to enhance professional skills essential for success in the field, and will study concepts and skills for providing group and community-centered assessment, education, support and advocacy services.

This course addresses key professional concepts and skills for students enrolled in the Community Health Worker Certificate program and co-enrolled in an internship course.

Students complete an internship with local employers to gain meaningful work experience and earn credit towards their CHW Certificate. One unit of credit is earned for 54 hours of unpaid or paid work.

Explore the role of social injustices as root causes of the uneven distribution of health and disease according to class, race and gender. Examination of current issues, the process for influencing change, and the role of social movements in creating more healthy and equitable communities. Students will also build their skills to effectively advocate for health and social justice.

Explores the relationship between policy, the built urban environment and health. Survey current policy issues in urban community health, and the process for influencing policy. Develop skills to serve as an effective advocate for policy change and community health.

Students complete an internship with local employers to gain meaningful work experience and earn credit towards a certificate in the Health Education field. One unit of credit is earned for 54 hours of unpaid or paid work.

Practical application of Tai Chi and Tai Chi Qigong as meditation in movement exercises, and understanding of their benefits for stress relief, mental alertness, and bodily control.

Practical information, effective strategies, and skills that teach the practice of good nutrition, management of personal health, and maintenance of an active, healthy lifestyle in the later years.