Health & Human Services
Health & Human Services Certificates
Take a deep dive on each of these Health & Human Services certificates to see if it's a right fit for you!

This program prepares you for Santa Ana College's Biotechnology Lab Assistant Certificate Program. Complete the courses below along with the required courses at Santa Ana College. Then you will have an overview of the principles of biotech. You will know how to operate and maintain standard lab equipment.
- VHLTH 704: Introduction to Biotechnology
- VHLTH 705: Introductory Biotech Lab
- HSMTH 190: Math for College and Career Readiness*
*You must first meet with a counselor before enrolling in HSMTH 190.
- VBUS 400: Employability Skills
- ESL 520: English for Work 2 (Try the Biotechnology Specialization!)
If you pass VHLTH 704 and 705 with a grade of B or higher, you can earn credit for BIOL 190 Introduction to Biotechnology and BIOL 190L Introductory Biotech Lab through the credit-by-exam process. Credits from VHLTH 704 and 705 can count towards a biotechnology certificate or degree at Santa Ana College.
There is no tuition cost for VHLTH 704 and 705.

This program prepares you to help the elderly, sick, or persons with disabilities. Caregivers help with daily life at the person's home or care facility. You will train in a simulated caregiving environment. Gain experience performing caregiver duties. This includes nutrition, cleanliness, movement, and household activities.
- VHLTH 109: Introduction to Caregiving*
- VHLTH 110: Caregiver Training
*Must complete Introduction to Caregiving (VHLTH109) to register.
- VBUS 400: Employability Skills
- ESL 520: English for Work 2 (Try the Healthcare Specialization!)
- Be 18 or older and living in California

Certified Nursing Assistants play an important role in patient care as part of the healthcare team. Working closely with nurses, certified nursing asssistants help patients with daily activities, take vital signs, assist with basic medical equipment, and provide comfort and support. They also observe patient conditions and share important information with nursing staff.
This 13-week certification program prepares students for entry-level employment as a Certified Nursing Assistant and for the state certification exam. The program is approved by the California Department of Public Health, and students who complete the course earn a certificate of completion.
Tuition is free, though students may be responsible for costs such as uniforms, supplies, CPR certification, health requirements, and background checks.
- Attend Orientation (VHLTH 101: Overview of the Nursing Assistant Certificate)
- Submit a completed admission package
- If selected, you can enroll in VHLTH 102: Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Training.
- Take the CNA state exam and pass.
- Possess a State Issued ID or Driver's License
- Possess a Social Security Card/ITIN Number
- Pass a TB Test (Tuberculosis) or Clear Chest X-Ray
- Pass a Physical Exam to confirm good health
- Pass a Background Check (Live Scan Fingerprints)
- Possess certification for BLS/CPR for Healthcare Professionals
- Possess Immunity/Passed immunization forms (Varicella, Tdap, MMR, Hep B & Influenza). COVID vaccine and boosters may be required depending on the clinical facility.
- Attend a mandatory information orientation, VHLTH 101
- VHLTH 101: Overview of the Nursing Assistant Training Program
- VHLTH 102: Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Training - Theory
- VHLTH 103: Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Training - Skills Lab
- VHLTH 104: Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Training - Clinical
- VBUS 402: WorkForce Power Skills
- ESL 520: English for Work 2 (Try the Healthcare Specialization!)
Take a free English for work in healthcare class. You will learn workplace communication, vocabulary, job safety, culture/issues, career pathways, and more! The course will improve your speaking skills and prepare you for the Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) program.

Begin your training for a Pharmacy Technology Certificate at Santa Ana College. You will learn about the role and duties of this position. Learn pharmaceutical dosage forms and drug development processes. Master prescription labeling and drug classification systems and the law and ethics of pharmacy practice. Study basic math skills needed to succeed in pharmacy calculation.
- VHLTH 799: Introduction to Pharmacy Technology
- HSMTH 190: Math for College and Career Readiness*
*You must first meet with a counselor before enrolling in HSMTH 190.
- VBUS 400: Employability Skills
- ESL 520: English for Work 2 (Try the Healthcare Specialization!)
If you pass VHLTH 799 Introduction to Pharmacy Technology with a grade of B or higher, you can earn credit for PHAR 048 Introduction to Pharmacy Technology through the credit-by-exam process. Credits from VHLTH 799 can count towards a pharmacy technology certificate or degree at Santa Ana College.
There is no tuition cost for VHLTH 799.