The Pre-Health Professions Degree and Certificate of Achievement will provide students with a strong biology and chemistry foundation and prepare them for entry into a variety of healthcare professions such as nursing, dental hygiene, physician assistant, physical therapy, physical therapy assistant, occupational therapy, pharmacy, medical laboratory technician, radiologic technician, and emergency medical services.

Coursework for the Associates Degree includes many of the prerequisites, both science and general education, for healthcare professions while the Certificate of Achievement focuses only on the introductory science requirements.  Students interested in medical school to become a physician may wish to consider the Associate in Science in Biology for Transfer (AS-T).  Some variation in requirements may exist for a specific healthcare program; therefore, it is essential that students refer to the catalog of their intended transfer institution and work with a counselor and check assist.org to ensure that all required coursework is completed.  

Division

Math and Science

• Phone: (805) 678-5201
• Office Location: Condor Hall

Full-time Faculty

Dr. Shannon Newby

• Phone: 805-678-5050
• Email: snewby@vcccd.edu
• Office Location: South Office Wing Q

Dr. Newby is a native of New Jersey who got her undergraduate degree at University of Washington in Zoology and her Ph.D. at Rutgers University in Oceanography. She began teaching at Oxnard College in 2005 and teaches Introduction to Biology lecture, Principles of Biology II lecture, and the Marine Biology courses.

Dr. James Harber

• Phone: 805-678-5048
• Email: jharber@vcccd.edu
• Office Location: Letters and Science U

For more information about Dr. Harber please go to drharber.com

Dr. Sharbani Banerjee

• Phone: 805-678-5161
• Email: sbanerjee@vcccd.edu
• Office Location: South Office Wing T

Dr Sharbani Banerjee teaches General Biology, Molecular Biology and Microbiology courses. She has years of experience teaching these courses. She also is the faculty advisor for the student Biology Club.

Professor Rachel Ulrich

• Phone: 805-678-5167
• Email: rulrich@vcccd.edu
• Office Location: Condor Hall 325

Rachel Ulrich serves as Lead Faculty and Associate Professor of Anatomy & Physiology in the Department of Biology at Oxnard College. In addition to her teaching responsibilities, she has developed educational resources through her Anatomy & Physiology-focused YouTube channel.
She is actively involved in promoting equity in STEM through programs that emphasize active learning, inclusion, and student success in science education. She also supports student engagement through her involvement with Oxnard College’s Medical Club and Biology Club.
Beyond higher education, Rachel Ulrich is serving her fourth elected term on the Ventura County Board of Education, where she contributes to multiple state committees and advocates for educational equity and reduced K–12 student-to-teacher ratios.