Public Health
Public Health
The AS-T in Public Health Science provides preparation for students interested in careers in public health. Some of the careers opportunities for those who study public health include epidemiologists, community health workers, environmental scientists, health educators, public health officers, biostatisticians, clinical research coordinators, nonprofit coordinators, research assistants, healthcare consultants, hospital administrators, clinical trials analysts, infection control officers, project managers, public health nurses, nutritionists, and behavioral scientists.
The Associate in Sciences Degree in Public Health Science for Transfer (Public Health Science AS-T) is intended for students who plan to complete a bachelor’s degree in Public Health Science or Health Science or a “similar” major at a CSU campus. Students completing the degree are guaranteed admission to the CSU system, but not to a particular campus or major. Each CSU campus determines which of the degrees it offers are “similar” and can be completed with the preparation included in the AS-T in Public Health Science within 60 units once a student transfers, so which majors are “similar” varies from CSU to CSU. For a current list of what majors (and what options or areas of emphasis within that major) have been designated as “similar” to this degree at each CSU campus, please refer to icangotocollege.com and seek guidance from an Oxnard College counselor. The AS-T in Public Health Science may not be the best option for students intending to transfer to a particular CSU campus or to a college or university that is not part of the CSU system.
This course presents an overview of the disciplines of community and public health. Topics include the basic concepts and terminologies of public health; an overview of various public health professions and organizations; the study, prevention and control of diseases in the community; the analysis of the social determinants of health; strategies for eliminating disease, illness, and health disparities among various populations; community organizing and health promotion programming; school health promotion; environmental health and safety; and an overview of the healthcare delivery system in the United States. Emphasis will be placed on the development of knowledge and preliminary skills to serve as an effective advocate for community and public health.
This course will examine personal and social determinants of health through the examination of the role individuals play in their own health and wellbeing, along with the impact of environmental, social, structural, and cultural factors that play a role both in individual and community and public health. Health disparities and inequities in sexually diverse, gender, racial, and minority populations will be explored, and culturally competent ideas to bridge the health equity gap and improve population health will be developed.
This course focuses on assessment and career research in the development of a healthcare career plan. Careers include, but are not limited to: EMT, paramedic/fire science, nursing, pharmacy technology, dental hygiene, dental assisting, respiratory therapy, and radiologic technology. Emphasis is on interest, personality testing, values clarification, career information, research skills, individual skills assessment, decision making, communication, teamwork, inter-professional education, and goal setting, specifically in the healthcare field. The course also covers healthcare job trends, education, and licensure requirements.
This course introduces the language of medicine through the study of word structure, pronunciation, and meaning. Students learn the origins and components of medical terms, including prefixes, suffixes, roots, and combining forms, and apply them to anatomy, physiology, pathology, diagnostic tests, and procedures across all major body systems. Emphasis is placed on correct usage, spelling, and interpretation of medical vocabulary related to body structure, systems, and common diseases. Students will also learn acronyms and common abbreviations used within healthcare. This course is designed for students pursuing careers in health, fitness, and medical fields.
This course provides students with an understanding of the U.S. healthcare system and health insurance options to provide for efficient navigation through the healthcare system. Topics include the history of health insurance in the U.S. and the role of government in healthcare; the U.S. healthcare workforce; basic health insurance terminology; types of insurance and the healthcare marketplace; different types of care, including outpatient, ambulatory and long-term care; public assistance programs and disability programs; and ethical and bioethical issues.
This course examines the political, social, and theoretical perspectives of diverse populations as they relate to health and social services settings. The impact of health status, lifestyle and behavioral patterns, communication styles, socioeconomic status, personal prejudices, ethnic stereotyping, and cultural beliefs on individual and group access to health and social services will be investigated. Emphasis is placed on developing effective strategies to use with diverse populations as well as evaluating the effectiveness of existing health and social service programs.
Division
Public Safety Training Programs, Athletics, Health, and Kinesiology
Phone: (805) 289-6336
Full-time Faculty
Dianne Habring Frehlich, Ed.D., M.S.
Email: dfrehlich@vcccd.edu
Phone: (805) 678-5188
Office: Physical Education Building 113B
Dr. Dianne Habring Frehlich is professor and department chair of Kinesiology and Health Education at Oxnard College. She holds an Ed.D. in Kinesiology from University of North Carolina at Greensboro with a focus on physical activity and mental health, and an M.S. in Kinesiology with an emphasis in Exercise Physiology from California State University, Northridge, where she studied the impact of physical activity on bone mineral density. Her teaching and program development work emphasizes public health, exercise science, health education, and workforce pathways that prepare students for careers in health, fitness, rehabilitation, and wellness.
Lawrence "Ron" McClurkin, Ed.D., Head Coach
Email: rmcclurkin@vcccd.edu
Phone: (805) 678-5093
Office: Physical Education Building 116B
Dr. Ron McClurkin is a professor in Kinesiology and Health Education at Oxnard College and head coach of the men’s and women’s basketball programs. He holds an Ed.D. from the University of La Verne and is committed to student success through teaching, coaching, and community outreach, including involvement with Coaches vs. Cancer. His classes emphasize the practical application of health concepts, mental health awareness, health disparities, wellness, and the positive impact of physical activity on individuals and communities.
Erin Marquez-Lawley, M.A.
Email: elawley@vcccd.edu
Phone: (805) 678-5247
Office: LLRC 114
Erin Marquez-Lawley is a professor in Kinesiology and Health Education at Oxnard College. She holds an M.A. in Coaching and Athletic Administration from Concordia University Irvine and teaching credentials in Health Science and Physical Education from Sonoma State University. Her background includes eight years teaching high school health and physical education, as well as coaching high school, travel, and NCAA Division II softball. Her work emphasizes student wellness, inclusive education, leadership development, and supporting diverse student populations, with a particular passion for LGBTQIA+ and Rising Scholars students.