Foundations of Health
The Foundations of Health program is the starting point for HCC students pursuing a career in a health-related field.
Explore the Career: Associate in Science in Foundations of Health option!
FOH courses can be used as a springboard into other HCC programs (some of which are "selective," meaning they require a separate application) or a wide variety of health careers!
selective admissions
non-selective admissions
If you are interested in learning more about the Foundations of Health program, please attend an online information session.
Application questions? Please email: admissions@hcc.edu.
Advising questions? Please email: advisingcenter@hcc.edu
Elizabeth Hayward-Jansen, BSN, MPH, RN
Job Title: Faculty/Advisor
Bio: I joined the Foundations of Health team in 2013 and I currently work as an instructor and academic advisor. My background includes emergency nursing, community care management, and work with older adults (among other healthcare experiences). I am thrilled to be a part of the hard-working and dedicated FOH team at HCC! We are committed to helping students navigate college and achieve success in a wide variety of health-related careers. We welcome you to come and grow with us!
Outside of HCC: I enjoy hiking, cycling, exploring, and spending time with family and friends.
program expectations
- Show up
- Communicate
- Be prepared
- Ask for help
plagiarism
Academic integrity is expected of all students. Any dishonesty in the performance of coursework, such as plagiarism or cheating in other forms, will be reported.
In the event that a student is charged with some form of dishonesty, the Student Discipline Policy will be followed (see the Student Handbook: "Plagiarism" for additional information).
student handbook
View the HCC Student Handbook.
what is a syllabus?
It is an outline or a summary of the main points of your class:
- Objectives
- Goals
- Requirements
- Materials
- Evaluation
- Grading
meet with your advisor
Watch this video to learn about meeting with your FOH advisor.
steps for applying to selective programs
"Selective" means selective admissions, or many applicants for just a few slots.
- Enroll in FOH
- Attend information sessions
- Take pre-requisites
- Work with your advisor
- Apply
Explore the many transfer options available to you with a degree in Foundations of Health.
Choosing to attend college to pursue a career in health care requires dedication, commitment, and many hours of studying. We want our students to be successful and to know that support toward their success is available. Foundations of Health advisors practice proactive, holistic advising.
The Foundations of Health major is for all students interested in pursuing a career in healthcare. As a Foundations of Health major, you are assigned an advisor, who will assist you as you navigate your way toward your desired healthcare career.
As a student, you want to be successful in your academics, expedite your time at HCC, network with other students interested in a healthcare career, and, above all, have a familiar face to turn to with your questions. Who will assist you? Your Foundations of Health advisor!
How to locate your advisor
- Log into your online services
- Choose student services
- Next select Student Program & Advisor Information
- The name of your advisor will be listed
Schedule an appointment within the first month of the semester. Send your advisor an email message using your HCC email. As a student at HCC, you have an email account which is used by your instructors as well as important HCC announcements.
After you schedule an appointment with your advisor, write the date and time into your Google calendar, which is part of your HCC email account. It is important not to miss your appointment. If you need to reschedule, use your HCC email to notify your advisor. Make a list of questions to cover, including those about academics, career goals, and your student handbook.
Your Foundations of Health advisor will also assist you with course selection, which depends on your career goal. This is very important, as healthcare programs have specific prerequisites and program requirements, so the earlier you learn which courses you need to complete, the less chance there is of your taking courses you may not need. Your Foundations of Health advisor will also show you how to register for your courses and make suggestions for networking, so you can gain experience in your desired healthcare profession.
meet with your advisor
Watch this video to learn about meeting with your FOH advisor.
steps for applying to selective programs
"Selective" means selective admissions, or many applicants for just a few slots.
- Enroll in FOH
- Attend information sessions
- Take pre-requisites
- Work with your advisor
- Apply
How do I find my advisor?
What classes should I take first?
What is HTH 101?
If I tested into developmental English, are there any courses I can take in this major?
What elective courses can I take in the FOH major?
How do I know what courses to take as electives if I choose the transfer option?
What are the selective programs at HCC?
Is HTH 101: Introduction to Health Careers required for selective programs?
If I already know which selective degree program I want to apply to, do I still have to take all these courses?
Why it is important to have an alternate career pathway when applying to selective programs at HCC?
How can I make sure I'm competitive for admission to HCC's nursing program?
What else do you consider in the medical assisting or medical billing and coding application process besides coursework?
When is the application deadline for medical assisting or medical billing and coding?
When and how are medical assisting or medical billing and coding classes offered?
Do I have to be a full-time student to attend/complete medical assisting or medical billing and coding?
Are there additional fees associated with the medical assisting and medical billing and coding programs?
Every FOH student is assigned an advisor. Log into Online Services using your username and password. Choose "advisor" from the menu. Your advisor should be listed there.
If there is no name listed, please visit Academic Affairs in FR 317 or call 413.552.2036 for support.
What classes should I take first?
We highly recommend that you begin with HTH 101: Introduction to Health Careers. This course offers critical information about many career options in healthcare, as well as strong support and advising when it comes to your journey at HCC.
HTH 101: Introduction to Health Careers is the foundation of the FOH program. It is a three-credit course in which students learn about the United States healthcare system and explore the wide range of health-related fields – including those within allied health, mental health, and public health. Some projects in this course include interviewing healthcare professionals, and researching health topics that impact local communities. HTH 101 also provides students with crucial career skills and will help identify a “backup” career plan if your primary goal is to enroll in a selective program (please see list above).
Regardless of how strong a student you are or prior work experience you have, FOH advisors strongly recommend that you take this course!
If I tested into developmental English, are there any courses I can take in this major?
Yes. Although many courses require English 101 eligibility as a prerequisite, there are several courses in FOH that you can take, including HTH 101, HTH 102, SPA 111, HTH 114, GRT 110, and HTH 210.
What elective courses can I take in the FOH major?
The FOH transfer track has 19 arts and science elective credits available, and room for one 3-4 credit general elective. The FOH career track currently has space for 4-8 credits of elective coursework from the list of suggested electives provided on the curriculum sheet, depending on what certificate a student completes as part of the FOH degree.
How do I know what courses to take as electives if I choose the transfer option?
Listed on the curriculum sheet in the course catalog for the transfer option, you will find a list of courses that fulfill the requirements for specific healthcare programs at several local colleges and universities. DegreeWorks will assist with course selection for the general education and program requirements. Log into Online Services and select “DegreeWorks.”
What are the selective programs at HCC?
Nursing, practical nursing, radiologic technology, veterinary technician, medical assisting, and medical billing and coding.
Please work closely with your FOH advisor if you’re planning to apply to any of the selective programs.
Is HTH 101: Introduction to Health Careers required for selective programs?
No. HTH 101 is not required for any of the selective programs. However, many students find this course helpful in clarifying their career goals and preparing for a successful career in healthcare. Furthermore, FOH advisors strongly urge students to take this course in order to create a suitable alternate career pathway in the event the student is not accepted into the selective program of choice.
If I already know which selective degree program I want to apply to, do I still have to take all these courses?
No, you do not need to complete the entire Foundations of Health degree program prior to applying to a selective program. However, the FOH career or transfer tracks offer great support for the many students each year who are not accepted into a selective program. It is recommended that students who are not at the top of their class take advantage of these other offerings in order to keep their options open. If you are planning to apply to nursing, radiographic technology, medical assisting, or medical billing and coding, it is highly recommended that you enroll in the FOH career option, which will provide you with additional training as an entry level health professional. If you know your long-term goal is to transfer to a four-year nursing or allied health program, the transfer option is the best fit.
Why it is important to have an alternate career pathway when applying to selective programs at HCC?
There are many applicants for the selective programs, and the number of seats in each program versus the number of applicants is quite small. For example:
450 individuals applied to nursing (LPN and RN)
4 were admitted to 1 + 1 program
7 were admitted to LPN to RN program
54 were admitted to RN program
11 were admitted to LPN program
A total of 76 individuals out of 450 applicants is roughly a 17% acceptance rate.
To explore the many career pathways in healthcare, visit Western Mass Health Careers.
How can I make sure I’m competitive for admission to HCC’s nursing program?
The application process is competitive and your file will be ranked using the following:
- Grade point average (GPA) for those courses applicable to the nursing curriculum (e.g. English, psychology, anatomy and physiology, etc.) The more general education courses completed with excellent grades (A-B), the better.
- Two or more years of work experience in the field of healthcare. Examples: Direct patient care with current unencumbered certification and experiences: CNA, Corpsman/Medics, licensed mental health worker, EMT/paramedic with a license, vet tech, surg. tech, medical assistant. Online verification or documentation must be provided for any certification. No points for indirect care or volunteer work.
- Educational background (prior degrees completed)
- PAX Exam: Minimum score of 50% in English Verbal. There is no minimum score for math and science, but higher scores (100+) may increase a student’s eligibility for admission. Candidates should prepare to do their best on all sections. Scores are valid for two application cycles.
Minimum academic requirements
- Math Proficiency/Placement: ≥ 82 in Algebra or completion of MTH 095: Intermediate Algebra or MTH 099: Introductory and Intermediate Algebra, or comparable with a C- or better from an accredited college or university.
- English Proficiency/Placement: ≥ 70 in reading and ≥ 80 in the sentence skills portion of the CPT or ability to enter college-level coursework in English. English competency may also be demonstrated through college coursework (completion of English Composition I).
- Science Proficiency: The HCC biology department requires the successful completion (C or better) of BIO 107 prior to taking anatomy and physiology. This prerequisite may be waived by passing the biology challenge exam. Testing may be scheduled by calling the assessment center.
- Completion of Anatomy & Physiology I and Anatomy & Physiology II prior to the application deadline is strongly encouraged. Nursing students must achieve a C+ or better in all nursing and laboratory sciences courses (A&P I and II and Microbiology) to remain in and graduate from the program.
What else do you consider in the medical assisting or medical billing and coding application process besides coursework?
We value work and volunteer experience in the healthcare and customer service fields, proficiency with Microsoft Office, and capacity and availability to take four program courses per semester. Applicants who apply into these programs will be sent a form on which to list these items.
When is the application deadline for medical assisting or medical billing and coding?
Rolling admissions for fall start.
When and how are medical assisting or medical billing and coding classes offered?
All courses are either online or meet in the evening.
Do I have to be a full-time student to attend/complete medical assisting or medical billing and coding?
Yes. Both these programs start in the fall of each academic year with a new group of students. Set courses run in the fall, spring, and summer, and students are expected to take them on schedule since they only run once a year. This way, students will be prepared to sit for their respective exams after they complete all certificate courses at the end of the academic year.
Are there additional fees associated with these programs?
There are additional fees associated with Medical Assisting and HTH 210. Please visit our tuition and fees page for a comprehensive breakdown of all fees associated with your program.
The HCC Foundations of Health Program provides Health Sciences students with the knowledge, skills, and behaviors to achieve their academic, professional, and personal goals as competent healthcare and public health professionals and as thoughtful, effective citizens in their communities.
| Myth: Nursing/selective programs take two years to complete. | Reality: The prerequisites for nursing take 2-3 years to complete. If you're then accepted, the ADN program is full-time for two years. |
| Myth: Students don't have to complete all courses listed under each certificate in "career" option to get the degree because it says "or." | Reality: In order to complete the FOH career option, a student must complete an entire certificate (CHW, DCW, MBC, MA) even though the courses under each certificate are listed as "or." |
| Myth: All students in the FOH career option must complete HTH 210. | Reality: HTH 210 can be waived for students in the following situations: current CNAs; individuals who wish to complete the MA, MBC, or CHW certificate; or with department chair approval. Students may need to replace these credits with another course in order to graduate. |
| Myth: HTH 101 is not required. | Reality: Although HTH 101 is required to complete both DEGREE programs, it is not required for the SELECTIVE programs. We highly recommend that new FOH students enroll in HTH 101 in their first semester (even if you intend to apply to a selective program) in order to have a "backup plan." |
| Myth: If a student does the "career" option, they won't be able to transfer. | Reality: The "career" option DOES transfer to private four-year programs at Elms, Bay Path, and others. The purpose of the "career" degree, however, is to prepare students for immediate employment in the healthcare field. |
| Myth: I can continue being a part-time student once I'm accepted into a selective program (like rad tech, PN, RN, or vet tech). | Reality: All selective programs are full-time, daytime programs. |
| Myth: I can take one class at a time in the medical assistant program. | Reality: No. The medical assistant program and the medical billing and coding programs follow a "cohort" model, meaning they all begin in the fall with full-time evening/online classes, and then continue in the spring and summer as prescriped by program. |
| Myth: Students can be automatically registered for HTH 210. | Reality: Students need to complete immunization requirements. You will receive assistance signing up for drug testing and completing your CORI/SORI background check. Once cleared, you can register for classes. |
| Myth: I want to become a doctor/veterinarian/pharmacist, so I should enroll in FOH. | Reality: Contact one of our career counselors to discuss the school you plan to transfer to and what the requirements are. |
| Myth: Vet tech students should do FOH career. | Reality: FOH transfer is more appropriate for vet tech students. |
| Myth: I have to complete all of the pre-requisites, co-requisites, and general education requirements in order to apply to nursing. | Reality: Nursing is a competitive, selective program. You will increase your chances of being admitted by completing most, if not all, of the pre-requisities, co-requisites, and general education requirements with excellent grades. |
| Myth: Students interested in becoming a nurse should only apply to one program. | Reality: Students are encouraged to apply to both the ASN and PN programs. (A completed HCC application is required for both.) |
Foundations of Health Students should note the College marijuana policy below and be cognizant of how it may affect their clinical, practicum, externship placements, and/or ability to continue in direct-care-based coursework including but not limited to: Nursing, Practical Nursing, Medical Assisting, Community Health Worker, Radiologic Technology, and Direct Care Worker. Please contact Kara Moriarty at kmoriarty@hcc.edu with any questions or concerns.
hcc Marijuana Policy
Although Massachusetts law now permits the use of medical marijuana and the possession, use, distribution and cultivation of marijuana in limited amounts, federal law, including the Federal Controlled Substances Act of 1970, the Drug-Free Workplace Act of 1988, and the Drug-Free Schools & Communities Act of 1989 prohibits the possession, use, distribution and/or cultivation of marijuana at educational institutions. Further, as marijuana remains classified as an illegal narcotic under federal law, institutions of higher education that receive federal funding are required to maintain policies prohibiting the possession and use of marijuana on their campuses. Accordingly, the possession, use, distribution or cultivation of marijuana, even for medical purposes, is prohibited on all community college property or at college sponsored events and activities.
support for foh students
