Health Occupations

“My first true introduction to healthcare came from the Health Occupations Program offered at East Los Angeles College. As I listened to experts speak about contemporary health issues, I was intrigued. I became exposed to a basic but thorough understanding of issues faced in health care today. Within 2 weeks of completing the program, I was hired as a Patient Service Representative with Family Health Centers of San Diego, a well-known clinic that is known to provide service for to everyone from uninsured, to low income and medically underserved populations. After six months I was promoted as a Care Coordinator for the Developmental Service Department. My experience through this program has provided me with many great opportunities in the San Diego area and one day my plan is to return to Los Angeles and thrive. I was commuting from San Diego to East Los Angeles College for this program; I have to say it was completely worth it!”

"Following completion of the Health Occupations program, I re-applied and was recently accepted to medical school. I want to thank the Health Occupations Program and the staff for giving me a solid foundation for a career in healthcare. Not only did the program teach practical patient care skills and the science behind health, but it also focused on aspects of healthcare that are just as important but often overlooked - ethics, cultural sensitivity, and social determinants of health. I believe it is important to be aware of the changing needs of patients in diverse and multicultural communities, and the Health Occupations Program provided me with opportunities to explore some of these topics. I hope that other students will take advantage of this opportunity to expand their knowledge and broaden their perspectives on healthcare. Good luck!"

“Because of the HOC program and skill certificate, the gerontology certificate, and the HOC Job Fair I attended, I am starting the hiring process with a healthcare employer. I've had such a great experience this past year, meeting new people and learning so much. I look forward to this next chapter in my life and am very excited to begin my employment. Once again, thank you so much for giving students such a great opportunity.”

“I wanted to share some great news with you. I was recently hired as an Employment Specialist for disabled persons who are employed by companies who are willing to hire mentally or physically challenged persons. My role is to coach and supervise clients while on the job to assure they are able to do the work and understand their duties. During my interview, I mentioned the badges that I had earned and will earn by the end of the Gateway Program. They were very impressed with the badges that appeared on my resume, that you helped me prepare in class. It shows that what the LAH3C staff, instructors, and ELAC have offered is a very useful program for employment in jobs not necessarily exclusive to direct medical services. Thank you to all members of the Gateway program for their commitment to us in LAHC3.”

“Today was my last LAH3C class and I would like to thank you for all your endless hours spent on directing and coordinating this unique program. Everything from the classes, the classroom, the students and the instructor was simply excellent. Our instructor was awesome!! She made the fun class, all the students were true team players and worked together to learn and enhance our skills to become more compassionate, ethical & skilled "future" health care providers. My long term goal is to become a Physician Assistant and the advice received from Amalia and Mr. Howard has been great. Mr. Howard is filled with information and resources and Amalia's style of teaching makes it easier and fun to learn. Thank you for the opportunity. Again, thank you to the entire LAH3C staff for all your hard work, your vision and passion to help people like me become successful and accomplished individuals.”