Frequently Asked Questions

FAQs ... and Answers

• General
• Biology
• Environmental Studies
• Health Technologies
• Nursing
• Information Meetings

General Questions

• How do I apply to De Anza College?

  Visit our Apply and Register pages.

• How do I apply to the specific programs within the Biological and Health Sciences Division, such as Nursing or Health Technologies?

   There are prerequisites for many of these programs, as well as specific application procedures. Look under Nursing or Health Technologies for specific information.

• Does De Anza College offer Financial Aid? Tutoring? Counseling? Day Care Center? 

  Yes. Find out more by visiting the Student Services resource page. 

• When are the information meetings for Nursing and Health Technologies?

  • Nursing Program
  • Health Technologies

Biology

• How do I register for biology classes?

  After applying for admission to De Anza, you will be given a registration date. On that date you may register for classes. All biology classes are listed in the Schedule of Classes under biology. Use the specific call number for each class and section to register. Note: If the class has a separate lab, the lab MUST be taken concurrently with the class.

• Which biology classes fulfill the general science requirement for De Anza?

  All of the courses may be applied to the science requirement for an A.A. degree at De Anza College. For more information about General Education requirements or transferring classes to another institution, consult the College Catalog or contact the Counseling and Advising Center at (408) 864-5400.

• Does De Anza College offer a program or certificate in nutrition?

  No, the college does not offer a certification program in nutrition. We do, however, offer a wide variety of nutrition and health courses, see the Schedule of Classes for details. 

• What will a degree in biology from De Anza enable me to do?

  De Anza's biology degree prepares students to transfer to a 4-year university and provides a foundation for students to succeed in all of the biology related fields such as public health, nutrition, biotechnology, laboratory and field research, medicine, dentistry, pharmacy, land management, environmental studies, and veterinary medicine.

  Learn more about the A.S. Degree in Biology

   

Environmental Studies

• How can I find out more about the environmental studies programs?

  Go to the contact us page for the address to request more information, or you can visit the Environmental Studies Web site.

• What are the training and certificate options through the Environmental Studies department?

  • Environmental Compliance Specialist, a hybrid of technical and liberal arts disciplines, will be trained in the areas of environmental law and regulation at the local, state, and national levels.
  • Biodiversity Specialist: Learn to identify and inventory species and habitats. Students will be trained in the latest survey techniques and will be involved in local projects concerning wildlife protection and restoration.
  • Environmental Studies (General): Learn about the field of environmental studies including environmental compliance, biodiversity, and energy management.
  • Environmental Technology: Environmental technology technicians oversee the reduction and treatment of hazardous materials and waste generated within industry, business, government, and educational institutions.
  • Energy Management Technician: Energy management technicians will coordinate and oversee the energy management systems and equipment at schools and colleges.
  • Waste Management Technician: Waste management technicians work in programs that oversee the flow of solid waste within industry, business, government and education. 

• How do I apply to the Environmental Studies Program? 

   The application process is the same as applying to the college.

• What are some of the career options for an Environmental Studies major?

  Students may train for positions such as Environmental Compliance Specialist, Energy Management Technician, or even a Biodiversity Specialist. 

Health Technologies

• If I have taken computer courses, including Word 6.0 (or appropriate courses), do I have to take the courses listed in the health technology programs?

  If you have already taken the same courses at a different institution there is no need to repeat. Have your transcripts sent to the Admissions Office at De Anza College.

• Will De Anza College accept similar Health Technology or Medical Assisting courses taken elsewhere?

   We will accept similar courses if they were taken at an accredited college or university (have your transcripts sent to the Admissions Office). We cannot accept courses taken at a non-accredited institution.

• Will the Health Technologies department give credit for "on-the-job" training?

   The Health Technology Department will not give credit for this type of experience.

• Which Health Technology/Medical Assisting courses can be challenged?

  HTEC 60A, Medical Terminology/Common Diseases, is the only course that may be challenged.

• How do I get started in a Health Technology Program?

  Complete the Application for Admission. You will be assigned a date to register. Attend an informational meeting to learn which classes are required.

• Which health class do I take for the EMT Program?

   Health 57.

• What certificate programs are offered by the Health Technologies Department?

  • Medical Assisting– Associate in Arts Degree: Clinical skills includes vital signs, assisting with minor surgery, EKGs, routine lab procedures, administration of medications, basic patient care. Administrative skills include computer skills, transcription, scheduling appointments, bookkeeping, billing, insurance, records management, and public relations.
  • Medical Assisting– Certificate of Proficiency: Clinical skills includes vital signs, assisting with minor surgery, EKGs, routine lab procedures, administration of medications, and basic patient care. Administrative skills include computer skills, transcription, scheduling appointments, bookkeeping, billing, insurance, records management public relations.
  • Medical Secretary– Certificate of Proficiency: Administrative skills include typing, transcription, scheduling appointments, bookkeeping, billing, insurance, records management and public relations.
  • Medical File Clerk– Certificate of Achievement: Answer telephones, schedule appointments, record management, codes, completes insurance forms, and handles money transactions.
  • Medical Records Clerk– Certificate of Achievement: Administrative skills include answer telephones, keyboarding and filing.
  • Business Office Clerk– Certificate of Achievement: Administrative skills include insurance claim billing, collections and appeals, reception relief, and other clerical duties.
  • Medical Reception– Certificate of Achievement: Administrative skills include customer service, patients assistance, assemble and combine charts, answering telephones, keyboarding, and filing.
  • Insurance and Coding– Certificate of Achievement: Preparation of insurance claim forms, maintain insurance claims register, tracing unpaid claims, evaluation of claims rejection, and translates medical terminology into procedural and diagnostic codes.
  • Medical Transcription– Certificate of Achievement: Transcribe medical dictation detailing a patient's health care during an illness or after an injury.
  • Lab Assistant– Certificate of Achievement: Perform venipuncture, set up lab tests and process specimens for testing in medical clinic or hospital labs; perform electrocardiograms(EKGs).
  • Phlebotomist– Certificate of Achievement: Perform venipuncture, set up lab tests and processes specimens for testing in medical clinics or hospital labs.

Nursing

• How do I get into the Nursing Program?  

  1. Apply for admission to the college.
  2. Register for Nursing 50, Career Opportunities in Nursing, a 12-week course offered every quarter including summer (6 weeks in the summer)
  3. Send all official transcripts, verifying prior general education, directly to Admissions and Records Office, De Anza College, Stevens Creek Blvd., Cupertino, CA 95014.
  4. Work with the Assessment Center to determine which Math and English courses you are eligible to take.
  5. There are Information Sessions each quarter except during the summer. For a schedule and directions, please see the De Anza Nursing Information Meeting dates.

• Must I meet all of the prerequisites before I start the program?

  Yes, all prerequisites must be met before you can even apply to the nursing program. More information will be provided in the Nursing 50 class.

• What programs are offered through the Nursing Department?

  • RN (Registered Nurse)
  • LVN transition to RN

• How can I get more nursing program information? 

  Read the information at the Nursing Department Web site. Attend an informational meeting.