HCSS 101 Healthcare Career Development
Effective Fall 2026:
College Success for Healthcare will become Healthcare Career Development.
The Healthcare Career Development (HCSS 0101) course helps students who want to major in Health Science Professions at South Texas College. This course gives students the information and skills they need to succeed and graduate from the college's tough healthcare programs.
In this class, students learn about the challenging world of healthcare education and what it takes to become a successful healthcare professional.
The course covers the basics of healthcare and shows students the different healthcare career paths they can take at South Texas College. Students also get to evaluate their own attitudes, perceptions, and expectations about healthcare.
The Healthcare Career Development course provides up-to-date and accurate advice about the requirements for all Health Science Professions majors.
Features of the HCSS 0101 Healthcare Career Development Course
Health Science Professions Program Presentations
In each section of HCSS 0101, HSP program instructors, program chairs and/or program advisors present their programs, entrance requirements, and academic expectations. Students registered during regular academic semesters in the fall and spring are also invited to attend campus wide open house events.
Clinical Affairs Presentations
The HSP Clinical Affairs Specialist gives presentations in all HCSS 0101 classes. They inform students about vaccinations, criminal background checks, and drug testing. For more information, contact the Clinical Affairs Specialist at clinicalaffairs@southtexascollege.edu.
Campus Resources
Healthcare campus librarians teach students about specialized resources and valid healthcare research methods and sources.
Healthcare Teamwork
Healthcare teamwork is taught and encouraged through healthcare-based assignments throughout the semester.
Benefits for HCSS 0101 Students
Selective Entrance Program Application Points
| Program | Grade | Awarded |
|---|---|---|
| Vocational Nursing | A | 3 |
| B | 2 | |
| Associate Degree Nursing | A | 1 |
| B | 0.5 | |
| Dental Hygiene | A | 2 |
| B | 1 | |
| Respiratory Therapy | A | 2 |
| B | 1 | |
| Occupational Assistant | A | 1 |
| B | 0.5 | |
| Physical Therapy Assistant | A | 1 |
| B | 0.5 | |
| Diagnostic Medical Sonography | A | 2 |
| B | 1 | |
| Radiologic Technology | A | 2 |
| B | 1 |
Early Orientation to Rigorous Healthcare Programs Expectations
Every Program Chair at South Texas College's Health Science Professions division recommends the Healthcare Career Development course for all students pursuing a healthcare career.
They believe that students who understand the level of commitment and academic expectations in these programs will be more successful in healthcare careers. These students can also share this information with their support teams, including partners, families, employers, friends, and others who are committed to helping them succeed in the HSP programs.
HCSS 0101 Healthcare Career Development Course Content
Students in the HCSS 0101 Healthcare Career Development course have access to many activities and resources, including:
- Focus on Syllabus Importance: Learn how the syllabus governs the requirements and procedure of the course, including resources, testing procedures, and deadlines.
- Development of Time Management Skills: Many programs are full-time, and students must learn how to balance school and other responsibilities. Healthcare professionals have many different responsibilities within a single shift and time management is key.
- Traditional Educational Success Skills: Multiple modules focus on test taking, note taking and study skills. These skills prepare students for HSP Programs and lifelong learning as healthcare professionals.
- Staff Networking with HSP faculty, staff and program students: Meet and talk with program leaders and current students early on and develop networking skills for the healthcare industry.
- Maintaining Health and Well-Being: Develop health and wellness habits early to build resilience, reduce burnout, and succeed in rigorous healthcare programs and careers.
- Instructor Availability and Access: Easily reach out to healthcare instructors for help.
- Familiarity with the Health Science Professions Campus: Get to know the campus and its facilities. Students are invited to open house events on campus or are part of class arranged tours (face-to-face and hybrid sections).
- Health Career Discovery and Assessment: Explore and assess different healthcare careers.
- Critical Thinking Skills: Develop critical thinking skills needed for healthcare.
- Healthcare Research and Writing: Learn about reliable healthcare research methods and sources. Students will also learn basic principles of healthcare documentation and its function as a legal document.
- Professional Appearance Standards: Learn about the specific appearance standards required for healthcare professionals.
- Online Resources: Access online South Texas College and healthcare career resources for students and instructors.
- Healthcare Ethics: Explore healthcare ethics and examine why maintaining ethical practices is essential for patient welfare and legal compliance.
- Guest Presenters: Hear from guest speakers from each Health Science Professions (HSP) program.
- Attendance Expectations: Understand the importance of regular attendance for healthcare program and career success.
These resources and activities help students succeed in their healthcare education and careers.
