If you’re ready to step into a career that truly makes a difference, healthcare is calling.
For more than 70 years, the Health Occupations Center (HOC) has been a trusted leader in training the next generation of healthcare professionals. Our graduates are highly respected throughout San Diego County, and we proudly partner with more than 90 healthcare organizations for clinical rotations, internships, and externships — including every major hospital system in the region.
Our short-term training programs are designed to get you workforce-ready, fast. Students earn state and/or national certifications or licensure that lead directly to in-demand jobs across the healthcare field. Whether you’re launching a new career or building on your experience, HOC also offers advancement and continuing education courses to help healthcare professionals grow and thrive.
Because we are part of Grossmont Adult Education, a public adult education center funded by the California Adult Education Program (CAEP), our programs are offered at minimal cost. Facilities, instructors, and staffing are supported through state funding — making high-quality healthcare training accessible and affordable.
Explore our programs and courses below to learn more about schedules, fees, and how to get started. Your future in healthcare starts here.
TRAINING PROGRAMS

TRAINING PROGRAMS

Veterinary Assistant students learn how to brush a canines teeth
Nursing student practice assessments with a manikin
Medical Assistant students work in the classroom with volunteers
Two dental students practice their skills on a dental training dummy
EMT students practice their skills in a classroom setting
LVN Students learn about stitches
Students in black scrubs pose for a picture by a gurney
LVN Students learn about stitches
Phlebotomy students practice their skills in the lab
ADDITIONAL TRAINING COURSES

ADDITIONAL TRAINING COURSES

Additional training courses do not require an orientation to register. These courses will open online depending on the semester they are offered. All Fall semester courses will open for registration online on July 1. All Spring semester courses will open for registration online on December 1. If you do not see the course available online for registration, please check the course page as registration may need to completed in person or by phone due to additional requirements.
Additional training courses do not require an orientation to register. These courses will open online depending on the semester they are offered. All Fall semester courses will open for registration online on July 1. All Spring semester courses will open for registration online on December 1. If you do not see the course available online for registration, please check the course page as registration may need to completed in person or by phone due to additional requirements.
Nursing students practicing acute care in a learning environment
Students practice their Basic Life Support Skills
VN students reviewing anatomy on a manikin
Nursing students studying diligently in a classroom setting
Two Pet CPR students practice their CPR Techniques on animal manikins
CNAs listen to an instructor in a classroom
EMTs review procedures with an instructor
An interpreter listens as the doctor explains what the patient needs to understand
A home health aide assists a patient with a blood pressure cuff
A nurse adjusts an iv bag
A patient care aide assists a woman with a walker
A nurse listens to a patients heart at a hospital
A patient is visited by a young child and a nurse who brought a therapy dog
A nurse checks a heart monitor reading