Organization

California College for Health Sciences (CCHS) is a private postsecondary institution licensed by the State of California to operate as a degree-granting school of higher education. The school was founded in 1975 as a resident campus for respiratory care education. In 1978, the school launched a distance education component in the field of respiratory care. Since that time, the distance education curriculum has been expanded to include Associate of Science degrees in respiratory technology, respiratory therapy, medical transcription, electroencephalographic technology, and early childhood education; Bachelor of Science degrees in management, polysomnography, and respiratory care; a Master of Science degree in Community Health Administration and Wellness Promotion; and courses in basic science and general education.CCHS is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of the Distance Education and Training Council and by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges of Technology. The entry-level and advanced practitioner programs in respiratory care education are accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs.The mission of the college is 'to assist prospective and working health and human services professionals in the achievement of their individual career objectives with comprehensive, highly accessible and practical education that meets national professional academic standards.' The independent study format of distance education enables students to design a study schedule that meets their individual needs, taking into consideration career and family obligations.More than fifty full-time faculty and staff members assist students by responding to inquiries and requests for assistance. Subject matter experts develop courses in conjunction with professional instructional designers. Course formats include textbooks accompanied by study guides and stand-alone resources that integrate course content and study materials into a single student manual. Faculty and staff provide academic assistance via correspondence and electronic communication.