Prospective International Students

Applying to Biological & Health Programs

Foothill's Biological & Health Sciences Division offers many excellent health career programs. The Dental Hygiene Program, for example, started in 1964 and ranks as one of the top programs in the United States.

Based on national board exam scores, the program ranked No. 2 in the nation out of 250 programs in 2003 and 2005.

Many of these popular programs have limited enrollment and require a separate application. If you plan to major in one of the fields below, you will be required to follow special admission procedures. Some of these programs begin only in the Fall Quarter.

Application Procedure

Since these programs require a separate application, you have two admissions options.

Option 1: You can be accepted to Foothill to study biological sciences and complete general education prerequisites for your chosen program, such as biology, chemistry, etc. You can then apply for admission to the program by the next application deadline once you have completed all prerequisites.

Option 2: If you are eligible to enter your chosen program directly (no prerequisite coursework required), you must complete all special program admission requirements before you submit an International Student Application. Click on each program below for more details. After you are accepted into the program of your choice, you should complete the International Student Application and submit a copy of your acceptance notification with other required documents to the International Student Office.

List of Biology & Health Sciences Programs Requiring a Special Application:

• Dental Assisting Program
  The curriculum covers courses in dental assisting procedures, radiology and business practice.
• Dental Hygiene Program
  The curriculum includes comprehensive courses in basic sciences, oral anatomy, public health, nutrition, clinical dental hygiene, periodontics, pathology, radiology and other areas.
• Diagnostic Medical Sonography
  The program emphasizes abdominal, obstetrics, gynecology, vascular, neurosonography and specialty applications.
• Pharmacy Technician
  Under the supervision of a registered pharmacist, technicians perform tasks related to receiving, dispensing, distributing, controlling, packaging and labeling of pharmaceutical products.
• Radiologic Technology
  Radiologic technologists work closely with doctors to provide diagnostic radiographs in the radiology department, surgery and emergency room.
• Respiratory Therapy
  Students learn to monitor and manage the ventilation of critically ill patients and provide acute and chronic care to patients with pulmonary disease.
• Veterinary Technology
  Veterinary technicians serve primarily as a professional assistant to veterinarians, biomedical researchers, and other scientists.

Please note that we cannot accept international students on F-1 visas into the following programs due to immigration regulations:

• Biotechnology Laboratory Technician Training Program
• Emergency Medical Technology
• Paramedic Program
• Primary Care Associate Program