USC Allied Health Programs
Building careers and transforming communities through healthcare
USC’s funded Allied Health Programs offers career-ready certificates and hands-on training in high-demand fields, including Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), Dental Assistant, and Medical Assistant programs. Through our concurrent enrollment option, high school students can jump-start their healthcare careers by enrolling in college-level courses while completing their high school education.
This unique opportunity allows students to earn both high school and college credits simultaneously, providing a fast-track to certification and a seamless transition into the workforce. With real-world clinical experience, we prepare students for success in healthcare, meeting the needs of our community and beyond.
Program Snapshots
Certified Nursing Assisting
Dental Assisting
Medical Assisting
Eligibility Requirements For Dental &
Medical Assistant & Allied Health Programs
- High School Junior or Senior.
- Overall – 3.0 GPA.
- Recommendation from: High School Career Counselor, Administrator or Teacher.
- Be a Student at: A TRIO-Affiliated School or USC Family of Schools.
Program Background: The Allied-Health Programs began at USC in 2015 as a pilot program for high school students. It is a pipeline entry-level training program in healthcare . The program expands the high school experience to include a 15-16 week training certificate program in Dental Assisting, Medical Assisting and Certified Nursing Assistant & Home Health Aide.
It is a collaborative partnership with West Los Angeles College Health-Sciences to provide Community College and State of California Certification. Internships are from 6-8 weeks in a medical facility, urgent care, dental clinic or hospital. It is a collaborative partnership with West Los Angeles College Health-Sciences to provide Community College and State of California Certification. Internships are from 6-8 weeks in a medical facility, urgent care, dental clinic or hospital.
Mission Statement: To create a culture of continuous healthcare training, compassions and excellent care to our communities and the world.
Vision Statement: Empowering high school students from underserved communities to become healthcare professionals through training, internships and workforce placement.
Values Statement: Inspiring future healthcare workers to cultivate authentic relationships with trust, dignity, respect and empathy.
For more information, contact Rudy Portillo, Rudyport@usc.edu.