Health Care Careers

NURA 1001 - Nurse Aide for Health Care - Preparation for entry level nursing assistants to achieve a level of knowledge, skills, and abilities essential to provide basic care to residents of long-term care facilities. Topics include resident's rights, communication, safety, observation, reporting and assisting residents in maintaining basic comfort and safety. Emphasis on effective interaction with members of the health care team.  Provide basic care to residents in a long-term care facility; communicate and interact effectively with residents and their families based on sensitivity to the psychosocial needs; and assist residents in attaining and maintaining basic comfort and safety. Protect, support, and promote the rights of the residents; provide safety and preventive measures in the care of residents; demonstrate skills in observing and reporting; and function effectively as a member of the health care team.

NURA 1060 - Clinical-Nurse/Nursing Assistant/Aide and Patient Care Assistant - A health-related work-based learning experience that enables the student to apply specialized occupational theory, skills, and concepts. Direct supervision is provided by the clinical professional. As outlined in the learning plan, apply the theory, concepts, and skills involving specialized materials, tools, equipment, procedures, regulations, laws, and interactions within and among political, economic, environmental, social, and legal systems associated with the occupation and the business/industry and will demonstrate legal and ethical behavior, safety practices, interpersonal and teamwork skills, and appropriate written and verbal communication skills using the terminology of the occupation and the business/industry.

EMSP 1019 - CPR for Healthcare Providers - Designed for healthcare providers and professional rescuers. Lifesaving skills of respiratory (choking and near-drowning) and cardiac emergencies involving adults, children, and infants. Students will show proficiency according to current guidelines of the credentialing agency.

1. Current TB Test
2. Hepatitis B Series (must have all three shots by registration)
3. Criminal background check (conducted by Southwest Texas Junior College)
4. Valid ID and Social Security Card
5. Health Status Physician Approval Form

As a Clinical Medical Assistant the student will be trained to help the physician carry out procedures, care for patients, perform basic lab tests and administer medications. The Clinical Medical Assistant works in a physician’s office or a clinic setting. This course combines classroom instruction and off-site externship to provide students with a comprehensive learning experience.

Course Descriptions

MDCA 1000 - Basic Medical Assistant Technology - Introduction to medical office operations, equipment, procedures, and human relations skills.

MDCA 2031 - Advanced Medical Assistant Technology - Focuses on the theory and application of administration and clinical skills.

MDCA 1052 - Medical Assistant Laboratory Procedures - Application of governmental health care guidelines. Includes specimen collection and handling, quality assurance, and quality control.

MDCA 1009 - Anatomy and Physiology for Medical Assistants - Emphasis on structure and function of human cells, tissues, organs, and systems with overview of common pathophysiology.

MDCA 1010 - Medical Assistant Interpersonal and Communication Skills - Emphasis on the application of basic psychological principles and the study of behavior as they apply to special populations. Topics include procedures for self-understanding and social adaptability in interpersonal communication with patients and co-workers in an ambulatory care setting.

Student Pre-requisites

• Minimum 18 years of age
• High School Diploma or GED
• Current TB skin test
• Hepatitis B Series Vaccination (must have all three shots by registration)
• Submission of a resume prior to externship placement

Evaluation Form

 Clinical Medical Assistant / Phlebotomy Evaluation Form

As a Phlebotomy Technician, the laboratory relies on you to collect quality samples from the patient to produce quality laboratory results. To do this, a phlebotomy technician must create an atmosphere of trust and confidence with patients while drawing blood specimens in a skillful, safe and reliable manner. This program is intended for those who have no experience and want to become employed as a Phlebotomy Technician in a clinical laboratory or public health department setting. Students work in teams practicing on one another. The program includes classroom training and an externship to provide you with a complete learning experience.

Course Descriptions

PLAB 1023 - Phlebotomy -Skill development in the performance of a variety of blood collection methods using proper techniques and standard precautions. Includes vacuum collection devices, syringes, capillary skin puncture, butterfly needles and blood culture, and specimen collection on adults, children, and infants. Emphasis on infection prevention, patient identification, specimen labeling, quality assurance, specimen handling, processing, accessioning, professionalism, ethics, and medical terminology.

PLAB 1060 - Clinical (phlebotomy/phlebotomist) - A health-related work-based learning experience that enables the student to apply specialized occupational theory, skills, and concepts. Direct supervision is provided by the clinical professional.

Certification: Upon successful completion of the program, graduates will receive a certificate. Graduates will be eligible to apply for national certification as a Phlebotomy Technician and be prepared to take a certification examination.

Pre-requisites

• Minimum 18 years of age
• High School Diploma or GED
• Current TB skin test
• Hepatitis B Series Vaccination (must have all three shots by registration)
• Submission of a resume prior to externship placement

Evaluation Form

 Clinical Medical Assistant / Phlebotomy Evaluation Form

This 90-hour program will prepare the student to gain the skills healthcare employers seek when searching for medical insurance billers and coders to fill the important role of recording, registering, and tracking patient accounts. The student will learn to apply the rules and guidelines to complete claims for reimbursement of medical services, complete common insurance forms, trace delinquent claims, appeal denied claims and use generic forms to streamline billing procedures. A Medical Billing and Coding Specialist can gather and review patient information, prevent fraud and abuse by auditing billing, support in the billing and coding process, and coach healthcare providers to achieve optimal reimbursement. Medical Billing & Coding Specialists have a wide range of employment opportunities come and acquire the knowledge and training needed for a rewarding and meaningful career.

Admission Requirements

1. Minimum 18 years of age
2. High school diploma or its equivalent

Course Description

HITT 1013 - Coding and Insurance - An overview of skills and knowledge in ICD and CPT coding and claims forms for reimbursement of medical services.

Evaluation Form

 Medical Billing and Coding Evaluation Form