Health Care Careers

Health Care Careers

Certified Nurse Aid Training

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.

Admission Requirements

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

Clinical Medical Assistant Training

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
Course Level: Beginner
Course Description: This course provides an overview of medical office operations, including the use of equipment, common procedures, and essential human relations skills for a professional healthcare setting.
End-of-Course Outcomes: Students will be able to explain HIPAA regulations, demonstrate ethical and professional behavior, and perform key administrative tasks within an ambulatory care environment.

MDCA - 1052
Course Level: Intermediate
Course Description: Focuses on the application of government healthcare regulations. Topics include specimen collection and handling, as well as quality assurance and quality control procedures in performing CLIA-waived laboratory tests.
End-of-Course Outcomes: Students will be able to:

• Perform venipuncture and skin puncture techniques
• Follow Universal Standards and Precautions in accordance with OSHA regulations
• Conduct CLIA-waived laboratory testing
• Properly label, process, and handle biological specimens
• Operate, calibrate, maintain, and troubleshoot laboratory equipment
• Apply quality assurance and quality control protocols effectively

MDCA - 1060
Course Description: This course provides a health-related, work-based learning experience that allows students to apply specialized occupational theories, skills, and concepts in a real-world clinical setting. Students work under the direct supervision of a clinical professional.
End-of-Course Outcomes: In accordance with the learning plan, students will:

• Apply theoretical knowledge, concepts, and practical skills related to specialized tools, equipment, procedures, and regulations.
• Understand and operate within the political, economic, environmental, social, and legal systems connected to the healthcare profession.
• Demonstrate ethical and legal conduct, safety awareness, effective interpersonal and teamwork skills, and professional written and verbal communication using industry-specific terminology.

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

Phlebotomy Technician Training Program

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
Course Level: Introductory
Course Description: This course focuses on developing skills in various blood collection techniques while adhering to proper procedures and standard precautions. Students will gain hands-on experience with vacuum collection devices, syringes, butterfly needles, capillary puncture methods, and blood culture collection for adults, children, and infants. Emphasis is placed on infection control, patient identification, specimen labeling, quality assurance, specimen handling and processing, professionalism, ethics, and medical terminology.
End-of-Course Outcomes: Upon completion, students will be able to:

• Apply infection control and safety protocols effectively.
• Describe quality assurance principles as they relate to specimen collection.
• Explain the importance of specimen collection within the overall patient care process.
• Identify collection tools, additives, and special precautions, as well as recognize substances that may affect laboratory analysis.
• Perform venipuncture and capillary puncture techniques on patients of all ages.
• Explain proper requisitioning, specimen transport, and processing procedures.

PLAB 1060
Course Description: This course offers a health-related, work-based learning opportunity that allows students to apply advanced occupational theories, skills, and concepts in a professional setting under the direct supervision of a clinical practitioner.
End-of-Course Outcomes: In alignment with the learning plan, students will:

• Apply theoretical knowledge and practical skills using specialized materials, tools, equipment, and procedures relevant to the healthcare field.
• Understand and navigate the political, economic, environmental, social, and legal systems that influence the healthcare industry.
• Demonstrate professionalism through ethical and legal conduct, adherence to safety standards, effective teamwork, and strong interpersonal communication.
• Exhibit proficiency in both written and verbal communication using appropriate medical and industry-specific terminology.

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

Medical Billing and Coding

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

Contact Information