Allied Health Courses, Certificate Programs Available at Essex County College

A series of allied health courses will be offered starting in September at the Newark campus of Essex County College. Call (973) 877-3079 for registration and other information on any of these allied health programs.

Medical Insurance Coding/ Billing Specialist is a 20 session course that will give students career opportunities in the constantly growing health care field. The curriculum, with an emphasis on ICD-10 coding, provides participants with a comprehensive understanding of billing and collection processes. The class will meet Saturdays, September 13 through February 7, 2015, from 8:30 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. Total cost is $1,265 and a payment plan is available.

Hemodialysis Technician Certificate Program is an in-depth class designed to prepare students through hands-on training for entry level employment in a dialysis unit. Clinical assignments are in area hospitals under the supervision of experienced hemodialysis nurses. The class will meet Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays for 30 sessions, from 5:30 to 9:30 p.m., September 15 to November 24. Saturdays will be required for some clinical hours. Total cost is $1,310 and a payment plan is available.

Certified Medication Aide is a 20 session program approved by the New Jersey Department of Health and Senior Services for current certified nurse aides, homemaker/home health aides, and personal care assistants. The program includes 40 instructional and 20 clinical hours. Students must have a CNA or CHHA license. Classes will be held Mondays and Wednesdays, starting September 15, from 6 to 9 p.m. Total cost is $660.

Physical Therapy Aide Certification Program is a 20 session class that will teach students medical terminology, physical therapy treatments, exercise and mobility training, and customer service to work in this growing field. The class will meet Tuesdays and Thursdays, starting September 16, from 6 to 9 p.m. Total cost of the program is $615.

ICD-10 Training for Healthcare Professionals is a 10 session course designed for medical coders, billers, clinicians, front desk staff and managers. The medical industry will implement the new ICD-10 coding system effective October of 2014. Participants will be exposed to human pathophysiology, ICD-9 to ICD-10 code conversions as well as guidelines of ICD-10-CM needed to accurately code and sequence diagnoses. The class will meet Tuesdays and Thursdays, starting September 16, from 6 to 9 p.m. Cost of the program is $335.

Advanced Medical CPT & ICD-10/Coding is a 16 session course for people looking to enhance their career as a medical biller and coder. Upon successful completion of this course, students may be eligible to take the American Academy of Professional Coders National Examination. The class will meet Saturdays, starting September 20, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Total cost of the program is $880, with a payment plan available.

Phlebotomy Technician is a 16 session course covering the basic concepts of phlebotomy and the responsibilities of the phlebotomist. The class includes hands-on training, such as collecting routine capillary and venous specimens for testing. The class is scheduled for Saturdays, starting September 20, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Students who successfully complete the course will be eligible to take the Certified Phlebotomy Technician exam in class. Cost of the course is $880 and a payment plan is available. There is also a $105 exam fee due by December 13.

CPR for Healthcare Providers is a course that will prepare students with the basic knowledge and skills necessary to provide effective life support in an emergency. Participants will learn to use an AED (automated external defibrillator) for victims in sudden cardiac arrest. Students will earn an American Heart Association certificate for successful completion of the one session class on September 27 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Cost of the session is $95.

Health Information Technology is a six month (60 sessions) certificate program is designed to prepare students for this high-tech/high-growth career. Topics covered include healthcare and public health, health management information systems, fundamentals of health workflow process analysis and redesign, usability and human factors, and project management. The class will meet Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, running September 29 through March 9, 2015, from 6 to 9 p.m. Total cost is $1,300 with a payment plan available. Students must provide proof of professional work experience or background in healthcare or information technology.

Information courtesy of Essex County College