ALH 103 Introduction to Pharmacology for Allied Health Professionals - 3 Credits
ALH 106 Medical Law and Ethics - 3 Credits
ALH 107 Medical Coding and Billing - 3 Credits
ALH 131 Introductory Nursing Assistant - 5 Credits
ALH 132 Advanced Nursing Assistant - 2 Credits
ALH 134 Phlebotomy/EKG Technician - 3 Credits
ALH 136 Phlebotomy/EKG Technician Clinical Co-Operative Externship - 6 Credits
ALH 137 Pharmacy Technician - 3 Credits
ALH 138 Pharmacy Technician Clinical Co-Operative Externship - 6 Credits
ALH 151 Medical Office Administration I - 3 Credits
This course provides a foundation with knowledge in pharmacology, a historical view of pharmacology and explores the fundamental pharmacological concepts such as pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics. Students study drug classifications, their actions, indications for use, contraindications and adverse effects. Natural alternatives and herbal remedies are included. This course is designed for all students with an interest in the Allied Health Professions, as well as the general public.
Prerequisite: ENG 091 with a grade of "C" or higher, ENG 096 with a grade of "C" or higher; or appropriate placement score. F/S/SU
This course explores many legal, ethical and bioethical issues encountered in a medical office and offers suggestions for dealing with those issues in an informed, legal and sensitive manner. Students learn the various designations for medical employees (licensed, registered and certified) and understand the laws that directly relate to physicians. Also an understanding of the role of bioethics in a medical office is discussed.
Prerequisite: ENG 096 with a grade of "C" or higher; or appropriate placement score. F/S
This course examines ICD-10CM coding, CPT-4 coding, insurance programs, Medicare, insurance claim forms, and legal issues. The course introduces the coding systems and recordkeeping used in medical facilities.
Prerequisite: ENG 096 with a grade of "C" or higher; or appropriate placement score.
Corequisite: ALH 102. S
This course provides students with the theory and entry-level skills necessary to safely provide basic nursing assistant level care in a long-term care facility, acute care facility or home health care agency. Students learn the role and responsibilities of the nursing assistant and home health aide within the health care team, including patient and residents' rights, professionalism, communication skills, basic body structure and function, common disorders, rehabilitation and restorative care, infection control and safety, special care concerns, and basic patient care skills, including vital signs. Upon completion of classroom and skills practice laboratory learning and competency testing, students participate in a clinical rotation at a skilled nursing facility, under the supervision of a registered nurse.
Prerequisite: ENG 091 with a grade of "C" or higher, ENG 096 with a grade of "C" or higher; or appropriate placement score. F/S/SU
This advanced course is designed for students who have completed a Massachusetts state-approved nursing assistant training program and want to expand their knowledge related to the role and practice of the certified nursing assistant. Students learn the importance of professionalism and develop the traits, behaviors, and skills that employers are demanding of today's health care workers. Topics include work ethics and performance, personal values, personal traits of the health care professional, interpersonal relationships, teamwork and communication skills, cultural competence, professionalism and personal life, job-seeking skills, becoming a leader, and career development. This course also includes advanced education to expand students' knowledge of how to understand and successfully care for people with dementia. Topics include types and symptoms of dementia, conditions that may present dementia-like symptoms, prevention of abuse, communication strategies, understanding and dealing with challenging behaviors, and the principles of a person-centered approach to care.
Prerequisite: Certificate of Completion from a state-approved nursing assistant training program or current C.N.A. certificate, ALH 131. F/S/SU
This course provides an introduction to the theory, techniques and roles of a phlebotomist and electrocardiogram (EKG) technician. Students learn phlebotomy skills, including skin puncture, venipuncture, blood collection, and quality assurance. Additional topics include infection control, medical terminology, quality assurance, principles of venipuncture, specimen handling, basic hematology and basic anatomy of the venous system. Students learn the cardiovascular system as it relates to the performance of an EKG. Students gain knowledge in basic EKG tracing, rate, rhythm, common heart abnormalities and the use and function of the EKG machine.
Prerequisite: ENG 091 with a grade of "C" or higher, ENG 096 with a grade of "C" or higher; or appropriate placement score. F/S
The externship prepares students for a career as a phlebotomy/EKG technician. Students learn phlebotomy skills, EKG skills and how to use reference materials. Students then work in a laboratory and learn how to perform as a phlebotomist; they also work in an EKG clinic and learn how to perform as an EKG technician. Students practice their communication skills, familiarize themselves with the layout of the EKG clinic and its daily and monthly operation. Students experience data entry and third-party billing, inventory and quality control checks. Students also practice writing a resume, interviewing techniques and professional skills.
Corequisite: ALH 134. F/S
This course provides students with the knowledge needed to prepare for a career as a pharmacy technician. Students study the laws of pharmacy practice, drug names and classification, compounding, calculations, abbreviations, and dosage forms. Students learn various duties a technician may perform as well as communication skills and aspects of assisting the pharmacist.
Prerequisite: ENG 091 with a grade of "C" or higher, ENG 096 with a grade of "C" or higher; or appropriate placement score, MAT 090 with a grade of "C" or higher on the MAT 090 departmental final exam; or appropriate placement score. F
The externship prepares students for a career as a pharmacy technician. Students learn compounding skills, mathematical calculations, and how to use reference materials. Students then work in a pharmacy and learn how to perform as a pharmacy technician. They practice their communication skills; familiarize themselves with the layout of a pharmacy and its daily and monthly operation. Students experience data entry and third-party billing, inventory and compounding. Students also practice writing resumes, interviewing, and professional skills.
Prerequisite: ALH 137. S
This course introduces medical office procedures, including appointment scheduling, medical records creation and maintenance, phone communication, inventory of supplies, and computers in the medical office. Students become competent in the use of office equipment and the composing of different types of letters. The course introduces verbal and non-verbal methods of communication skills.
Prerequisite: ENG 091 with a grade of "C" or higher, ENG 096 with a grade of "C" or higher; or appropriate placement score.
Corequisite: ALH 102, BSS 101. F