Healthcare Assistant (HA21)  Technical Certificate of Credit


Campus Locations: Vidalia, Swainsboro

The Healthcare Assistant (HCA) Technical Certificate of Credit (TCC) is a program that provides academic foundations at the diploma level in communications, mathematics, and human relations, as well as technical skills. Program graduates are trained in the underlying fundamentals of health care delivery and are well prepared for employment and subsequent upward mobility.

The program prepares students with classroom training and practice as well as the clinical experiences necessary to work in a variety of settings including hospitals, doctor's offices, clinics, outpatient care centers, family practices, nursing homes, and group practices or to pursue further education in healthcare.

The standard curriculum for the Healthcare Assistant Certificate is designed for the semester system. Students may enter the Certificate program during any semester term.

Minimum credit hours required for completion will vary depending upon option selected. See program options section for specific minimum semester credit hours required.

Option OneNursing Specialty Specialization
Option Two – Phlebotomy Specialization


Option One – NURSING SPECIALTY SPECIALIZATION

The Nursing Specialty Specialization includes the NAST 2100, Nurse Aide Accelerated, course. NAST 2100 is STC’s state-approved Nurse Aide Training Program (NATP). The course offers training to candidates who desire to become eligible for certification as certified nurse aides (CNAs). Please refer to the Nurse Aide Accelerated section of the Catalog for additional requirements related to NAST 2100. Special Note: Students must enroll in ALHS 1040, Introduction to Health Care, prior to or along with NAST 2100.

Requirements

  • Submit a completed application;
  • Be at least 16 years of age;
  • Submit official high school/high school equivalent transcripts;
  • Submit official college transcripts, if applicable;
  • Satisfy Placement Testing requirements;

Option Two – PHLEBOTOMY SPECIALIZATION

Please refer to the Accelerated Phlebotomy section of the Catalog for additional requirements related to PHLT 1030, Introduction to Phlebotomy, and PHLT 1055, Accelerated Phlebotomy Clinical Practice. Special Note: Students must enroll in ALHS 1011, Structure and Function of the Human Body, prior to or along with PHLT 1030.

Requirements

  • Submit a completed application;
  • Be at least 17 years of age;
  • Submit official high school/high school equivalent transcripts, as applicable;
  • Submit official college transcripts, if applicable;
  • Satisfy Placement Testing requirements;
  • Student must be 18 years of age when entering PHLT 1055.

Program Costs

Costs are estimates and are subject to change.

Option 1: Nursing Specialty Specialization

  • Tuition/Fees: $4,052
  • Books/Supplies: $921
    • See Nurse Aide Accelerated Program Page for additional program costs and program information pertaining to ALHS 1040 and NAST 2100.

Option 2: Phlebotomy Specialization

  • Tuition/Fees: $4,052
  • Books/Supplies: $987
    • See Accelerated Phlebotomy Program page for additional program costs and program information for ALHS 1040, PHLT 1030, and PHLT 1055.

Curriculum Outline (31 hours)
Option One - Healthcare Technician (31 hours) 31
General Core (12 hours) 12
COLL 1040

(Prerequisite: None) This course is designed to provide tools to assist students to acquire skills necessary to achieve academic and professional success in their chosen occupational/technical program of study. Topics include: Computer Applications/Technology Skills, Getting off to a Good Start, Learning and Personality Styles, Time and Money Management, Study and Test Taking Skills, Stress Management and Wellness, Communication Skills, and Career Exploration.

3
ENGL 1010

(Prerequisite: ENGL 0097 OR Appropriate Placement Test Score AND READ 0097 OR Appropriate Placement Test Score) Emphasizes the development and improvement of written and oral communication abilities. Topics include analysis of writing, applied grammar and writing skills, editing and proofreading skills, research skills, and oral communication skills.

3
MATH 1012

(Prerequisites: MATH 0097 OR Appropriate arithmetic placement test score.) Emphasizes the application of basic mathematical skills used in the solution of occupational and technical problems. Topics include fractions, decimals, percents, ratios and proportions, measurement and conversion, geometric concepts, technical applications, and basic statistics.

3
PSYC 1010

(Prerequisite: Provisional admission) Presents basic concepts within the field of psychology and their application to everyday human behavior, thinking and emotion. Emphasis is placed on students understanding basic psychological principles and their application within the context of family, work, and social interactions. Topics include an overview of psychology as a science, the nervous and sensory systems, learning and memory, motivation and emotion, intelligence, lifespan development, personality, psychological disorders and their treatment, stress and health, and social relations.

3
Occupational Courses (19 hours) 19
ALHS 1011

(Prerequisite: Regular Admission) Focuses on basic normal structure and function of the human body. Topics include general plan and function of the human body, integumentary system, skeletal system, muscular system, nervous and sensory systems, endocrine system, cardiovascular system, lymphatic system, respiratory system, digestive system, urinary system, and reproductive system.

5
ALHS 1040

(Prerequisite: Provisional Admission) Introduces a grouping of fundamental principles, practices, and issues common in the health care profession. In addition to the essential skills, students explore various delivery systems and related issues. Topics include: basic life support/CPR, basic emergency care/first aid and triage, vital signs, infection control/blood and air-borne pathogens. A $20 fee is associated with this course due to the cost of CPR/first aid card and training.

3
ALHS 1060

(Prerequisite: Program Admission) A study of the nutritional needs of the individual. Topics include: nutrients, standard and modified diets, nutrition throughout the lifespan, and client education.

2
ALHS 1090

(Prerequisite: Provisional Admission) Introduces the elements of medical terminology. Emphasis is placed on building familiarity with medical words through knowledge of roots, prefixes, and suffixes. Topics include: origins (roots, prefixes, and suffixes), word building, abbreviations and symbols, and terminology related to the human anatomy.

2
ALMA 1000

(Prerequisites: None) Prepares students in understanding the application of mathematics in their health science program courses. The topics included are basic mathematics, medical terminology, mathematical conversions, weight and measurement applications used in health science programs. Additionally, problem solving strategies, basic principles of medication administration, and research in health science will be incorporated into the course competencies.

0
NAST 2100

(Co-requisites: ALHS 1040) Introduces student to the role and responsibilities of the Nurse Aide. Emphasis is placed on understanding and developing critical thinking skills, as well as demonstrating knowledge of the location and function of human body systems and common disease processes; responding to and reporting changes in a residents /patient’s condition, nutrition, vital signs; nutrition and diet therapy; disease processes; vital signs; observing, reporting and documenting changes in a residents condition; emergency concerns; ethics and legal issues and governmental agencies that influence the care of the elderly in long term care settings; mental health and psychosocial well-being of the elderly; use and care of mechanical devices and equipment; communication and interpersonal skills and skills competency based on federal guidelines. Specific topics include: roles and responsibilities of the Nurse Aide; communication and interpersonal skills; topography, structure, and function of the body systems; injury.

7
Option Two - Phlebotomy (30 hours)
General Core (12 hours) 12
COLL 1040

(Prerequisite: None) This course is designed to provide tools to assist students to acquire skills necessary to achieve academic and professional success in their chosen occupational/technical program of study. Topics include: Computer Applications/Technology Skills, Getting off to a Good Start, Learning and Personality Styles, Time and Money Management, Study and Test Taking Skills, Stress Management and Wellness, Communication Skills, and Career Exploration.

3
ENGL 1010

(Prerequisite: ENGL 0097 OR Appropriate Placement Test Score AND READ 0097 OR Appropriate Placement Test Score) Emphasizes the development and improvement of written and oral communication abilities. Topics include analysis of writing, applied grammar and writing skills, editing and proofreading skills, research skills, and oral communication skills.

3
MATH 1012

(Prerequisites: MATH 0097 OR Appropriate arithmetic placement test score.) Emphasizes the application of basic mathematical skills used in the solution of occupational and technical problems. Topics include fractions, decimals, percents, ratios and proportions, measurement and conversion, geometric concepts, technical applications, and basic statistics.

3
PSYC 1010

(Prerequisite: Provisional admission) Presents basic concepts within the field of psychology and their application to everyday human behavior, thinking and emotion. Emphasis is placed on students understanding basic psychological principles and their application within the context of family, work, and social interactions. Topics include an overview of psychology as a science, the nervous and sensory systems, learning and memory, motivation and emotion, intelligence, lifespan development, personality, psychological disorders and their treatment, stress and health, and social relations.

3
Occupational Courses (18 hours) 18
ALHS 1011

(Prerequisite: Regular Admission) Focuses on basic normal structure and function of the human body. Topics include general plan and function of the human body, integumentary system, skeletal system, muscular system, nervous and sensory systems, endocrine system, cardiovascular system, lymphatic system, respiratory system, digestive system, urinary system, and reproductive system.

5
ALHS 1040

(Prerequisite: Provisional Admission) Introduces a grouping of fundamental principles, practices, and issues common in the health care profession. In addition to the essential skills, students explore various delivery systems and related issues. Topics include: basic life support/CPR, basic emergency care/first aid and triage, vital signs, infection control/blood and air-borne pathogens. A $20 fee is associated with this course due to the cost of CPR/first aid card and training.

3
ALHS 1090

(Prerequisite: Provisional Admission) Introduces the elements of medical terminology. Emphasis is placed on building familiarity with medical words through knowledge of roots, prefixes, and suffixes. Topics include: origins (roots, prefixes, and suffixes), word building, abbreviations and symbols, and terminology related to the human anatomy.

2
PHLT 1030

(Prerequisites/Co-requisites: ALHS 1011) Introduces blood collecting techniques and processing specimens. Emphasis is placed on the knowledge and skills needed to collect all types of blood samples from patient care areas but not limited to hospitalized patients. Topics include: venipuncture procedure, safety and quality assurance; isolation techniques, venipuncture problems, and definitions; lab test profiles and patient care areas; other specimen collections and specimen processing; test combinations, skin punctures and POCT; professional ethics and malpractice; and certification and licensure.

3
PHLT 1055

(Prerequisites: ALHS 1011; Co-requisites: PHLT 1030) Provides work experiences in a clinical or simulated lab setting. Emphasis is placed on enhancing skills in venipuncture techniques. Topics include: introduction to clinical policies and procedures and work ethics; routine collections: adult, pediatric, and newborn; and special procedures.

5
Faculty
Advisor

Associate of Science in Nursing Instructor
Vidalia Campus - Gillis Building, Office 707

Advisor

Health Science Administrative Assistant/Instructor
Vidalia Campus - Gillis Building, Office 722

Advisor

Health Science Core Instructor
Swainsboro Campus - Building 8, Office 8164/8160

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