Medical Assisting - Diploma and Associate in Applied Science

The medical assisting program is designed to prepare the graduate for an entry-level position in a physician's office or medical clinic. The program emphasizes the development of clinical skills to train students for positions such as medical assistant, medical receptionist, health plan coordinator and medical insurance customer service representative. Students learn not only in the classroom, but also in a laboratory that simulates the facilities, equipment, and records found in both the clinical and administrative areas of ambulatory care centers. In addition to classroom and lab instruction, students spend the last 180 hours of their program on an externship site, where, under supervision, they experience firsthand the working environment they are preparing to enter.

The Associate of Applied Science degree program provides an additional emphasis on general business and computer skills. These additional skills enable the graduate to seek employment as an administrative office manager, unit secretary, insurance claims analyst or as a supervisory medical office assistant. Medical assistants with computer skills are highly valued members of the health care team.

The medical assisting department has a lecture room and laboratories for use in various clinical procedures. Labs are equipped with the typical equipment found in a medical practice including microscopes, EKG machine, examination table and equipment, autoclave and medical instruments. The purpose of the labs is to simulate as realistically as possible the typical facilities and equipment found in a physician's office. Medical assisting students also use the business computer lab to learn medical office software and the handling of medical insurance forms that include CPT and ICD-9 coding.

Medical Assisting with Limited X-Ray - Diploma and Associate of Applied Science

Students are introduced to the field of limited radiography typical in hospital and clinical settings. Students gain knowledge and x-ray skills regarding the head, spine, chest, upper and lower extremities, and feet. Acquired skills are demonstrated using an on-site, energized x-ray lab. Safety measures, positioning techniques and film assessment will be covered. In addition to classroom and lab instruction, students spend the last 180 hours of their program on an externship site, where, under supervision, they experience firsthand the working environment they are preparing to enter.

In addition to the above, the AAS degree program provides an additional emphasis on computer skills. A full range of clinical competencies is enhanced by more advanced computer skills, enabling the graduate to seek employment as an administrative office manager, unit secretary, insurance claims analyst, or as a supervisory medical office assistant. The advent of computerized record keeping has enabled many medical facilities to function in a paper-free environment. Medical assistants with computer skills are highly valued members of the health care team.

Health Care Administration - Associate in Applied Science

The health care administration major combines a foundation in medical administration with a thorough understanding of computer applications, solid groundwork in accounting and courses in human resource and organizational management. This combination is designed to prepare the student for administration careers in the health care industry. Students will gain a comprehensive understanding of the application of management principles to the health care environment and be prepared for entry level and front line management positions.

Health Care Administration - Bachelor of Science

The Bachelor of Science in Health Care Administration program combines a solid foundation in medical administration with a thorough understanding of computer applications, solid groundwork in accounting and intensive advanced coursework in human resources and organizational management.

Graduates will gain a comprehensive understanding of the application of management principles to the health care environment and be prepared for entry- to mid-level management positions.

Massage Therapy - Diploma

The massage therapy program is designed to prepare the graduate for employment as a licensed massage therapist (practitioner) in the State of Oregon or Washington. The program emphasizes the development of clinical skills to train students for entry-level positions in spa, chiropractic, or corporate settings or for entry into private practice. Courses are designed to develop the students' abilities to effectively plan, organize and implement therapeutic massage sessions, to develop ethical relationships with clients and other health care providers, to maintain efficient body mechanics and sound self-care practices and to manage the business aspects of the profession. The curriculum includes classes in massage theory and practice, the health sciences and professional development. In addition to classroom and lab instruction, students practice skills in a supervised clinic providing relaxation massage to the general public and in a supervised fieldwork assignment. Fieldwork opportunities include corporate sites, where students may present wellness programs and on-site massage to office workers or health care facilities where students provide massage for patients and health care workers.