Fitness Technician

Fitness Technicians work in health clubs, fitness studios, rehab facilities or independently as personal trainers. Personal trainers guide and motivate clients to reach their peak fitness potential. They assess the fitness needs of clients and develop plans based on them. Personal trainers provide personal training, present classes and instruct on proper nutrition.

Personal trainers must have a strong understanding of the functions and vital processes of the human body so they can effectively design and deliver personal nutrition and physical fitness training programs. Creativity and determination are important characteristics of fitness technicians. A good personal trainer must be energetic and motivating, always encouraging their clients to reach their maximum performance. Personal trainers must continually strive to understand advances in the industry and stay current with new equipment and techniques.

Massage Therapist

The Massage Therapist diploma program combines a complete and comprehensive study of Swedish Massage with other manual and energetic therapies. Supporting courses include a thorough kinesthetic and tactile study of Human Anatomy and Physiology, Professional Ethics and Communication, and the Business of Massage. According to recent job analysis data, a massage therapist should be competent in the following: display a passion for the profession, employ appropriate communication skills, design and implement a massage session, manage the business of a massage practice, manage the critical components of a massage practice, maintain self-care and wellness program, promote the profession and acquire knowledge, skills and credentials.

Medical Administrative Assistant

The Medical Administrative Assistant Program includes two broad aspects. The first encompasses secretarial skills, manual office systems and an introduction to microcomputers. This phase of the program includes medical law and ethics, medical terminology used in professional practice, essential office skills and areas of medicine critical to office practice. The second phase of the program teaches the knowledge and skills to master computer software and systems commonly used in medical practice. The student will develop proficiency in word processing, accounting methods, spreadsheets and database management.

Upon completion of classroom instruction and practical training, students perform learned skills during a 240-hour externship in a physician's office, clinic or other approved medical/health care facility.

Medical Assistant

Medical Assistants aid the physician and other medical personnel as they examine and treat patients. Medical Assistants also perform office administrative tasks that keep a medical office or clinic running smoothly. Graduates are prepared to work in physicians' offices, clinics, nursing homes and health care centers as a medical secretary, medical assistant, medical receptionist or medical office manager.

The program provides clinical instruction, class lectures and practical experience through an externship in a medical facility. Clinical instruction teaches students to prepare patients for examinations, give injections, conduct electrocardiograms and process routine laboratory tasks. Instruction also covers office duties such as completing insurance forms, scheduling appointments, billing, bookkeeping and medical collections.

Medical Billing and Coding

Medical billing and coding specialists maintain accurate, organized and permanent documentation of medical care to provide data for a variety of health information needs. Accurate and timely health care data are necessary to evaluate, plan and deliver quality health care. The medical world depends on health information management professionals to collect, maintain, organize and interpret this data.

The diploma program in Medical Billing and Coding at Apollo College prepares the graduate to work in the health information technology profession. The clinical practice segment is designed to reinforce classroom learning.

Medical Laboratory Technician

Medical Laboratory Technicians are trained in performing various laboratory procedures and in determining the outcome of those tests and procedures. In addition, Medical Laboratory Technicians are taught the various body systems in relationship to tests and procedures that the technician will perform. Medical Laboratory Technicians often work directly with patients, but may work in a laboratory environment where little or no patient contact is required.

Upon completion of classroom instruction, students will be monitored during their first year of laboratory experience at an approved laboratory or health care facility.

Medical Office Management

The Medical Office Management Associate of Applied Science program provides the training and skills for a variety of tasks and challenges needed in health care offices. With an associate degree from Apollo College, graduates will be prepared to provide day to day leadership and management in the office such as supervising personnel, planning office procedures, developing office policies and resuming customer service.

With the required educational background of an allied health field for entry into the Medical Office Management program, graduates will acquire the professional and business aspects to be equipped in managerial/supervisory positions in health care related fields. The program integrates an assortment of instruction such as accounting, human resources, customer service, computer applications and communications to ensure graduates are knowledgeable and effective in the health care office environment. Career opportunities with a Medical Office Management associate degree may include working in medical clinics, medical offices, hospitals, health care facilities or health related organizations. Apollo College combines the medical education already achieved with the business outlook from the Medical Office Management program, giving graduates a dynamic and versatile success in the allied health industry.

Pharmacy Technician

The Pharmacy Technician program at Apollo College provides the technical and practical training to allow the graduate to work as an assistant to a licensed pharmacist in both retail and hospital settings. The program provides the student with extensive knowledge in pharmaceutical and medical terminology, abbreviations and symbols used in prescribing, dispensing and charting of medications and a working knowledge of drug trade and generic names as well as strengths, dosages, dosage forms and routes of administration.

Upon completion of all classroom instruction and practical training, students perform learned skills during a 260-hour externship in a hospital, retail pharmacy or pharmaceutical distributor.

Physical Therapy Technician

Physical Therapy Technicians assist the Physical Therapist in helping patients recover from illnesses and injuries. They assist in the physical therapy treatment plan for patients in order to restore muscle function, relieve pain and prevent disability following disease, injury or loss of body parts. A Physical Therapy Technician may aid in a therapy treatment program that may include exercise, electrical stimulation, ultrasound and massage therapy. They also instruct and motivate patients in isometric and ambulatory exercises.

Most Physical Therapy Technicians work in hospitals, rehabilitation centers, clinics, physician offices, nursing homes, home health agencies, adult day care programs, schools, wellness and community centers, and in private industry.

Veterinary Assistant

The Veterinary Assistant diploma program is intended to train individuals to gain knowledge, skills and abilities necessary to perform in a veterinary office. The student will learn to provide nursing for animals under the direction of the veterinarian. Students will learn all aspects of assisting in the operation of a veterinary practice. They will learn the basics of first aid, anatomy, routine care, emergency care, surgical preparation and basic nursing techniques. They will learn how animals communicate, animal behavior, training, breeding and the life cycles of young, adult and old animals. Students will learn teamwork and how to communicate in the veterinary office.