Workforce Education: eLearning Courses

The Clinical Medical Assisting program is designed to prepare students to function as professionals in multiple healthcare settings. Medical assistants with a clinical background perform various clinical tasks including assisting with the administration of medications and with minor procedures, performing an EKG electrocardiogram, obtaining laboratory specimens for testing, educating patients, and other related tasks. The purpose of the Clinical Medical Assisting program is to prepare students to assist physicians by performing functions related to the clinical aspects of a medical office. This course covers the following key areas and topics:

• Clinical responsibilities of the medical office – assisting the physician with patient related care
• Preparing patients for examination and treatment, routine procedures and diagnostic testing
• HIPAA, patient confidentiality, legal aspects of healthcare and regulatory patient care issues
• Recording and taking of vital signs, blood pressure, and other patient care items related to the physician office visit
• Review and administration of medications, allergies and other pharmacology related items
• Laboratory procedures, phlebotomy and the proper techniques required to collect specimens for laboratory analysis
• Cardiology and the proper placement of leads when taking a 12 lead EKG

Education and Certification

• Clinical Medical Assistants should have or be pursuing a high school diploma or GED.
• Students who complete this comprehensive course would be prepared to sit for the National Healthcareer Association (NHA) Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) national certification examination.
• In addition to facilitating entry-level clinical medical assisting related positions, this course is ideal for students interested in pursuing a future formal Certified Medical Assistant (CMA), Nursing (LPN) or a Nursing (RN) program.

Detailed Course Topics Covered

• Responsibilities of the clinical medical assistant and introduction to healthcare facilities
• Medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, circulation of the heart and blood vessels
• Care & safety of patients, medical & legal aspects of care, confidentiality and HIPAA
• Effective verbal and non-verbal communication, interpersonal skills and human behavior
• Aseptic techniques, infection prevention, universal precautions, proper use and disposal of biohazards and sharps
• Documenting patient medical histories, updating patient medical files, vital signs and documentation
• Appling sterile dressings, preparing patients for x-rays, performing various injections, administering oral medications, instructing patients on the proper usage of medications
• Phlebotomy, venipunctures and capillary sampling, collecting specimens and point of care testing
• Performing 12 lead EKGs and EKG strip analysis (P,Q,R,S,T wave form)

Student Tuition: $2,499

This Electronic Health Record (EH R) Management program prepares students to understand and use electronic records in a medical practice. The course reviews the implementation and management of electronic health information using common electronic data interchange systems and maintaining the medical, legal, accreditation and regulatory requirements of the electronic health record. This Electronic Health Record (EH R) Management program prepares students to understand and use electronic records in a medical practice. Course reviews the implementation and management of electronic health information using common electronic data interchange systems and maintaining the medical, legal, accreditation and regulatory requirements of the electronic health record.

This course covers the following key areas and topics:

• Importance of the medical record as a legal document
• The effect of confidential communication laws on the release of medical information and HIPAA
• Provides a “real life” EH R experience using Medcin software to perform health information tasks
• Shills required to use and EH R to manage patient visit information including the examination, assessment notes and treatment plans.
• Importance of data accuracy, consistency, completeness, and security of information
• Basic code set principles and their applications with an emphasis on the ambulatory/outpatient setting and an introduction to inpatient medical records.

Education and Certification

• Electronic Health Records Management professionals should have or be pursuing a high school diploma or GED.
• Students who complete this comprehensive course would be prepared to sit for the National Healthcareer Association (NHA) Certified Electronic Health Record Specialist (CEHRS) exam.

Detailed Course Topics Covered

• Overview of various healthcare delivery systems with an emphasis on content and documentation requirements of the health record in various healthcare settings
• Designed to provide students with “real life” computer experience using Medcin software and performing tasks in health information departments. Tasks include admission procedures, information retention and retrieval, data entry, chart assembly, data collection, abstracting, code sets, and the release of information
• Structural components of the interactive EH R and how it supports communication and continuity of care including clinical standards such as SNOWMED CT, LOINC, and UMLS
• Perspective on how the EH R impacts work and workflow.
• Importance of the medical record as a legal document and the effect of confidential communication laws on the release of medical information such as protected health information and HIPAA
• The legal procedures involved in court disclosure of medical records
• Tasks include admission procedures, information retention and retrieval, data entry, chart assembly, data collection, code sets, and the release of information

Student Tuition: $1,299

Medical billing and coding is one of the fastest-growing careers in the healthcare industry today! The need for professionals who understand how to code healthcare services and procedures for third-party insurance reimbursement is growing substantially. Physician practices, hospitals, pharmacies, long-term care facilities, chiropractic practices, physical therapy practices, and other healthcare providers all depend on medical billing and coding for insurance carrier reimbursement. The medical industry will have almost 50% more jobs available by 2018; therefore, a surplus of medical facilities will continue to hire candidates who specialize in medical billing and coding.

The Medical Billing & Coding Program

This billing and coding program delivers the skills students need to solve insurance billing and coding problems. It details proper assignment of codes and the process to file claims for reimbursement. This course covers the following key areas and topics

• An overview of healthcare and the insurance industry
• The organization and use of the ICD-9-CM, CPT, and HCPCS manuals to identify correct codes
• Detailed review and practice using the alphabetic index and tabular list of the ICD-9-CM
• Detailed review and practice coding examples from all sections within the CPT
• Basic claims processes for medical insurance and third-party reimbursements
• Completing common insurance forms, tracing delinquent claims, and appealing denied claims

Education and Certification

• Students should have or be pursuing a high school diploma or GED.
• Numerous national certification exams are available for students who complete this course including American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC), American Health Information Association (AHIMA) and others.
• Certain national certification organizations suggest 6 months to 2 years of practical work experience prior to pursuing certain national certification exams.

Detailed Course Topics Covered

• Introduction to International Classification of Diseases, Clinical Modifications, Coding Guidelines
• Introduction to the organization and use of the ICD-9-CM and CPT manuals
• Basics of diagnostic and procedural coding
• The Health Insurance Claim Form (CMS 1500)
• HIPAA and Electronic Data Interchange (EDI)
• Review and practice coding evaluation and Management (E&M) services
• Review and practice coding from anesthesia, surgery, radiology, medicine, and the pathology/laboratory sections of the CPT
• CPT Modifiers, E and V Codes, and Late Effects
• Coding surgical procedures of the integumentary system
• Coding surgical and medical procedures of the cardiovascular system
• Coding procedures related to the female genital system and maternity care and delivery
• Coding for general surgery, radiology, pathology and laboratory services
• Coding for diagnostic and therapeutic services and the Level II National Codes
• Tracing delinquent claims and insurance problem solving
• Third-party reimbursement issues

Student Tuition: $1,399

Effective October 2014, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) will require that the standard ICD-9 code sets, which are used in medical billing and coding to report health care diagnoses and procedures, be replaced by ICD-10. This move from ICD-9 to ICD-10 will have a significant impact on healthcare providers and on the process by which they receive reimbursement. The adoption of ICD-10 will create enormous challenges for the U.S. healthcare system and the requirements of medical coding.

The Medical Coding ICD-10 Program

Medical coding professionals keep records, calculate patient charges, and review files. This Medical Coding ICD-10 course reviews key elements of the changes from ICD-9 to ICD-10 and examines the impact of this change on the U.S. healthcare system. This course covers the following key areas and topics:

• Detailed reviews of both ICD-10 (diagnostic coding) and ICD-10-PCS (inpatient procedural coding system)
• Differences between ICD-9 and ICD-10
• Issues relating to federal regulation and compliance
• Various issues surrounding the implementation of ICD-10

Education and Certification

• Students should have or be pursuing a high school diploma or GED.
• Certain National Medical Coding Certification exams are very complex and may require 6 months to 2 years of suggested practical coding experience prior to being eligible for the exam or being recognized as a certified medical coding professional.

Detailed Course Topics Covered

• A review of ICD-10
• Purpose of ICD-10
• Reimbursement process
• Federal regulation and compliance
• Transition process
• Diagnosis coding in the ICD-10
• Comparison between ICD-10 and ICD-9
• Using the ICD-10 manual
• Using the ICD-10-PCS manual for hospital procedure coding
• ICD-10 in day-to-day operations
• Coding from chart notes
• Coding from operative reports
• Functions, processes, and procedures of diagnostic coding
• Procedural coding
• Analysis of electronic coding tools
• Practice coding for a variety of purposes and settings
• Examination of the future of coding

Student Tuition: $1,299

This Medical Terminology course offers a clear and concise introduction to medical terminology with extensive opportunities for student practice. It reviews word components and basic principles for interpreting terms within each of the major medical specialties. The course does not require any previous knowledge of science or biology. The skills students obtain through this course will benefit them in any healthcare field they choose to pursue.

Medical Terminology Program

This course covers the following key areas and topics

• Skills for identifying, spelling, and analyzing medical terms
• Word structure including root words, prefixes, combining forms, and suffixes
• Review of major medical specialties and associated body systems
• Introductory anatomy and physiology and common pathologies
• Major drug classifications, diagnostic tests, and treatment procedures
• Medical abbreviations and symbols

Detailed Course Topics Covered

• Basic skills for building and analyzing medical terms
• The use of word roots, combining forms, suffixes, and prefixes
• Anatomical terminology
• Introduction to the major medical specialties
• Anatomy and physiology of body systems
• Medical terms aligned to the organs and tissues of the body and their function in health and disease
• Pronunciation of terms
• Spelling of terms
• Practice analyzing, pronouncing, and spelling terms related to anatomy and physiology
• Practice analyzing, pronouncing, and spelling medical terms containing diagnostic and procedural suffixes
• Practice deciphering medical terminology as written in case reports
• Major classes of drugs and associated medical terms
• Diagnostic tests and procedures organized by body system
• Medical abbreviations and symbols

Student Tuition: $499

EKG technicians are in demand! EKG technicians work in physician’s offices, hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare facilities and organizations. EKG technicians also work for insurance companies to provide data for health and life insurance policies. Similar to other growing healthcare professions, the demand for EKG technicians is expected to continue to grow substantially. Approximately 25% more EKG technician jobs will be available by the year 2018.

The EKG Technician Program

This EKG Technician program prepares students to function as EKG technicians. This course covers the following key areas and topics

• Detailed anatomy and physiology of the heart
• Medical disease processes and terminology
• Medical ethics and legal aspects of patient contact
• Electrocardiography and echocardiography
• An introduction to the components, function, and proper use of the EKG machine
• The normal anatomy of the chest wall for proper lead placement
• 12-lead placement and other practices

Education and Certification

• EKG Technicians should have or be pursuing a high school diploma or GED.
• There are several EKG technician national certification exams that are available to students.

Detailed Course Topics Covered

• Role of the EKG technician
• Function of the EKG department in a variety of settings (hospital, clinic, office, mobile service)
• Medical terminology related to electrocardiography
• Care and safety of patients including medical and legal aspects of patient care
• Anatomy and physiology of the cardiovascular system
• Electrophysiology, the conduction system of the heart, and the cardiac cycle
• Circulation of blood through the heart and vessels
• Lead placement for 12-lead electrocardiography
• Basic EKG interpretation of normal rhythms and arrhythmias
• EKG troubleshooting including recognizing artifacts
• Waves and measurements
• EKG strip analysis (P,Q,R,S,T wave-form interpretation)
• Identification of rhythms using the 12-lead EKG
• Pacemakers
• Holter monitoring and the echocardiogram

Student Tuition: $1,299

A valuable resource for nurses to learn the fundamentals of reading and interpreting ECGs, this course includes nine instructional modules with quizzes, ten exercises to practice reading and interpreting ECG strips, and a comprehensive course exam. Students will review cardiac anatomy and physiology, sinus, atrial and junctional disrhythmias as well as cardiac conduction block and ventrical dysrhythmias they’re likely to encounter on the job. The course will also review the electrical basis of ECGs and the changes associated with artificial pacemakers, myocardial ischedemia and necrosis. For any nurse looking to brush up on these skills, the ECG for Nurses course is a fantastic resource to revisit again and again.

The ECG for Nurses course will address the following primary objectives:

• Cardiac anatomy and physiology
• Electrical basis of ECGs
• Sinus dysrhythmias
• Atrial dysrhythmias
• Junctional dysrhythmias
• Cardiac conduction block dysrhythmias
• Ventricular dysrhythmias
• Changes associated with myocardial ischemia and necrosis
• ECG changes associated with artificial pacemakers

Student Tuition: $699

Medical administrative assistants primarily work in doctor’s offices, clinics, outpatient settings, hospitals, and other healthcare settings. Medical administrative assistants, medical secretaries, and medical records clerks are all positions in great demand. The growth and the complexity of the U.S. healthcare system have resulted in a substantial increase in the need for qualified medical administrative assistants. Medical administrative assistants primarily work in doctor’s offices, clinics, outpatient settings, hospitals, and other healthcare settings. Employment for medical assistants is expected to grow an impressive 34% by 2018.

The Medical Administrative Assistant Program

This program prepares students to function effectively in many of the administrative and clerical positions in the healthcare industry. It provides students a well-rounded introduction to medical administration that delivers the skills students require to obtain an administrative medical assistant position or advance within current their healthcare career. This course covers the following key areas and topics

• History and background of the medical assisting profession
• Interpersonal skills, medical ethics, and basic medical law
• Telephone techniques and skills for scheduling appointments
• Medical terminology
• Basics of insurance billing and coding
• Medical records management and management of practice finances

Education and Certification

• Medical administrative assistants should have or be pursuing a high school diploma or GED.
• Several national certification options are available to student who complete this course.
• This course is not intended to meet the requirements of a Certified Medical Assistant program, which typically requires 1 to 2 years of classroom study.

Detailed Course Topics Covered

• An overview of the healthcare industry and expectations for a healthcare professional
• Role of the medical administrative assistant
• History of medicine, medicine and the law, medical malpractice, medical ethics, and medical practice specialties
• Ethical and legal issues, fraud abuse, and compliance
• Office and patient communication techniques, appointment scheduling, general office duties
• Technology in the healthcare environment
• Basic terminology used in the medical office
• Medical records management, confidentiality of the medical record, initiating a medical record for a new client, filing reports in the medical record
• HIPAA review and patient bill of rights and confidentiality
• Financial and practice management
• Health insurance coverage, and billing and coding procedures
• Professional fees, billing and collecting procedures, accounting systems, credit arrangements
• Medical accounting, financial statements, cost analysis, and budgets for the medical practice
• Specimen collection, laboratory safety, federal and state regulations
• Assisting with medical emergencies
• Career development

Student Tuition: $1,299

The Certified Professional Healthcare Compliance Officer course prepares students to become certified Healthcare Compliance Officers. Students will develop an understanding of the key requirements needed to effectively develop, implement, and monitor a healthcare compliance program for their practices or help others in their compliance efforts, which are based on governmental regulatory guidelines. Students will emerge from this course fully prepared to sit for the AAPC’s Certified Professional Compliance Officer (CPCO) certification exam. The CPCO exam is recommended for individuals who have experience working in a compliance role, is extremely familiar with the key elements required for compliance programs as well as the regular operational aspects of compliance programs. Individuals should also be very familiar with the key laws and regulations impacting compliance programs, physician practices, and those used to address potential fraud and abuse, including the relevant penalties and fines. Individuals should also know where to go and how to research information to identify best practices to mitigate any compliance risks.

The Certified Professional Healthcare Compliance Officer course will address the following primary course objectives:

• Demonstrate understanding of the OIG Compliance Guidance for Individual and Small Group Physician Practices, Clinical Laboratories, and Third Party Billing Companies;
• Demonstrate knowledge of compliance program effectiveness techniques;
• Demonstrate understanding of key healthcare fraud and abuse laws, including the False Claims Act, Stark Laws, and Anti-Kickback Statute, including the associated penalties;
• Demonstrate understanding of how the PPACA will affect medical practices;
• Demonstrate knowledge of other laws and regulations, including HIPAA, EMTALA, and CLIA;
• Demonstrate understanding of how to handle investigations, including self-disclosure protocols;
• Demonstrate knowledge of requirements under Corporate Integrity Agreements (CIAs) and Certificate of Compliance Agreements (CCAs);
• Demonstrate understanding of current investigative activities (RACs, ZPICs, MFCUs); and
• Demonstrate understanding of various risk areas, including items such as gifts/gratuities, conflicts of interest, use of Advance Beneficiary Notices, teaching physician’s guidelines, and incident to services.

Student Tuition: $429

This course is designed to prepare an individual to become an AAPC Certified Professional Medical Auditor (CPMA). Participants will be able to use their experience with coding and documentation guidelines in order to improve a practice’s revenue cycles. The CPMA examination is recommended for certified coders or medical record auditors with experience auditing physician services or significant coding experience and is well versed with a variety of different types of audits including, but not limited to E/M services. This course is designed to prepare an individual to become an AAPC Certified Professional Medical Auditor (CPMA). Participants will be able to use their experience with coding and documentation guidelines in order to improve a practice’s revenue cycles.  The CPMA examination is recommended for certified coders or medical record auditors with experience auditing physician services or significant coding experience and is well versed with a variety of different types of audits including, but not limited to E/M services. Auditing involves compliance and regulatory issues on a daily basis and examinees will be tested on these concepts in addition to coding, modifiers, National Corrective Coding Initiative (NCCI) usage, and more.  Candidates should have at least 2 years of experience in medical auditing, though there are no set prerequisites necessary to complete this course.  As such, AAPC recommends that most students have a minimum of an Associate’s Degree, as the CPMA exam is a difficult, high-level examination meant for individuals that have some measure of audit experience or training.

The Certified Professional Medical Auditor course will address the following primary course objectives:

• Explain the structure, composition, and organization of medical records according to government standards;
• Describe coding and documentation guidelines, including regulatory control and compliance issues when auditing;
• Explain the concepts and theories of coding as related to auditing and reimbursement;
• Analyze the documentation auditing process;
• Apply auditing guidelines for evaluation, management, surgical, physical therapy, radiology, psychiatric, hematological, oncological, and infusion services; and
• Explain what is audited, the methods of reporting an audit, and ways to present the findings.

Student Tuition: $549

The Cultural Competence for Healthcare Providers course shows students how to develop and strengthen their ability to effectively interact with diverse groups of people. Students will gain an understanding of how individuals and systems provide quality care to patients with diverse values, beliefs and behaviors. They will also learn how to tailor Healthcare delivery to meet patients’ social, cultural, and linguistic needs. In addition, students will become aware of their own cultural influences and how they may affect perceptions, diagnoses and interactions with patients and colleagues. Finally, students will learn how cultural competence serves both as a vehicle to increase access to quality care for all patient populations and as a business strategy to attract new patients and market share.

The Cultural Competence for Healthcare Providers course will address the following primary course objectives:

• Identify local population demographics and health disparities that affect them
• Define culturally competent care and the importance of providing such care
• Identify and discuss the influence of one’s own cultural values, biases, and assumptions on providing care
• Discuss ways to limit the impact of one’s personal biases when interacting with customers/patients
• Describe communication barriers between patients and staff and ways to communicate effectively during a cross-cultural medical encounter
• Discuss cultural perspectives on health and medicine among customers/patients, and implications for providers and Healthcare staff

Student Tuition: $259

The Customer Service for Healthcare course provides students looking to work in the Healthcare industry with the basics of customer service, primarily focused on accountable care and patient satisfaction. In the past few years, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid services have implemented a customer service survey called HCAHPS. This broad initiative measures patients’ satisfaction and perspectives on hospital care, and it also provides patients with a transparent viewpoint of their local hospitals. Armed with this information, patients are better equipped choose the healthcare provider they feel will provide the best return on their investment. In response to the HCAHPS survey, as well as the application of the new Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, Healthcare facilities are reevaluating customer service and implementing new patient service standards and regulations in their facilities. Many hospitals, medical practices and clinics have found that superior service is one of the most effective ways to set themselves apart from competitors and attract and retain patients. Clinical and office staff are in the best position to give any practice a competitive edge but only with the right training, motivation and understanding of the professionalism required for the practice they represent. As such, this course serves to provide participants with insight into the HCAHPS survey as well as the tools and techniques to providing excellent customer service in their field.

The Customer Service for Healthcare course will address the following primary course objectives:

• Define customer service in the healthcare industry
• Explain why customer service is important in healthcare
• Describe basic customer service rules for serving patients
• Articulate all forms of communication in the healthcare field
• Recognize best practices to resolve customer complaints or conflicts
• Explain how customer satisfaction is measured in healthcare

Student Tuition: $359

The Healthcare Reform Perspectives: Accountable Care Concepts for Managers course introduces students to the accountable Healthcare concepts defined in the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act of March 2010. Over the coming years, implementation of the Affordable Care Act will present a unique and lengthy set of challenges for healthcare practices across the country. An essential part of this transition aimed at cost reduction will include the implementation of Health Information Technology (HIT) to make data available between providers, insurance carriers and patients, implicating the need for coordinating patient information, maintaining health information security and keeping abreast of on-going and often complex information presented on a regular basis. Other key trends will focus on Electronic Health Records, coordinator of care, accurate documentation and the avoidance of fraud and abuse particularly across Medicare and Medicaid. Moreover, the shift in focus toward prevention and wellness will change the way physicians practice and require significant reporting efforts to comply with the Physician Quality Reporting System. In order to transition practices effectively to ensure both compliance and overall viability in both the near and long term, this course will help practice managers to apply their existing administrative knowledge, understanding of the Healthcare system and general project management skills in the most effective way.

To address these challenges, the Healthcare Reform Perspectives course will offer students the opportunity to learn about the numerous challenges presented by this Healthcare reform legislation and gain an understanding of the law’s implications for Healthcare managers.

The Healthcare Reform Perspectives: Accountable Care Concepts for Managers course will address the following primary course objectives:

• Summarize the need/context for reform of the American Healthcare system
• Convey the four legislative policy principles which frame the law
• Describe the major programs/initiatives/changes in the American Healthcare system and their associated implementation time frames
• Explain a minimum of three implications for a manager following each lesson
• Determine appropriate resources for ongoing updates and information regarding Healthcare legislation

Student Tuition: $319

The Health Insurance I course is one of five courses comprising the Patient Access Specialist certification program. Patient Access Specialists represent the front line of the healthcare service for patients entering a practice, hospital or clinic with a constant eye toward excellent customer services and the overarching goal of achieving a positive experience for the patient. Patient Access Specialists must possess strong communication skills, an understanding of medical terminology and anatomy as well as a comprehensive understanding of the importance of the revenue cycle and medical insurance options available to patients. In order to optimize these processes and provide the best access for patients, healthcare professionals must have a clear understanding of the intricacies of navigating the health insurance system. In Health Insurance I, students will be introduced to the ins and outs of various health insurance coverage options for patients and operating processes for medical practices. The course will review employment opportunities that involve patient access and billing. Students will gain an understanding of basic health insurance information, including an overview of Healthcare reform. In addition, the course will introduce students to the concepts involved in working with managed care contracts as well as the basics of diagnostic and procedural coding. As one of five courses necessary to gain the Patient Access Specialist certification, the Health Insurance I course will ensure participants have the foundations necessary for success in this position.

The Health Insurance I course will address the following primary course objectives:

• Describe the employment skills and requirements in the patient access career field
• Explain the history and types of health insurance available in the United States
• Identify types of managed care contracts and their purposes
• Describe the purpose and guidelines of diagnostic coding and how it affects the billing process
• Describe the purpose and guidelines of procedural coding and its importance in the billing cycle

Student Tuition: $469

The Health Insurance II course is one of five courses comprising the Patient Access Specialist certification program. Patient Access Specialists represent the front line of the healthcare service for patients entering a practice, hospital or clinic with a constant eye toward excellent customer services and the overarching goal of achieving a positive experience for the patient. Patient Access Specialists must possess strong communication skills, an understanding of medical terminology and anatomy as well as a comprehensive understanding of the importance of the revenue cycle and medical insurance options available to patients. In order to optimize these processes and provide the best access for patients, healthcare professionals must have a clear understanding of the intricacies of navigating the health insurance system. As part of the Health Insurance II course, students will be introduced to medical billing and the claims submission process. Students will also learn about insurance claim preparation and transmission as well as the various types of insurance available, depending on the patient’s individual profile. In addition, the course will review the various types of Healthcare billing and provide students with an in-depth understanding of Medicare and Medicaid billing. As one of five courses necessary to gain the Patient Access Specialist certification, the Health Insurance II course will ensure participants have the foundations necessary for success in this position.

The Health Insurance II course will address the following primary course objectives:

• Identify the correct information needed to prepare and transmit accurate, complete Healthcare claims
• Explain the rules for eligibility and claims processing for Medicare plans
• Explain the rules for eligibility and claims processing for Medicaid plans
• Describe the background and billing and reimbursement process for Tricare, workers’ compensation, disability, and Blue Cross

Student Tuition: $469

The HIPAA Privacy Rule Training for Healthcare Organizations course provides a foundation for all learners for the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). In effect since 2003, the law gave the US Department of Health and Human Services the responsibility of adopting rules to help patients and other Healthcare consumers keep as much of their personal information private as possible. The privacy rules under HIPAA set forth requirements for the use and disclosure of protected health information and also provides certain rights to patients and research subjects pertinent to their protected health information. Primarily, the HIPAA Privacy Rule Training for Healthcare Organizations course defines the primary purpose of the HIPAA privacy rule and introduces its most current information to students, including privacy and security rules. Students will have the opportunity to locate information on the HIPAA and gain a comprehensive understanding of what is considered “personally-identifiable health information,” determine exactly what constitutes a “covered entity” under HIPAA, and gain a thorough understanding of what is required of covered entities in order to protect consumers of Healthcare. As part of this exercise, students are encouraged to consider HIPAA from the perspective of the patient as well as the Covered Entity. In addition, students are introduced to the Health Information Technology for Economic and Clinical Health (HITECH) Act and its impact on electronic medical records. At the end of the course, students will be able to implement safeguards with HIPAA.

The HIPAA Privacy Rule Training for Healthcare Organizations course will address the following primary course objectives:

• Define HIPAA
• Explain the Privacy Rule
• Describe the HIPAA Security Rule
• Identify guidelines for protecting patient information
• Identify how HIPAA policy can be breached
• Define a covered entity
• Identify the entities affected by HIPAA
• Define HITECH
• Identify the safety measures that must be taken to protect electronic medical records
• Explain steps that office managers must take to ensure their agency is compliant with HIPAA

Student Tuition: $119

The Introduction to Medical Law & Ethics course addresses the legal and ethical issues found in the Healthcare setting. The course provides an overview of the laws and professional requirements that regulate the delivery of Healthcare, such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA), the Patient’s Bill of Rights, and standard of care. This course also presents information on ethical and moral issues that Healthcare professionals may encounter. For those new to the healthcare sector, the Introduction to Medical Law & Ethics course provides students with a broad understanding of the fundamental aspects of contemporary healthcare and law required to assist in overall patient care. This course provides an overview of the law and ethics a student should understand to help them provide competent and compassionate care to patients and their families, also touching on the ethical considerations and boundaries of life science related research. The course will provide guidance for students to help resolve many of the legal and ethical questions they might encounter as they enter the healthcare field as professionals. Designed as a complete guide to the law and ethics of healthcare, this course was specifically written for health professionals and addresses the full spectrum of topics that affect a medical practice every day.

The Introduction to Medical Law & Ethics course will address the following primary course objectives:

• Analyze issues of law and ethics as related to Healthcare
• Determine the similarities and differences among legal, ethical, and moral issues in Healthcare
• Analyze the impact that local, state, and federal legislation have on practices found in Healthcare
• Compare the rights and responsibilities of various parties of the Healthcare system
• Analyze the importance of complying with laws that regulate the practice of Healthcare

Student Tuition: $299

More and more, healthcare providers need to be able to draw on basic skills that underpin their everyday functions on the job. The Medical Math course provides students with the basic math skills they need to be successful on the job in a way that applies mathematical problems to real-world healthcare scenarios. Throughout this course, students will gain an understanding of where basic math functions from fractions and percentages to accurate measurements and algebraic expressions are used throughout the healthcare system. Designed specifically for students looking to enter the healthcare field and/or those looking to brush up on these essential skills, the Medical Math course provides a foundation that is essential to any healthcare professional.

Beyond basic mathematical instruction and review, students will be introduced to the three systems of measurement used to calculate dosages administered orally and intravenously. Students will also learn to use critical thinking skills and arithmetic to understand medication orders and use equipment for preparation, administration, and labeling of medications.

Upon completion of this course, students will be able to:

• Analyze the use of medical mathematics in the healthcare system
• Compute number sentences using fractions, ratio and proportion, decimals and percentages
• Convert efficiently between fractions, ratio and proportion, decimals and percentages
• Compute solutions to problems and determine the reasonableness of an answer by relating them to the problem and using estimation
• Interpret metric measurements and household measurements as they relate to allied health occupations
• Use integers to evaluate algebraic expressions
• Convert between metric systems and between metric and household systems

Student Tuition: $269

Everyone lives in it, but how well do they really know the human body? The Introduction to Anatomy and Physiology course offers multiple lectures designed to introduce students to the complex and fascinating structures and systems of the human body. Step by step, this course will guide students through the major systems of the body, describing the composition and function of each of the structures that make up the human anatomy and detailing exactly how these structures work together both independently and collectively. Students who complete this course will gain a comprehensive understanding of how the human body works as well as how certain factors can contribute to the breakdown of these systems.

The Introduction to Anatomy & Physiology course will familiarize students with the structures and functions of the human body. Anatomy describes the structures of the body – their scientific names, location, composition and associated structures – and offers a map of the human body for students. Physiology, on the other hand, studies the function of each structure, individuals and in combination with the other structures. As students examine each part of the body during this course, they’ll discover how Anatomy and Physiology always work together and will continually focus on both the structure and function of body.

The Introduction to Anatomy & Physiology course provides an overview of common medical terminology and presents the major anatomical structures of the human body systems. It also explores the basic physiological processes of each system, discussing how body systems work together. Finally, the course explores how each system participates in homeostasis of the body. Body systems discussed in this course include the integumentary, skeletal, muscular, nervous, endocrine, male and female reproductive, digestive, respiratory, lymphatic, and urinary systems.

The Introduction to Anatomy & Physiology course will address the following primary course objectives:

• Describe the organization of the human body
• Explain the contribution that each body system makes to homeostasis of the body
• Identify the major anatomical structures of each body system and their purposes
• Explain basic physiological processes in each of the body systems

Student Tuition: $279

This course covers medical terminology, symbols and abbreviations, and the application of this new language in the field of Healthcare. While terms are covered as they relate to body structure and function, the main focus is on medical vocabulary and being able to construct terms using word parts such as roots, suffixes, and prefixes. Almost all professions have their own “language” and medicine likely uses one of the most complex languages of all. Medical professionals used terms to describe the objects and situations they encounter in their work every day. These special words, or the terms that make up the language of medicine are referred to collectively as Medical Terminology.

Despite the evolution and expansion of medical terminology since its inception, the basis for medical terminology stems from basic roots that have remained the same throughout time. The majority of these terms originate from Latin or Greek with different suffixes or prefixes attached to the root words to alter their meanings and applications. Successful health professionals use this terminology reflexively and must have a firm grasp of these terms in order to make the split-second decisions or react quickly to immediate situations, communicating effectively with a whole medical team. Every health professional needs to understand medical terminology and this course is a great solution for anyone entering the field or looking to brush up on their understanding.

This course covers medical terminology, symbols and abbreviations, and the application of this new language in the field of Healthcare. While terms are covered as they relate to body structure and function, the main focus is on medical vocabulary and being able to construct terms using word parts such as roots, suffixes, and prefixes.

Upon completion of the course, the student will be able to:

• Explain the importance of medical terminology when documenting and communicating patient information
• Identify the fundamental word structure of medical terminology and its component parts
• Analyze medical terminology based on word structure
• Describe the component parts that make up the body
• Define common medical terms and abbreviations
• Describe the organization and structure of the human body
• Build medical terminology related to body structures, functions, and disorders
• Describe medical terminology related to the integumentary system
• Describe medical terminology related to the musculoskeletal system
• Describe medical terminology related to the cardiovascular system
• Describe medical terminology related to the blood and the lymphatic system
• Describe medical terminology related to the respiratory system
• Describe medical terminology related to the gastrointestinal system
• Describe medical terminology related to the nervous system
• Describe medical terminology related to the eye and ear
• Describe medical terminology related to the endocrine system
• Describe medical terminology related to the male and female reproductive systems
• Describe medical terminology related to mental health
• Describe medical terminology employed in the specialties of cancer, radiology, and nuclear medicine

Student Tuition: $189

he Survey of Anatomy & Physiology course is a primer to the major anatomical structures of the human body systems. Intended as a basic introduction to anatomy and physiology, this course takes students through fundamental anatomical terms and basic cellular biology as applied to the structure and function of several organ systems that make up the human body. Throughout this course, students will explore the essential principles of human anatomy and physiology including the basic chemistry, cell and tissue composition and an overview of the all of the body systems. Designed as a foundation for allied health students, the Survey of Anatomy and Physiology course will provide students with the essential understanding of the various organs of the body, their structure and location within the human body as well as their individual function and collective interaction with other parts of the body as part of multiple, interconnected and complex systems.

This course is meant to provide a survey of homeostasis of the body as well as the various structures and functions that keep it working. Body systems include the integumentary, skeletal, muscular, nervous, endocrine, male and female reproductive, digestive, respiratory, lymphatic, and urinary systems. Intended as a survey course for certain allied health programs, this course is a great introduction to the healthcare fields and provides a significant foundation from which students can launch their allied health education. Upon completion of this course, students will be able to identify and describe the anatomy, and demonstrate an understanding of the physiology of the human body at the molecular, cellular, tissue and organ system levels.

The Survey of Anatomy & Physiology course will address the following primary course objectives:

• Describe the organization of the human body
• Describe the major anatomical structures and functions of each body system
• Explain the contribution that each body system makes to homeostasis of the body

Student Tuition: $199

The Survey of Medical Law & Ethics course provides a brief overview of legal and ethical issues found in the Healthcare setting. It outlines some of the laws and professional requirements that regulate the delivery of Healthcare such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA), the Patient’s Bill of Rights, and standard of care. This course also highlights information about common ethical issues that Healthcare professionals may encounter.

For those new to the healthcare sector, the Introduction to Medical Law & Ethics course provides students with a broad understanding of the fundamental aspects of contemporary healthcare and law required to assist in overall patient care. This course provides an overview of the law and ethics a student should understand to help them provide competent and compassionate care to patients and their families, also touching on the ethical considerations and boundaries of life science related research. The course will provide guidance for students to help resolve many of the legal and ethical questions they might encounter as they enter the healthcare field as professionals. Designed as a fundamental and basic introduction to medical law and ethics, this course will introduce various issues that students can reasonably expect to deal with in a medical setting with an emphasis on implications and decision making for patients, physicians, medical assistants and other health professionals.

The Survey of Medical Law & Ethics course will address the following primary course objectives:

• Analyze issues of law and ethics as related to Healthcare
• Determine the similarities and differences among legal, ethical, and moral issues in Healthcare
• Analyze the impact that local, state, and federal legislation have on practices found in Healthcare
• Compare the rights and responsibilities of various parties of the Healthcare system
• Analyze the importance of complying with laws that regulate the practice of Healthcare

Student Tuition: $169

In today’s fast-changing healthcare industry, all levels of staff play a pivotal role in successful patient care and access. Allied healthcare staff have increasing responsibility in various practices and require a basic understanding of patients’ drug therapy in order to ensure the greatest quality of care available. In this way, pharmacological prescriptions and directives play an integral role in the day to day work of healthcare professionals and it is imperative that all levels of staff have a basic understanding of how these drugs work, they’re intended purpose, possible adverse consequences and how these substances work or don’t work in concert with other drugs.

The Introduction to Pharmacology course will ensure students gain a fundamental understanding of classical pharmacology thereby increasing the overall quality of care to patients. This course will provide students with a broad understanding of drug effects on organ systems and drug use as clinical therapeutics. Students will be introduced to the mechanisms underlying the action of various classes of drugs and their receptor targets in the body. The course will also provide a general overview of some of the most widely used drugs and provide further insight into their therapeutic effects, adverse reaction, clinical indications and drug interactions.

The Introduction to Pharmacology course provides an overview of the principles and basics of pharmacology, including terminology, laws and ethics, and clinical concepts. Individuals will be presented with the basics of pharmaceutical arithmetic, including abbreviations, system conversions, and basic pharmaceutical problem solving. This course also introduces students to the principles of clinical application, including basic pharmacokinetics, dosage forms, and drug administration. Individuals will gain the basic knowledge and skills necessary to apply pharmacology to other disciplines of healthcare.

The Introduction to Pharmacology course will address the following primary course objectives:

• Apply mathematical concepts to the practice of pharmacology and dosage calculations
• Describe the regulations and standards in pharmacology
• Present a general knowledge of basic pharmacology terminology, concepts, and abbreviations
• Understand medication administration using the appropriate route and methods for the type of medication

Student Tuition: $299

In today’s fast-changing healthcare industry, all levels of staff play a pivotal role in successful patient care and access. Allied healthcare staff have increasing responsibility in various practices and require a basic understanding of patients’ drug therapy in order to ensure the greatest quality of care available. In this way, pharmacological prescriptions and directives play an integral role in the day to day work of healthcare professionals and it is imperative that all levels of staff have a basic understanding of how these drugs work, they’re intended purpose, possible adverse consequences and how these substances work or don’t work in concert with other drugs.

The Survey of Pharmacology course offers students an overview of classical pharmacology, which is essential to ensure a knowledgeable staff across the healthcare field. This course will provide students with a basic understanding of drug effects on organ systems and general drug use. Students will also be introduced to the mechanisms underlying the action of various classes of drugs and their receptor targets in the body. The course will also provide a general overview of some of the most widely used drugs and provide further insight into their therapeutic effects, adverse reaction, clinical indications and drug interactions.

The Survey of Pharmacology course provides a primer to the principles and basics of pharmacology. This course introduces students to the principles of clinical application, including basic pharmacokinetics, dosage forms, and drug administration. Students will gain a brief introduction to the knowledge and skills necessary to apply pharmacology to other disciplines of Healthcare.

The Survey of Pharmacology course will address the following primary course objectives:

• Present a general knowledge of basic pharmacology terminology, concepts, and abbreviations
• Understand medication administration using the appropriate route and methods for the type of medication

Student Tuition: $199

The Patient Access Specialist course is one of five courses comprising the Patient Access Specialist certification program. Patient Access Specialists represent the front line of the healthcare service for patients entering a practice, hospital or clinic with a constant eye toward excellent customer services and the overarching goal of achieving a positive experience for the patient. The Patient Access Specialist plays a key role for any provider and works as a strong team player in a dynamic, fast-paced, patient-centered practice. To be successful in this field, Patient Access Specialists must possess strong communication skills, an understanding of medical terminology and anatomy as well as a comprehensive understanding of the importance of the revenue cycle and medical insurance options available to patients. A clear understanding and successful transmission of information from the patient and medical insurance companies is paramount in guaranteeing prompt administration of medical treatment to the patient and quick financial reimbursement to the medical facility.

Throughout the course, students will be introduced to the many roles and responsibilities encompassed by the Patient Access Services department in a hospital setting. Students will learn to perform functions essential to the Patient Access Specialist roles including admissions, registration, financial/insurance coverage counseling, pre-certification, patient relations, and scheduling as well as common techniques and methods for success across varying practices. Students will also learn about the delivery of the critical components of the revenue cycle and compliance issues with regulatory agencies. In addition, the course will provide students with an understanding of the role of correct patient identification practices in maintaining patient safety and the need for extraordinary customer service skills in difficult situations. Finally, students will gain the skills and knowledge required to sit for the Certified Healthcare Access Associate certification exam.

Audience: The target audience for the Patient Access Specialist course includes students who are new to the Healthcare field and wish to work in a front-line registration position in a hospital setting.

The Patient Access Specialist course will address the following primary course objectives:

• Explain the revenue cycle and the functions of a Patient Access Specialist
• Identify government and regulatory agency requirements applicable to the Patient Access Specialist position
• Describe how the measurement of performance, safety, and accuracy relates to the future development of an organization
• Explain the NAHAM (National Association of Healthcare Access Management) model and how it applies to the CHAA exam

Student Tuition: $479

In most industries, an individual’s professionalism is measured by the extent to which they are trustworthy, reliable and can be counted on to follow through on their commitments. More than that however, professionalism in today’s workplace requires an element of self-confidence, self-motivation and the overall understanding and adherence to the norms and expectations of professional environments on the whole. In the healthcare setting, however, the qualities that constitute professionalism are even more important and require additional considerations over and above typical work environments. Healthcare providers require emotionally mature people to manage and operate their practice and demand that their staff behave professionally at all times. Moreover, an individual’s commitment to professionalism will command the respect and credibility required for success in a healthcare career.

Given the inherent nature and seriousness of the healthcare industry, it is expected that healthcare professionals maintain the utmost integrity and professionalism in dealing with patients, properly maintaining privacy standards and convey information to patients/clients in a way that is not only professional, but compassionate, understanding and, above all, informative. Healthcare professionals communicate important and complex information not only to fellow staff but to patients as well on a daily basis and must take into account the serious nature of the work they do and its effect on individual patients, families and other stakeholders. Maintaining the professionalism standards unique to the healthcare industry, in particular, will be absolutely vital for any healthcare career.

The Professionalism in Healthcare course provides students with a primer on professionalism in this unique industry. The course will address various elements inherent in professionalism to ensure students are ready to enter the professional workplace including etiquette, image, manners, communication (verbal, non-verbal and written), professional relationships, responsibility and accountability, respectfulness, privacy considerations and requirements as well as empathy, compassion and emotional maturity specific to the healthcare setting.

The Professionalism in Healthcare course will address the following primary course objectives:

• Describe the importance of professionalism in Healthcare and the characteristics of Healthcare professionals
• Discuss the importance of character, values, morals, ethics, and other personal traits at work
• Outline the elements of effective interpersonal relationships, teamwork, and working well with other people
• Discuss cultural competence and customer service as related to patient care

Student Tuition: $229

Universal Precautions refer to those methods and general best practices used to prevent exposure to diseases and the transmission of infectious agents. These are the standard safeguards taken that help to keep employees and consumers protected and healthy when there may be the potential to come into contact with blood or other body fluids. As it pertains to the healthcare industry, however, all regulatory agencies have determined that individuals employed in healthcare settings face a certain heightened measure of risk as a result of occupational exposure to blood and other potentially infectious materials as they may contain blood borne pathogens. As such, Universal Precautions are used to minimize or eliminate these risks by using some work practice controls, personal protective clothing and equipment, training, medical surveillance and HBV vaccination. The Occupational Safety & Health Administration (OSHA) created basic standard precautions meant to keep both employees and consumers safe throughout the administration of healthcare.

The Universal Precautions course provides training and information on the OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Standard for individuals at risk of occupational exposure to blood and other potentially infectious materials (OPIM). Exposure to blood and OPIM could result in transmission of bloodborne pathogens, which could lead to disease or death. This OSHA standard is a federal mandate requiring the use of Universal Precautions and other engineering and work practice controls to provide a safe workplace for employees. Precautions will vary for different areas within the healthcare space, however everyone should observe these basic safety precautions on the job to keep themselves and their coworkers safe.

The Universal Precautions course will address the following primary course objectives:

• Describe the importance of the OSHA Bloodborne Pathogens Standard
• Explain engineering controls and work practices that reduce the risk of exposure to blood or other potentially infectious materials
• Hand Washing for prevention purposes
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
• Recording and Reporting Occupational Injuries and Illnesses

Student Tuition: $119

This course provides students with a basic understanding of Current Procedural Terminology coding to bill for medical procedures and services as well as the Health Care Procedure Coding System to bill for medical services and supplies.  Students will become familiar with the Resource Based Relative Value Scale (RBRVS) as it’s used in medical billing and also learn to code for various medical services and procedures depending on the anatomical system to which they apply.  A necessary course for any student looking to enter the medical billing and coding field, this introductory course is a great first step toward gaining a comprehensive understanding of this challenging yet rewarding profession.  Professionals who are capable of understanding the ins and outs of billing and coding are in high demand from all medical employers and will continue to be as the health care industry continues to evolve and becomes more and more complex.

The Introduction to CPT/HCPCS Coding course will address the following primary course objectives:

• Describe how the Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) coding and Resource Based Relative Value Scale (RBRVS) are used in medical billing
• Summarize the format and conventions in the CPT manual and RBRVS
• Use the guidelines found in the CPT manual
• Use CPT codes to bill for evaluation and management (E/M) services and procedures
• Use CPT codes to bill for anesthesia services and procedures
• Use CPT codes to bill for surgical services and procedures
• Use CPT codes to bill for radiological services and procedures
• Use CPT codes to bill for pathology and laboratory services and procedures
• Use CPT codes to bill for medicine services and procedures
• Use the Health Care Procedure Coding System (HCPCS) to bill for medical services and supplies
• Examine coding compliance laws, regulations and penalties
• Examine compliance measures for medical billing

Student Tuition: $399

This course provides students with an advanced understanding of Current Procedural Terminology coding to bill for medical procedures and services as well as the Health Care Procedure Coding System to bill for medical services and supplies.  Students further familiarize themselves with the Resource Based Relative Value Scale (RBRVS) as it’s used in sophisticated medical billing and also learn to code for more complex medical services and procedures in accordance with the anatomical system to which they apply.  A necessary course for any student looking to advance within the medical billing and coding field, this advanced course will ensure students gain an advanced understanding of this challenging yet rewarding profession.  Professionals who are capable of understanding the ins and outs of billing and coding at this level of complexity are in particularly high demand from all medical employers and will continue to be a valuable asset to any healthcare facility as the health care industry continues to evolve.

The Introduction to CPT/HCPCS Coding course will address the following primary course objectives:

• Examine the purpose of audits in medical billing
• Use Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes to bill for various levels of evaluation and management (E/M) services
• Describe the guidelines pertaining to surgical coding
• Apply CPT coding to billing for procedures and services related to the integumentary and musculoskeltal systems
• Apply CPT coding to billing for procedures and services related to the respiratory, digestive, adn cardiovascular systems
• Apply CPT coding to billing for procedures and services related to genital systems and general surgery I and II
• Apply CPT coding to billing for procedures and services related to radiography
• Apply CPT coding to billing for pathology and laboratory procedures and services
• Apply CPT coding to billing for medicines
• Examine the HCPCS coding system

Student Tuition: $249