Health Services
School of
Health ServicesThe health care system is changing rapidly, and you can stay ahead of the curve by completing a health services program at Helms College. Employment in the medical field is expected to grow faster than the average for all occupations as the industry continues to expand and diversify. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: “The healthcare and social assistance industry is projected to create about 28 percent of all new jobs created in the U.S. economy by 2020. This industry—which includes public and private hospitals, nursing and residential care facilities, and individual and family services—is expected to grow by 33 percent, or 5.7 million new jobs.” Helms College’s School of Health Services trains students for this exciting field.
Programs in HEALTH SERVICES
Length: 889 Clock Hours; 44 Instructional Weeks Program
Credential Awarded: Diploma
Mode of Delivery: Residential
Program Description
The Multi-Skilled Medical Assistant Program is designed to prepare students to assist physicians and nurses in the
medical office or medical center. This program allows students to focus on a variety of clinical procedures while
learning other administrative skills of a Medical Assistant.
Career Opportunities
Upon satisfactory completion of the program, students are prepared to seek entry-level positions as medical
assistants performing medical procedures, lab techniques and medical office duties in a variety of settings.
| Course Code | Course Title | Clock Hours | Credits |
| AHS 103 | Health Care Fundamentals | 55 | 4 |
| AHS 103 | 4.0 Credits | 55 Clock Hours (33 Lecture/22 Lab) | Prerequisite: None This course introduces the fundamental principles of healthcare, practices, and issues common to many specializations in the health care profession. In addition to the essential skills, students explore various healthcare systems and related issues. Topics include: HIPPA, medical ethics, PPE, basic life support/CPR, basic emergency care/first aid and triage, vital signs, infection control, and blood/airborne pathogens. | ||
| AHS 102 | Medical Terminology | 33 | 3 |
| AHS 102 | 3.0 Credits | 33 Clock Hours (33 Lecture/0 Lab) | Prerequisite: None The course provides a basis for medical terminology, word building, and pronunciation. The course introduces the history of medical language and the origin of the combined words. Topics include root words, prefixes, suffixes, the human body, membranes, musculoskeletal system, nervous system, sensory system, endocrine system, blood system, cardiovascular system, lymphatic system, respiratory system, digestive system, urinary system, and reproductive system. Upon completion of this course the students will have an understanding of medical terminology and be able to use the terminology in a clinical environment. | ||
| AHS 101 | Anatomy & Physiology | 66 | 6 |
| AHS 101 | 6.0 Credits | 66 Clock Hours (66 Lecture/0 Lab) | Prerequisite: None This course provides a basic study of the normal structure and function of the human body. Topics include body organization, homeostasis, chemistry and cytology, integumentary system, skeletal system, muscular system, nervous system and senses, endocrine system, cardiovascular system, lymphatic system, digestive system, respiratory system, urinary system, and reproductive system. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate an understanding of principles of anatomy and physiology and their interrelationships. | ||
| COM 101 | Introduction to Computers | 44 | 3 |
| COM 101 | 3.0 Credits | 44 Clock Hours (22 Lecture/22 Lab) | Prerequisite: None An introductory course in computers designed to provide students with hands-on experience with the personal computer and its applications. Students will learn fundamental concepts of computer hardware and software. Applications introduced will include word-processing, spreadsheets, databases and PowerPoint. Students will also investigate Internet-based applications, exploring email and learning how to browse the web. | ||
| AHS 104 | Pharmacology | 55 | 5 |
| AHS 104 | 5.0 Credits | 55 Clock Hours (55 Lecture/0 Lab) | Prerequisites: AHS 101, AHS 102, AHS 103 An introductory course in pharmacology designed to provide students with a basic understanding of medical therapy. Topics include basic pharmacology including drug nomenclature, federal law and regulating agencies, dosage forms and calculations, administrative routes, medical classification, drug actions, body response, medical errors and prevention, and special populations. | ||
| MAS 100 | Basic Medical Assisting | 77 | 6 |
| MAS 100 | 6.0 Credits | 77 Clock Hours (55 Lecture/22 Lab) | Prerequisite: AHS 101, AHS 102, AHS 103 This course includes a survey of medical assisting occupations and their education and certification requirements. The course is designed to furnish the student with theory and practical applications of medical assisting basics including infection control, taking a temperature, pulse, respiration, and blood pressure. Students also assist with medical specialties, visual and auditory acuity, examinations of the eye and ear, physical exams, and specimen collection. | ||
| MAS 101 | Disease Process | 33 | 3 |
| MAS 101 | 3.0 Credits | 33 Clock Hours (33 Lecture/0 Lab) | Prerequisite: AHS 101, AHS 102, AHS 103 This course examines the phenomena that produce alterations in human physiologic function and resulting human response. Students will understand common pathophysiological changes, including how pathological processes are manifested, progress in the body, and primary and secondary effects. This course focuses on pathological factors that influence the disease process. | ||
| MAS 102 | Phlebotomy | 44 | 3 |
| MAS 102 | 3.0 Credits | 44 Clock Hours (22 Lecture/22 Lab) | Prerequisite: AHS 101, AHS 102, AHS 103 The course is an introduction to venous and micro blood collection equipment and techniques. Topics include infectious control and safety in the workplace, venipuncture collection equipment and supplies, skin puncture collection procedures, specimen handling, basic laboratory tests, quality assurance, communication skills and professionalism. Competency required in the performance of venous and micro blood collection. | ||
| MAS 103 | Medical Insurance Management | 44 | 4 |
| MAS 103 | 4.0 Credits | 44 Clock Hours (44 Lecture/0 Lab) | Prerequisite: AHS 101, AHS 102, AHS 103, COM 101, MAS 100 This course provides an introduction to medical office procedures related to economics, management skills, and medical billing and coding. Topics include administrative equipment and supplies, liability coverage, basic medical economies, and introductory medical billing and coding. Upon completion, student should be able to perform basic administrative skills and understanding of medical billing and coding within the medical office. | ||
| MAS 104 | Electronic Health Record | 55 | 4 |
| MAS 104 | 4.0 Credits | 55 Clock Hours (33 Lecture/22 Lab) | Prerequisite: AHS 101, AHS 102, AHS 103, COM 101 The course introduces students to the use of computers and the internet in utilizing, creating and updated an electronic medical record. This course covers key topics of the Electronic Health Record as it relates to practice management, HER billing processes, data input and output, order entry, physician office applications and regulatory guidelines. Upon completion, students will have a basic understanding of the Electronic Health Record and its function in the physician’s office and other medical settings. | ||
| MAS 105 | Advanced Medical Assisting | 77 | 6 |
| MAS 105 | 6.0 Credits | 77 Clock Hours (55 Lecture/22 Lab) | Prerequisite: AHS 101, AHS 102, AHS 103, MAS 100, COM 101, MAS 102 This course further enhances the students’ knowledge of more complex procedures in a physician’s office. Topics include assisting with exams and treatment, patient education, preparation and administration of medications, EKG, medical emergencies, principles of radiology safety, and respiratory evaluations. | ||
| MAS 106 | Clinical 1 | 33 | 1 |
| MAS 106 | 1.0 Credits | 33 Clock Hours (0 Lecture/0 Lab/33 Clinical) | Prerequisite: None | ||
| MAS 107 | Administrative Procedures | 44 | 3 |
| MAS 107 | 3.0 Credits | 44 Clock Hours (22 Lecture/22 Lab) | Prerequisite: AHS 101, AHS 102, AHS 103, COM 101, MAS 100 This course reinforces the touch system of keyboarding placing emphasis on correct techniques with adequate speed and accuracy and producing properly formatted business documents, phone etiquette, and workplace diversity. Areas of focus will include reinforcing correct keyboarding techniques, building speed and accuracy, formatting business documents, language arts, proofreading, medical office administrative duties, and introduction to medical office management. | ||
| CRF 100 | Career Fundamentals | 33 | 3 |
| CRF 100 | 3.0 Credits | 33 Clock Hours (33 Lecture/0 Lab) | Prerequisites: This course is taken in the last quarter of the program This course prepares students to enter the workplace and preparation for certification exam. Emphasis is placed on professionalism, diversity in the workplace, resume writing techniques, interview techniques, and the soft skills necessary to be successful in a career. This course also reviews all aspects of PCT duties in preparation for certification exam. | ||
| MAS 108 | Externship | 198 | 6 |
| MAS 108 | 6.0 Credits | 198 Clock Hours (0 Lecture/198 Externship) | Prerequisites: None This course is designed to give students experiential learning in the professional environment. The student will apply the knowledge, skills and competencies acquired in the classroom at an off-campus site. Upon completion, the student will have hands on understanding of the career in a realistic setting. | ||
| Totals | 889 Hours | 60 Hours | |
Length: 657 Clock Hours; 33 Instructional Weeks Program
Credential Awarded: Diploma
Mode of Delivery: Residential
Program Description
The Hemodialysis Technician Program at Helms College will prepare a graduate to work as an entry-level Hemodialysis Technician. In addition to coursework, students will also complete extensive clinical hours. The training will be conducted in a way that students will gain hands-on experience working with dialysis technician equipment and operating a real dialysis machine used in dialysis centers.
Externship
An externship course is included in this program to provide students with the opportunity to apply their knowledge and skills to real-life situations in a healthcare setting. Students are required to complete the required externship hours and other related learning activities prior to graduation. Students are not paid for work performed at the externship site.
Credentialing Exams
After successful completion of the program, students are eligible to take the hemodialysis technician certification examination. The cost for this examination is included in the total cost of the program.
Career Opportunities
Upon satisfactory completion of the training, students are prepared to seek entry-level positions as Hemodialysis Technicians in hospitals, clinics and dialysis centers.
| Course Code | Course Title | Clock Hours | |
| AHS 103 | Health Care Fundamentals | 55 | |
| AHS 103 | 55 Clock Hours (33 Lecture/22 Lab) | Prerequisite: None This course introduces the fundamental principles of healthcare, practices, and issues common to many specializations in the health care profession. In addition to the essential skills, students explore various healthcare systems and related issues. Topics include: HIPPA, medical ethics, PPE, basic life support/CPR, basic emergency care/first aid and triage, vital signs, infection control, and blood/airborne pathogens. | ||
| AHS 102 | Medical Terminology | 33 | |
| AHS 102 | 33 Clock Hours (33 Lecture/0 Lab) | Prerequisite: None This course provides a basis for medical terminology, word building, and pronunciation. The course introduces the history of medical language and the origin of the combined words. Topics include root words, prefixes, suffixes, the human body, membranes, musculoskeletal system, nervous system, sensory system, endocrine system, blood system, cardiovascular system, lymphatic system, respiratory system, digestive system, urinary system, and reproductive system. Upon completion of this course the students will have an understanding of medical terminology and be able to use the terminology in a clinical environment. | ||
| AHS 101 | Anatomy & Physiology | 66 | |
| AHS 101 | 66 Clock Hours (66 Lecture/0 Lab) | Prerequisite: None This course provides a basic study of the normal structure and function of the human body. Topics include body organization, homeostasis, chemistry and cytology, integumentary system, skeletal system, muscular system, nervous system and senses, endocrine system, cardiovascular system, lymphatic system, digestive system, respiratory system, urinary system, and reproductive system. Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate an understanding of principles of anatomy and physiology and their interrelationships. | ||
| CRF 10O | Career Fundamentals | 33 | |
| CRF 100 | 33 Clock Hours (33 Lecture/0 Lab) | Prerequisite: None This course prepares students to enter the healthcare workplace. Students develop a better understanding of their personal brand and learn skills required to market themselves for meaningful and fulfilling employment. Emphasis is placed on professionalism, diversity in the workplace, resume writing techniques, interview techniques, and the soft skills necessary to be successful in a career. | ||
| HEM 101 | Principles of Hemodialysis | 33 | |
| HEM 101 | 55 Clock Hours (33 Lecture/22 Lab) | Prerequisites: AHS 101, AHS 102, AHS 103, CRF 100 This course focuses on the theoretical and clinical aspects of hemodialysis, including the duties and responsibilities essential to the delivery of patient care in the chronic outpatient setting. The course covers the processes across membranes and reviews the regulation of fluid and electrolytes and acid/base balance in normal kidney functioning. Classification and causes of acute and chronic renal failure as well as diagnostic procedures and findings in renal disease will also be covered. Patient assessment before the initiation of treatment, treatment procedures, intradialytic monitoring, termination of treatment and post-treatment assessment, and blood work are discussed. The coverage of peritoneal dialysis (PD) includes the anatomy and physiology of the peritoneal membrane and patient selection criteria. The types of PD access, methods of insertion, care of the access, and access complications are included as well. Additionally, the elements of the PD prescription are discussed. Patient care, documentation, complications of treatment, and measures of treatment adequacy are considered. The use of infection control strategies is stressed. | ||
| HEM 102 | Dialysis Quality and Safety Procedures | 55 | |
| HEM 102 | 55 Clock Hours (33 Lecture/22 Lab) | Prerequisite: AHS 101, AHS 102, AHS 103, CRF 100, HEM 101, HEM 102 The course presents safety issues including safe handling and mixing of dialysate. The student will learn how to monitor the water treatment system, and why water quality is maintained, along with learning how to monitor a variety of filters, meters and the devices used to remove microorganisms, sediment, heavy metals, chemicals, and ions before drinking water can be used for dialysis. Common contaminants and how they affect patients are discussed. The course also covers the benefits and risks for patients receiving dialysis. The course addresses risk management, safety regulations, and guidelines for handling, labeling, reprocessing, inspecting, and storing dialyzers. | ||
| HEM 103 | Dialysis Delivery Systems and Dialysis Treatment | 55 | |
| HEM 103 | 55 Clock Hours (33 Lecture/22 Lab) | Prerequisite: AHS 101, AHS 102, AHS 103, CRF 100, HEM 101 This course discusses hemodialysis treatment and the complications of hemodialysis. The principles related to solute and fluid removal, measures of clearance, and determination of adequacy will also be considered. The components of the hemodialysis system are covered, including the dialyzer, the blood circuit, the dialysate solution, the heparin pump, the ultra-filtration controller, and variable sodium options. Methods of preparing dialysis quality water for dialysate are considered as well. Phases of illness from pre-dialysis assessment and conservative care to deterioration to CRF and further long-term and palliative care are covered. Finally, the decision to withdraw from treatment will be discussed along with the significant psychosocial implications for family, patient, and staff. The development of acute renal failure (ARF) will be discussed in terms of its causes, symptoms, treatment, and recovery. Vascular access (both temporary and long-term/permanent) will be covered along with access care and troubleshooting. The components of the dialysis prescription will be covered, including anticoagulation. The complications of dialysis will be an important focal point. | ||
| HEM 104 | Advanced Dialysis Procedures | 55 | |
| HEM 104 | 55 Clock Hours (33 Lecture/22 Lab) | Prerequisite: AHS 101, AHS 102, AHS 103, CRF 100, HEM 101, HEM 102, HEM 103 This course provides information about the effects of kidney failure and its treatment options: hemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis, and renal transplantation, including medications, potential complications, and expected goals of treatment. Topics include the Protective Equipment and dialysis procedures and devices, monitoring of patients being treated for acute/chronic renal diseases, and a discussion of selected renal pharmacology. Upon completion of the course, students will demonstrate the clinical skills necessary for care of patients with specialized dialysis treatments in a chronic care setting. | ||
| HEM 105 | Hemodialysis Externship | 250 | |
| HEM 105 | 250 Clock Hours (250 Externship | Prerequisite: All didactic courses must be completed The Hemodialysis Externship course includes application of theoretical concepts and laboratory techniques learned in the classroom. Under professional supervision, the student will practice in a dialysis setting on patients who are receiving dialysis processing. | ||
| Totals | 889 Hours | ||
With allied health jobs projected to increase through 2022 (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics), the Multi-Skilled Medical Technician is in high demand. The Medical Assistant is actively involved in the health care of patients in a variety of settings. The Helms College Multi-Skilled Medical Assistant program builds upon basic patient care skills and trains students to perform medical office tasks, obtain vital signs, collect and prepare specimens, and perform EKGs, phlebotomy, and other laboratory procedures. Helms College graduates of the Multi-Skilled Medical Assistant program are prepared for entry- level employment in:
- Physician and dental offices
- Community health centers
- Hospitals
- Skilled nursing facilities
- Medical insurance companies
- Long-term care facilities
- Behavioral health facilities
- Public health departments
- Laboratory departments
- Telehealth Call Centers
Health Care was last modified: June 20th, 2023 by Olivia DeMoss