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LCC in the NEWS
Posted May 23, 2006

LCC offers choices for health careers

Looking for a rewarding career in the healthcare industry?

Take your pick at Laredo Community College, where training exists for careers in Emergency Medical Services (EMSP), Medical Assisting (MDCA), Medical Laboratory Technology (MLAB), Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTHA), Phlebotomy, Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) and Radiologic Technology (RT).

The choices to pursue a one-semester/one-year certificate or a two-year associate’s degree in allied health are plentiful at LCC for all types of persons. And interested individuals can get a head start on their future by taking advantage of some of the courses available this summer. Registration is now in progress.

“If you love working with people, then physical therapy or occupational therapy are good careers to pursue,” Norma Moore, allied health department chair, said.

“If you are technologically inclined, then radiology, medical lab and phlebotomy may be better suited for you. For those who are in-between, consider EMSP. At Laredo Community College, you have choices to study for health-related careers with many rewarding opportunities,” Moore said.

Emergency Medical Services (EMSP)

Persons with an interest for a fast-paced working environment in hospitals and with ambulance services should consider the EMSP at LCC, which offers four levels of training, including the EMT-basic certificate, the EMT-intermediate certificate, the EMT-paramedic certificate and an EMT-paramedic associates of applied science degree.

Students get to master the theory and skills of pre-hospital care. Training includes lecture, laboratory and clinical rotations at local emergency rooms and ambulance services.

Deadline to apply for fall admission: Thursday, Aug. 3.

Co-requisites available this summer: MDCA 1409 Anatomy and Physiology, MDCA 1313 Medical Terminology, MDCA 1305 Medical Law and Ethics, HPPS 2300 Pharmacology for Health Professional and HPPS 1304 Basic Health Professional Skills.

Medical Assisting (MDCA)

The MDCA program is ideal for those who would like to work in a physician’s office.

LCC’s MDCA program offers three certificate plans and a two-year associate of applied science degree with a common technical core of courses that applies to each curriculum plan.

The administrative certificate prepares graduates to perform appointment scheduling, creating and maintaining records, medical transcriptions, the filing of medical insurance and billing.

The clinical certificate focuses on patient-centered assessment, examination of patients, physician-directed treatments and common laboratory procedures.

The coding certificate allows the graduate to perform advanced coding techniques, data collection, documentation requirements in the health information environment, classification systems and appropriate codes, and much more.

Graduates of the medical assistant associate degree are able to perform both administrative and clinical duties associated with medical offices, clinics and hospitals.

As part of their learning experience, students are assigned to develop clinical skills under the supervision of assigned facility staff.

Deadline to apply for fall admission: Thursday, Aug. 3.

Medical Laboratory Technology (MLAB)

If working in a medical lab to uncover cures for diseases sounds fascinating, consider pursuing an associate’s degree from LCC’s MLAB program.

The MLAB program offers a two-year associate in applied science degree focusing on the study of diagnostic laboratory work, including the study of blood cells, the study of antibodies, disease processes and transfusion services, medical microbiology and parasitology and the study of disease-causing organisms, among other areas.

Students develop their clinical skills by working in hospital laboratories under the supervision of assigned facility staff.

Deadline to apply for fall admission: Thursday, Aug. 3.

Pre-requisite available this summer: BIOL 1406 Biology for Science Majors.

Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTHA)

Persons interested in helping individuals overcome disabilities, relieve impairments or restore movement through special treatment should pursue a two-year degree from the OTHA program.

Consisting of four regular semesters and one summer session, the OTHA program offers the opportunity to learn the skills needed to provide treatment for people of all ages who, because of physical, developmental, social or emotional problems, need specialized assistance to lead independent, productive and satisfying lives.

These healthcare professionals also provide skilled treatment to persons with substance abuse problems or eating disorders, people with burns, spinal cord injuries or amputations and persons with broken bones or other injuries resulting from falls or accidents.

Students participate in three full-time clinical experiences in hospitals or other healthcare facilities to develop their skills.

Application deadline for fall admission: June 8.

Pre-requisites available this summer: BIOL 2401 Anatomy and Physiology, BIOL 2402 Anatomy and Physiology and PSYC 2314 Life Span Growth and Development.

Phlebotomy (PLAB)

Learn a new career in a just a few months with LCC’s newest allied health career program.

The PLAB program is a one-semester certificate program that trains students to learn the proper techniques and procedures for collecting blood specimens for analysis in the clinical laboratory.

The training offers the opportunity for students to acquire the workplace and communication skills for the phlebotomist.

Students are assigned to hospital laboratories to develop their skills in phlebotomy under the watchful eye of facility staff.

Application deadline for fall admission: May 25.

Physical Therapist Assistant (PTHA)

The PTHA program trains students to acquire the necessary skills to provide therapeutic treatment for overcoming the effects of disease or injury.

Students also learn about the evaluation and assessment of patient needs, treatment program planning, documentation of treatment and outcomes, and working with other health team members to ensure each patient is functioning at their maximum potential within society.

Upon completing the two-year training program, students receive an associate of applied science degree.

Deadline to apply for fall admission: Thursday, June 8.

Pre-requisites available this summer: BIOL 2401 Anatomy and Physiology and MDCA 1313 Medical Terminology.

Radiologic Technology (RADR)

The RADR program offers students the opportunity to train for a career as a radiologic technologist, using specialized equipment to perform diagnostic procedures on patients.

This healthcare professional uses X-rays to produce images that aid in diagnosing disease, trauma and physiological malfunction.

Students learn to develop and critique radiographic images, as well as assist radiologists to diagnose and treat disease and injury.

In two years, RADR students earn an associate of applied science degree and are eligible to take the national certification examination for radiologic technology.

Application deadline for fall admission: May 25.

Pre-requisites available this summer: BIOL 2401 Anatomy and Physiology; BIOL 2402 Anatomy and Physiology and ITSC 1409 Integrated Software Applications I.

Students who desire to apply for admission to any of these allied health programs are encouraged to submit an application for admissions, available online at www.laredo.edu/healthsciences.

For more information, call the LCC Allied Health Department at 721-5261.