WCC adds new certificate program
By Staff Reports
Published in News on October 3, 2010 1:50 AM
Wayne Community College will launch a new condensed program next month, allowing students to earn a medical office administration/medical insurance certificate in as little as six to eight months.
The new condensed medical insurance certificate program will offer the seven required courses in a "hybrid" format, officials said.
"We've been working very hard to offer alternative delivery options for people who need another way to approach classes," said Denise Kearney, chair of the medical and office administration department.
The shorter format of eight-week sessions makes the program ideal for working professionals, Ms. Kearney said.
"Medical office professionals can upgrade their skills, those who are new to this career field can obtain the core skills they need," she said. "If you're interested in this field, this is a great way to start."
The hybrid format means that students will have just one meeting on campus each week and the rest of the work can be completed online around their own schedules.
It's the best of both worlds, Ms. Kearney said -- students still have the face-to-face interaction with an instructor and classmates, while having the convenience of working online at home.
Subjects taught include medical terminology, medical insurance and coding, medical law and ethics, and medical office simulation, including exploring electronic medical records. Students will also learn about "ICD-10," an expanded coding system with thousands more diagnosis and procedure codes than the classification system it will replace in 2013. The courses also help them prepare for the coding certification exam.
The new option was created to fill a training need in the field quickly.
"There are major changes coming down with health care reform and in technology," said Ms. Kearney. "There are unbelievable opportunities in health care right now and this is a way to be a part of a health care team and make a difference without dealing with blood."
Registration for the first session of courses will be held on Oct. 11 from 1-7 p.m. The first day of class is Oct. 20.
Students must first complete the admission process, including taking placement tests. Applications and instructions are available at the college's website and the admissions office.
Financial aid applications are needed in advance, as tuition and fees are due Oct. 15.
For more information, contact Ms. Kearney at 739-6887 or dkearney@waynecc.edu, or go to www.waynecc.edu.