Historical Development of the Medical Assistant Program

Following the community demands, a committee was formed to develop the Medical Assisting program. The committee's extensive research indicated that the Medical Assisting occupation is one of the fastest growing occupations in healthcare. In addition, market research has indicated a vast number of career opportunities locally and nation wide. Professional Training Centers was compelled to offer the Medical Assisting program and therefore, the curriculum was completed in Spring 2008.

Scope and Practice of a Medical Assistant

Medical Assistants work in a variety of health care settings. The Medical Assistant becomes knowledgeable of a variety of duties including: Medical Office Management, Billing, Coding, and Finance Management, Fundamentals of Clinical Medical Assisting, Medical Specialties, Radiography, Electrocardiography, and Diagnostic Procedures.

Work Environment

Medical assistants are employed in physicians offices, hospitals, and other healthcare settings. A full-time assignment generally comprises 40 hours.

Mission Statement

Consistent with and supporting the mission statement and goals of Professional Training Centers Inc., the mission of the Medical Assisting program is to successfully train medical assistants through a practical curriculum that combines theory and practice and promotes the technical, intellectual, and professional development of students so that they can become certified medical assistants and obtain gainful employment in this specialized field.

Program Goals

1. To graduate competent individuals who will be employed as entry-level medical assistants.
2. To prepare our students with effective written and oral communication skills and ethical reasoning to interact effectively with patients and the medical community.
3. To assist students in developing critical thinking and problem solving skills.
4. To assist students in obtaining certification as medical assistants.

General information

The Medical Assisting program at Professional Training Centers is a 43 week competency based program that follows the guidelines set forth by Florida Department of Education curriculum framework. The program prepares students for entry level positions as Medical Assistants. After completing the program, graduates are able to sit for the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) certification through the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA).

Upon completion of the Medical Assisting program, graduates will earn a Diploma as a Medical Assistant.

Historical Development of the Medical Insurance Coding Specialist Program

The Medical Insurance Coding Specialist (MICS) Program was conceived initially at PTC in the fall of 2006 when a group of professionals successfully completed a series of Medical Coding in-service workshops at the institution. Its fast paced and comprehensive curriculum allows its graduates to become employed at healthcare and billing facilities as medical insurance coders.

Scope and Practice of a Medical Insurance Coding Specialist

Medical Insurance Coding Specialists work in a variety of health care settings as entry level coders, medical record coders, coding technicians or clerks, or medical coding/billing specialists. As such, they are responsible for accurately assigning codes to medical diagnoses and procedures to ensure that clients receive proper reimbursement from insurance companies and government agencies. The Medical Insurance Coding Specialist becomes knowledgeable of, among other areas: medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, coding systems, pathophysiology, pharmacology, health care delivery systems, medical record procedures, ethical and legal responsibilities, safety/security standards, and data processing.

Work Environment

Most medical insurance coding specialists are employed in hospitals, healthcare clinics, and in physician offices. A full-time assignment generally comprises 40 hours.

Mission Statement

Consistent with and supporting the mission statement and goals of Professional Training Centers Inc., the mission of the Medical Insurance Coding Specialist (MICS) program is to successfully train medical insurance coding specialists through a practical curriculum that combines theory and practice and promotes the technical, intellectual and professional development of students so that they can become certified medical coders and obtain gainful employment in this specialized field.

Program Goals

1. To graduate competent medical coders, who will be employed as entry-level medical coding specialists.
2. To prepare our students with effective written and oral communication skills and ethical reasoning to interact effectively with the medical community.
3. To assist students in developing critical thinking and problem solving skills.
4. To promote a commitment to professional development and continuing education in our students.
5. To assist students in obtaining certification as medical coding specialists.

General information

The Medical Insurance Coding Specialist program at Professional Training Centers is a 45 week competency based program that follows the guidelines set forth by Florida Department of Education curriculum framework. The program prepares students for entry level positions as Medical Insurance Coders. After gaining appropriate work experience in this field, graduates of the program may be eligible to sit for the certification exams offered by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA), the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC), and/or the National Health Care Association (NHCA).

Upon completion of the Medical Insurance Coding Specialist program, graduates will earn a Diploma as Medical Insurance Coding Specialists.

Historical Development of the Pharmacy Technician Program

Professional Training Centers began offering the Pharmacy Technician Program as a certificate program, providing a short curriculum predominantly to foreign medical professionals.

Scope of Practice for Pharmacy Technician

Pharmacy Technicians are supervised by licensed pharmacists. Technicians enter prescription orders, assist the pharmacist with filling and labeling prescriptions in accordance with local, state and federal regulations, maintain patient records and insurance information, prepare and maintain the pharmacy inventory, work in compounding medications and use automated dispensing technology. Most Pharmacy Technicians work in community pharmacies, hospitals, home health care, mail services facilities, wholesale industries, government organizations, or educational/training programs.

Descriptions of Working Environment

To provide our students with the finest educational experience in the discipline of Pharmacy Technician by delivering appropriate instruction to generate the development of competency-based skills that will ensure appropriate proficiency in the chosen field.

Program Mission Statement

The Pharmacy Technician program is committed to prepare individuals as professional members of a health care team, promoting intellectual and personal development by providing classroom lectures and direct practical experience in the laboratory. We assist our graduates in obtaining gainful employment as an entry-level Pharmacy Technician.

Program Objectives

The purpose of this program is to prepare students for employment as Pharmacy Technician, or to provide supplemental training for persons previously or currently employed in this occupational area.

Program Goals

1. Graduates will acquire the knowledge for preparing and dispensing medications in accordance with standard procedures and state and federal regulations under the supervision of a licensed pharmacist.
2. Have the ability to transcribe and process physician orders.
3. Have the ability to prepare intravenous admixtures, including chemotherapy medications.
4. Acquire the understanding of maintaining patient profiles and medication records electronically.
5. Acquire the understanding of preparing bulk formulation and compounding.
6. Graduates will be able to maintain pharmacy inventories.
7. Acquire the skills for communicating effectively with patients and members of health care team.

General Information

The curriculum is standardized in compliance with accreditation agencies to provide the competency based, outcome oriented, didactic, laboratory and clinical experience. Students are scheduled to attend 20 hours per week, 5 days a week, and are scheduled to alternate between didactic and laboratory sessions. Upon commencement of the program the student will be provided a syllabus that contains the course specific objectives.

The Pharmacy laboratory incorporates the latest teaching aids, audiovisual equipment, and demo Pharmacy software that allows our students to obtain practical experience for the community/ institutional component of the program.

Upon completion of the program, students will earn a Diploma in Pharmacy Technology.

Historical Development of the Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program

Professional Training Centers began offering the Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program as a certificate program, providing a short curriculum predominantly to foreign medical professionals.

Scope of Practice for Diagnostic Medical Sonographers

The Diagnostic Medical Sonographer is a highly skilled member of the imaging department in the healthcare facility. The sonographer must possess a detailed knowledge of human anatomy, physiology, and pathologic processes and be proficient in ultrasound physics to obtain diagnostic quality images.

Ultrasound is a non-invasive modality that uses sound waves to obtain images from inside the body; it can help diagnose many medical conditions. The field of Diagnostic Medical Sonography encompasses a variety of specialties which are selected by the sonographers’ specific interest and training.

The sonographer is in close contact with patients, therefore it is essential to develop and maintain excellent interpersonal skills. Employment opportunities vary, with Diagnostic Medical Sonographers being employed by hospitals, clinics, private offices, educational centers, research facilities, and industry.

Program Mission

The program is committed to support the professional development of each individual seeking a career in Diagnostic Medical Sonography, Echocardiography, and Vascular ultrasound by providing structured comprehensive instructions and hands-on training. We assist our graduates to obtain gainful employment and become an integral part of a health care team in providing noninvasive medical imaging as a service to patients and physicians.

Program Objectives and Goals

The purpose of this program is to prepare students for employment as Diagnostic Medical Sonographer or to provide supplemental training for persons previously or currently employed in this occupational area.

Program Goals

1. Graduates will have the knowledge to perform appropriate procedures and record anatomic, pathologic, and/or physiologic data for interpretation by a physician at an entry level
2. Graduates will have an understanding for obtaining pertinent patient history and supporting clinical data for presentation to the diagnosing physician.
3. Develop an understanding with exercising discretion and judgment in the performance of sonographic and/or other non-invasive diagnostic services.
4. Promote professional and ethical conduct and support the learning of appropriate communication skills with patients and colleagues.
5. Promote guidance and goals appropriate to acquire the commitment towards continued education and professional development.

General information

The Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program involves several specialties and is divided into different individual courses. The curriculum is standardized in compliance with accreditation agencies to provide the competency based, outcome oriented, didactic, laboratory and clinical experience. Students are scheduled to attend 20 hours per week, 5 days a week, and are scheduled to alternate between didactic and laboratory sessions on a daily basis for most of the program. Upon commencement of the program the student will be provided a syllabus that contains the course specific objectives.

Upon completion of the Program the student(s) will receive an Occupational Associate Degree and will be able to seek entry level employment as a Diagnostic Medical Sonographer.

Historical Development of the General Radiologic Technology Program

The General Radiologic Technology Program at Professional Training Centers has been in existence since 2000. Graduates of the GRT Program are employed in area hospitals and diagnostic centers through South Florida.

Scope of Practice of a Radiologic Technologist

The Radiologic Technologist is an important member of the health care team who is knowledgeable in the use of electromagnetic radiation for the diagnosis of disease and injury. The Radiologic Technologist is responsible for accurately positioning the patient and applying that amount of ionizing radiation necessary to produce a high quality diagnostic image. He/she must employ appropriate radiation safety practices and proper patient care skills. In addition, the Radiologic Technologist must adhere to the Code of Ethics as espoused by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists, as well as, demonstrate completion of continuing education units to maintain certification and licensure.

Work Environment

Most Radiologic Technologists are employed in hospitals, free standing out-patient clinics, and physician offices or on mobile radiographic units. A full-time Radiologic Technologist generally works a 40 hour work week.

Program Mission Statement

Consistent with supporting the mission statement and goals of Professional Training Centers, the mission of the General Radiologic Technology Program is to provide a comprehensive competency-based Radiologic Technology curriculum that promotes the technical, intellectual and professional development of our students as well as to assist the graduates of the program in acquiring employment as entry-level radiographers.

Program Goals

1. To graduate competent radiographers, who will be employed as entry-level radiologic technologists.
2. To prepare students with effective written and oral communication skills and ethical reasoning to interact effectively with the medical community.
3. To assist our students in developing critical thinking and problem solving skills.
4. To promote a commitment to professional development and continuing education in our students.

General Information

Item 1: All candidates for the General Radiologic Technology (GRT) program, in addition to the established Admissions Requirements and Procedures of Professional Training Centers, will be required to successfully complete a program aptitude examination. The intent of this examination is to serve as a success predictor for incoming students.

Candidates must receive a 70% or greater on the exam. Candidates that do not receive a 70% or greater on the examination will receive remediation for subject matter covered and will then be offered the opportunity to retest only once prior to program admission.

In addition, all candidates seeking admission to the General Radiologic Technology program will interview with the Program Director after successfully completing the aptitude examination.

Item 2: The General Radiologic Technology Program at Professional Training Centers is a 24 month competency based program that follows the American Society of Radiologic Technologist Curriculum Guide. The General Radiologic Technology Program prepares the student for entry level employment as a Radiologic Technologist.

Professional Training Centers is undergoing the process of the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT) accreditation which will enable the General Radiologic Technology (GRT) graduates to sit for the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) credentialing exam and the State of Florida licensure exam.

Upon completion of the General Radiologic Technology Program, students will earn an Occupational Associate's Degree.

Externship Experience Requirement

Students will be required to rotate in the mornings during externship II/III (see student handbook "Clinical Externship Evidence of Understanding" for further details).

Program Purpose

The purpose of the Associate of Arts in General Studies program is to present an alternative to those students who are unclear in terms of the area of concentration they wish to focus on, or simply wish to begin their studies in a smaller environment before transferring to a university to pursue baccalaureate degrees.

Program Description

The Program is designed to provide a well-rounded and balanced education that will grant the versatility demanded in today’s workforce. Its foundational courses will expose students to a broad range of subjects, such as communication, humanities, social sciences, the arts, philosophy, and natural sciences.

Program Objectives

Ultimately, the objective of the Program is to provide an excellent educational background to build from by generating graduates that are able to successfully and proficiently:

1. Speak, write, and read Standard English.
2. Listen and think critically.
3. Demonstrate competence in group dynamics by engaging with diverse social and aesthetic value systems.
4. Discuss a variety of topics and subjects, such as history, art, philosophy, and literature.
5. Understand and appreciate cultural diversity by learning about the values and lifestyles of contemporary and historical cultures.
6. Master the use of basic computer software.
7. Use suitable modes of inquiry and judgment to propose solutions to complex problems

Program Purpose

The purpose of the Associate of Science Degree in Diagnostic Medical Sonography is to present an academic alternative to those students who are interested in the aforementioned field, but wish to either pursue a higher degree upon graduation or acquire a more comprehensive education that will grant them greater versatility and advancement in today’s workforce.

Program Description

The Program is designed to provide a well-rounded and balanced education and its foundational courses will expose students to a broad range of subjects, such as communication, humanities, social sciences, the arts, philosophy, and natural sciences. The program includes a challenging curriculum, encompassing general abdominal sonography, obstetrics, gynecology, pediatric applications, and the introduction to echocardiography and vascular sonography. This curriculum allows candidates enrolled in the program, not only to have diversified marketable skills but also to seek further education within the healthcare field.

The Diagnostic Medical Sonographer is a highly skilled member of the imaging department in the healthcare facility. The sonographer must possess a detailed knowledge of human anatomy, physiology, and pathologic processes and be proficient in ultrasound physics to obtain diagnostic quality images.

Ultrasound is a non-invasive modality that uses sound waves to obtain images from inside the body; it can help diagnose many medical conditions.

The Associate of Science in Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program involves several specialties and is divided into different individual courses. The curriculum is standardized in compliance with accreditation agencies to provide the competency based, outcome oriented, didactic, laboratory and clinical experience.

Program Objectives

The main objective of the Degree is to provide an excellent educational background so that its graduates are able to successfully and proficiently:

1. Communicate in Standard English.
2. Demonstrate competence in group dynamics.
3. Master the use of basic computer software.
4. Use suitable modes of inquiry and judgment to propose solutions to complex problems by listening and thinking critically.
5. Perform appropriate procedures and record anatomic, pathologic, and/or physiologic data for interpretation by a physician at an entry level.
6. Obtain pertinent patient history and supporting clinical data for presentation to the diagnosing physician.
7. Develop an understanding with exercising discretion and judgment in the performance of sonographic and /or other non-invasive diagnostic services.
8. Promote professional and ethical conduct and support the learning of appropriate communication skills with patient and colleagues.

Program Purpose

The purpose of the Associate of Science Degree in Nursing is to prepare students to provide safe, competent and compassionate care to individuals in multiple care settings. The graduate of the
program will be allowed to sit for the National Council for Licensure Examination (NCLEX) for
Registered Nurses Exam.

Program Description

The program is designed to provide a well-rounded and balanced education and its foundational courses will expose students to a broad range of subjects, such as communication, social sciences, and natural sciences. The program includes a challenging curriculum, encompassing nursing communications, nursing management, nursing informatics, nursing fundamentals, patient assessment and clinical practice. This curriculum allows candidates enrolled in the program, not only to have diversified marketable skills but also to seek further education within the healthcare field.

Program Objectives