Academic Courses

Allied Health

The course introduces students to the language of medicine according to body systems. Students define, build and analyze terms as well as develop a vocabulary of combining forms, prefixes and suffixes. They develop the ability to pronounce and spell terms correctly and to use them in an appropriate context. Students learn medical terms (and their abbreviations where appropriate) for organs, diseases, symptoms, and for diagnostic, treatment and surgical procedures.

AH 104 Basic Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) Coding
3-0-0-3
This course introduces students to Current Procedural Terminology (CPT). Students will learn to convert uniform descriptions of medical, surgical and diagnostic services rendered by health care providers into five-digit numeric codes necessary for reimbursement. They will learn to correctly apply modifiers to codes when necessary and when to assign temporary alphanumeric codes. The Healthcare Common Procedural Coding System (HCPCS) will also be introduced. Sample abstracts from medical records will be utilized for students to apply their knowledge and gain competence in coding. Prerequisites: AH 103, BIOL 107 or BIOL 109.

AH 108 Basic ICD-9-CM Coding Principles
3-0-0-3
This course introduces students to the International Classification of Diseases-9th Revision-Clinical Modification (ICD-9-CM) official coding guidelines and principles. Students will learn to convert diagnostic and procedural terminology for services rendered by health care providers into numeric codes necessary for statistical and reimbursement purposes. Case studies and sample patient health records will be utilized for students to apply their knowledge and gain competence in coding. Prerequisites: AH 103, and BIOL 107 or BIOL 109.

AH 112 Medical Administrative Procedures
3-0-0-3
This course introduces students to the front office administrative responsibilities in a medical office. Students will develop competency in communication skills, appointment scheduling, telephone techniques, recording and filing medical records, processing mail, billing and collection procedures, banking services, and accounting and bookkeeping procedures. Medical transcription will also be introduced.

AH 116 Interpersonal and Professional Skills in the Health Care Setting
3-0-0-3
This course introduces students to communication theories, modes of communication and factors that influence communication when interacting with patients, co-workers and other health care personnel. Therapeutic techniques, such as active listening and conflict resolution, as well as core professional attributes and values will be discussed through the use of case studies and role playing. The legal and ethical components associated with interpersonal communication in the health care setting will also be addressed. Strategies for job search and retention in the health care environment as well as for professional and personal growth will be explored.

AH 120 Reimbursement Methodologies in Health Care
3-0-0-3
This course addresses health care plans and providers and how they impact financial management, decision making and the information requirements of the health care system. Reimbursement methodologies for both inpatient and ambulatory care delivery systems will be covered. Prerequisite: ENGL 101.

AH 204 Medical Law and Ethics
3-0-0-3
Legal theories and responsibilities related to confidentiality, negligence and fraud affecting health care practitioners will be addressed. Ethical issues will be explored within the context of current laws and cases which structure medical practice for both the inpatient and outpatient environments. Prerequisite: ENGL 101.

AH 220 Computer Applications in the Medical Office
3-0-0-3
In this course, students learn to use current software to input patient data and to bill patients, file insurance claims, record data, print reports and schedule appointments. They apply their knowledge by performing a series of tasks using sample source documents. Students are given a ten-day medical office simulation requiring them to use critical thinking and problem solving skills to complete billing and accounting assignments that are reflective of the types of activities encountered in a medical practice. Prerequisites: AH 112, CIS 103.

AH 222 Health Care Policy and Administration
3-0-0-3
In this course, students will analyze various health care policies and discuss the impact each policy has had on identified stakeholders. Students will also analyze policies in relation to their role as health service managers. By understanding the process through which policies are developed, including the economic, political and legal factors, students will learn how to influence policy as a health service manager. Prerequisites: AH 120, AH 204.

AH 224 Current Issues and Trends in Health Care
3-0-0-3
This course explores significant trends in health care and the major political, social and economic problems and issues affecting the United States health care consumer. Topics such as health literacy, access to healthcare, health disparities and health-related social injustices will be studied in depth. Technological, legislative and financial issues will also be analyzed. Prerequisites: AH 120, AH 204.

AH 260 Supervisory Management in Health Care
3-0-0-3
This course introduces students to the roles and responsibilities of a medical office manager. Students learn about organizational structures within health care facilities and management responsibilities including recruiting, training, decision-making, evaluating and planning. Leadership, employee morale and the dynamics of change are also addressed. Prerequisite: AH 204.

AH 265 Human Disease and Treatment
3-0-0-3
This course addresses disease processes and the general classification of the causes of disease, as well as the common signs and symptoms of diseases, the body systems affected by disease, the diagnostic measures and the types of treatments available. Prerequisites: AH 103, BIOL 107 or BIOL 109.