Phoenix College Brings Healthcare Programs to Communiversity

90 Years of Educational Excellence, Now in the Northwest Valley: Phoenix College Brings Healthcare Programs to Communiversity @ Surprise

Northwest Valley residents interested in training for a healthcare career have a new option that’s close to home. Phoenix College has added three new healthcare certificate programs at the Communiversity @ Surprise, providing area residents with a convenient way to take advantage of the affordable tuition and expert faculty long associated with Phoenix College. The programs are Nurse Assisting, Medical Billing and Coding: Physician Based, and Medical Assisting.

The Nurse Assisting Program is designed to prepare students to work in the nursing field. Nurse Assistants work directly under the supervision of registered and practical nurses. Their role in performing basic patient care assists the licensed staff in providing quality nursing to the patient. As important members of a health care team, typical patient-care duties include bathing and dressing patients, helping with personal hygiene, taking vital signs, answering call lights, transporting patients, servicing and collecting food trays, and feeding patients. The Nurse Assisting runs for eight weeks and consists of two classroom days (four to six hours per day), and one or two, 8-12 hour clinical experience days per week. Nurse Assistants may seek employment opportunities in general care hospitals, clinics, hospices, and long-term care organizations.

The Nurse Assisting occupation is one of a series of possible steps on a career ladder in the health care field such as Patient Care Technician, Practical Nursing, Registered Nursing and advanced practice degrees. Successful graduates receive a certificate of completion from Phoenix College and are then eligible to take the Arizona State Board of Nursing (AZBN) certifying exam to become a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA).

The Medical Coding and Billing: Physician Based Program is designed to prepare students for billing and diagnostic/procedural coding in the practice environment. Coding is a process of assigning valid codes to represent patients’ health status and the services they receive. The codes are used primarily to determine the amount to be billed and for service monitoring. Medical Billers/Coders consistently ensure the reliability, validity and confidentiality of medical information. This program requires the successful completion of 34 credits which include theoretical and laboratory instruction as well as a professional practice affiliation in an area health care setting. Students can choose to pursue the program on a full-time or part-time basis. Graduates may seek employment opportunities in healthcare settings such as clinics, physician offices, managed care organizations, and private billing or insurance companies. Job titles typically include: Medical Biller/Coder, Medical Claims Processor, Medical Coder, and Health Record Coder. Employment in these areas requires communication with all members of the health care team including physicians and nurses. Graduates of this program may pursue national credentialing, as well as career ladder opportunities in Health Information Management.

The Medical Assisting Program is designed to prepare students to work as Medical Assistants, performing front and back office functions such as: medication administration, electrocardiograms, drawing blood, scheduling appointments, managing medical records, insurance billing and coding, communications, patient education, as well as assisting doctors with clinical procedures such as minor surgeries. The program runs approximately nine months with classes being held two to three days per week. The program includes externships in an outpatient laboratory and a medical office to demonstrate and enhance skills. Graduates may seek employment opportunities in physicians’ offices, community health centers, urgent care centers and select outpatient facilities. Career advancement opportunities include office manager, clinical team leader and research coordinator. Upon successful program completion, students are eligible to take the American Medical Technologists National medical assisting exam.

Phoenix College is a partner in the Communiversity @ Surprise, a new model of education in Arizona that provides students with the opportunity to complete certificates, associate degrees, bachelor's degrees, and master's degrees all in one location. The innovative blending of community colleges and universities features six educational pathways offering multiple programs, including healthcare programs provided by Phoenix College.

Each of the educational pathways allows students to transfer seamlessly from one institution to another – from the community college to the university. Educational pathways include Business/Management, Education, Healthcare, Information Systems, Liberal Arts, and Public Safety.

Classes at the Communiversity @ Surprise are available online, in person, and in a hybrid format, and most are offered in flexible eight-week sessions. Students can save money on tuition by taking up to 90 credits – instead of the traditional 64 credits – through the community college partners before transferring to a university partner for the remaining credits.

The Communiversity @ Surprise, located in the new Civic Center Complex at 15950 W. Civic Center Plaza, is a unique educational partnership between private and public entities. In collaboration with the City of Surprise, host college Rio Salado has partnered with several institutions to provide classes and programs. The partners include: Phoenix College, Glendale Community College, Ottawa University, the University of the Incarnate Word, and West-MEC. For more information, visit www.azcommuniversity.com.

To learn more about training for a healthcare career with Phoenix College at the Communiversity @ Surprise, visit www.azcommuniversity.com or contact Caterina Pinzone, MHA, RHIA, Phoenix College Coordinator for Healthcare Programs at the Communiversity @ Surprise, at 480-384-9010. To learn more about additional Phoenix College programs, visit www.phoenixcollege.edu or call 602-285-7110.

Media Contact: Michelle Klinger
Coordinator of Marketing & PR(
602) 285-7842
michelle.klinger@pcmail.maricopa.edu

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