Allied Health
Program Descriptions
Associate in Applied Science Degree
Associate
Degree in Nursing
The Associate Degree in Nursing program
is a two year intensive academic program which includes classroom,
skills laboratory and clinical experience in various healthcare
agencies. The student is awarded an Associate in Applied Science
degree upon completion of the program and may apply to write
the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered
Nurses (NCLEX-RN). Upon successful completion of the NCLEX-RN,
the graduate may apply for Illinois RN licensure.
Dental
Hygiene 
Dental Hygiene prepares the student
with specialized skills necessary for employment as a dental
hygienist. Emphasis is on prophylaxis (removal of calculus
stain and deposits from the teeth), prevention of oral disease
and on the hygienist’s ability as a dental health educator.
The hygienist’s services are sought by dentists, schools,
prisons, hospitals, departments of health and industry. The
Dental Hygiene program is fully accredited by the American
Dental Association Commission on Dental Accreditation.
Paramedical Services
The Associate Degree in Paramedical
Services is a two-year intensive program that includes classroom,
skills laboratory, hospital, and field clinical experiences.
The student is awarded an associate in applied science degree
upon successful completion of the program and will be eligible
to take the Illinois Department of Public Health EMT-Paramedic
licensing examination or the National Registry of EMTs examination.
Physical
Therapist Assistant
The Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA)
is a skilled health employee working under the supervision
of a licensed Physical Therapist to provide direct care to
patients in a variety of health care settings. The PTA works
closely with patients to restore function, prevent or relieve
pain, prevent disability and restore physical coordination,
strength and mobility. The PTA is trained in therapeutic exercise,
neuromuscular training, electrical stimulation and application
of heat, cold, light and massage to help the patient. The
PTA Program is accredited by the Commission for Accreditation
in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE). Students who have successfully
completed the Program will be allowed to sit for the National
Board Examination for Physical Therapist Assistants. Licensure
is not required in all states for the PTA to practice, but
is required in the state of Illinois.
Pre-Respiratory
This is a shared cooperative program
with Parkland College. It is a flexible program with different
options for students. Examples are: A.) Students may enroll
for the entire program at Parkland College; B.) Students may
schedule support classes at Lake Land College and Respiratory
Care classes at Parkland College; and C.) Students may
choose to take all their support classes at Lake Land College
and then transfer to Parkland College to take the Respiratory
Care classes and some of their clinic work, while completing
their major clinic work at St. Anthony’s Memorial Hospital
in Effingham or Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center in Mattoon.
Most of the clinic work can be done at Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center or St. Anthony’s Memorial Hospital. Most students, if they desire, can find part-time work in Respiratory Care while they are attending classes. Respiratory Care employment outlook is excellent; there is a tremendous shortage of skilled therapists. The minimum graduation requirement is 70 semester hours.
Certificate
Basic Nurse Assisting
The Basic Nurse Assisting program
prepares students for nurse assistant roles and meets requirements
for Illinois Department of Public Health Certificate Aide
course. A certificate is awarded upon completion of the course.
This program does not qualify for Federal Title IV financial
aid or Illinois Monetary Award (MAP).
Practical Nursing
The Practical Nursing program is a
consecutive three semester program which includes classroom,
skills laboratory and clinical experience in various healthcare
agencies. The program is approved by the Illinois Department
of Professional Regulation and accredited by the National
League for Nursing Accrediting Commission (NLNAC) 350 Hudson
Street New York, New York 10014 (212)989-9393.
Emergency Medical Services
The Certificate in Emergency Medical
Services program includes classroom, skills laboratory, hospital,
and field clinical experiences. The student is awarded a certificate
upon successful completion of the program and will be eligible
to take the Illinois Department of Public Health EMT-Intermediate
licensing examination or the National Registry of EMTs examination.
There are some conditions for which the Illinois Department
of Public Health may refuse to issue a license. Please consult
with the Director of EMS programs to avoid license application
hindrances. This program is conducted in cooperation with
Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center and is approved by the Illinois
Department of Public Health, Division of EMS and Highway Safety.
Program graduates are prepared for career opportunities in
the field of Emergency Medical Services (EMS) including, but
not limited to, urban and rural ambulance services and/or
fire departments; industrial settings; clinical settings;
and positions overseas.
Massage
Therapy
The Massage Therapy curriculum is designed to prepare the individual in all areas of massage. Massage techniques and bodywork, anatomy, professionalism with clients, and business practices are included in the curriculum. There are two options available for completion of the Massage Therapy program. The part time program begins each fall while the full time program begins each spring. Upon completion of course, the student will receive a certificate and will be able to sit for the National Certification Board for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork's Exam. Those who pass the exam become eligible to use the title Nationally Certified in Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork and be able to use the initials NCTMB.
Transfer Programs
Fire Science Technology
The Fire Science Technology program is designed to give students academic background and initial training for careers in fire fighting. It will prepare students for employment in the fire service field. The two-year degree program is designed for those who aspire to be firefighters, as well as, current firefighters who would like to increase their knowledge and the possibility for advancement in their field. The program trains firefighters to consider factors such as the construction of the building, strategy and tactics, fire prevention and investigations. Because of an articulation agreement, all classes in the program will be transferable with full credit to Southern Illinois University Carbondale for their Fire Service Management program.
Pre
Physical Therapy
These courses meet the Pre-Physical
Therapy transfer requirements for the University of Illinois
and other schools in Illinois. Upon completion of this course
sequence, pre-physical therapy students will receive an Associate
in Science degree.