Life is one long continual process of learning. You might want to pursue a career change, but you still have to work in order to pay your monthly bills and handle any other responsibilities. At Florida National University (FNU) you’ll be able to choose from a wide variety of educational certificate programs that allows you to commit less time in school and won’t cost as much as a traditional university.
A Closer Look at FNU Continuing Education Programs
FNU’s regionally accredited continuing education programs will empower you with a higher learning education and in a better position when it comes to competing in the job market. In terms of hours, the continuing education programs we offer are not as demanding as our associates, bachelors or masters degree programs. Even if you’re not planning to change your career path, taking the initiative to improve your skill set will show your employer how dedicated you are to self-improvement, making you the ideal candidate for a promotion should the opportunity arise.
Here are two continuing education programs that have been popular among many busy professionals who have chosen FNU to further their educational achievements:
- Medical Assistant Diploma
With this program you’ll learn how to become a skilled medical assistant possessing multiple skills that can be applied to a variety of situations and roles within the healthcare sector. You’ll acquire the knowledge that’s required to be employed in administration roles at hospitals, medical laboratories, clinics, diagnostic centers and the offices of medical professionals.
If you’re seeking a career change, or if you are already employed within the healthcare industry and wish to progress your career further, then the successful completion of this diploma will afford you the possibility of pursuing healthcare-related positions.
The Type of Classes Offered
The coursework will encompass both non-medical and medical aspects of the role of a medical assistant like
- Information Technology
- English Composition
- Oral Communication
- Basic Anatomy And Physiology
- Medical Terminology
- Patient Care Procedures
- Electronic Medical Record Procedures
- Examining Room Procedures
- Medical Laboratory Procedures
- Medical Office Procedures
- Medical Insurance
- Coding And Billing
In this program, you will be expected to complete a minimum of 45 hours of clinical experience before graduating. This course is also offered in both English and Spanish, which gives a wide range of students from different backgrounds the opportunity to excel in a new career.
Be aware that you’ll also need to complete Basic Life Support (BLS), Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA), Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) and Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) seminars to be deemed eligible for graduation.
- Medical Coding & Billing Specialist Diploma
Medical coding and billing is a role in which employees are tasked with recording patients’ ailments, illnesses and injuries into codes for insurance, billing and remuneration purposes. It involves working closely with medical professionals and insurance companies so that all financial matters associated with healthcare are settled in the proper manner for both the patient and medical professionals
For the duration of this course you will learn how to convert medical procedures and diagnoses into industry standard codes via two accepted systems, the International Classification of Disease (ICD-9-CM) and the Current Procedural Terminology (CPT-4). You’ll also be trained in how to correctly prepare insurance claim forms for the purposes of reimbursement.
The Type of Classes Offered
You’ll also be taught basic needs for any administrative task, including an Introduction to IT and Basic English composition. Your training will include both aspects of your role as a medical professional learning Basic Anatomy and General Pharmacology, and more exacting learning opportunities key to your role as a coder:
- Medical Terminology
- Ethics and Law
- Medical Office Fundamentals
- Health Insurance Billing
What FNU Has to Offer
The Medical Assistant and Medical Coding & Billing Specialist Diplomas offered by FNU are designed to prepare prospective students for entry-level employment in a number of healthcare administration roles. Some of these roles are: Medical Record Coder, Coding Technician, or Coding Clerk.
An externship of a minimum of 80 hours must be completed as well. You will be expected to wear medical attire at all times during your externship. You’ll also be expected to complete BLS, OSHA, HIV and HIPAA seminars.
Where to Find More Information about Continuing Education
Full information about these courses can be found on our website. There are plenty of other courses available at FNU that are suitable for busy professionals who may not have the time to complete full-time courses. Browse our section marked ‘Continuing Education Programs’ for both career education diplomas and certificates. If you need any further information, then contact an FNU advisor using our online contact form today!