CTC adds Health Information Technology and Occupational Therapy Assistant programs

Media release: Chattahoochee Technical College announced today the official launch dates of its two newest programs. Now available to students will be study Health Information Technology and Occupational Therapy Assistant programs at the associate of applied science levels. The two new programs are the latest in a long line of successful certificate, diploma and degree programs offered at Chattahoochee Technical College.

"There continues to be a need for trained and qualified healthcare professionals at all levels," said Chattahoochee Technical College Dean of Health Sciences Ron Webb. "We are continuing to answer the call from community by providing quality education to those wanting to begin or continue careers in the industry."

Both programs are scheduled to begin the January 2011 as the college begins its second semester. Interest has been high in both, as current and prospective Chattahoochee Technical College students apply for the spots in the inaugural classes.

Approximately 36 students will be accepted into the Health Information Technology program, which will be based out of the North Metro Campus in Acworth. Health information technicians can work in a variety of environments. Typically, they work at for healthcare providers in a setting such as: physician offices, nursing care facilities, outpatient care centers and home healthcare services. They may also be employed outside of healthcare facilities, such as in Federal Government agencies.

Requirements for admission to that program include a minimum 2.75 grade point average on all prerequisite coursework and a score of 70 or higher on the Test of Essential Academic Skills. While the deadline has already passed for admission to the first class of the program, students can begin preparing now for subsequent cohorts. Information sessions are regularly held for prospective students.

This degree is designed to prepare students to assemble patients' health information including medical history, symptoms, examination results, diagnostic tests, treatment methods and all other healthcare provider services. Technicians organize and manage health information data by ensuring its quality, accuracy, accessibility, and security. Graduates will be eligible to sit for the AHIMA/RHIT exam.

The Occupational Therapy Assistant Program will be offered out of the college's Austell Campus. This degree is designed to prepare students to work under the supervision of occupational therapists with the ultimate goal of improving a client's quality of life and ability to perform daily activities. Some job activities may include training a client to use adaptive equipment to enable the performance of everyday tasks such as dressing and bathing, instructing a client in exercises to regain or improve hand range of motion and strength, or advising a client on modifications to increase the safety of his/her home. The program will take approximately five semesters to complete once all prerequisites are accomplished.

Requirements for admission to this program include a minimum 3.0 grade point average on all prerequisite coursework and a score of 70 or higher on the HOBET. While the deadline has already passed for admission to the first class of the program, students can begin preparing now for subsequent cohorts. Information sessions will be held for prospective students.

For more information about Chattahoochee Technical College, visit www.ChattahoocheeTech.edu or call 770-528-4545.