Health Courses

Health Care Professional Programs at Texas State Technical College Harlingen.  In partnership with Condensed Curriculum International, Inc.  (CCI), Texas State Technical College Harlingen Division of Continuing is offering a variety of Health Care Professional training programs.  Although the US economy remains sluggish and the overall job market has not improved, the demand for health care staff and professional is growing at a staggering rate.  These exciting programs will help students prepare for the numerous jobs available to health care staff and professionals.

Pharmacy Technician  Program- New!

Course Code: PHRA - 1060

This comprehensive 50 hour course will prepare students to enter the pharmacy field and to take the Pharmacy Technicican Certification Board's PTCB exam.  Technicians work in hospitals, home infusion pharmacies, community pharmacist.  Course content includes medical terminology specific to the pharmacy, reading and interpreting prescriptions and defining drugs by generic and brand names.  Students will learn dosage calculations, I.V. flow rates, drug compounding, dose conversions, dispensing prescriptions, dispensing of prescriptions, inventory control and billing and reimbursement.

50 hours             $999 (Textbook included)          5.0 CEUs

M/W                  10/06/08 - 11/26/08                         6pm - 9:30pm

Physical Therapy Aide Program - New!

Course Code: PTHA - 1091

This comprehensive 50-hour Physical Therapy Aide Program prepares students for the growing field of Physical Therapy.  The Physical Therapy Aide is generally responsible for carrying out the non-technical duties of physical therapy, such as preparing treatment areas, ordering devices and supplies, and transporting patients working under the direction of the physical therapist.  Furthermore, these workers assist physical therapists in providing services that help improve mobility, relieve pain, and prevent or limit permanent physical disabilities of patients working under the direction of the physical therapist.  Furthermore, these workers assist physical therapist.  Furthermore, these workers assist physical therapists in providing services that help improve mobility, relieve pain, and preven or limit permanent  physical disabilities of patients suffering from injuries or disease.  Physical Therapy Aides may be employed in nursing homes, hospitals, sports rehabilitation center and some orthopedic clinics.  Note:  This program does not include a national or state certification as part of its overall objectives.

50 hours          $999 (Textbook included)               5.0 CEUs

T/TH               7/1/08 - 8/19/08                              6:00pm - 9:30pm

Certified Nurse Assistant

Course Code: NURA-1060

This course provides instruction on how to apply specialized occupational theory, skills and concepts in a clinical practice at a hospital or nursing home.  Students will learn to provide basic bedside nursing care such as bathing, making beds, taking vital signs, assisting in feeding, serving trays, answering call lights, and preparing and assisting a patient for an examination.  Students will also learn how to work with nurses, doctors and other health professionals.  After successfully completing the courses, students are eligible to take the Texas Department of Human Services Certified Nurse Assistant skills and written exam to be listed on the Texas Registry as a certified Nurse Assistant.  Fee includes tuition, student's liability insurance, accident & sickness, and needlestick insurance.  Student will be responsible for supply list and state exam fee. Minimum of 14 students.  Contact Janie Barron for dates and times at  956-364-4615 or via email at janie.barron@harlingen.tstc.edu.

Requirements: High School/GED, current with all immunizations including Hepatitis B Series.

$700                           170 hours                              17.0 CEUs

Dates to be announced

Emergency Medical Technican-Basic

EVENING COURSE

Course Codes: ESMP-1001, EMSP-1062                                             

Students perform the skills and use the equipment commonly used in emergency medical services. In addition, students are instructed in optional procedures such as intraosseous infusion and chest decompression. Throughout the course of the program, students will complete hours of rotations with local hospitals and EMS providers. Upon successful completion of the program, students who meet the requirements of the Texas Department of Health will be qualified for certification as basic emergency medical technicians. 

Requirements: current with all immunizations, background check, and additional insurance fees.

$1,030               200 hours            20.0 CEUs

T/TH    10/7/08 - 4/16/09        6pm - 10pm

Medication Administration for Nurse Aides

Course Code: NURA-1013

This training will provide instruction on the procedure for preparation and administration of designated medications and responsibilities associated with such administration for non-licensed nursing personnel employed in health care agencies licensed by the Texas Department of Health.

Requirements: Students must be employed as Certified Nurse Aides listed on the Texas Nurse Aid Registry in active status and currently employed in a nursing facility licensed under Texas Health and Safety Code Chapter 242 or employed as a non-licensed direct care staff in a facility licensed under Chapter 247.  Students must be high school graduates or have a GED.  Other state requirements may apply for admission into the program.  The required state test is available at TSTC at the end of the course.

$425          140 hours                                14.0 CEUs

M/W         10/6/08 - 4/1/09              6:00pm - 9:00pm      Staff

Medication Aide Update

Course Code: NURA-1041

The Texas Department of Human Services requires this continuing education class for the renewal of medication aide licenses.  Topics include review and update of medication aide training rules, medication administration, and related responsibilities.  Classes are offered monthly.  Call the Continuing Education office at 956-364-4615 for next available class.  (Minimum 6 students).

$40         7 hours                  0.7 CEUs

Sat.         9/6/08                        8am - 4pm        Staff

Sat.         10/4/08                      8am - 4pm         Staff

Sat.          11/1/08                     8am - 4pm        Staff

Sat.          12/6/08                     8am - 4pm        Staff 

Sat.          1/10/09                     8am - 4pm         Staff

Sat.          2/7/09                       8am - 4pm         Staff

Note: Individuals, who completed the Med. Aid Course prior to 2000, will need to update their training on or before their birth date.  All others will need to update their training one year form the original date of their Med. Aide course completion.

ACLS Provider Course

Course Code: EMPS - 2135         14 hours               $125

The American Heart Association's Advanced Cardiovascular Life Support course is totally redesigned for healthcare providers who either direct or participate i the resuscitation of a patient, whether in  or out of hospital.  Through the ACLS course, providers willl enhance thri skills int eh treatment of the adult victim of a cardiac arrest or other cardiopulmonary emergencies.  ACLS emphasizes the importartance of basic life suppor CPR to patient survival: the integration of effective basic life support with advanced cardiovascular life support  intervations; the integration of effective basic life support with advanced cardiovascular life support interventions; and the importance of effective team interaction and communication during resuscitation. Contact Janie Barron for dates and times at 956-364-4615 or via email at janie.barron@harlingen.tstc.edu.

Pediatric Advanced Life Support - PALS

Course Code:   EMSP - 1047         14 hours         $125

The completely redesigned American Hearth Asssociation Pediatric Advanced LIfe Support course is based on new science evidence from the 2005 AHA Guidelines for CPR and ECC and a new teaching methodology.  The goal of the PALS course is to aid the pediatric healthcare provider in developing the knowledge and skills necessary to efficiently and effectively manage critically ill infants and children, resulting in improved outcomes.  Skills taught include recognition and treatment of infants and children at risk for cardiopulmonary arrest; the systematic approach to pediatrict assessment; effective respiratory management; defibrillation and synchronized cardioversion; intraosseous access and fluid bolus administration; and effective resuscitation team dynamics.  Day 1, Provider; Day 2, Renewal.  Contact Janie Barron for dates and times at 956-364-4615 or via email at janie.barron@harlingen.tstc.edu.