Workforce Equity Initiative

Total Program Credits: 9

The A+ Microcomputer Technician certificate is designed to provide students with the skills necessary to obtain an entry-level position in the growing specialty of PC technical support. The courses parallel CompTIA’s A+ exam objectives.

PROGRAM LEARNING OUTCOMES

Upon successful completion of the A+ Microcomputer Technician Certificate, the graduate will be able to:

• Describe the hardware and software components of a computer in order to understand their function, dependencies and interactions
• Repair and replace hardware components to fix problems with client PCs;
• Install and configure Windows client operating system to prepare it for use
• Describe LAN/WAN topologies, protocols and terminology needed to design, configure and maintain a network
• Design and install a LAN to allow computers to communicate and share data
• Design network security to provide users appropriate access and protection against intrusions

Total Program Credits: 17

(Formerly Office Assistant Certificate)

Students that pursue the Administrative Assistant Certificate program will be prepared to begin entry-level office positions. Students learn the skills and knowledge in office procedure and word processing, customer service and records management.

PROGRAM LEARNING OUTCOMES

Upon successful completion of the Administrative Assistant Certificate program, the graduate will be able to:

• demonstrate proficient keyboarding skills;
• demonstrate proficient and business appropriate written and verbal communication skills;
• identify business accounting department practices;
• assess current business practices and trends; and
• summarize the different roles of customer service

Designed to prepare nursing assistants to provide care in various health care settings under the direction of a registered nurse. The program includes development of fundamental nursing skills through lectures, laboratory activities and clinical experience. Students may also complete elective courses to gain knowledge and practical skills in ethical and legal responsibilities, medical terminology, venipuncture and electrocardiography.

In addition to fulfilling the selective admission health program requirements, candidates must complete the following general admission requirements:  complete a Triton College application, submit applicable transcripts, take placement exams or demonstrate course equivalency, and complete new student orientation.

Upon successful completion of the Nurse Assistant Program requirements, the graduate receives a certificate and becomes eligible to take the Illinois Nurse Aide Test, which is required for certification by the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH).

Total Program Credits: 12

The Network Technician Certificate prepares students for entry-level positions in PC installation, maintenance and repair professions. Computer network technicians maintain, resolve, and supervise the use of LANs and WANs, besides establishing and maintaining the internet, intranets, and extranets of an organization. This program also prepares students to take the CompTIA Network+ certification exam.

STACKABLE CERTIFICATE:

A+ Microcomputer Technician Certificate

PROGRAM LEARNING OUTCOMES

Upon successful completion of the Network Technician Certificate program the graduate will be able to:

• Design and install computer networks, connections and cabling
• Identify benefits and drawbacks of existing network configurations
• Troubleshoot system failures and identify roadblocks in the network
• Implement network security, standards and protocols and evaluate network performance to improve the network

* Prerequisite: CCNA Certificate

Dental assistants provide quality preventative and corrective dental care under direct supervision of the dentist or dental hygienist. The dental assistant is responsible for assisting dentists and dental hygienists with patient care as well as providing certain administrative support to the office. Dental assistants work in a variety of health care settings including dentist offices, hospitals and other similar facilities. With the national increase in health care related services and the national shortage of health care professionals, the need for dental assistants is growing substantially. The 60-hour Dental Assisting Program prepares students for entry-level positions in one of the fastest growing health care positions – dental assisting. The purpose of this course is to familiarize the student with all areas of pre-clinical dental assisting and provide training in the professional skills required to function as an assistant in the dental practice.

Career Outlook
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment in the dental field is expected to grow 7 percent from 2019-2029, which is faster than the average for all occupations. Ongoing research linking oral health and general health will likely continue to increase the demand for preventive dental services. Additional reasons for expansion include the population growth, greater retention of natural teeth by middle-aged and older people, and an increased focus on preventative dental care for younger generations will fuel demand for dental services. 

Salaries vary depending on experience, hours, and location. Median annual wage of dental assistants was $40,080 in May 2019. 

Educational Requirements
Most employers prefer that dental assistants and aides have a high school diploma or equivalent. There are state and national examinations that test the competency of dental assistants and can lead to a certification. This course is ideal for students interested in pursuing a dental hygienist program.

This program prepares students for a successful and fulfilling career as a dialysis technician. Students learn how to provide quality care for patients in need of dialysis. Dialysis is the treatment required to cleanse the blood of toxins and excess fluids. Participants will learn how to function as a dialysis technician with proficient clinical skills and an understanding of nephrology care. This course will also provide students with a basic knowledge of machine technology, water treatment, dialyzer reprocessing and educational development. Students will be prepared to function as a dialysis technician under the supervision of the registered nurse or physician in a dialysis facility that provides dialysis treatment to the individuals diagnosed with acute or chronic kidney disease. Upon completion of the course the student is prepared to take the certification examination to be a certified dialysis technician.

The Dialysis Technician program is offered in partnership with Loyola University Medical Center 

Education Requirements
One year of medical experience as a nursing assistant, medical assistant, EMT or other work-related experience in the medical field with a basic knowledge of medical terminology and basic math skills who can fluently speak/write the English language.

Key areas and topics include:

• Principles of dialysis and skills necessary to give safe and effective care to the individual undergoing dialysis treatments
• Understanding the process of operating dialysis equipment and alternate dialysis procedures
• Assess any complications with an understanding of the problem and techniques to address the concern
• Effective patient communication and support

Spring 2024
HTH E08 301
February 6 to April 18, 2024
Tuesdays and Thursdays
5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m
Loyola Outpatient Dialysis Center or H Building, Room H-124 

Educational Requirements:
High school or equivalent

Key areas and topics include:

• Role of the EKG technician
• Function of the EKG Department in a variety of settings (hospital, clinic, office, mobile service)
• Introduction to medical terminology
• Medical terminology related to electrocardiography
• Care and safety of patients, medical and legal aspects
• Anatomy of the heart and conduction system
• Circulation of the heart and blood vessels
• Electrical conduction system of the heart
• Cardiac cycle (electric system)
• EKG Strip Analysis (P, Q, R, S, T Wave Form Interpretation)
• Normal sinus rhythm, sinus bradycardia, sinus tachycardia
• Basic EKG interpretation, sinus rhythm and ventricular rhythms, asystole, example rhythm recognizing
• Artifacts; troubleshooting, tracing problems
• Practice EKG strips, EKG rhythms
• Preparing a patient for EKG 

Upon successful completion of the EKG Technician Program, students will be eligible to sit for the Certification Exam. The NHA certification exam fee is not included in tuition and fees.

Spring 2024
HTH E38 301
February 5 to April 17, 2024​ 
Mondays & Wednesdays
6 p.m. - 9 p.m.
H Building, Room H-125

Total Program Credits: 21

The Engineering Technology/Mechatronics Certificate curriculum is designed for individuals seeking to secure a position in industry requiring skills and knowledge working with automation equipment, industrial controls, and basic robotics.

PROGRAM LEARNING OUTCOMES

Upon successful completion of the Engineering Technology/Mechatronics Certificate, the graduate will be able to:

• Identify electronic and mechanical parts of an automated system
• Interpret electrical wiring diagrams and symbols
• Install, program, and troubleshoot Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs)
• Explain the principal operations of a mechatronic system
• Implement safety regulations required for operation of the system
• Measure in inches and metric systems

* Prerequisite: Administrative Assistant Certificate

This 200-hour course offered over two semesters is designed for health care professionals, billing professionals, people interested in the business aspect of health care and office managers. This class prepares students for entry-level medical office positions. Students will learn to collect, analyze and manage the information that steers the health care industry. Training will be provided in insurance and medical claims processing in accordance with professional, legal and insurance industry standards. Students become trained as an invaluable part of the health care system. Participants in this program will learn ICD-10-CM coding system. Upon completion of the program, students will be eligible to sit for the CBCS (Certified Billing and Coding Certification) through NHA (National Healthcareer Association) or the CCA (Certified Coding Associate) through AHIMA (American Health Information Management Association).

Educational Requirements
High school diploma or equivalent

Key areas and topics include:

• Fundamentals of Health Information Technology
• Clinical Classification Systems
• Practice Management Program 
• CPT Coding
• Medical Terminology
• Anatomy and Physiology
• ICD-10-CM Coding for Physicians 
• Billing in Physician Offices
• Clinical Reimbursement Methodologies
• Legal and Qualitative Aspects of Health Information
• Management of Health Information

Spring 2024
Medical Billing and Coding I (Part 1 of 3)
HIT E30
January 22 to March 13, 2024
Monday, Wednesday, Friday
6 p.m. - 9 p.m.
ONLINE

Medical Billing and Coding II (Part 2 of 3)
HIT E31
March 15 to May 15, 2024
Monday, Wednesday, Friday
6 p.m. - 9 p.m.
ONLINE

Computerized Insurance Billing (Part 3 of 3)
HIT E32
May 17 to July 19, 2024
Monday, Wednesday, Friday
6 p.m. - 9 p.m.
ONLINE

ALL THREE COURSES MUST BE TAKEN IN SEQUENCE (HIT E30 followed by E31 and E32).

Total Program Credits: 12

The Network Technician Certificate prepares students for entry-level positions in PC installation, maintenance and repair professions. Computer network technicians maintain, resolve, and supervise the use of LANs and WANs, besides establishing and maintaining the internet, intranets, and extranets of an organization. This program also prepares students to take the CompTIA Network+ certification exam.

STACKABLE CERTIFICATE:

A+ Microcomputer Technician Certificate

PROGRAM LEARNING OUTCOMES

Upon successful completion of the Network Technician Certificate program the graduate will be able to:

• Design and install computer networks, connections and cabling
• Identify benefits and drawbacks of existing network configurations
• Troubleshoot system failures and identify roadblocks in the network
• Implement network security, standards and protocols and evaluate network performance to improve the network

Optical Assistants are professionals who work alongside optometrists or ophthalmologists. The Optician training program prepares students to enter a growing profession in a variety of eye care settings and to sit for the National Opticianry Competency Exam (NOCE) offered through the American Board of Opticianry (ABO). Students will learn how to assist with vision tests, demonstrate patient care for contact lenses, administrative tasks and patient records. Students will also gain experience with contact lenses fitting.

Career Outlook
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment in the optician field is expected to grow 4 percent from 2019-2029, which is faster than the average for all occupations. An aging population and increasing rates of chronic disease are expected to lead to greater demand for corrective eyewear. Salaries vary depending on experience, hours, and location.

Median annual wage of opticians was $37,840 in May 2019.

Educational Requirements
High School Diploma or GED

Spring 2024
HTH E70 301
February 5 to May 1, 2024​
Mondays and Wednesdays
6 p.m. - 9 p.m.
H Building, Ophthalmology Lab, Room H-129

Pharmacy technicians work under the supervision of licensed pharmacists to perform technical duties in the systematic operation of the pharmacy – providing health care services and medications to patients. This 75-hour course will introduce students to various settings in pharmacy practice, including the community, hospital, managed care, mail order and long-term care. Information on qualifying for the pharmacy certification examination will be provided. Technicians may perform many of the same duties as pharmacists; however, all of a technician's work must be checked by a pharmacist before medicine can be dispensed to a patient. This program is designed to familiarize students with the role of the pharmacy technician and develop the skills required for assisting pharmacists. Instruction includes a review of mathematical principles as they apply to pharmacology, various disease states, basic physiology, pharmacy law, ethics, and the fundamentals of technician training. Emphasis will be given to pharmacology measurement, pharmacy abbreviations and generic medications, prescription processing and hands-on compounding techniques. 

Career Outlook
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment of pharmacy technicians is projected to grow 4% from 2019 to 2029, average for all occupations. Several factors will lead to increased demand for prescription medications. Depending on the position, the technician may also manage third-party billing, answer telephones, direct customers to items or to the pharmacist for medication consultation, receive written prescriptions, clean and sterilize dispensing bottles and instruments, answer questions regarding non-drug products, and operate a cash register.

 Salaries vary depending on experience, hours, and location. The median annual wage for pharmacy technicians was $33950 in May 2019.

Educational Requirements
High school diploma or equivalent. Since pharmacy technicians interact daily with co-workers, patients and health care professionals, good communication and interpersonal skills are essential. It is recommended that students take the math placement exam to ensure their ability to do basic college math. 

Key areas and topics include:

• Compounding (measuring, weighing and mixing) medicinal drugs
• Preparing and labeling medicines
• Filling bottles and capsules with the correct quantity of medicine
• Issuing medicines to customers
• Stocking and taking inventory of prescription and over-the-counter medications
• Maintaining patients' medication profiles on computerized or written records or forms
• Filling orders for unit doses and pre-packaged pharmaceuticals
• Preparing insurance claim forms

Spring 2024
Morning Session
February 5 to April 10, 2024​
Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays
8 a.m. - 11 a.m.
H Building, Room H-126

Evening Session
February 6 to May 7, 2024
Tuesdays and Thursdays
6 p.m. - 9 p.m.
H Building, Room H-126

IHP E05 - Phlebotomy Technician Training 
Phlebotomists are skilled health care professionals who have been trained to collect, transport, handle and process blood and other specimens for laboratory analysis using venipuncture and micro collection techniques. This course is designed for those interested in becoming phlebotomists, nurses, doctors, medical staff and anyone interested in the health care profession. The health care system of the laboratory, anatomy and physiology of the body systems, institutional procedures such as infection control, patient care issues such as specimen collection and handling, detailed content outline for certificate examination for phlebotomists and professionals including quality assurance and professional standards are covered. Phlebotomists must be able to identify and select equipment, supplies and additives used in blood collection and understand factors that affect specimen collection procedures and test results.

Career Outlook
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment of phlebotomists is projected to grow 17% from 2019 to 2029, faster than the average for all occupations.  Hospitals, diagnostic laboratories, blood donor centers, and other locations will need phlebotomists to perform bloodwork. 

Salaries vary depending on experience, hours, and location. The median annual wage for phlebotomists was $35,510 in May 2019.

Educational Requirements
High school diploma or equivalent

Key topics and procedures include:

• Explain basic anatomy and physiology of the circulatory system
• Define "standard precautions" and apply its principles to all procedures
• Practice the use of medical terminology relating to the circulatory system
• List methods of client and specimen identification
• Describe proper bedside manner and how to prepare the client for venipuncture collection
• Identify locations on the human body appropriate for venipuncture collection
• Perform venipuncture by sterile needle and syringe, butterfly or the vacuum method
• Perform skin punctures to obtain capillary blood specimens
• Outline post-puncture care of the client
• Prepare blood specimens for the laboratory
• List potential pre-analytical sources of specimen error
• Explain the potential risks and complications of the venipuncture procedure
• Describe the role of quality assurance in the practice of phlebotomy
• Discuss the scope of practice of the certified phlebotomy technician
• Outline the process of application for state certification

Spring 2024
Morning Session
IHP E05 301
February 5 to April 29, 2024
Monday, Wednesday, and Fridays
9 a.m. to noon
H Building, Room H-126

In the event we are unable to meet in person, labs will be held virtually and led by your instructor.

Evening Session
IHP E05 302
February 5 to April 29, 2024​
Monday, Wednesday, and Fridays
6 p.m. - 9 p.m.
H Building, Room H-126

This comprehensive 50-hour Physical Therapy Aide Program prepares students for a career in the growing field of physical therapy. The physical therapy (PT) 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. Under the direction of a physical therapist or physical therapy assistant, an aide will provide services that help improve mobility, relieve pain, and prevent or limit permanent physical disabilities of patients suffering from injuries or disease. The physical therapy aide may be employed in a variety of settings including: hospitals, rehabilitation centers, nursing homes, home care agencies, outpatient clinics, community health centers and sports medicine clinics. Students will learn how to restore loco-motor function to the human body through alleviating and correcting movement dysfunction. Note: This program does not include a national or state certification as part of its overall objectives. 

Career Outlook
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment of physical therapy assistants and aides is projected to grow 30 percent from 2016 to 2026, much faster than the average for all occupations. Demand for physical therapy services is expected to increase in response to the healthcare needs of an older population and growing rates of chronic conditions such as diabetes and obesity.

Salaries vary depending on experience, hours, and location. The median annual wage for physical therapist aides was $27,000 in May 2019.

Educational Requirements
High school diploma or equivalent

Key areas and topics include:

• Introduction to physical therapy; history and evolution of physical therapy; role of the PT aide in the rehabilitation team
• Ethical and legal issues affecting the physical therapy aide
• Parts and types of effective communication
• Abbreviations and medical terminology
• Anatomical positions; structures of the musculoskeletal system and function of each (bones, ligaments, tendons, cartilage, muscles, joints)
• Basic anatomy
• Range of motion exercises
• Ambulation and gait training
• Measuring vital signs; disorders of the circulatory
• Strengthening and exercise
• Types of physical therapy modalities
• Stretching and direction of movement
• Common anatomical injuries and the associated modalities

Students will also perform and be evaluated on common clinical skills necessary to function as a physical therapy aide, including patient positioning, and transfer, use of transfer belt, ambulation using crutches/walker and cane, range of motion exercises and obtaining accurate vital signs.

Spring 2024
HTH E34 301
February 5 to April 10, 2024​
Mondays and Wednesdays
6 p.m. - 9 p.m.
H Building, Room H-124

Total Program Credits: 20

(Formerly Automotive CVT Brake and Suspension Certificate)

The Truck Brake and Suspension certificate is designed to provide the student with the skills necessary for an entry-level position at a medium/heavy duty truck shop.

Program does not include all of the high-tech courses necessary for today’s master technician.

Instruction includes theory and operation of medium/heavy duty brake, steering, and suspension systems used in industry today. Industry safety standards are discussed and adhered to, including current asbestos safety practices. Use of heavy-duty jacks are employed to insure no excessive heavy lifting.

STACKABLE CERTIFICATE:
Light Vehicle Maintenance Certificate

PROGRAM LEARNING OUTCOMES

Upon successful completion of the Truck Brake and Suspension Certificate program, the graduate will be able to:

• demonstrate knowledge of industry procedures and safety standards while performing repairs;
• diagnose steering, suspension, and brake failed components using industry procedures and specifications; and
• perform medium/heavy duty steering, suspension, and brake theory operation and service procedures.

Total Program Credits: 16

The Truck Engine Repair Certificate is designed for students who are interested in becoming an Engine Technician.  An introduction to engine overhaul, principles, R&R procedures, measurement and adjustments of the engine subsystems, as well as electric starting, charging, batteries, fuel injection and after treatment systems.  Upon successful completion of the program, students should be able to pass the ASE T-1, T-2, and T-6 certifications.   

PROGRAM LEARNING OUTCOMES

Upon successful completion of the Truck Engine Repair Certificate program, the graduate will be able to:

• demonstrate industry knowledge through safety OSHA, EPA practices and procedures;
• apply appropriate industry systematic approaches when diagnosing engine problems or concerns;
• recognize engine problems based on classroom theory and lab practices; and
• label and explain engine components along with tolerances and application.

* Prerequisite: Welding Certificate

Total Program Credits: 16

The Engineering Technology/Welding Certificate program provides students with welding skills in a shop setting. Students are taught welding processes, such as ARC (Stick), Metal Inert Gas (MIG) and Tungsten Gas (TIG) welding, in various welding positions. In addition, students learn blueprints, other fabrication processes needed for employability and sheet metal layout/fabrication. Graduates find entry-level employment as entry level welders, solders, and braziers, as well apprentice level industrial maintenance mechanics.

PROGRAM LEARNING OUTCOMES

Upon successful completion of the Engineering Technology/Welding Certificate, the graduate will be able to:

1. Demonstrate safety practices with welding tools and equipment
2. Measure in inches and metric
3. Identify elements of a blueprint
4. Produce arc welds in the flat and horizontal positions using Oxyacetylene (MIG) and Tungsten Arc (TIG) welding processes
5. Be able to use an Oxyacetylene torch
6. Demonstrate use of basic math skills to facilitate technical competencies