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Programs of StudyCourses

2012 - 2013
Online Catalog

Health Sciences

Associate in Applied Science: Major in Nursing

The Associate in Applied Science with a Major in Nursing prepares graduates to provide direct patient care in a safe, effective manner across multiple settings and prepares students for licensure examination for registered nurses (NCLEX-RN). The course of study includes both theory presentation and supervised experience at affiliating health care agencies.

Students applying for any of the Health Science Programs must go through a separate application after being admitted to the College. There are additional requirements in order to qualify for admission to each of these programs. The competitive admissions criteria is updated annually and students should review the current information for changes in the admissions process. Information packets detailing the application process for each competitive admissions program are available in the Admissions and Records Office, the Dean of Health Sciences Office, and the Advisors Office.

Students will be required to participate in off-campus clinical facilities and therefore will need reliable transportation. The nursing program is accredited by the National League for Nursing Accreditation Commission (NLNAC).

Diploma in Applied Science: Major in Nursing

General Education.................. 30 Credits

Humanities/Fine Arts 9 credits ENG 101 English Composition I - 3 credits
SPC 205 Public Speaking - 3 credits
Select Humanities/Fine Arts courses totaling 3 credits from the course list.

Physical Science, Natural Science and Mathematics 15 credits BIO 210 Anatomy & Physiology I - 4 credits
BIO 211 Anatomy & Physiology II - 4 credits
BIO 225 Microbiology - 4 credits
MAT 110 College Algebra - 3 credits

Social/Behavioral Sciences 6 credits PSY 201 General Psychology - 3 credits
PSY 203 Human Growth & Development - 3 credits

Major Course Requirements... 38 Credits NUR 101 Fundamentals of Nursing - 6 credits
NUR 106 Pharmacologic Basics in Nursing Practice - 2 credits
NUR 162 Psychiatric & Mental Health Nursing I - 3 credits
NUR 165 Nursing Concepts & Clinical Practice I - 6 credits
NUR 211 Nursing Care of the Childbearing Family - 4 credits
NUR 212 Nursing Care of Children - 4 credits
NUR 216 Nursing Seminar - 1 credits
NUR 265 Concepts Clinical Practice II - 6 credits
NUR 267 Nursing Concepts & Clinical Practice IV - 6 credits

Total Credits Required: 68 Credits

Associate in Applied Science: Major in Radiologic Technology

The Associate in Applied Science Degree with a Major in Radiologic Technology prepares entry-level individuals to take and successfully pass the certification examination administered by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) and to develop good communication and strong interpersonal skills to be able to competently perform within the healthcare environment.

Students applying for any of the Health Science Programs must go through a separate application process after being admitted to the College. There are additional requirements in order to qualify for admission to each of these programs. The competitive admissions criteria is updated annually and students should review the current information for changes in the admissions process. Information packets detailing the application process for each competitive admissions program are available in the Admissions and Records Office, the Dean of Health Sciences Office, and the Advisors Office.

Students will be required to participate in off-campus training in working clinical facilities and therefore will need reliable transportation to get to these locations.

General Education.................. 29 Credits

Humanities/Fine Arts 9 credits ENG 101* English Composition I - 3 credits
SPC 205 Public Speaking - 3 credits
Select Humanities/Fine Arts courses totaling 3 credits from the course list

Physical Science, Natural Science and Mathematics 11 credits BIO 210 Anatomy and Physiology I - 4 credits
BIO 211 Anatomy and Physiology II - 4 credits
MAT 110 College Algebra - 3 credits

Social/Behavioral Sciences 3 credits PSY 201 General Psychology - 3 credits

Major Course Requirements... 63 Credits RAD 102 Radiology Patient Care Procedures - 2 credits
RAD 103 Computed Tomography - 2 credits
RAD 104 Introduction to Physics - 1 credits
RAD 110 Radiographic Imaging I - 3 credits
RAD 115 Radiographic Imaging II - 3 credits
RAD 121 Radiographic Physics - 4 credits
RAD 130 Radiographic Procedures I - 3 credits
RAD 136 Radiographic Procedures II - 3 credits
RAD 155 Applied Radiography I - 5 credits

RAD 165 Applied Radiography II - 5 credits
RAD 176 Applied Radiography III - 6 credits
RAD 201 Radiation Biology - 2 credits
RAD 205 Radiographic Pathology - 2 credits
RAD 230 Radiographic Procedures III - 3 credits

RAD 235 Radiography Seminar I - 1 credits
RAD 256 Advanced Radiography I - 6 credits
RAD 266 Advanced Radiography II - 6 credits
RAD 276 Advanced Radiography III - 6 credits

Additional Course Requirements... 3 Credits AHS 102 Medical Terminology - 3 credits
CPT 101 Introduction to Computers - 3 credits

Total Semester-Hour Credits: 92 Credits

Diploma in Applied Science: Major in Expanded-Duty Dental Assisting

The Diploma in Applied Science with a Major in Expanded-Duty Dental Assisting prepares the student to work closely with the dentist as a chair-side assistant, office manager and laboratory assistant providing preventative and restorative care.

Information packets detailing the application process for each competitive admissions program are available in the Admissions and Records Office, the Dean of Health Sciences Office, and the Advisors Office.

The program is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of the American Dental Association. A program graduate is eligible to take the Dental Assisting National Board Examination to become a Certified Dental Assistant.

Students will be required to participate in off-campus training in working clinical facilities and therefore will need reliable transportation to get to these locations. Students may be exposed to blood-borne pathogens or infectious diseases when in the clinical setting and are required to follow written infection control protocol. Students may obtain a copy of policies associated with bloodborne pathogens and infectious disease by contacting the EDDA program coordinator, Mrs. Amelia Johnson.

General Education.................... 13 Credits

Humanities/Fine Arts 3 credits ENG 160 Technical Communications - 3 credits

Physical Science, Natural Science and Mathematics 7 credits BIO 112Anatomy and Physiology - 4 credits
MAT 160 Math for Business and Finance - 3 credits

Social/Behavioral Sciences 3 credits PSY 105 Personal/lnterpersonal Psychology - 3 credits

Major Course Requirements... 38 Credits AHS 113 Head and Neck Anatomy - 1 credits
DAT 105 Dental Charting and Documentation - 3 credits
DAT 113 Dental Materials - 4 credits
DAT 115 Ethics and Professionalism - 1 credit
DAT 118 Dental Morphology - 2 credits
DAT 121 Dental Health Education - 2 credits
DAT 122 Dental Office Management - 2 credits
DAT 123 Oral Medicine/Oral Biology - 3 credits
DAT 124 Expanded Functions/Specialties - 1 credit
DAT 127 Dental Radiography - 4 credits
DAT 154 Clinical Procedures I - 4 credits
DAT 164 Clinical Procedures II - 4 credits
DAT 177 Dental Office Experience - 7 credits

Total Semester-Hour Credits: 51 Credits

Diploma in Applied Science: Major in Nursing (PN)

The Diploma in Applied Science with a Major in Nursing (PN) prepares graduates to provide direct patient care in a safe, effective manner across multiple settings and prepares students for licensure examination for practical nurses (NCLEX-PN). The course of study includes both theory presentation and supervised clinical experience at affiliating health care agencies.

Students will be required to participate in off-campus training in working clinical facilities therefore students will need reliable transportation, since assigned clinical sites are off campus.

General Education.................. 17 Credits

Humanities/Fine Arts 3 credits ENG 101 English Composition I - 3 credits

Physical Science, Natural Science and Mathematics 11 credits BIO 210 Anatomy & Physiology I - 4 credits
BIO 211 Anatomy & Physiology II - 4 credits
MAT 110 College Algebra - 3 credits

Social/Behavioral Sciences 3 credits PSY 201 General Psychology - 3 credits

Major Course Requirements... 28 Credits PNR 110 Fundamentals of Nursing - 5 credits
PNR 122 Pharmacology - 3 credits
PNR 128 Medical-Surgical Nursing I - 7 credits
PNR 138 Medical-Surgical Nursing II - 7 credits
PNR 154 Maternal, Infant, and Child Nursing - 5 credits
PNR 181 Medical Calculations - 1 credits
PNR 182 Nursing of the Older Adult - 2 credits

Total Semester-Hour Credits: 47 Credits

Licensed Practical Nurse to Associate Degree Nurse Transition

Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN) may also apply to continue their education by taking a transition course and then taking the final two semesters of the ADN program. This will lead to the awarding of the Associate Degree in Applied Science: Major in Nursing and prepares students for the licensure examination for registered nurses (NCLEX-RN).

NUR 201 Transition Nursing - 3 credits
SPC 205 Public Speaking - 3 credits
Select Humanities/Fine Arts courses totaling 3 credits from the course list

After successful completion of the first semester of the LPN to ADN Transition Program, the student will join the generic students for the last two semesters of the nursing program.

Diploma in Applied Science: Major in Surgical Technology

The Diploma in Applied Science with a Major in Surgical Technology will provide students with the surgical technologist skills needed for employment in medical facilities. Upon successful completion, the student will be eligible to take the national certification exam administered through The National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA).

This program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP), on recommendation of the Accreditation Review Council on Education in Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (ARC-STSA). Graduates are eligible to take the national accreditation exam.

Students will be required to participate in off-campus training in working clinical facilities therefore students will need reliable transportation, since assigned clinical sites are off campus.

General Education................... 17 Credits

Humanities/Fine Arts 3 credits ENG 160 Technical Communications - 3 credits

Physical Science, Natural Science and Mathematics 11 credits BIO 112 Anatomy and Physiology - 4 credits
-OR-
BIO 210 Anatomy & Physiology I - 4 credits
-AND-
BIO 211 Anatomy & Physiology II - 4 credits

BIO 225 Microbiology - 4 credits
MAT 101 or higher - 3 credits

Social/Behavioral Sciences 3 credits PSY 105 Personal/Interpersonal Psychology - 3 credits
-OR-
PSY 201 General Psychology - 3 credits

Major Course Requirements... 35 Credits AHS 102 Medical Terminology - 3 credits
SUR 101 Introduction to Surgical Technology - 5 credits
SUR 102 Applied Surgical Technology - 5 credits
SUR 103 Surgical Procedures I - 4 credits
SUR 106 Advanced Surgical Procedures - 2 credits
SUR 110 Introduction to Surgical Practicum - 5 credits
SUR 113 Advanced Surgical Practicum - 6 credits
SUR 116 Basic Surgical Procedures - 3 credits
SUR 120 Surgical Seminar - 2 credits

Total Semester-Hour Credits: 52 Credits

Medical Assistant Certificate

The Medical Assistant Certificate Program prepares the student to assist the physician in performing selected diagnostic tests as well as business office procedures.

Students applying for the Medical Assistant Program must go through a separate application process after being admitted to the College. There are additional requirements in order to qualify for admission to this program. The admission criteria is updated annually and students should review the current information for changes in the admissions process. Information packets detailing the application process for each admission program can be downloaded from the ATC web page or are available in the Admissions & Records Office, the Dean of Health Science Office, or the Health Advisors Office.

Additional requirements for the Medical Assistant Program include Computer(CPT 101) or Keyboarding (AOT 105). In addition, the student must complete a physical exam, provide proof of immunizations, pass a background check, pass a drug screen check and have student liability insurance.

The Aiken Technical College Medical assistant Program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (www.caahep.org) upon the recommendation of the Medical Assisting Education Review Board (MAERB).

Students will be required to participate in off-campus training in working clinical facilities therefore students will need reliable transportation, since assigned clinical sites are off campus.

General Education.................... 7 Credits

Humanities/Fine Arts 3 credits ENG 101 English Composition I - 3 credits
-OR-
ENG 160 Technical Communications - 3 credits

Physical Science, Natural Science and Mathematics 4 credits BIO 112 Basic Anatomy and Physiology - 4 credits

Major Course Requirements... 32 Credits AHS 102 Medical Terminology - 3 credits
AHS 105 Medical Ethics and Law - 2 credits
MED 103 Medical Assisting Introduction - 3 credits
MED 105 Medical Assisting Office Skills I - 5 credits
MED 107 Medical Office Management - 4 credits
MED 112 Medical Assisting Pharmacology - 2 credits
MED 114 Medical Assisting Clinical Procedures - 4 credits
MED 156 Clinical Experience I - 6 credits
PSY 201 General Psychology - 3 credits

Total Semester-Hour Credits: 39 Credits

Medical Coding Certificate

The medical coder is a health information trained to assign diagnostic and procedural codes, applying classification systems for optimal reimbursement in a variety of health care settings. The medical coder will establish a familiarity with other coding and classification systems utilized in nontraditional health care settings as well as reimbursement-related issues and skills including DRG assignment/validation, federal reimbursement systems and operations of third party payors and billing departments. Students completing the program are encouraged to sit for the national certification examinations administered by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) and/or the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC).

After acceptance to the College, students must complete an additional application and be accepted into the medical coding program. Certain prerequisites must be completed prior to a student being admitted to this program or taking any of the HIM courses listed below. See the Admissions & Records Office or program coordinator for further information.

Hands-on coding practice will be achieved in virtual lab settings, and when possible, at clinical sites located throughout the community.

General Education..................... 7 Credits

Humanities/Fine Arts 3 Credits ENG 101 English Composition I - 3 credits
-OR-
ENG 160 Technical Communication - 3 credits

Physical Science, Natural Science and Mathematics 4 Credits BIO 112 Basic Anatomy & Physiology - 4 credits

Major Course Requirements.... 31 Credits AHS 102 Medical Terminology - 3 credits
CPT 101 Introduction to Computers - 3 credits
HIM 110 Health Information Science - 3 credits
HIM 130 Billing and Reimbursement - 3 credits
HIM 135 Medical Pathology - 3 credits
HIM 137 Pharmacology for Coders - 1 credit
HIM 140 Current Procedural Technology I - 3 credits
HIM 150 Coding Practicum I - 3 credits
HIM 216 Coding and Classification I - 3 credits
HIM 225 Coding and Classification II - 3 credits
HIM 227 Senior Professional Competencies - 3 credits

Total Semester-Hour Credits: 38 Credits

Emergency Medical Technology - Paramedic Certificate

ATC is now accepting applications for Emergency Medical Technology - Paramedic

A paramedic renders pre-hospital emergency care according to established medical protocols, performs triage and a variety of emergency medical treatments at the Basic and Advanced Life support level, provides continuing care and treatment while en route to an emergency medical facility, and monitors and reports changes in patient conditions. Under medical direction and following prescribed standing orders, the paramedic performs a variety of invasive and non-invasive therapies including but not limited to assessment and evaluation of the ill and injured, cardiopulmonary resuscitation and defibrillation, administration of drugs, agents and solutions, intubation and pulmonary ventilation, drawing of blood samples for analysis, application of dressing and bandages, and control of shock, and immobilization of fractures. The paramedic drives the ambulance to emergency scenes, transport accident victims and medical patients to hospitals, assists and coordinates with other emergency service agencies in rescue operations, handles radio communications during emergency and non-emergency situations motor vehicle accidents and other emergency situations. Also, the paramedic maintains the ambulance, equipment, and station; leads and participates in training classes for the public on cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), renders standard first aid and emergency medical techniques; participates in public health education and screening, and acts as a preceptor for EMS students.

The competitive admissions criteria is updated annually and students should review the current information for changes in the admissions process. Information packets detailing the application process for each competitive admissions program are available in the Admissions and Records Office, the Dean of Health Sciences Office, and the Advisors Office.

In addition, applicants must also be a current South Carolina EMT – Intermediate and maintain that certification through the entire EMT – Paramedic program and National Registry Examination process.

Students will be required to participate in off-campus training in working clinical facilities and therefore will need reliable transportation, since assigned clinical sites are off campus.

Major Course Requirements.... 29 Credits EMS 119 Emergency Medical Services Operations - 2 credits
EMS 120 Pharmacology - 3 credits
EMS 220 Paramedic Internship I - 3 credits
EMS 210 Advanced Emergency Medical Care I - 5 credits
EMS 213 Advanced Emergency Medical Care II - 4 credits
EMS 217 Introduction to Electrocardiography - 2 credits
EMS 221 Paramedic Internship II - 3 credits
EMS 222 Paramedic Internship III - 3 credits
EMS 223 Paramedic Clinical I - 2 credits
EMS 224 Paramedic Clinical II - 2 credits

Total Credits Required: 29 Credits

Pre-Allied Health Certificate

The Pre-Allied Health Certificate Program provides students with the general academic background required to be successful in a variety of health care related fields. It is also designed to prepare students to meet pre-requisites for admission into several health care specialty programs at ATC. Students will earn credits that help meet specific program prerequisites and apply toward program completion credit should the student be admitted to a selected program. Students should work closely with academic advisors to select courses that will help confirm their career choices and strengthen their academic skills.

Emphasis: Expanded Duty Dental Assisting

General Education..................... 13 Credits

Humanities/Fine Arts 3 Credits ENG 160 Technical Communication - 3 credits

Social/Behavioral Sciences 3 credits PSY 105 Personal/Interpersonal Psychology - 3 credits

Physical Science, Natural Science and Mathematics 7 Credits BIO 112 Basic Anatomy & Physiology - 4 credits
MAT 160 Math for Business and Finance - 3 credits

Additional Requirements.... 3 credits AHS 102 Medical Terminology - 3 credits

Total Credits Required: 16 Credits

Emphasis: Nursing

General Education..................... 13 Credits

Humanities/Fine Arts 3 Credits ENG 101 English Composition I - 3 credits

Social/Behavioral Sciences 3 credits PSY 201 General Psychology - 3 credits

Physical Science, Natural Science and Mathematics 7 Credits BIO 210 Anatomy & Physiology I - 4 credits
MAT 110 College Algebra - 3 credits

Additional Requirements.... 3 credits AHS 102 Medical Terminology - 3 credits

Total Credits Required: 16 Credits

Emphasis: Radiologic Technology

General Education..................... 13 Credits

Humanities/Fine Arts 3 Credits ENG 101 English Composition I - 3 credits

Social/Behavioral Sciences 3 credits PSY 201 General Psychology - 3 credits

Physical Science, Natural Science and Mathematics 7 Credits BIO 210 Anatomy & Physiology I - 4 credits
MAT 110 College Algebra - 3 credits

Additional Requirements.... 3 credits AHS 102 Medical Terminology - 3 credits

Total Credits Required: 16 Credits

Emphasis: Surgical Technology

General Education..................... 17 Credits

Humanities/Fine Arts 3 Credits ENG 160 Technical Communication - 3 credits

Social/Behavioral Sciences 3 credits PSY 105 Personal/Interpersonal Psychology - 3 credits
-OR-
PSY 201 General Psychology - 3 credits

Physical Science, Natural Science and Mathematics 11 Credits BIO 112 Basic Anatomy & Physiology - 4 credits
-OR-
BIO 210 Anatomy & Physiology I - 4 credits
-AND-
BIO 211 Anatomy & Physiology II - 4 credits

BIO 225 Microbiology - 4 credits
MAT 101 or higher - 3 credits

Additional Requirements.... 3 credits AHS 102 Medical Terminology - 3 credits

Total Credits Required: 20 Credits

Pre-Nursing Certificate

The Pre-Nursing Certificate allows students to experience providing basic patient care in one course, AHS 117 – The Care of Patients. After successfully completing AHS 117, students may be eligible to test to become a certified nursing aide (CNA). Certified nurse aides, also called nursing assistants, provide basic patient care including monitoring patient vital signs, providing personal hygiene care, serving and assisting with meals, helping with mobility, and functioning as part of the nursing team. Nursing assistants may work in hospitals, private duty, assisted-living facilities, hospices, home health, and nursing homes. To be able to provide direct care to residents of South Carolina Medicaid-Certified nursing facilities, a person must be a certified nurse aide (CNA). Certification comes from South Carolina’s Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS).

The student who successfully completes the Pre-Nursing Certificate will also have the necessary requirements to apply to the DAS Nursing and AAS Nursing Programs. To receive points for admission, the student must score "As" and "Bs" in courses.

General Education..................... 21 Credits BIO 210 Anatomy and Physiology I - 4 credits
BIO 211 Anatomy and Physiology II - 4 credits
BIO 225 Microbiology - 4 credits
ENG 101 English Composition I - 3 credits
MAT 110 College Algebra - 3 credits
PSY 201 General Psychology - 3 credits

Major Course Requirements.... 4 Credits AHS 117 The Care of Patients - 4 credits

Total Credits Required: 25 Credits

Pharmacy Technician Certificate

The Pharmacy Technician certificate trains the student to work as a health care specialist under the supervision of a registered pharmacist to properly prepare and dispense medications, perform dosage calculations, maintain patient records/profiles and enter data into record systems.

Students will be required to participate in off-campus training in working clinical facilities. Therefore, students will need reliable transportation, since assigned clinical sites are off campus.

The Aiken Technical College Pharmacy Technician program is accredited by the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists.

General Education................. 6 Credits SPC 205 Public Speaking - 3 credits
MAT 101 Beginning Algebra - 3 credits

- AND -
ENG 160 Technical Communication - 3 credits
-OR-
ENG 101 English Composition I - 3 credits

Major Course Requirements... 31 Credits AHS 102 Medical Terminology - 3 credits
PHM 101 Introduction to Pharmacy - 3 credits
PHM 110 Pharmacy Practice - 4 credits
PHM 113 Pharmacy Calculations - 3 credits
PHM 114 Therapeutic Agents - 3 credits
PHM 118 Community Pharmacy Seminar - 1 credit
PHM 124 Therapeutic Agents II - 3 credits
PHM 151 Pharmacy Clinical Experience - 9 credits
PHM 201 Pharmacy Management - 2 credits

Total Credits Required: 37 Credits

Health Sciences Preparation Certificate

The Health Sciences Preparation Certificate Program is offered to High School Students interested in exploring career options in healthcare fields. Courses provide basic skills for students to enter selected health related occupations and pursue additional programs of study in health careers. Admission to the Health Sciences Preparation Certificate does not guarantee admissions to other Science programs, however, students will be eligible to apply for admissions into the Medical Assisting Certificate Program.

General Education.................... 9 Credits

COL 103 College Skills - 3 credits
ENG 160 Technical Communications - 3 credits
- AND - Select ONE course from the following:
MAT 101 Beginning Algebra - 3 credits
MAT 102 Intermediate Algebra - 3 credits
MAT 110 College Algebra - 3 credits

Major Course Requirements... 13 Credits AHS 102 Medical Terminology - 3 credits
AHS 117 Certified Nursing Assistant - 4 credits
AHS 141 Phlebotomy for the Health Care Provider - 3 credits
AHS 145 Electrocardiography - 3 credits

Additional Requirements.... 3 credits CPT 101 Introduction to Computers - 3 credits

Total Semester-Hour Credits: 25 Credits