CLEARFIELD – The Lock Haven University Clearfield Campus announced that students who complete one of the health care professions certificate programs, offered this fall at the LHU Clearfield Campus, and pass the necessary exam to become certified in a particular healthcare profession, can earn an Associate Degree with an additional 10 general education courses (30 credits).
After completing a certificate program, Pharmacy Technician students need to pass the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board exam, and Medical Billing and Coding students need to pass either the American Academy of Professional Coders Certified Professional Coders Exam or the American Health Information Management Certified Coding Associate Exam. Additionally, students will need to take 10 general education courses (30 credits) to earn an Associate in Applied Science Degree in Healthcare Professions.
Dr. Marianne Hazel, LHU Clearfield Campus Interim Dean, stated, “We are really anxious for prospective students to register for these certificate programs, which are being offered to meet the needs of our community. This is an exciting way for students to consider completing an associate degree, as well.”
Prospective students can find additional information and the registration form, which is available to print and submit via mail or in-person at www.lhup.edu/clearfield/extended.htm. There is no fee to register.
The educational requirements to enter into either certificate are a high school diploma or GED with courses in math and science needed for the Pharmacy Technician program.
Both programs will begin the week of Oct. 11 at the LHU Clearfield Campus, with classes in the evenings. The Pharmacy Technician certificate is a comprehensive 50 hour course that will prepare students to enter the pharmacy field. The Medical Billing and Coding Professional certificate is an 80 hour course that offers the skills needed to solve insurance billing problems, execute file claims and trace delinquent ones, properly process forms and documents using multiple types of medical coding and procedures within various medical and health care organizations.
Matthew Checchio, LHU Clearfield Campus