two students walking outside a building on campus

Health Careers (HCT)

Courses

HCT 105  First Aid & CPR  (1)  

This course is an introduction to basic first aid and included CPR certification. The course provides the basic information and skills needed to meet the American Heart Association standards.

HCT 108  Health Occupations I  (4)  

Students will learn about a wide variety of careers in allied health fields, job settings, and required training/education and they will do so based upon a a body system approach. These careers will be studied utilizing basic disease/illness and wellness/prevention concepts, associated types of patient/disease processes, and the effects of wellness on these processes.

HCT 122  Medical Terminology  (2)  

The course introduces the student to the language of the medical field. Medical prefixes, suffixes, and combining forms are introduced to the student so they may have a thorough knowledge and understanding of what they are reading and writing in the medical field. An emphasis is placed on terms, pathological conditions, and diagnostic terms.

HCT 126  Medical Terminology  (3)  

The course introduces the students to the language of the medical field, including commonly used abbreviations. Medical prefixes, suffixes, and combining forms are introduced so they may have a thorough knowledge and understanding of what they encounter in the medical field. An emphasis is placed on body systems, conditions, diagnostic terms and medical specialties.

HCT 128  Nurse Aide  (5)  

This course provides the student with the knowledge and skills necessary to secure employment as a CNA in the workplace through a combination of classroom instruction, nursing lab skill demonstration/practice, and the opportunity to gain instructor supervised experience in a work setting. This program meets state guidelines for the Kansas Nurse Aide certification testing through Kansas Department of Aging and Disability Services.

HCT 134  Human Growth & Development  (3)  

This course provides an introduction to physical, cognitive, emotional, and social aspects of human development throughout the life span. It emphasizes developmental processes beginning with conception and continuing throughout childhood, adolescence, adulthood, later life and death. The course focuses on developmental processes, cultural influences, and other factors that make each individual unique. This course takes an inter-disciplinary approach toward human development that is based on science and applied toward the goal of solving important human problems.

HCT 135  CPR  (0)  

This course is an introduction to basic first aid and included CPR certification The course provides the basic information and skills needed to meet the American Heart Association standards.

HCT 136  Human Anatomy & Physiology  (4)  

This course is designed to introduce the student to the structure and function of the following body systems: skeletal, muscular, nervous, sensory, circulatory, respiratory, digestive, and urinary systems. This class offers information concerning normal human structures and functions and the developmental changes that occur during an individual’s life span. Students will learn specific information about factors associated with expected and abnormal anatomical and physiological changes associated with the body’s major organ systems. This course is designed for students who are interested in pursuing a career in a health occupation.

HCT 137  Human Anatomy & Physiology Lab  (2)  

This course provides opportunities to observe various anatomical parts and to investigate physiological phenomena. The student will relate specimens, models, microscope slides, and whole body information learned in lecture and read about in the textbook. Study of anatomy of major organ systems includes use of anatomical models and selected preserved animals and organs.

HCT 138  Home Health Aide  (2)  

This course is designed for the person seeking to provide direct care services to clients in their home. Home Health Aides assist other health care professionals in maintaining and restoring the client to optimum levels of physical and emotional well-being while allowing the client to remain at home. Upon completion of the course students are eligible to receive a certificate after passing the Kansas Department of Aging and Disability Services exam. Prerequisites: CNA certification

HCT 141  Nutrition  (3)  

This introductory course provides a basic knowledge of human nutrition. Students will learn the sources and functions of the various nutrients. They will also explore the interaction of diet, disease, prevention, and treatment. Through the use of computerized nutrition program, students will analyze their diets for nutritional deficiencies and excesses.

HCT 142  Medical Professional Issues  (2)  

Reviews the role and function of the Medical Assistant. This course focuses on the basic concept of the professional practice of medicine and the scope of practice of the Medical Assistant. Students discuss the personal and professional characteristics and legal and ethical standards for Medical Assistants, explore professional and personal therapeutic communication, and address time management and goal setting.

HCT 147  Medication Administration  (1)  

This course provides the knowledge and skills necessary to safely and accurately administer medications in a clinical setting. Topics include the rights of medication administration, understanding medication routes, dosage calculations, preparation techniques, and proper documentation. Students will learn best practices for oral, topical, inhalation, and injectable medication administration, as well as infection control and patient education. The course also covers legal and ethical considerations, safety protocols, and recognition of adverse reactions. Through hands-on practice and simulation, students will develop competency in medication administration to support quality patient care.

HCT 148  Medication Aide  (5)  

The Certified Medication Aide (CMA) course is designed for the person seeking work in a long-term care facility. The CMA course introduces the student to basic concepts of medication administration including drug classification, drug action, and nursing implications for specific drugs. Student's participation in hands-on experience in a clinical setting is an integral part of the course. Upon completion of the course, students are eligible to receive a Medication Aide certificate after passing the Kansas Department of Aging and Disability Services exam. Prerequisite: CNA certification

HCT 149  Clinical Aspects of Medical Assistant Skills  (2)  

This course teaches foundational and in-depth knowledge and skills needed for success in the Medical Assistant role. Content includes the role of the Medical Assistant in patient outcomes, infection control, patient screenings, vital signs, general and specialty medical assisting, minor procedures and surgical tasks, lab procedures, patient education, and eye, ear, pediatric, cardiac, respiratory, and obstetric/gynecologic procedures. Content is delivered as didactic and lab including demonstration, simulation, and clinical skills check offs. Prerequisites: Medical Terminology; Human Anatomy & Physiology w/ Lab

HCT 151  Clinic Communication, Teamwork, & Emotional Intelligence  (1)  

This course is designed to prepare the healthcare professional with essential skills needed for optimal patient care and interaction. This course will include didactic as well as application and simulation activities and includes content over communication, teamwork, emotional intelligence, and professional conduct.

HCT 153  Principles of Pharmacology  (3)  

This course introduces the fundamental principles of pharmacology, emphasizing the relationship between drugs and the human body. Topics include drug classifications, mechanisms of action, pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and the therapeutic use of common medications. Students will explore how drugs are absorbed, distributed, metabolized and excreted, as well as adverse effects, drug interactions, and the role of the Medical Assistant in promoting safe medication practices and providing patient education.

HCT 158  Advanced Healthcare Preparedness and Wellness  (2)  

This course prepares students for healthcare careers through advanced clinical training and professional competency development. Core instruction includes Patient Care Technician (PCT) skills such as urinary catheter management, infection control, IV removal, EKG acquisition with artifact reduction, and wound care. Emphasis is placed on technical accuracy, safety, documentation, and early identification of complications. Students also develop resilience and self-regulation strategies essential for sustaining performance in high-demand clinical environments. Specialized training in patient centered dementia care is delivered through creative problem-solving and varied instructional methods. Graduates will be equipped to provide safe, compassionate, and proficient care across diverse healthcare settings. Clinical skills development includes advanced Patient Care Technician (PCT) competencies, such as urinary catheter management, infection control, IV removal, EKG acquisition with artifact reduction, ostomy management, intake and output monitoring, and wound care practices. Emphasis is placed on proper technique, safety, documentation, and recognizing signs of infection and complications. By the end of this course, students will be well-prepared to deliver compassionate and proficient care in various healthcare settings. Prerequisites: CNA in good standing; passed Medical Terminology with a C or higher; grade point average of 2.0; or instructor permission.

HCT 160  Fundamentals of Phlebotomy  (2)  

This course is designed to train individuals to properly collect and process blood and other clinical specimens for laboratory testing and to interact with health care personnel, clients, and the general public. Presentation includes equipment and additives, basic anatomy, and techniques for safe and effective venipuncture. Emphasis will be placed on collection techniques, specimen processing, Order of Draw, departments in the clinical laboratory, the tests analyzed in each department, and work flow practices.

HCT 163  Patient Care I Practicum  (2)  

This course allows the Medical Assistant student to transition knowledge and skills learned to this point into the clinical setting. The student will complete 90 hours in the clinical setting. Prerequisites: Students must be in good standing, have successfully completed coursework prior to this point and successfully complete the Competency I check-off during the first week of their practicum.

HCT 164  Phlebotomy Lab  (2)  

This course provides the student with knowledge and practical application of basic laboratory skills with a focus on patient care. Students learn and practice basic skills in venipuncture, sterile technique, patient safety, and documentation. There is major emphasis on the critical elements of laboratory procedures and the scientific rationale for performing the procedures correctly.

HCT 166  Phlebotomy Clinical Practicum  (2)  

A health-related, work-based learning experience that enables the student to apply specialized occupational theory, skills and concepts; direct supervision is provided by the clinical laboratory professional; course provides opportunities to practice phlebotomy skills in a clinical setting; safety, quality control and interpersonal communications will be stressed.

HCT 167  Emergency Preparedness  (1)  

Provides healthcare professionals with an orientation for their possible future roles in disaster response and the importance of staying within the scope of practice of their profession. Students will be prepared to meet the expectations of their employers, to volunteer effectively, and to be competent and safe responders.

HCT 170  Medical Administrative Aspects  (4)  

Provides an introduction to the administrative skills needed for a medical office. Students learn how to maintain medical records (both paper and electronic), manage appointments, and perform routine office duties. Focuses on the financial aspects of the medical office including accounts payable and accounts receivable. Students examine billing and collection procedures.

HCT 172  Patient Care II Practicum  (2)  

This course allows the Medical Assistant student to transition all knowledge and skills learned throughout the program into the clinical setting. The student will complete 90 hours in the clinical setting. Prerequisites: Patient Care I Practicum; Students must be in good standing, have successfully completed all program coursework prior to this point, and successfully complete the Competency II check-off during the first week of their practicum.

HCT 174  Medical Assistant Certification Exam Preparation  (1)  

This course provides a comprehensive review of the test plan, practice exams, and focused review with remediation prior to sitting for the Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) exam through the National Healthcare Association (NHA). Prerequisites: Student must be in good standing and have completed all other required program coursework prior to the exam prep course.