Health Professions Programs
Discover a new career pathway with Chesapeake College's non-credit health professions. Classes are offered in convenient formats both online and in the classroom, available during the day, evenings and on weekends on our Wye Mills and Cambridge campuses. Within just a couple months, you could have a certification in one of the fastest growing professions in our region!
For a complete list of non-credit courses, please see the list below.
If you have questions, please send an email to Lisa Widmaier or Nikki Miller at CEHealthcare@Chesapeake.edu or call 410-822-5400 ext. 2710.
Administrative Medical Assistant:
Join a dynamic healthcare team by managing a medical or dental office and providing crucial administrative services.
Classes start in February and October.
Chesapeake College’s Administrative Medical Assistant program is a 96 hour program combining theory and practical instruction over 32 (in class) sessions. Students will learn telephone and computer skills, appointment scheduling, medical record handling, filing, billing, insurance coding, transcription and general office procedures. At the completion of the course, students are prepared to take the Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA) National Exam. National Healthcare Association (NHA) test preparation and exam fees are included in the training costs.
How to get started:
- Attend a Healthcare Orientation Click here for schedule of dates and times
- Complete a Chesapeake College accuplacer placement exam for reading comprehension and arithmetic with a minimum score of 45 on each. To see if you qualify for an exemption or for more information, visit: www.chesapeake.edu/admissions/accuplacer
- Take the pre/co requisite online course to prepare you for the training – Medical Terminology (CEI 541). Visit http://www.ed2go.com/chesapeake/ for more information or to register for this online course;
- Contact CEHealthcare@Chesapeake.edu to receive your approval to register.
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA/GNA):
Certified Nursing Assistants are the core of a healthcare team and have a higher than average growth trend in our region. Chesapeake’s 150-hour program provides classroom and on-site clinical training. Students who complete the training and successfully pass the exams are qualified as a Certified Nursing Assistants (CNA), Geriatric Nursing Assistant (GNA) and earn their AHA Healthcare Provider CPR certification. Testing preparation and exam fees are covered in the cost of the training.
Classes for 2019 are starting each month.
How to get started:
- Attend a Healthcare Orientation Click here for schedule of dates and times – this is mandatory for anyone interested in CNA/GNA;
- Complete a Chesapeake College accuplacer placement exam for reading comprehension with a minimum score of 45. To see if you qualify for an exemption or for more information, visit: www.chesapeake.edu/admissions/accuplacer
- Attend a Career Planning course – additional information will be shared during the Healthcare Orientation on dates and registration processes.
Certified Medicine Aide - Long-Term Care Facilities:
This career pathway is for current Geriatric Nursing Assistants (GNA) who are looking to increase their responsibilities and earning potential. Chesapeake’s 60-hour course complies with Maryland's Department of Health and Mental Hygiene guidelines and prepares students to perform in long-term healthcare facilities as CMAs. Class size is limited to eight students and is offered twice a year on weekends.
Classes start in March and October.
How to get started:
Student applying for this program:
- Must be a currently employed GNA in a long-term healthcare facility recognized by the State of Maryland;
- Have a MINIMUM of 12 months full-time work experience;
- Be recommended for the Certified Medicine Aide (CMA) training program by the Director of Nursing of the licensed nursing home of employment. A letter on facility letterhead can support this recommendation;
- Send documents to CEHealthcare@Chesapeake.edu to receive the approval to register.
Certified Medicine Aide - Recertification:
Recertification for Certified Medicine Aides is required every two years. Chesapeake’s 8-hour course complies with Maryland's Department of Health and Mental Hygiene guidelines and provides the necessary documentation for recertification.
Classes start in January, April, July and October.
How to get started:
Student applying for this program:
- Must verify that they have practiced in a licensed nursing home under their current license for at least 100 hours in the two years immediately preceding admission to the recertification class;
- Provide a copy of a current Certified Medicine Aide license;
- Send documents to CEHealthcare@Chesapeake.edu to receive the approval to register.
Clinical Medical Assistant:
Clinical Medical Assistants are vital members of the healthcare team and work to administer medications, assist with minor procedures, obtain laboratory specimens, perform electrocardiograms, provide patient education, and much more. Because of the specialized skill set and knowledge that is held by these professionals, they find themselves working in clinics, physicians’ offices, hospitals, outpatient facilities, and specialists’ offices. The CMA field is in high demand in our region.
Chesapeake’s program provides 140 hours of classroom instruction and on-site clinical training. Students prepare for and take the Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA). National Healthcareer Association (NHA) test preparation and exam fees are included as a part of the training.
Classes start in February and October.
How to get started:
- Attend a Healthcare Orientation Click here for schedule of dates and times
- Complete a Chesapeake College accuplacer placement exam for reading comprehension and arithmetic with a minimum score of 45 on each. To see if you qualify for an exemption or for more information, visit: www.chesapeake.edu/admissions/accuplacer
- Take the pre/co requisite online courses to prepare you for the training – Medical Terminology (CEI 541) and Human Anatomy & Physiology (CEG 287). Visit http://www.ed2go.com/chesapeake/ for more information or to register for these online courses;
- Contact CEHealthcare@Chesapeake.edu to receive your approval to register.
Medical Coding Professional:
The Coding field is dynamic and continues to evolve. Medical Coding professionals keep records, calculate patient charges, review files and determine codes for physician procedures and diagnosis for third party billing purposes.
Chesapeake’s training offers 80 hours of classroom instruction including medical terminology and CPT and ICD - 10 protocols. This course prepares students to take the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) - Certified Professional Coder Exam (CPC or CPC-H-Apprentice); the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) Certified Coding Associate (CCA) exam and/or other National Certification Exams. Please note that certain exams require practical coding experience before eligibility to sit for the exam.
Classes start in February.
How to get started:
- Attend a Healthcare Orientation Click here for schedule of dates and times
- Complete a Chesapeake College accuplacer placement exam for reading comprehension and arithmetic with a minimum score of 45 on each. To see if you qualify for an exemption or for more information, visit: www.chesapeake.edu/admissions/accuplacer
- Take the pre/co requisite online course to prepare you for the training –Human Anatomy & Physiology (CEG 287). Visit http://www.ed2go.com/chesapeake/ for more information or to register for these online courses;
- Contact CEHealthcare@Chesapeake.edu to receive your approval to register.
Pharmacy Technician – Prep:
Pharmacy Technicians work in hospitals, home infusion pharmacies, community pharmacies and other healthcare settings working under the supervision of a registered pharmacist. Their duties range from working directly with medications to providing information to patients and other healthcare team members.
Chesapeake’s 50-hour course will help prepare students to take the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board's PTCB exam. The exam fees, criminal background check and registry fees are not included in the course.
Classes start in March and October.
How to get started:
- Attend a Healthcare Orientation (click here for schedule of dates and times)
- Complete a Chesapeake College accuplacer placement exam for reading comprehension and arithmetic with a minimum score of 45 on each. To see if you qualify for an exemption or for more information, visit: www.chesapeake.edu/admissions/accuplacer
- Take the pre/co requisite online course to prepare you for the training – Medical Terminology (CEI 541). Visit http://www.ed2go.com/chesapeake/ for more information or to register for this online course;
- Contact CEHealthcare@Chesapeake.edu to receive your approval to register.
DENTAL
Dental Assistant:
The duties of a Dental Assistant are among the most comprehensive and varied in the dental office. Their tasks require interpersonal and technical skills and include: assisting the dentist during treatment procedures, taking dental radiographs (x-rays), preparing and sterilizing equipment, providing patient care instruction, teaching appropriate oral care, taking tooth impressions, and more! It is a challenging and exciting career path that provides excellent working conditions.
Chesapeake’s 137 hour program consists of 5 courses: Basic Dental Assisting, Oral Radiography Techniques, Oral Radiography - Clinical, BLS Healthcare Provider CPR, and a Dental Assisting Internship. Students who successfully complete the program are prepared to take either the DANB national Radiation Health & Safety Exam or the Maryland State Board of Dental Examiners Intraoral Radiology Exam, which leads to a license required for employment as a Dental Radiation Technologist.
Classes start in March and August.
How to get started:
- Attend a Healthcare Orientation Click here for schedule of dates and times
- Complete a Chesapeake College accuplacer placement exam for reading comprehension with a minimum score of 75. To see if you qualify for an exemption or for more information, visit: www.chesapeake.edu/admissions/accuplacer
- Complete this application for the Dental Assistant Program
- Contact CEHealthcare@Chesapeake.edu to receive your approval to register
General Chairside Expanded Functions:
Dental Assistants who are currently employed in a dental office are eligible for this Career Pathway course. Chesapeake’s advanced 35-hour course prepares students for the state of Maryland’s Expanded Functions Dental Assistant Exam (EFDA). Students should have a strong working knowledge of basic oral anatomy, dental terminology and infection control. Radiation certification is preferred but not required.
Classes start in October.
How to get started:
- Provide a letter from your current employer verifying employment and a commitment to your direct clinical supervision;
- Send letter to CEHealthcare@Chesapeake.edu to receive your approval to register.
VETERINARY MEDICINE
Veterinary Assistant Training:
VETERINARY ASSISTANT
Chesapeake College’s Veterinary Assistant Training prepares students to work in the animal care field. As trained Veterinary Assistants, students will support veterinary technicians and veterinarians in a variety of inpatient and outpatient activities. The training consists of four non-credit courses that include supervised clinical practicum hours completed outside of the classroom. In order to receive a certificate of completion for this course, students will be required to take a final examination, attend 85 percent of the classroom hours, and complete the assigned practicum hours.
Veterinary Assistant Training uses live animals for teaching purposes. Chesapeake College takes all necessary safety precautions when students interact with live animals, however, the potential exists for students to be bitten, scratched or injured by an animal while participating in this training. Chesapeake College makes no representation concerning any animal’s exposure to rabies or other diseases and does not provide medical insurance or worker’s compensation
Classes start in September.
How to get started:
- Attend a Healthcare Orientation Click here for schedule of dates and times
- Complete a Chesapeake College accuplacer placement exam for reading comprehension and arithmetic with a minimum score of 45 on each. To see if you qualify for an exemption or for more information, visit: www.chesapeake.edu/admissions/accuplacer
- Take the pre/co requisite online course to prepare you for the training – Medical Terminology (CEG 541). Visit http://www.ed2go.com/chesapeake/ for more information or to register for these online courses;
- Contact CEHealthcare@Chesapeake.edu to receive your approval to register.
FITNESS
Personal Fitness Trainer – National Certification:
Start an exciting new career as a Certified Personal Fitness – perfect for a full or part time job! Chesapeake College has partnered with the World Instructor Training Schools (W.I.T.S.) to offer a 60-hour program is comprised of 15 hours lecture, 15 hours practical training and a 30-hour internship (students work with WITS for placement). Key topics include biomechanics, exercise physiology, fitness testing equipment usage, health assessment and more! Classes are offered on Saturdays over an eight - week period. The National Exam is held on the ninth week. After successfully completing the exam and and proof of CPR/AED, you will be ready to work as a Certified Personal Trainer. Textbook can be purchased by calling 1-888-330-9487 or visiting www.WITSeducation.com.
Classes for 2018 start in February, June, and September.
How to get started:
- Register by the deadline (see the catalog for dates)
Health Professions - Online Programs
Chesapeake College offers six different online health professions training programs. A new section of each course begins on the 1st of each month. Students have online access to the training material for a period of 6 months. For more course details and prices about the following online courses, go: www.healthedtoday.com/chesapeake. Must be 18 years of age and have a high school diploma/GED. Financial assistance may be available through the Deferred Payment Plan. For more information, go to: www.chesapeake.edu/ecashier.
For more information, contact Leanne Allen at lallen@chesapeake.edu
Online courses include:
- 24 hour a day instructor support and course mentors
- engaging labs, student exercises and course videos
- all textbooks, workbooks and student materials
- a new "Career Services" website - to help students advance in their career
Clinical Medical Assistant
This program is intended to train students in the necessary procedures to care for patients, perform simple lab tests administer medications.
Medical Administrative Assistant
This program covers information on the medical assisting profession, interpersonal skills, medical ethics and law, medical terminology, basics of insurance billing and coding, telephone techniques, scheduling appointments, medical records management and management of practice finances.
Medical Billing and Coding
This billing and coding course offers the skills needed to perform complex, ICD 10 coding and billing procedures.
Dialysis Technician
The Dialysis Technician Program provides students with the knowledge needed to perform as a Dialysis Technician. This program will review kidney dialysis machines, preparing dialyzer reprocessing and delivery systems as well as how to maintain and repair equipment.
EKG Technician
This comprehensive 50 hour EKG Technician Certification Program prepares students to function as EKG Technicians and to take the American Society of Phlebotomy Technician (ASPT) - Electrocardiograph (EKG) Technician exam in addition to other national certification exams.
Pharmacy Technician
This comprehensive course will prepare students to enter the pharmacy field and take the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board's PTCB exam.