Valdosta State University > Continuing Education > Online Courses > Professional Healthcare - Online

Professional healthcare Certificate Programs

For more information, click on a class title below or scroll down the page

Self-paced Career Training Programs

Format and Overview

      arrow Administrative Medical Specialist - Medical Billing and Coding
      arrow Advanced Coding for the Physician’s Office (CPC Prep)
      arrow Advanced Hospital Coding and CCS Prep
      arrow ICD-10 Medical Coding  NEW!
      arrow Medical Transcription  NEW!
      arrow Veterinary Assistant

Format and Overview

Healthcare Programs

These programs are designed to provide the skills necessary to acquire professional caliber positions for many in-demand occupations, all within a six-month delivery window.

ed2go (formerly Gatlin Education Services) builds their programs with a team of professionals from each respective field, who work with an existing text book or base of material to provide the most effective web-based learning experience. The Programs are all open enrollment, asynchronous, and interactive. Instructors are actively involved in the students' online learning experience. They respond to any questions or concerns as well as encouraging and motivating students to succeed. Each program has a set of lessons and tests; grades are a combination of computer-graded tests and the instructor’s evaluation of the students' work.

Demonstrations are available for many of the  available certificate programs. Once you decide on a certificate program simply call the VSU Continuing Education Department or complete the online registration form and mail or fax it in us. After your registration and payment have been received you will be sent a confirmation email from VSU. GES will then contact you and give you the necessary information (URL, username, and password) to access your classroom. Within 3 - 5 business days they will ship you the appropriate courseware and your instructor will be alerted that he/she has a new student.

After you have received your materials, you will then have access to the course until you complete it. Most of the courses are structured to be completed within 6 months, however, if you need more time extensions are available. Upon notification from GES of satisfactory completion of the program you will be awarded a certificate from Valdosta State University indicating the continuing education credits (CEUs) earned.

 

Requirements: Details regarding computer programs and Internet access are included with each program description.

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Veterinary Assistant     

This nationally recognized Administrative Veterinary Assistant online course and training program prepares students for an exciting new career as an administrative veterinary assistant. Students in the program learn about the care of animals as well as how to recognize signs of illness and disease. This online program also covers interpersonal communication, interaction with clients and their animals, as well as how to assist the veterinarian during examinations. Administrative duties, such as fee collection, banking, and accounts payable are emphasized, and the program contains basic information about pet insurance. Textbooks are included. This online certificate program is offered in partnership with major colleges, universities, and other accredited education providers.
(240 hours/ 24CEUs)

Technical Requirements: This course can be taken from either a Mac or a PC. There are no specific computer requirements other than an Internet connection and email capability.

Textbooks will be provided for this course. Each student will receive Veterinary Office Practices, Illustrated Guide to Veterinary Medical Terminology.

Prerequisites:
Students should be proficient in keyboarding, have a basic understanding of a word-processing computer program (Microsoft Word recommended), and have a command of English grammar and punctuation. No veterinary office work experience is required.

The target audience for the Veterinary Assistant Program is individuals interested in learning job skills for veterinary office opportunities or individuals interested in changing job skills to become veterinary assistants.

      Dates:Begin at your convenience. When you register for a course, you are given 180 days to complete the course.
                   If you need more time, extensions are available.
      Time: 24/7 Access
      Location:Online
      Fee:$1695

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       Register		 Click on picture for more detailed information Veterinary Assistant

 

Administrative Medical Specialist - Medical Billing and Coding      

The Administrative Medical Specialist with Medical Billing and Coding will give you the skills you need to find the job YOU are looking for as an Administrative Medical Specialist (AMS), Medical Billing Specialist, and/or Medical Coder. In addition to the extensive Medical Billing information, you will be taught every aspect of the Medical Receptionist/Front Desk position.

This program also provides preparation for the Certified Coding Associate (CCA) national certification exam. Upon successful completion of the Administrative Medical Specialist with Medical Billing and Coding course, students will be prepared for an entry-level position doing medical billing or coding in a medical office setting and will be prepared to sit for the CCA national certification exam. This online certificate program is only offered in partnership with major accredited colleges and universities. (300 hours/ 30 CEUs)

Technical Requirements:

  • IBM Compatible (PC) computer running Windows 98 or any later version up to Windows XP and Windows Vista
  • CD ROM drive (for installing the Medical Office Simulation Software (MOSS©).
  • Students need to have access to a word-processing program, preferably Microsoft Word
  • Students must have internet access. While the program will work from a dial-up connection, high-speed Internet access (like DSL or Cable) is recommended.
  • Sound card or integrated sound support
  • Headset or Speakers

Important Note: A Mac computer will not work for this course.

In partnership with the National Healthcareer Association (NHA), you may register for the Medical Administrative Assistant/Medical Billing and Coding (CMAA/CBCS) exam after you have completed your program. Your registration fees are included with the cost of your program.


      Dates:Begin at your convenience. When you register for a course, you are given 180 days to complete the course.
                   If you need more time, extensions are available.
      Time: 24/7 Access
      Location:Online
      Fee:$1895

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       Register		 Click on picture for more detailed information Administrative Medical Specialist

 

Advanced Coding for the Physician's Office

This nationally recognized Advanced Medical Coding for the physicians office online course and training program prepares students to learn CPT, ICD-9-CM (Volumes I and II), and HCPCS Level II coding. This advanced online medical coding program is designed for students with previous medical coding experience. A basic coding education or the GES Administrative Medical Specialist course is required. Preparation for the Certified Professional Coder (CPC) certification exam is included. This online certificate program is only offered in partnership with major accredited colleges and universities. (80 hours/8 CEUs)

 

Technical Requirements: This course can be taken on either a Mac or a PC; however, most medical offices currently use PCs.
Students are expected to have their own current year CPT, HCPCS, and ICD-9-CM coding books.

      Dates:Begin at your convenience. When you register for a course, you are given 180 days to complete the course.
                   If you need more time, extensions are available.
      Time: 24/7 Access
      Location:Online
      Fee:$1295

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       Register		 Click on picture for more detailed information Advanced Coding - Physician

 

Advanced Hospital Coding and CCS Prep

This nationally recognized Advanced Hospital Medical Coding online course and training program prepares medical coding students to take the American Health Information Management Association's (AHIMA) official certification exam to become a Certified Coding Specialist (CCS). This program covers advanced ICD-9 medical coding procedures and is designed to help students meet the challenge of today's changing standards while learning and improving their coding skills. This online certificate program is only offered in partnership with major accredited colleges and universities. (80 hours/8 CEUs)

Technical Requirements: This course can be taken on either a Mac or a PC; however, most medical offices currently use PCs.
As a current coder seeking more in-depth knowledge, you should already have a set of coding books. They are not provided by GES. You are expected to have your own current year CPT, HCPCS, and ICD-9-CM (Volumes I, II, and III) coding books.

      Dates:Begin at your convenience. When you register for a course, you are given 180 days to complete the course.
                   If you need more time, extensions are available.
      Time: 24/7 Access
      Location:Online
      Fee:$1595

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       Register		 Click on picture for more detailed information Hospital Coding

ICD-10 Medical Coding

ICD-10 is an upgraded diagnostic and procedural medical coding system that, by law, must be implemented throughout the healthcare industry by October 1, 2013. This new coding system is radically different from the version currently in use, so it’s important to start preparing for and implementing the massive changes to the existing coding system. 

This online program offers you comprehensive, robust training in diagnostic and procedural coding, using the ICD-10-CM (diagnostic) and ICD-10-PCS (procedural) coding manuals. This training includes detailed instructions for using the coding manuals, understanding the coding guidelines, and accurately applying the ICD-10 coding steps. There are more than 40 quizzes and exams for diagnoses and procedures by body system to test your knowledge and understanding. 

In addition, you will find information on the impact of the coding changes on medical coders, healthcare staff, physicians, software systems, documentation, and information technology. The textbooks for this program are included. (200 hours/20 CEUs)

Technical Requirements: This program can be taken from either a Mac or a PC. There are no specific computer requirements, other than an Internet connection and e-mail capability.

      Dates:Begin at your convenience. Upon registering, you're given an initial six months to complete the program. Should you                        need more time, you may request a six-month extension at no additional charge.
      Time: 24/7 Access
      Location:Online
      Fee:$1495

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       Register		 Click on picture for more detailed information ICD_10 Medical Coding link

Medical Transcription

Start a new career as a medical transcriptionist with this online training program. You'll gain the skills to transcribe recordings and create medical reports. Your transcription equipment and all materials are included. (240 hours/24 CEUs)

Upon successful completion of this program, you'll be able to:

  • Describe the importance of the confidential nature of medical reports
  • Transcribe medical reports using correct report format and correct capitalization, punctuation, abbreviations, symbols, and metric measurements
  • Correctly spell the English and medical terms in addition to the abbreviations, either by memory or by using a dictionary or reference book
  • Identify the knowledge, skills, abilities, and responsibilities required of medical transcriptionists

Technical Requirements: To take this program, your computer should be running Windows XP, Vista, or 7 (or an earlier Windows-based operating system), and you should have Microsoft Word installed. If your computer runs Windows Vista or Windows 7, or if you use a Macintosh computer, you'll be able to complete all the required program work. However, the ancillary CDs that accompany the primary textbook are not yet Windows Vista or Windows 7 or Mac compatible. We strongly recommended that students use PCs for this program.

ed2go provides each student with digital transcription equipment, which includes a headset, a foot pedal, and digital transcription software (available via free Internet download). The system requirements for the transcription equipment are:

  • Microsoft Word (any version)
  • Windows Vista/2008 or 2000/XP/2003 or Windows 7 or Mac OS X 10.1 or above
  • Sound card or integrated sound support
  • 32 MB RAM
  • 25 MB hard-disk space (additional space required to store voice fields)
  • Double-speed CD-ROM drive
  • Available USB Port
  • Internet access—a high-speed connection is recommended
  • Active e-mail account
  • Adobe Flash Player and Adobe Acrobat Reader (available via free Internet download

      Dates:Begin at your convenience. Upon registering, you're given an initial six months to complete the program. Should you                        need more time, you may request a six-month extension at no additional charge.
      Time: 24/7 Access
      Location:Online
      Fee:$1495

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       Register		 Click on picture for more detailed information Medical Transciption course details link