SHREVEPORT, LA- Healthcare professionals are needed more than ever. This spring, LSUS Continuing Education offers five in-demand medical career path cohort programs for students who are not ready to commit to a degree program. The medical cohorts will provide a built-in support network with other students to help them succeed. These micro-credential courses can help launch a new rewarding healthcare career and provide job readiness within months.
“As there is a statewide shortage for medical personnel, LSUS feels it’s incredibly important to offer short-term credentials that are driven by the workforce needs, particularly in these fields,” said Dr. Julie Lessiter, Ed.D., Vice Chancellor of Strategic Initiatives for LSU Shreveport. “We all benefit by having highly trained medical professionals within this community, and the community benefits from us providing these opportunities for people to change careers or skill-up into a different position.”
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, healthcare support occupations are projected to 23.6% growth by 2026, making it the fastest employment growth among all occupational industries. With so much increase in demand for health care workers, LSUS has aligned with the LA Workforce Commission’s Five-Star jobs that can help start a new career such as a *Phlebotomy Technician or *Pharmacy Technician. Both programs have funding assistance through the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA). The WIOA legislation strengthens and improves our community’s workforce system by providing financial support for job seekers to succeed in obtaining education and skills training for high-quality jobs and careers.
Successful completion of these five online medical programs earns the student a digital badge that the learner can share online on social media platforms such as LinkedIn. Badges are distributed through Credly with a unique code that validates the achievement’s authenticity.
Students interested in learning more about non-degree healthcare opportunities should attend the free online webinar on April 14th at 5:00 pm. This webinar will cover each of the five Micro-Cred cohort programs, the format of online medical career programs, and available financing options. Call 318-798-4177 or register for the free webinar online at: https://www.ce.lsus.edu/courseDisplay.cfm?schID=256
*Phlebotomy Technician This comprehensive training program prepares professionals to collect blood specimens from the client’s laboratory analysis. With 325 hours of online coursework combined with a 40-hour externship, you can complete this program in as little as 12 months. HiRE has approved the program for WIOA funding. Price: $1,899.00 for full program access. Students may sign up at: https://www.careerstep.com/lp/partner/ap/phlebotomy-technician/lsus/
Patient Care Coordinator This flexible, fully online program trains students to function as Patient Care Coordinators. This 360-hour program includes coursework, simulations, and experiential learning to prepare students for the Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMMA) and Certified Electronic Health Records Specialist (CEHRS) exams. Price: $2,999.00 for full program access. Students may sign up at: https://www.careerstep.com/lp/partner/ap/patient-care-coordinator/lsus/
*Pharmacy Technician This comprehensive program will prepare students to work as pharmacy technicians in a retail or other pharmacy setting and take the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board’s PTCB exam. With 292 training hours and over 130 clinical hours, you can complete this program in as little as 12 months. HiRE has approved the program for WIOA funding. Price: $3,899.00 for full program access. Students may sign up at: https://www.careerstep.com/lp/partner/ap/pharmacy-technician-ashp/lsus/
Online Medical Coding and Billing for Outpatient Services This comprehensive program will teach students the must-have skills employers expect from medical coding and billing experts. It’s focused. It’s current and will have students job-ready in as little as 12 months. Students who complete the program will also receive a free voucher to sit for the CBCS, CPC, COC, or CCS-P certification exams. Price: $3,899.00 for full program access. Students may sign up at: https://www.careerstep.com/lp/partner/ap/medical-coding-billing-for-outpatient-services/lsus/
Online Medical Assistant Program – with Clinical Externship This program will train students on routine patient care and clinical office procedures. Instruction includes 483 online training hours and 100 hours of a clinical externship opportunity at a local healthcare provider. Plus, prepare for the CCMA, CPT, CET, and CMAA exams. Price: $3,999.00 for full program access. Students may sign up at: https://www.careerstep.com/lp/partner/ap/medical-assistant/lsus/
LSUS Continuing Education provides quality-learning experiences with professional instructors offering a flexible course schedule on campus and at other locations throughout the regional community for a multi-faceted and diverse population based on their educational needs. For more information about WIOA funding and a full list of courses, please visit www.lsus.edu/continuing-education or by contacting Cecelia Autry at 318.798.4177.
