There is a lot of talk these days about
the looming crisis in health care, with a shortage of nurses and
technicians, but the health care needs reach beyond those specialty
areas. Physician's offices, clinics, long-term care facilities,
and hospitals also need managers in areas of insurance, office
operations, and medical records. Randolph Community College's new
Healthcare Management Technology program, which begins this fall
on the Asheboro Campus, will help fill those jobs in Randolph County.
"There is a definite need for this type of training," said
Gail Cooper, officer manager for Carolina Primary Medicine of Asheboro
and a member of RCC's program planning/advisory committee for the
curriculum. "The Healthcare Management Technology program
will provide knowledgeable graduates for a variety of settings – from
physician's offices on up to hospitals. There is a wide range of
jobs available." In fact, the Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts
a 27% growth in North Carolina jobs in the area of medical and
health services managers through 2014.
The Healthcare Management Technology curriculum is designed to
prepare students for employment in healthcare business and financial
operations, according to Debbie Christenberry, department chair
for the Business Technology department at RCC, which houses the
program. "Healthcare is very much a business and, like every
business, healthcare requires trained and skilled administrators," she
said. Students in the program will gain a comprehensive understanding
of the application of management principles to the healthcare environment.
The curriculum places emphasis on planning, organizing, directing,
and controlling tasks related to healthcare organizational objectives
including the legal and ethical environment. Study is focused on
the development of effective communication, managerial, and supervisory
skills.
Students have the option of day or evening classes. A student
taking a full-time load during the day can expect to finish the
associate degree in two years, with one summer session. Students
taking evening classes will need three years to complete the degree.
Jobs in healthcare management pay well and provide excellent benefits.
For Randolph County, the salaries range from $27,000 to $41,600.
And, according to the Professional Association of Healthcare Office
Managers, median salaries for Medical Office Managers in the Southeast
region ranged from $52,500 to nearly $57,000 in the last three
years. Plus, 97% of the practices represented paid for their office
manager’s health insurance, either in part or whole.
The opportunity for advancement in this field is wide open. After
earning an associate degree at Randolph Community College, students
can continue their education with a bachelor’s degree in
healthcare management or even a master of health administration
at nearby Pfeiffer University.
Other members serving on RCC's Healthcare Management Technology
advisory committee are Kim Tate, office manager for Carolina House
of Asheboro; Dr. William Walker, O.D., Walker Eye Care; Dr. Gary
Barger, D.C., Barger Chiropractic Family Health; Rebecca Rogers,
office manager for Deep River Rehabilitation; and Dawn Cole, director
of nursing at Cross Road Retirement Center.
Students interested in starting the Healthcare Management Technology
program at Randolph Community College this fall should apply for
admission to the College as soon as possible.
The last day to apply
for fall semester without a $5 late fee is Wednesday, July 25.
Fall semester registration will be Aug. 14 and 15.
Please call
Randolph Community College's Information Center at 336-633-0200
for more information on admissions and registration.
