Chatt Tech Unveils New Programs

A new career in the healthcare profession will be closer to reality for many as Chattahoochee Technical College announces the addition of its non-credit phlebotomy and certified nursing assistant programs at the college’s . Currently offered at the college’s Marietta campus and North Metro campus in Acworth, these will be the first two continuing education certifications in Allied Health offered at Chattahoochee Technical College’s Canton campus. This fall will also mark the first classes in the college’s new Clinical Laboratory Technology Program.

Clinical Laboratory Technology is a seven-semester associate of applied science degree program. Students learn to perform clinical laboratory procedures under the supervision of a qualified pathologist and/or clinical laboratory scientist. Classroom training is integrated with clinical experiences under the medical direction of cooperating hospitals. Graduation from this program allows students to take a national certification examination which is necessary for clinical employment.

The program is designed to prepare students to work in hospitals, blood banks, physician offices, research centers and other laboratory settings. Average salary for someone in this field is around $17.60 per hour or $36,400 per year.

This program complements the college’s other health sciences programs by providing a program that allows graduates to work in the health care industry in a behind the scenes capacity,” said Dean of Health Sciences Ron Webb. “In addition, there are opportunities for students to further their education after graduation from CTC. While there are 12 similar programs across the state, this is the only college in the Northwest corridor of Georgia to offer it.”

A maximum of 12 students will be selected for the program through a competitive admissions process. In addition to GPA in selected per-requisite courses, students will be evaluated on Health Occupations Basic Entrance Test scores and critical thinking quiz scores.

“According to the Department of Labor report, the CLT job market is expected to grow by 15 percent in the next few years,” said instructor Robin Aiken. “Moreover, local area hospitals are experiencing shortages of laboratory workers and are eager to support our program so that they can build the laboratory workforce.”

For those looking toward shorter term educational opportunities, the two continuing education programs might be a different option.

“There is a high demand for these certifications in our service area,” explained Chattahoochee Technical College Director of Community and Economic Development Dougie Taylor. “With career opportunities in hospitals, doctors’ offices, clinics, hospices and other medical facilities, certified individuals are poised to begin a career as allied health professionals.”

The college’s phlebotomy course is scheduled to begin July 30 with classes running from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. through August 20. This course prepares students for taking the National Healthcareer Association CPT Certification exam and provides supervised entry-level experience in the performance of venipuncture and micro collection techniques for the collection of blood specimens in clinical healthcare facilities. Emphasis is placed on patient interaction and application of universal precautions, proper collection techniques, special procedures and specimen handling. Upon completion, students should be able to safely perform procedures necessary for blood specimen collections on patients of all ages in various health care settings. 

The Certified Nursing Assistant sequence is scheduled to begin in Canton on Sept. 10, running from 6 to 10 p.m. through Oct. 16. Fully approved by Georgia Medical Care Foundation, successful completion of this course prepares participants to take the GA State Certification Exam conducted by the Nurse Aide Competency Evaluation Services. The course consists of 76 hours of lecture/lab instruction and 24 hours supervised clinical rotation, exceeding state requirements.

“This is a great first step for someone interested in exploring a career in healthcare,” explained CTC Community and Economic Development Coordinator Joan Chadwick. “Many of our former students enjoy working with patients so much that they come back to study one of the many allied health programs for additional certifications, degrees and diplomas.”

Each course costs under $1,000, including textbooks, certification fees and supplies. The cost of the phlebotomy program is $799, while the CNA program runs $989. Funding is available for those who qualify through Work Force Investment Act and the Veterans Administration.

The CNA program requires a clean criminal background check, medical paperwork, drug screen and at least a ninth grade score on the math and reading section so the Test of Adult Education. The phlebotomy program requires medical paperwork and at least ninth grade score on the math and reading sections of the Test of Adult Education.

Seats are currently available in both programs continuing education programs. Interested individuals should contact Elaine Mahon at 770-528-4524 or by e-mail at Elaine.Mahon@ChattahoocheeTech.edu.

Those wanting to explore academic options in the healthcare field should visit www.ChattahoocheeTech.edu or call 770-528-4545.

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