Healthcare Education Programs at Columbia State Community College in Columbia, TN
Columbia State Community College in Columbia, Tennessee, offers a variety of healthcare education programs designed to prepare students for dynamic careers in the medical field. These programs are tailored to meet the needs of both the healthcare industry and the students, providing comprehensive training and hands-on experience.
Associate of Applied Science in Nursing (A.A.S.)
The Associate of Applied Science in Nursing program is one of the flagship healthcare programs at Columbia State. This program prepares students to become Registered Nurses (RNs). The curriculum includes theoretical instruction and clinical practice, covering essential topics such as:
- Medical-Surgical Nursing
- Maternal-Child Nursing
- Mental Health Nursing
- Geriatric Nursing
Graduates are eligible to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN).
Emergency Medical Services (EMS)
The EMS program at Columbia State offers three distinct levels of training for those interested in emergency medical services:
- Emergency Medical Responder (EMR)
- Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)
- Paramedic
The program combines classroom instruction with clinical experience, ensuring that students are well-prepared to handle emergency situations. Graduates are qualified to take national certification exams for their respective levels.
Radiologic Technology
The Radiologic Technology program awards an Associate of Applied Science degree and prepares students to become radiologic technologists. The coursework includes:
- Radiation Physics
- Radiographic Procedures
- Radiobiology
- Patient Care and Ethics
Students participate in clinical education at affiliated hospitals and medical centers. Graduates are eligible to sit for the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exam.
Respiratory Care
The Respiratory Care program is another robust healthcare offering at Columbia State. This program leads to an Associate of Applied Science degree and equips students with the skills necessary to become respiratory therapists. The curriculum covers areas such as:
- Pulmonary Function Testing
- Mechanical Ventilation
- Neonatal and Pediatric Respiratory Care
- Cardiopulmonary Pathology
Clinical rotations provide hands-on experience in various healthcare settings. Graduates can take the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) certification exams.
Veterinary Technology
The Veterinary Technology program prepares students for a career as a veterinary technician. This two-year program leads to an Associate of Applied Science degree and includes coursework and clinical experiences in:
- Animal Nursing
- Radiology
- Pharmacology
- Surgical Procedures
Students gain experience through laboratory practices and real-world externships. Graduates are eligible to take the Veterinary Technician National Examination (VTNE).
Medical Laboratory Technology
The Medical Laboratory Technology program offers an Associate of Applied Science degree, focusing on training students to become medical laboratory technicians. Key subjects covered include:
- Hematology
- Microbiology
- Clinical Chemistry
- Immunology
Students complete clinical rotations in various laboratory settings. Graduates are prepared to take the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP) certification exam.
Health Information Technology
The Health Information Technology (HIT) program leads to an Associate of Applied Science degree and prepares students for roles in managing and organizing health information data. Courses cover:
- Health Data Management
- Coding and Classification Systems
- Healthcare Law and Ethics
- Quality Management and Performance Improvement
Graduates are eligible to sit for the Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) exam.
Get Started Today
Columbia State Community College offers these diverse and comprehensive healthcare education programs to help you start a rewarding career in the medical field. Each program includes both theoretical and practical components to ensure that graduates are well-prepared for their professional roles. Whether you are interested in nursing, emergency medical services, radiologic technology, or another healthcare discipline, Columbia State provides the education and training necessary to succeed. Explore the options today and take the first step towards a fulfilling healthcare career.