High Desert Medical College: Healthcare Education Programs in Lancaster, CA

High Desert Medical College (HDMC) in Lancaster, CA, offers a variety of healthcare education programs designed to prepare students for rewarding careers in the medical field. With a focus on hands-on training and real-world experience, HDMC aims to equip students with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in their chosen professions. Below is a detailed look at the healthcare education programs available at HDMC:

Medical Assisting

The Medical Assisting program at HDMC is designed to train students for roles as medical assistants in healthcare settings such as clinics, hospitals, and physicians’ offices. The program covers various aspects of medical assisting, including:

• Clinical skills: Taking vital signs, drawing blood, administering injections, and assisting with minor surgical procedures.
• Administrative skills: Patient scheduling, medical billing and coding, and record-keeping.
• Laboratory skills: Collecting and processing laboratory specimens and conducting basic lab tests.

Students gain comprehensive instruction through a mix of classroom learning and hands-on lab experiences. The program also includes an externship, providing students with real-world experience in a healthcare setting.

Medical Billing and Coding

The Medical Billing and Coding program at HDMC prepares students for a career in the administrative side of healthcare. Students learn how to manage health insurance claims, code medical procedures, and maintain patient records. Key elements of the program include:

• Medical terminology: Understanding the language used in healthcare settings.
• Coding: Learning ICD-10, CPT, and HCPCS coding systems.
• Billing: Mastering the practices of medical billing, including dealing with insurance companies and processing claims.

This program is ideal for those who wish to work in medical offices, insurance companies, or as independent contractors.

Pharmacy Technician

The Pharmacy Technician program at HDMC provides the training needed to support pharmacists in a variety of settings, including retail pharmacies, hospitals, and long-term care facilities. Students in this program learn:

• Medication management: Preparing and dispensing prescriptions, maintaining patient records, and advising on the use of over-the-counter medications.
• Pharmacy law and ethics: Understanding the regulations governing pharmacy practice.
• Pharmacology: Gaining knowledge about various medications and their effects on the human body.

Practical training is emphasized through lab work and externships, ensuring students are well-prepared for state licensure and national certification exams.

Vocational Nursing

The Vocational Nursing program at HDMC prepares students for a career as a licensed vocational nurse (LVN). This program covers a broad range of topics including:

• Patient care: Performing fundamental nursing tasks such as taking vital signs, administering medications, and assisting with daily activities.
• Nursing theory: Learning about anatomy, physiology, and the principles of nursing care.
• Clinical experiences: Gaining practical experience in various healthcare settings.

Through a combination of classroom instruction and hands-on clinical practice, students are prepared to take the NCLEX-PN licensing exam.

Dental Assisting

The Dental Assisting program at HDMC aims to prepare students for roles as dental assistants, providing support to dentists and ensuring the smooth operation of dental practices. Students in this program learn:

• Clinical skills: Assisting with dental procedures, taking X-rays, and sterilizing instruments.
• Office skills: Managing patient records, scheduling appointments, and handling billing.
• Patient care: Educating patients on oral hygiene and post-treatment care.

The curriculum includes comprehensive training in both the administrative and clinical aspects of dental assisting, along with externship opportunities.

Get Started Today

High Desert Medical College in Lancaster, CA, offers a range of healthcare education programs designed to meet the needs of aspiring healthcare professionals. With dedicated faculty, state-of-the-art facilities, and a focus on hands-on learning, HDMC provides students with the skills and experience required to excel in the healthcare industry. Whether you’re looking to start a new career or advance in your current role, HDMC has a program to help you achieve your goals. Explore your options and get started on your healthcare career journey today!