Healthcare Education Programs at Portland Adult Education

Portland Adult Education, located in Portland, ME, offers a range of healthcare education programs designed to prepare students for various roles within the healthcare industry. These programs are tailored to meet the growing demand for healthcare professionals and provide essential skills and certifications needed to succeed in this field. Below are detailed descriptions of the key healthcare education programs available.

Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Program

The Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) program at Portland Adult Education equips students with the foundational skills and knowledge required to provide essential care to patients. This program includes classroom instruction, hands-on lab experience, and clinical practice in a real healthcare setting. Students will learn about patient care techniques, infection control, communication skills, and basic nursing procedures.

Key Features:

• Duration: Approximately 8-10 weeks
• Certification: Eligibility to take the Maine CNA Certification Exam upon completion
• Prerequisites: High school diploma or GED, background check, and TB test
• Hands-on Training: Includes clinical hours in local healthcare facilities

Medical Office Specialist Program

The Medical Office Specialist program is designed to train students in managing the administrative functions of a healthcare office. This program covers topics such as medical terminology, office procedures, electronic health records (EHR), billing, and coding. It prepares students for roles such as medical receptionist, office coordinator, or administrative assistant in various healthcare settings.

Key Features:

• Duration: Varies; typically several months
• Certification: Prepares students for certification exams such as the Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA)
• Components: Medical terminology, EHR, billing and coding, office procedures

Phlebotomy Technician Program

The Phlebotomy Technician program offers students the skills needed to perform blood draws and lab work efficiently and safely. This program encompasses both theoretical knowledge and practical experience through lab work and clinical practice. Students will learn anatomy, proper venipuncture techniques, and specimen handling procedures.

Key Features:

• Duration: Several weeks to a few months
• Certification: Students may sit for the Certified Phlebotomy Technician (CPT) exam upon completion
• Hands-on Training: Includes supervised clinical practice

Personal Support Specialist (PSS) Program

The Personal Support Specialist (PSS) program focuses on training students to provide personal care to individuals in their homes or in residential care settings. The curriculum includes personal care skills, medication administration, and basic healthcare knowledge. This program is ideal for those looking to work in home health aide roles or in assisted living facilities.

Key Features:

• Duration: Several weeks
• Certification: Alaska State-approved certification upon completion
• Components: Personal care techniques, safety procedures, communication skills

Medical Interpreter Program

Portland Adult Education also offers a Medical Interpreter program for bilingual individuals who wish to work in healthcare settings, helping bridge the communication gap between healthcare providers and non-English-speaking patients. This program covers medical terminology, cultural competence, and interpreting ethics and standards.

Key Features:

• Duration: Varies based on course schedule
• Certification: Prepares for national certification exams
• Components: Medical vocabulary, ethical practices, interpreting skills

Additional Support and Resources

Portland Adult Education provides students with access to a range of resources to support their education and career goals. This includes job placement services, academic advising, financial aid information, and tutoring services.

Get Started Today

Enrolling in one of the healthcare education programs at Portland Adult Education can set you on a path to a rewarding career in the healthcare industry. To learn more about these programs, eligibility requirements, and enrollment procedures, visit the Portland Adult Education website or contact their admissions office directly. Start your journey toward a fulfilling healthcare career today!