Healthcare Education Programs at Southern Maine Community College

Southern Maine Community College (SMCC) in Portland, ME, offers a wide array of healthcare education programs designed to prepare students for various roles in the healthcare industry. SMCC’s healthcare programs combine rigorous academic coursework with practical, hands-on experience to ensure that graduates are well-equipped to meet the demands of the workforce. Here is an overview of the healthcare education programs available at SMCC:

Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN)

The Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) program at SMCC prepares students to become Registered Nurses (RNs). The program includes both classroom instruction and clinical practice in a variety of healthcare settings. Key components of the curriculum include:

• Fundamentals of Nursing
• Medical-Surgical Nursing
• Pediatric and Maternal-Newborn Nursing
• Mental Health Nursing
• Community Health Nursing

Graduates of the ADN program are eligible to sit for the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN).

Respiratory Therapy

The Respiratory Therapy program at SMCC provides students with the knowledge and skills necessary to become competent Respiratory Therapists. The program covers:

• Cardiopulmonary Anatomy and Physiology
• Respiratory Care Techniques
• Clinical Respiratory Care

Students engage in both classroom learning and clinical practice, qualifying to take the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) exams upon graduation.

Radiography

The Radiography program at SMCC trains students to become radiologic technologists. The curriculum includes:

• Radiographic Procedures and Techniques
• Radiation Physics
• Patient Care in Radiologic Science

Students gain hands-on experience through clinical rotations in regional medical facilities. Graduates are eligible to take the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) certification exam.

Health Information Management (HIM)

The Health Information Management program educates students on managing patient health information and healthcare data. Key subjects include:

• Medical Coding
• Healthcare Data Analytics
• Patient Privacy and Confidentiality

Students learn to work with electronic health records (EHRs) and health information systems, preparing for roles such as Medical Coders and Health Data Analysts.

Medical Assisting

The Medical Assisting program at SMCC prepares students for both administrative and clinical tasks in healthcare settings. The coursework covers:

• Medical Office Administration
• Clinical Procedures
• Medical Terminology

Students participate in real-world externships, gaining the experience needed to succeed in various healthcare environments.

Paramedicine

The Paramedicine program trains students to become skilled paramedics, focusing on emergency medical services. The curriculum includes:

• Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Training
• Advanced Life Support Procedures
• Trauma and Medical Emergency Response

The program combines classroom instruction with field experience, preparing students for certification exams and careers in emergency medical services.

Certificate Programs

SMCC also offers several healthcare-related certificate programs for those looking to enter the workforce quickly or enhance their current skills. These include certificates in:

• Phlebotomy
• Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
• Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)

Each certificate program provides targeted training and hands-on experience, enabling students to gain employment in a shorter time frame.

Get Started Today

Southern Maine Community College offers a robust suite of healthcare education programs designed to meet the varying needs and career goals of students. Whether you’re aiming for an advanced role in nursing or looking to quickly enter the workforce through a certificate program, SMCC provides quality education and training to help you succeed in the healthcare industry. Explore SMCC’s healthcare programs and take the first step towards a rewarding career in healthcare today.