Division of Health Programs

The Health Programs Division is dedicated to providing quality, innovative, futuristic programs which will produce job-ready graduates prepared to meet the demands of the health care industry. The focus in health programs is on continuous improvement based on evaluations, innovative teaching strategies, critical thinking skills, and interactive mentoring. This focus, along with a curriculum that stresses quality and self-directed learning, leads to a student prepared for tomorrow's workforce.

 

Health Information Management

The Health Information Management Department prepares individuals as entry-level registered health information technicians (RHIT), entry-level coders, entry-level insurance billers, and entry-level medical transcriptionists to meet the health care community needs for these job positions in Walters State's service area.

 

Health Sciences

This program of study is for students planning to continue their education to by earning a bachelor’s degree in health sciences-related fields. The Associate of Science degree with an emphasis in Health Sciences recognizes students’ academic accomplishment and should simplify the transfer of credit process at future institutions. This program is also suitable for individuals who plan to apply to Walters State’s Associate of Applied Science Physical Therapist Assistant, Nursing, Occupational Therapist Assistant, Respiratory Care or Surgical Technology programs.

 

Nursing

The Nursing program provides quality nursing education to the geographically large and rural service area of East Tennessee. The Nursing program prepares individuals to apply to take the National Council Licensing Exam for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN) following approval by the State Board of Nursing to become registered nurses and assume positions in the healthcare industry.

Degrees

 

 

Occupational Therapy Assistant

The Occupational Therapy Assistant A.A.S. degree program is designed for students who want to help people of all ages to regain, develop, or master everyday living skills for independent, productive, and satisfying lives. This two-year course of study includes academic and fieldwork training to prepare students for a career in occupational therapy. Students are trained to work under the supervision of an occupational therapist, designing and implementing intervention plans to enable participation in life activities for people of diverse ages, cultures, and abilities. The course of study is rigorous and demanding, but rewarding. Program graduates will be eligible to sit for the national board examination administered by the National Board of Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT).

 

Pharmacy Technology

The Pharmacy Technology Department prepares individuals to take the national exam to become Certified Pharmacy Technicians. As an integral part of this community college, the department of Pharmacy Technician accepts each student as an individual and endeavors to provide the guidance, which will enable development and maturation in realizing his or her potential in the field of Pharmacy Technology.

 

Physical Therapist Assistant

The Physical Therapist Assistant Department prepares students to apply to take the National Physical Therapist Assistant Examination. Obtaining a passing score on the national examination is required to practice as a physical therapist assistant in the state of Tennessee. The primary goal of physical therapy is to rehabilitate patients suffering from various diagnoses that affect their mobility and overall functional status. The Physical Therapist Assistant provides specifically prescribed treatments and exercises that improve one's mobility, relieve pain, and prevent or limit physical disability. In addition, Physical Therapist Assistants help restore, maintain and promote overall fitness and health. Physical Therapist Assistants may find employment in many diverse settings, such as hospitals, outpatient clinics, private physical therapy practices, home health agencies, rehabilitation facilities, schools, and long-term care facilities.

 

Respiratory Care

The Respiratory Care Department provides a quality Advanced-Practitioner respiratory care education to the geographically large and rural service area of East Tennessee. The program prepares individuals to apply to become registered respiratory therapists. Upon completion of the program, graduates are eligible to take the credentialing examinations offered by the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC) to become registered respiratory therapists.

 

Surgical Technology

Surgical technologists are allied health professionals who work under medical supervision to facilitate the safe and effective conduct of invasive surgical procedures. A surgical technologist possesses expertise in the theory and application of sterile and aseptic technique and combines the knowledge of human anatomy, surgical procedures, and implementation tools and technologies to facilitate a physician's performance of invasive therapeutic and diagnostic procedures.