Harrisburg Health Care School at Kaplan Career Institute
Start Your Health Care Career in Harrisburg, PA!
Kaplan Career Institute offers a variety of diploma and Associate programs for students looking to compete in today's market. Kaplan's vocational programs are designed to meet the needs of the fastest-growing industries, including technology, business, and the popular Medical Assisting and Medical Billing & Coding options. Located in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania's capital, there is much in the area to offer professional and social opportunities.
If you have been thinking about attending health care school, you are most likely asking yourself questions like how much is it going to cost, how long will it take to graduate, how & where do I apply and is financial aid available?
Below is just some basic information about Kaplan Career Institute's health care program, but if you really want to learn more, fill out the short questionnaire and a representative from the school will contact you answer any additional questions about how to apply, costs, financial aid, entrance requirements, and scholarship availability.
Kaplan Career Institute – Harrisburg
5650 Derry Street
Harrisburg, PA 17111
About Kaplan Career Institute
The Harrisburg campus of Kaplan Career Institute was first opened in 1918. Originally known as Beckley College, the focus was then (as it is now) on providing vocational training to area students. It was renamed Thompson College and Thompson Institute over the next forty years.
In more recent years, the school has expanded to include computer technology and other cutting-edge fields. The most recent change of hands occurred when the school became part of the Kaplan Higher Education Corporation, a New York-based corporation that owns and operates hundreds of schools and testing certification programs.
The school's primary focus is to provide “affordable, career-focused education.” To this end, they employ faculty members with proven experience in the field, flexible class times, and accelerated programs – some of which can be completed in as little as six months. All of these are meant to work around the busy schedules of individuals already in the workforce as well as those with family or outside obligations that may make traditional school options difficult.
Medical Assisting (Associate's Degree or Diploma)
The Medical Assistant option is offered as either an Associate degree or a diploma program. Students are trained to assist physicians in their work with patients. The Associate program is longer in duration and covers more topics, including office basics (including typing, word processing, and medical office procedures) as well as anatomy, physiology, CPR, clinical procedures, medical coding, medical terminology, and transcription.
The diploma program focuses more on clinical care rather than general office work. Both courses helps prepare students to take the Certified Medical Assistant exam, but the school does not guarantee the ability to take the exam or become certified. Upon completion of the required externship, graduates are prepared to seek entry-level employment.
Medical Billing and Coding Specialist (Diploma)
The Medical Billing and Coding Specialist program is offered as a diploma. It focuses on the administrative side of working in health care, including working with insurance forms, patient charts, and paperwork processing. Coursework for this program includes legal issues, insurance processing, dental claims, general office procedures, medical coding, and medical terminology.
The program prepares students to take the Certified Professional Coder exam, although additional coursework and/or experience may be required before students can actually sit for the exam. This course also includes a required externship.
Facilities
The Harrisburg campus is a single building that provides computer labs, online library services, a campus library, and a campus bookstore to all students. The location's administrative offices are also contained in the building. The clinical studies that comprise part of the Medical Assisting program allow access to up-to-date laboratories complete with exam tables, EKG machines, and centrifuges. The overall intent is to create an environment that simulates the real working world.
Faculty
Faculty members and instructors are chosen for their ties to the business communities. Almost all of them have worked in their respective fields, so they bring real-world experience to the classroom. To further this end, class sizes are kept relatively small and hands-on training is stressed.
Financial Aid
Financial aid for this school depends on each student's financial background and eligibility. Kaplan's financial aid offices may provide assistance with locating funding sources, filling out forms, and taking advantage of federal aid programs. Payment plan options may also be available. Students are encouraged to talk with their advisors to learn more.
Accreditation
This particular campus of Kaplan Career Institute is accredited by the Accrediting Council of Independent Colleges and Schools, granting it the ability to bestow Associate degrees, diplomas, and certificates. It is also licensed by the Pennsylvania State Board of Private Licensed Schools, which is part of the Pennsylvania Department of Education. The Medical Assisting program is further accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs.
Going to School in Harrisburg, PA
As the capital of Pennsylvania, Harrisburg offers a number of professional opportunities in health care and technology. Although one of the smaller metropolitan areas of the state, access to commercial and social venues is available within only a short drive.
Located on the Susquehanna River, there are also a number of outdoor recreation options for those who prefer the small-town feel of the open air.
More Information
If you are interested in this program and would like to find out more, please request information from Kaplan Career Institute - Harrisburg, PA.
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