Medical Occupational Training prepares individuals for full-time, unsubsidized employment and provides students with specific skills to increase their employability. Many of the programs can be taken on a full-time or part-time basis, but classes are offered during daytime only.
Interested students will be required to verify previous college coursework completed with an average of "C+" or above, or take a reading assessment test. Select programs require submission of PA Criminal History Report Information, a completed physical form and/or proof of valid health insurance.
Funding for these training programs may be available to individuals meeting the requirements established by the Berks County Employment and Training Office, the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation or through the Berks County Public Assistance Office.
Additionally, prospective students may apply for financial aid.
For questions about these programs, please contact Sue Costa, Director of Occupational Programs at scosta@racc.edu or call 610-375-8188.
Medical Occupational Programs
Medical Insurance & Billing Specialist
This course focuses on developing the administrative skills necessary to be a successful Medical Insurance and Billing Specialist. This fast growing field offers employment opportunities in doctors' offices, insurance companies, hospitals, and home-based businesses. Three years of business or administrative experience is required for this course of study. Students complete a 150-hour internship.
Medical Office Assistant*
This course will prepare students to function in a variety of entry-level capacities in hospitals, clinics, and doctors' offices. Students will develop skills in medical terminology, computerized medical office procedures, medical office procedures and "front office" duties. In addition, students will learn "back office" skills including administering injections and immunizations, dispensing medications, drawing blood, performing EKGs and CPR. Students complete a 150-hour internship.
Medical Secretary
This course is designed to help those with some clerical skills prepare to work in the fast growing field as a Medical Secretary. Module A reviews basic clerical skills while beginning to develop the skills necessary for the health care field. Module B advances the student's skills in medical office procedures, medical transcription, and word processing. Completing this course will prepare the student for administrative duties such as transcription, patient scheduling and insurance and billing. Students complete a 150-hour internship.
Medical Receptionist
This course will prepare individuals for employment as a receptionist in a medical office or other health care setting. Students will learn keyboarding and medical office procedures including answering the telephone, scheduling patients, maintaining files, and directing visitors. Instruction will also prepare the individual for related clerical duties using medical terminology in hospitals, clinics, or lab facilities. Students complete a 150-hour internship.
Medical Transcriptionist
This course will prepare individuals to work in the field of medical transcription. Keyboarding skills are an essential prerequisite for enrollment. Opportunities for employment exist in doctors' offices, hospitals, and other medical and health care organizations. Students complete a 150-hour internship.
Certified Home Health Aide*
After completing this course, students will be prepared to care for clients in the home environment or assisted living facility. Students will be given theory, in-class labs, and complete a 15-hour on-site practicum reflecting the essential body of knowledge needed to provide basic supportive health services for the clients. Upon satisfactory completion of these requirements the student will be eligible to take the National Home Health Certification test. The curriculum was written with support from the Administration on Aging and by the National Association for Home Care and Hospice.
CNA, Nurse Aide*
This course will prepare students for employment in a long term care facility. During this course, the student will be presented with both theory and practical information regarding patient care. This course meets the requirements of the State of Pennsylvania. Students completing the course are eligible to sit for the Pennsylvania State Competency Exam.
Diagnostic Technician with Phlebotomy*
This course will prepare individuals to collect blood from adult patients and perform EKGs. The initial component of training will consist of basic medical courses and a word processing course. The last six weeks of this program will include 240 hours of intensive clinical training at the Reading Hospital and Medical Center.
Dental Assistant*
This full-time course will prepare individuals for employment in a dental office. Students will receive theory and practical application regarding chair-side assisting. Students will also learn basic laboratory procedures and prepare to sit for the state certification in radiology. In addition to classroom instruction, there will be a 130-clinical experience in a professional dental office.
Veterinary Assistant*
This 132-hour training will provide the student with the basic, entry-level knowledge and skills necessary for pursuing a career in a veterinary hospital as an assistant. This training is technically challenging. The first of the four courses includes classroom and animal restraint competencies that must be successfully demonstrated prior to clinical placement for hands-on experiences in local veterinary hospitals. Learning medical terminology and basic technical veterinary skills are also an integral part of the training.
*Proof of personal medical insurance required.
