Healthcare
Entry-level occupations are among the fastest-growing careers in the healthcare industry, and skilled workers are expected to be in high demand for years to come as baby boomers age. According to the Idaho Department of Labor, in 2011 there were nearly 34,000 healthcare jobs in Idaho, which signified a 4.22 percent growth in two years. That number is projected to skyrocket by 2018 with an additional 27.55 percent growth to 39,739 jobs by 2018.
Whether you are looking to start a new career in this widely expanding industry or seeking advancement in your current profession, College of Western Idaho (CWI) offers a variety of healthcare courses to meet your needs. We offer essential healthcare certifications in areas such as assistance with medications, CPR, and first aid, which can be completed in as little time as six hours. If you are interested in more-intensive training, we also provide long-term courses in the medical, dental, and pharmaceutical fields, among others.
At CWI, our healthcare training programs are respected by local employers, and they are considerably more affordable than other providers. Take advantage of our wide variety of healthcare offerings to get started in your new career now, or take the next step in your current job with additional healthcare certifications.
If English is your second language, we recommend that you take the TABE test. Any student concerned about their ability to succeed in a class may also take the TABE test free of charge.
Healthcare Courses and Class Descriptions
Accelerated Esthetics Program (60 Hours)
CWI Business Partnerships / Workforce Development has partnered with True University and Epionce to bring you training in Accelerated Esthetics – Advanced Training for a Medical Setting. This program is conducted over a five and a half day period for a total of 60 hours. It is designed for Estheticians and Medical Professionals seeking training in the most current technologies and skincare practices.
Program topics include:
- Legalities of Estheticians in a Medical Office
- OSHA and HIPAA Regulations
- Product Formulations
- Choosing the Right Ingredients
- Dermaplaning
- Microdermabrasion
- Introduction to Medical Terminology
- Client Consultations
- Common Skin Disorders
- Chemical Peeling
- Cosmetic Surgery Procedures*
- Pre- and Post-Operative Treatments
- Neurotoxins*
- Facial Fillers*
- Lasers and Light Therapy*
- Laser and Skin Rejuvenation Techniques
- Ablative Laser Treatments*
- Laser Hair Removal*
Assistance with Medications (AWM) (8 Hours, 1 Session)
Are you responsible for providing medical care to clients, family members, or friends in private homes or group facilities? Training in Assistance with Medications is required for unlicensed healthcare personnel who are delegated the task of assisting licensed nurses with medications. This eight hour course will help you better provide medical care by presenting instruction and information on assisting with medications. It is approved by the Idaho State Board of Nursing and Idaho State Department of Health and Welfare.
Medical Coding and Billing (90 Hours, 30 Sessions, 8 Months)
CWI’s medical coding and billing course will provide you with a basic foundation for the unique and challenging world of medical coding, which supports patient billing and insurance claims. You will be introduced to ICD-9-CM, CPT, and HCPCS codes and how they apply to basic body systems and common medical or surgical procedures. This course will help prepare you to earn the Certified Professional Coders entry-level credential through the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC). To achieve certification, you must meet eligibility requirements and pass the certification exam. The exam is not included as part of the course.
Medical Assistant (864 Classroom Hours + 160 Clinical Hours, 9 Months)
Are you interested in an exciting new career working in the medical field? Completing our nine month medical assistant course can position you to find a job working with doctors in clinics and physicians’ offices handling a variety of critical responsibilities that includes both clinical and front-office tasks. This training program includes certifications in phlebotomy, and instruction in medical math, medical terminology, medical front office, and more.
Esthetics Program (900 hours)
Prepare for the exciting field of Esthetics as a Skincare Specialist, Makeup Artist, or a Spa Technician. Curriculum consists of classroom instruction and practical experience through the student-operated clinic at CWI's Eagle River Center. Training includes facial and body treatments, temporary hair removal, professional makeup application, use of skin care equipment, client consultation and skin analysis, retail skills, business and professional practices, and externships through local spas. Upon successful completion of this course, the student will be eligible to make application for the Idaho State Licensure.
NA Skills Review
This is a "hands on" workshop. Skills that may be tested in the Idaho Nursing Assistant Skills Exam, (NATCE), will be practiced under the supervision of an Instructor.
Nursing Assistant (88 Classroom Hours + 32 Clinical Hours)
Interested in starting a new career working on the front-line of the medical field? Being a nursing assistant gives you the opportunity to work as a patient care provider under the direction and supervision of licensed nurses. By completing this program, you will position yourself to find immediate employment opportunities that will provide ongoing potential for professional advancement and learning. The skills you gain here will be useful for a lifetime, as this state-approved course provides you with entry-level skills in basic nursing care for the ill, injured, handicapped, or disabled. With this course, you will be eligible to take the state skills and written exams leading to status as a certified nursing assistant. Pre-Requisite: Healthcare Provider CPR.
Nursing Assistant Certification Testing—Manual Skills and Written Evaluation
Have you successfully completed a state-approved nursing assistant training program, either through CWI or another organization? If so, you are eligible for certification testing. The exam is approved by the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare’s Bureau of Facility Standards. Successful completion of the national testing will grant you status as a certified nursing assistant (CNA) in Idaho.
Pharmacy Technician Program (84 Classroom Hours + 80 Clinical Hours, 14 Weeks)
If you have an attention for detail and are intrigued by the thought of working with pharmaceuticals, this 14-week course will prepare you to find work in a hospital or retail store as a pharmacy technician. As a pharmacy technician, your job duties would vary based on the setting, but could include: helping the pharmacist fill and label prescriptions; compounding oral solutions, suspensions, ointments, and creams; preparing IV mixtures; prepackaging bulk medications; and purchasing and billing. You may also work with insurance carriers to obtain payments and approve refills.
Dietary Manager (12-month Self-study + 107 Clinical Hours)
Prepare for a career as a certified dietary manager—and you could find a job managing the foodservice operations of healthcare facilities, schools, correctional institutions, or other organizations. Through a combination of online instructional modules, and scheduled practical experience hours, you will learn everything you need to know for the Dietary Managers Association (DMA) national credentialing exam. Graduates of this program are eligible to register for the DMA exam and gain active DMA membership. Passing the exam enables you to use the Certified Dietary Manager, Certified Food Protection Professional credential after your name.
Dental Assisting Fundamentals (12-week Self-study)
Is it time to enhance or begin your career as a dental assistant? This course will equip you with the basic information and skills necessary to become eligible for the Dental Assisting Mastery Series of Expanded Functions. Recognized by dentists as valid preparation for entry-level positions, this course is the first step toward furthering your career in dentistry. You will gain in-depth instruction in all aspects of dental materials, cavity classification, infection control, charting, terminology, local anesthetics, and legal/ethical dental issues. Pre-Requisite: Dental office employment.
Dental Assisting Fundamentals—Challenge Exam
Do you feel confident with your dental assistant skills and are ready to put your experience working in a dental office to the test? You can challenge the dental assisting self study class with this exam and achieve course completion without the necessity of completing the coursework.
Dental Assisting Mastery Series (8-week Self-study)
If you have a minimum of six months experience as a dental assistant, this eight-week program could be a great way for you to advance yourself professionally. Each one of expanded functions courses are taken individually before proceeding to the next course. In order to be admitted you must currently be employed by a dentist who will sign an agreement for you to take this course. You must also meet ONE of the following criteria:
- Currently certified by the Dental Assisting National Board
- Graduate of an accredited dental assisting program
- Completion of Dental Fundamentals course
Two study options are available: directed-study and self-study. The directed-study option provides five hours of individualized instruction per module, plus testing. Self-study provides you with two hours of instruction per module, plus testing. The following modules are currently available:
- Alginate Impressions
- Polishing of Amalgam Restorations
- Temporary Crowns
- Pit & Fissure Sealants
- Coronal Polishing
- Nitrous Oxide (Directed Study only)
Phlebotomist (64 Classroom Hours + 40 Clinical Hours, 8 Weeks)
CWI’s phlebotomy training is an intensive class where you will learn the responsibilities and skills required to gain work as an entry-level phlebotomist (trained to draw blood). Through eight weeks of curriculum you will learn the anatomy and physiology of the vascular system as well as safety and infection control. In this hands-on learning experience, you will draw blood specimens (and be practiced on by fellow students) using venipuncture and capillary puncture. You will also prepare and handle specimens for clinical laboratory testing. Prior to performing the clinical portion of the course or seeking employment, a background check is required by clinical facilities. Students are also required to have personal health insurance and various immunizations prior to the 40-hour clinical requirement. Pre-Requisites: Healthcare Provider CPR.
Instructor Development (Self-study)
Are you interested in teaching healthcare courses through post-secondary, professional-technical, or short term training programs? This self study program was developed considering strategies applicable to each of these settings and is designed to provide you with basic information on instructing the adult learner. The course is eight weeks long, with a module to be completed each week.
