Students in the program leading to the Associate in Applied Science Degree in Medical Assisting are strongly encouraged to use elective options to seek multiple certifications in areas that will enhance their employment opportunities.  Should the student choose to exercise this option, he/she may have to add an additional course(s) to the degree program in Medical Assisting in order to complete there objectives.   Option 1: Medical Assisting and Nurse Assisting Certification   Medical Assistant students who complete the Nursing Assistant option broaden their career opportunities by expanding their skills in the area of nurse assisting.  This option prepares a student to become a member of the nursing team whose primary responsibility is to provide comfort to the patient.  Under the supervision of a physician or licensed nurse, the Nursing Assistant works directly with the patient, giving physical care and emotional support.  Some employers give additional consideration for employment and promotion to students who successfully pass the Nurse Aide certification examination.  Some colleges give additional consideration to applicants into nursing programs to students who are certified as nurse aides. The SC Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) http://www.dhhs.state.sc.us has evaluated and approved the nurse assisting training program of the College as an official sponsor of candidates for the nurse aide certification examination. Graduates of this program are eligible to sit for the exam which leads to CNA certification. The South Carolina Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) has contracted with Promissor®, to develop, score, and report the results of the NATIONAL NURSE AIDE ASSESSMENT PROGRAM (NNAAP™) for the South Carolina Nurse Aide Registry.  http://www.asisvcs.com/indhome.asp?CPCat=0741NURSE   HEA100 Fundamentals of Nurse Assisting 3.0 HEA140N Nurse Assisting Internship 1.5 Note:   HEA100 is substituted for a portion of the elective component HEA140N is substituted for a portion of the elective component Minimum Total Quarter Hours Required for Graduation 94.5 All nurse aides, nurse aide training students, and nurse aide training instructors must have criminal background checks completed by the SC State Law Enforcement Division. Option 2: Medical Assisting and Phlebotomy Certification   Medical Assistant students who complete the Phlebotomy option broaden their career opportunities by expanding their skills into the area of phlebotomy. Phlebotomy technicians work in hospitals, physician offices, group practices, independent laboratories, health maintenance organizations, and public facilities. Duties of a phlebotomy technician may include: drawing blood, preparing specimens for storage and testing, assembling equipment, and verifying patients’ records. This option is designed to teach entry-level blood collection skills. The program is comprised of theory and clinical experience. Upon successful completion of theory, clinical, and intravenous punctures, the graduate is eligible for the certification examination from the American Society of Clinical Pathologists.   HEA115 Phlebotomy I 3.0 HEA120 Phlebotomy II 3.0 HEA140P Phlebotomy Externship 4.5 Note: HEA140P is chosen as the course in the Elective Component Minimum Total Quarter Hours Required for Graduation 100.5 Option 3: Medical Assisting , Nurse Assisting, and Patient Care Technician   Medial Assistant students who complete the Nurse Assisting and Patient Care Technician options broaden their career opportunities by expanding their skills in three entry levels of employment.   HEA100 Fundamentals of Nurse Assisting I 3.0 HEA105 Fundamentals of Nurse Assisting II 3.0 HEA115 Phlebotomy I 3.0 HEA140C Patient Care Internship 1.5 HEA140N Nurse Assisting Internship 1.5 Note: HEA140P is substituted as the course in the Elective Component Minimum Total Quarter Hours Required for Graduation 99.0 All nurse aides, nurse aide training students, and nurse aide training instructors must have criminal background checks completed by the SC State Law Enforcement Division. Option 4: Medical Assisting, Nurse Assisting, and Phlebotomy   Medical Assistant students who complete the Phlebotomy and Nurse Assistant option broaden their career opportunities by expanding their skills is all three entry level areas of employment.   HEA100 Fundamentals of Nurse Assisting 3.0 HEA115 Phlebotomy I 3.0 HEA120 Phlebotomy II 3.0 HEA140N Nurse Assisting Internship 1.5 HEA140P Phlebotomy Internship 4.5 Note: HEA140P is substituted as the course in the Elective Component Total Minimum Quarter Hours Required for Graduation 105.0 All nurse aides, nurse aide training students, and nurse aide training instructors must have criminal background checks completed by the SC State Law Enforcement Division.   Option 5: Medical Assisting, Nurse Assisting, Patient Care Technician, and Phlebotomy   Medial Assistant students who complete the Nurse Assisting, Patient Care Technician, and Phlebotomy options broaden their career opportunities by expanding their skills in four entry levels of employment.   HEA100 Fundamentals of Nurse Assisting 3.0 HEA105 Fundamentals of Patient Care Assisting 3.0 HEA115 Phlebotomy I 3.0 HEA120 Phlebotomy II 3.0 HEA140C Patient Care Internship 1.5 HEA140N Nurse Assisting Internship 1.5 HEA140P Phlebotomy Externship 4.5 Minimum Total Quarter Hours Required for Graduation 109.5 All nurse aides, nurse aide training students, and nurse aide training instructors must have criminal background checks completed by the SC State Law Enforcement Division.   *This course is a major program area course.  A grade of "C" of better is required in order to satisfy graduation.   Applicants must have completed a physical examination indicating good physical health prior to beginning HEA285A or C.  The test must include TB screening, Hepatitis B Panel, and RPR.  Hepatitis B Inoculation is strongly encouraged if results from the Hepatitis B panel are negative. Notice regarding prior felony conviction(s): The state and various other agencies may require criminal background checks before a student can be placed in an externship or take professional licensing, certification, or registration exams. Those convicted of felonies may not be eligible for employment in medical assisting occupations. It is the responsibility of the student to inquire about employment eligibility requirements before enrolling in the program. Forrest Junior College is not responsible in this regard. This program is a new addition to the college's offerings as of July 2004.  It was revised October 2006.  Retention and placement statistics are not available at this time.