Pierpont Community and Technical College launches two new healthcare training programs

Pierpont Community and Technical College’s Career and Corporate Training office has introduced two new short term healthcare training programs, AAPC Certified Professional Coder (CPC) and Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA). These programs are designed to help students enter into new careers in high demand healthcare fields quickly with short timeframes and certification opportunities.

According to an article on Pierpont Community and Technical College’s website, Dr. Joni Gray, who serves as the Director of Career and Corporate Training and the Center for Workforce Education, was quoted as saying of the new programs, “Pierpont’s Certified Clinical Medical Assistant and Certified Professional Coder programs aren’t just education — these trainings are a direct response to critical workforce need. By equipping students with hands-on, job-ready skills, we’re not only opening doors to meaningful careers but also strengthening the healthcare system with professionals our communities urgently need.”

The programs are ideal for working adults who want to change careers or for students who are looking for a fast way to get a foot in the door within the healthcare field. Each will prepare students to become certified in their respective careers and will allow them to work in entry level fields in medical coding or medical assisting.

The AAPC Certified Professional Coder program equips students with the skills necessary to work in the field of medical coding. Students will cover topics like fundamental medical terminology and specific medical coding skills to help them become certified in the field and prepare to work in an entry level position. The hybrid program begins with students taking an online course in the Fundamentals of Medicine, and then students transition to in-person instruction focused on medical coding. The courses will be taught by Beth Steele, CPC, CPC-I and by Hayley Hedrick, both of whom have extensive experience with the skills and materials being covered in the program.

Steele said, “I’m thrilled to be teaching an upcoming course designed to give you everything you need to pass the CPC exam with confidence. We’ll be covering all the essential tools, strategies, and knowledge areas — from medical terminology and coding guidelines to real-world practice scenarios. Whether you’re just starting your journey in medical coding or looking to boost your exam readiness, this course is built to support your success.”

Hedrick added, “Medical coding is a crucial facet of the healthcare industry, as it plays a vital role in ensuring the integrity of the patient’s medical record while enabling smooth communication between healthcare providers and payers. Medical coders tell the story of the patient’s care by translating the documentation within the medical record into a language that insurance companies can understand.”

The Certified Clinical Medical Assistant program is also a hybrid program that will prepare students to take the National Healthcareer Association certification exam. Students will learn Fundamentals of Medicine, Health Assessment, Medical Administrative Assisting, and Clinical Medical Assisting. One instructor, Colleen Parker, hopes to help students follow their passions to a healthcare career.

She said, “I’m excited to be a mentor and guide students into a rewarding, stable and high-demand profession. I hope to make sure they are prepared for their chosen profession. I hope to also show them how rewarding a healthcare career is.”

For more information about Pierpont Community and Technical College, visit the school’s website.