New educational programs will help meet Southwest Florida’s health demands

Florida SouthWestern State College’s (FSW) School of Health Professions will soon launch three new programs at the FSW Charlotte Campus in Punta Gorda.

These programs are tailored to meet the growing demand for skilled professionals in the healthcare industry.

FSW’s College Credit Certificate (CCC) in Medical Assisting Specialist is a three-semester college credit certificate embedded within the AS, Advanced Medical Assisting degree, tailored to provide students with the skills and knowledge to perform clinical duties in various patient care settings. Graduates are prepared to assist with taking vital signs, minor surgical procedures, examination room preparation, medication administration, phlebotomy, electrocardiogram administration, and various other clinical tasks in various healthcare settings. Upon successfully completing the program, students will be eligible to become certified in phlebotomy, EKG technician and clinical medical assistant. With these certifications, students can start working in the health care field while continuing to pursue their studies for an Associate in Science degree in Advanced Medical Assisting.

FSW’s Associate in Science (AS) in Advanced Medical Assisting degree will build upon the knowledge and skills gained after earning the College Credit Certificate (CCC) in Medical Assisting Specialist and provide students with an expanded understanding of the core principles, practices and skills of the medical assistant and in an administrative support capacity such as patient communication, electronic health records, processing incoming/outgoing patients (scheduling, collecting fees or arranging for payment), medical coding and billing, and processing insurance claims. Upon successfully completing the program, students will be eligible to pursue certification in phlebotomy, EKG technician, clinical medical assistant but also in certified medical assistant, electronic health records specialist, and billing and coding specialist.

FSW’s Associate in Science (AS) in Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) program will prepare students for careers in physical therapy by providing hands-on expertise in therapeutic exercises, techniques for improving mobility and relieving pain, and using specialized equipment. Graduates of the PTA program will play a pivotal role in facilitating patient recovery and function under the supervision of a physical therapist. The program will begin in January 2025, pending accreditation by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE).

Over the next decade, an average of 114,600 medical assisting jobs are anticipated annually. Between 2022 and 2032, there is a projected job growth rate of 19.5% in Florida. Physical therapist assistant jobs are also expected to increase, with a projected job growth rate of 42%, 18,100 job openings projected annually in the United States and 1,340 projected annually in Florida.

“We are excited to expand our offerings within the School of Health Professions at our FSW Charlotte Campus,” said Dr. Tami Such, dean of the School of Health Professions at FSW. “These new programs will provide students with the skills and knowledge needed to excel in rewarding and impactful healthcare careers. We look forward to welcoming our inaugural cohorts and supporting them in their journey toward success.”

For more information about these programs and how to apply, see www.fsw.edu/admissions. ¦

The post New educational programs will help meet Southwest Florida’s health demands first appeared on Charlotte County Florida Weekly .