Rasmussen College Launches Three New Health Sciences Programs

MINNEAPOLIS (May 6, 2015)–Rasmussen College, a regionally accredited private college and Public Benefit Corporation, today announced the launch of three new Health Sciences programs: a Health and Wellness Bachelor’s degree-completion program, Medical Administrative Assistant Certificate and Pharmacy Technician Certificate. These programs were created to help employers solve a growing need for skilled workers ready to succeed in a health care market experiencing significant change related to federal health legislation, aging populations and a growing demand for preventive and holistic options.

“Rasmussen College is committed to meeting employer’s needs and helping communities address workforce gaps by graduating highly trained students with expertise matching current market conditions,” said Dr. Christian Wright, dean, Rasmussen College School of Health Sciences. “Our Health and Wellness, Pharmacy Technician and Medical Administrative Assistant programs were designed with input from subject matter experts and employers in the medical field to ensure students acquire the medical knowledge and technical skills as well as communications, business and customer relationship skills to advance the profession and the patient experience.”

Health and Wellness Bachelor’s Degree

This program was designed to meet employment growth of up to 25 percent in the next 10 years in positions including corporate wellness, health education, community health workers and expanded patient services within hospitals and clinics. Upon graduation, students will have enhanced skills in holistic approaches to health care, including behavioral and physical health, and will be prepared to pursue leadership roles in a range of healthcare settings.

This degree program is designed for working professionals committed to furthering their healthcare careers and includes the Flex Choice option with self-paced courses to speed time to completion and reduce the cost of the degree. To be considered for admission, students must hold a conferred Associate’s degree from an accredited institution, as recognized by the Department of Education. Classes are offered fully online and can be completed in as little as 18 months.

Medical Administrative Assistant Certificate

Medical office assistant is one of the nation’s fastest growing occupations, expected to increase 36 percent in the next 10 years. Employers are searching for technically skilled assistants with knowledge in medical terminology, medical office procedures and patient care to fill an estimated 189,200 job openings through 2022. Rasmussen College’s Medical Administrative Assistant Certificate is a nine-month program that prepares students to quickly enter the field and succeed as administrative assistants for health care administrators, physicians and nurses.

While a Certificate is not required to work as a medical office assistant, graduates of this online, non-licensure program will stand out as a result of earning a Certificate that reflects their training in medical office coordination, customer service, medical billing and insurance processing, scheduling, data entry and communication.

Pharmacy Technician Certificate

The Pharmacy Technician Certificate program provides students with the knowledge and skills needed to serve as an entry-level pharmacy technician, working under the direction of a pharmacist in a retail setting. Pharmacy technicians fill a specific community need, with more than 85 percent of technicians employed by local pharmacies, drug stores and retailers. The career is projected to see 20 percent growth over the next 10 years.

Rasmussen College’s nine-month, online program is focused on delivering the vital base knowledge required for quick entry into the profession and to prepare students for successful completion of the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE). While there is not a college requirement for employment, more than 70 percent of employed technicians have completed some level of college coursework, with 35 percent holding a Certificate.

“Pharmacy Technicians and Medical Administrative Assistants are the front line for patients and play an important role in positively impacting the patient experience through medical knowledge and professional interactions,” said Dr. Wright. “Rasmussen College is committed to providing our students with the necessary education to fill the demand for professionals ready to succeed in their jobs from day one.”

Both the Medical Administrative Assistant and Pharmacy Technician Certificate programs seamlessly transfer into the Rasmussen College Health Sciences Associate’s Degree. This allows students to earn their certificate and then advance their medical careers by applying those credits toward an Associate’s degree.

All three Health Sciences degree programs are currently enrolling for the summer semester, starting July 6. Find more information at http://www.rasmussen.edu/degrees/health-sciences/.