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If you've ever been to the hospital, you've likely dealt with a patient access specialist. Patient access specialists (PAS) are typically the first point of contact. Their job is to help, direct, and comfort the patient. Often, a PAS will be responsible for scheduling, billing, and taking you to your appointment. They are also responsible for calling the insurance company, getting your messages to the doctor, and being there to generally answer any question you may have. Portland Community College is proud to offer training to anyone looking to join the profession.

Topics: Healthcare, Entry Level Healthcare Careers, Patient Access, Portland Community College

Clinical Research Assistants (CR Assistants) spend their time performing trials for new treatments, diagnostic devices, and medications. They also work with patients directly in a healthcare atmosphere. They have important responsibilities that include: 

Topics: Healthcare, Entry Level Healthcare Careers, Clinical Research, institute for health professionals, Portland Community College

With a background as an optician dating back to his teenage years in his home country of England, Andrew Bruce is highly skilled in the industry and is honored to be a Master Optician. The Optician ABO Test Prep course that he instructs will be his first with Portland Community College. Continue reading to learn more about his experience and passion.

Topics: Healthcare, Entry Level Healthcare Careers, Optician ABO, PCC Stories

Entry-level healthcare careers help open the doors of opportunity while preparing individuals for the industry. These support roles are instrumental in ensuring clinicians can provide the best care for patients. Our technician programs in pharmacy, phlebotomy and sterile can provide aspiring healthcare professionals with a strong foundation for the future. Here is an overview of each program:

Topics: Healthcare, Entry Level Healthcare Careers, Pharmacy Technician, Sterile Processing Technician, Phlebotomy

Although hospitals and other medical institutions are heavily associated with nurses and doctors, several other health professionals, such as sterile processing technicians, are critical for delivering quality healthcare to patients in a safe, efficient manner.

Topics: Healthcare, Entry Level Healthcare Careers, Sterile Processing Technician, Pre-licensing, institute for health professionals

PCC's Integrated Community Dental Assisting program (ICDA) has been working hard to help fill the demand for dental assistants in our community. Success and satisfaction has been experienced by the first two cohorts of students, within their externship dental offices and sponsors. We're accepting applicants to our next cohort, beginning with an orientation in January. Keep reading to learn more! 

Topics: Healthcare, Entry Level Healthcare Careers, dental assisting

One of the draws of the healthcare industry as a field of study or practice is the diversity of professions, roles, and work it offers. While not everyone may be attracted to jobs as physicians or nurses, there are numerous other positions that are equally integral to offering quality healthcare services - like a Sterile Processing Technician, for example.

Topics: Healthcare, Entry Level Healthcare Careers, Sterile Processing Technician

In the fast-paced world of healthcare, the importance of medical coders cannot be underestimated. This in-demand career allows healthcare offices and hospitals to run smoothly and provide patient care. Although not directly involved with patients as a coder, you will play a vital role in ensuring that doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals can continue to do their jobs well.

Topics: Healthcare, Entry Level Healthcare Careers, Medical Coding, institute for health professionals

Patient access specialists are frontline healthcare workers who provide routine and essential services in all medical settings. These include medical offices, hospitals, clinics and other facilities.

Topics: Healthcare, Entry Level Healthcare Careers, Patient Access

Dental assistants are an integral part of the day-to-day operations within a dental office. They provide patient care, as well as support for the dentist as they conduct exams and certain procedures. A recent survey by the DALE Foundation indicates how valuable dental assistants are and how they contribute to dental offices. 

Topics: Healthcare, Entry Level Healthcare Careers, dental assisting