Cybersecurity is a vital component of “best practices” for businesses, industry, and government, and the demand for trained professionals in the field will continue to grow. The Cybersecurity program at Black Hawk College is designed to prepare individuals with the knowledge and skills for a successful career in this important and dynamic arena.

Cybersecurity professionals are tasked with protecting information confidentiality, integrity, and availability by configuring and maintaining network routers, firewalls and intrusion-detection systems, detecting and minimizing security vulnerabilities, maintaining secure remote communication and implementing corporate security policy. Students in the program will gain hands-on experience in these skills, as well as broad background training that includes computer hardware, networking, operating systems, and programming and scripting courses. Course content is shaped by an Advisory board made up of local IT and business professionals, who regularly review the curriculum and offer input, to ensure the program maintains relevance with industry trends.

Students who complete the Cybersecurity AAS degree will have served an internship to enhance classroom training with real-world experience. They will also have the opportunity to earn several industry certifications, including CompTIA A+, Network+ and Security+ and Cisco CCNA.

The Medical Assisting program will train individuals to work under the supervision of a physician, providing medical office administration and clinical duties that include patient intake and care, routine diagnostic and recording procedures, pre-examination, and administering medication and first aid. The program will include courses in basic anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, health insurance and office procedures, pharmacology terminology and calculations and ethics and law. Students will gain practical experience by completing two clinical courses plus an internship and seminar.

Medical Assisting professionals will see increasing opportunities for employment in the light of escalating health care costs. In order to keep operating costs in line, doctors and clinics want trained professionals with skills to provide good patient care and office management to expedite increasing insurance paperwork.

The Medical Coding Specialist Certificate is to prepare students for employment in the health care information management area. This certificate enables the student to be employed by coding departments, physicians’ offices, health care clinics, emergency care clinics, chiropractic offices, psychiatric clinics, health insurance companies and HMO offices. The opportunity for Internet coding work is possible after experience is gained.

The Medical Coding Specialist job entails the translation of diagnoses, procedures, services and supplies into numeric/alpha-numerical components for statistical reporting and reimbursement. The Medical Coding Specialist can expect team working experience with medical billing specialists and others on the health care team; this person will need special training in medical terminology, anatomy and physiology as well as a thorough understanding of CPT-4 procedure and ICD-10 diagnosis coding; also necessary knowledge includes an in-depth understanding of third-party reimbursement and overage policies, the review and the abstract of in-patient and out-patient medical records, the ability to utilize new coding standards, HIPAA regulations, the ability to resolve insurance carrier rejects and denials related to coding and coverage issues.

Emergency Medical Services education is offered through the Allied Health department in cooperation with the Emergency Medical System of Genesis Medical Center, Illini Campus.

This education prepares individuals for entry-level positions as emergency medical technicians (EMS 100 & 102) and paramedics. The program prepares individuals to provide basic and advanced life support in out-of-the-hospital settings to critically ill and injured persons.

To prepare individuals to function in the pre-hospital role, a combination of educational methods will be used including theory instruction, demonstration and practice of life-saving skills for simulated and real emergency situations. Instruction is provided by physicians specializing in emergency medicine, registered nurses, and paramedics with advanced education in medical and trauma management.

Students must successfully document and meet all health and background checks required by academic programs and/or clinical sites prior to admission to program and/or courses. A physical examination and immunizations are required prior to beginning clinical practice/field time. Completion of pre-admission testing is required (contact  Tyler Hynes at [email protected] or information.)

To seek EMT licensure prior to employment the student must successfully complete the EMT courses (EMS 100 & EMS 102) and sit for either the EMT Illinois Department of Public Health State examination or the National Registry Examination.

To seek Paramedic licensure prior to employment the student must successfully complete the Paramedic Certificate Program and sit for either the Paramedic Illinois Department of Public Health State examination or the National Registry Examination.

Job opportunities include hospitals, private ambulance services, municipal fire, police or rescue squad departments. Volunteer services generally require EMT licensure.

Earning a license as a Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN/LPN) is a significant accomplishment, one that can open numerous doors in the healthcare profession. It is a recognition of your hard work, commitment, and dedication to quality patient care. Getting your LVN/LPN license speaks volumes about your skills and expertise. It tells potential employers that you're not just a great nurse, but a great LVN/LPN. One outstanding institution where you can gain this valuable certification is ASU - Mountain Home. This well-acclaimed education center has all the resources you need to succeed in securing the license, such as state-of-the-art facilities, dedicated faculty, and a supportive learning environment. A license in nursing from ASU - Mountain Home can indeed prove to be a game-changer in your healthcare career. It can lead to growth, recognition, and opportunities beyond your expectation. So, consider ASU - Mountain Home for your LVN/LPN license and prepare to step into a bright future in healthcare.

Acquiring your certification as a Certified Nursing Assistant comes with numerous benefits, for example, a robust career development path. Black Hawk College - East offers a top-tier program that empowers learners to perfect their medical acumen and further their professional footprints. Through this course, students acquire the skill set to provide efficient and empathetic healthcare, guiding patients in their recovery journey. Plus, the practical experience obtained enables learners to seamlessly transition into the fast-paced healthcare industry. Indeed, this unique experience at Black Hawk College - East is a golden opportunity for individuals keen on influencing the nursing sector positively. Empower yourself today with this certification and become an indispensable cornerstone in the healthcare arena.

The Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) Program is designed to prepare nurses who, as beginning practitioners, are able to give quality nursing care to clients and function as members of nursing and health teams. Upon completion of the program, a graduate may be eligible to take the examination for licensure as a registered nurse.

Registered nurses are employed in hospitals, nursing homes, home health agencies, physicians’ offices, clinics, and community agencies.

The curriculum for nursing is career-oriented. The program is accredited by the Illinois Department of Finance and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) and the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing.

Student learning outcomes

This program is focused on those individuals who wish to pursue careers in health care which are short-term and expedite students into the workforce. The successful completion of the Patient Care Aide Certificate (first semester of program) awards students with Advanced First Aid and Emergency Red Cross Certification as well as Phlebotomy Certification. The Patient Care Aide Certificate is the pre-requisite for the Patient Care Technician Certificate. Upon successful completion of the Patient Care Technician Certificate, students would be eligible to take the State of Illinois Nurse Assistant Certificate Exam. While taking the career and technical coursework, the student receives support via Adult Education to ensure successful completion.