Graduate School Introduces Allied Health Academic Programs

Graduates Will be Qualified for In-Demand Healthcare Jobs

WASHINGTON, Aug. 20 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Beginning in October, the Graduate School's new Center for Health Sciences will offer a Medical Laboratory Technician, Associate of Applied Science degree and a certificate program in Phlebotomy*.  The first of many programs to be offered, both curricula provide a combination of coursework and clinical experience with strong emphasis on employability skills such as problem solving, effective communication, professional conduct, and information and technology literacy.

"With the Bureau of Labor Statistics projecting the growth rate of new healthcare jobs to be double the rate of non-healthcare professions, we are pleased to offer these two programs," says Dr. Jerry Ice, CEO and President of the Graduate School. "The supply of allied health professionals isn't keeping up with demand – and we can help."

Nationally, it is reported that allied health workers represent 60 percent of the healthcare workforce and by 2014, it is anticipated there will be 40,000-80,000 new job openings.  According to DC's Department of Employment Services, the healthcare sector is one of the fastest growing segments of the DC economy.

Allied health professionals represent 80 different career fields involved with the clinical aspects of healthcare delivery or related services as they pertain to the evaluation and prevention of diseases, as well as administrative tasks related to health systems' management and technology.  Most allied health career options are unknown to the general public.  The Center will provide career counseling for anyone interested in this growing field of unlimited opportunity.

The Center for Health Sciences prepares students for employment in inpatient, ambulatory and research settings.  Through hands-on experiences, students cultivate necessary skills, concentrating on patient safety, infection control and ethical conduct – all of which are taught in accordance with industry standards.

A Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT) is engaged in the collection, handling, processing and analysis of body fluids, cells and tissues for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. The technician's role of providing laboratory information is essential for the detection, diagnosis, and treatment of human diseases. Phlebotomists are trained to collect specimens for laboratory testing used to diagnose and treat diseases.

The Center for Health Sciences is a part of the Graduate School's new mission and strategic plan to provide a full complement of occupational courses, certificates, degrees and other professional development activities.

More information can be found at www.graduateschool.edu.

About the Graduate School

For nearly 90 years, the Graduate School has served federal, state and local government employees as well as the D.C. metro community.  An independent institution that is enthusiastic about providing high-quality, accessible educational opportunities, the Graduate School is dedicated to academic excellence and lifelong learning. Services offered by the School include individual assessments, career-related courses, and continuing education and distance learning opportunities. The School's experts provide training and education solutions, including conferences, workshops and symposia, for participants from government agencies as well as the private sector and international organizations.  The Graduate School makes its products and services available to its customers through GSA schedules including Management, Organizational, and Business Improvement Services (MOBIS).

* Pending approval by the Commission of the Council on Occupational Education.

SOURCE The Graduate School