Allied Health Sciences

OFFICE: Cluster E, Room 2225, 516.572.9640

CHAIRPERSON: Dr. Donna Cempa‐Danzige

COURSES OFFERED: Allied Health Sciences (AHS)

The Department of Allied Health Sciences (AHS) offers six specialized allied health science career programs as well as core courses in anatomy and physiology, medical microbiology and introduction to allied health sciences. AHS career programs are independently accredited by nationally recognized and specialized accrediting bodies and are subject to their respective accreditation requirements and ongoing oversight. Required clinical experience in affiliating institutions is correlated with classroom and laboratory work, and is closely supervised by professional personnel.

Departmental Requirements and Guidelines:

Applicants to AHS career programs are subject to the admission and re-admission requirements, deadlines, policies and procedures established by their respective academic departments.
If the NCC placement examination indicates a need for remediation in English, mathematics, or reading, remediation must be completed before entering AHS career programs.
AHS career program students must meet the technical standards of their respective programs, be of good moral character, and may be subject to criminal background checks and random drug screening.
AHS career program students must comply with all health requirements of the NCC Department of Student Health Services, the respective AHS career program, and the program’s clinical affiliates including those related to training in, and adherence to, Bloodborne Universal Precautions, The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) and New York State vaccination requirements.
AHS career program students are subject to all administrative, academic, cognitive, technical, behavioral, and professional appearance and dress code standards and requirements published by their respective programs. These include adherence to professional standards of appearance, conduct and behavior in all classroom, laboratory and clinical settings. In accord with the established procedures of their respective program, AHS career program students are subject to disciplinary action or program dismissal for violations of these requirements.
Unless a higher minimum grade is established by an individual AHS career program, a minimum grade of "C" is required in all AHS courses to qualify for programmatic advancement
AHS career program students are required to supply their own transportation to clinical settings.
AHS career program students may be subject to additional fees associated with required: background and/or drug testing; access to clinical record documentation systems; access to credential and/or licensure examination review and self-assessment programs; site-imposed fees associated with attendance at clinical affiliates and/or additional medical exams/clearances needed to satisfy clinical site requirements.
AHS career program students must supply their own required uniforms and any required accessories and equipment.
No courses in the Department of Allied Health Sciences may be audited with the exception of AHS 131- AHS 132 if approved by the Chairperson.

The following curricula are offered by this Department:

Medical Laboratory Technician (A.A.S.)—The Medical Laboratory Technician program is a two-year (plus two summer sessions) course of study leading to an Associate in Applied Science degree. The program provides educational course requirements and clinical training for a career as a medical laboratory technician. Students learn the theory and principles of routine laboratory procedures and their role in detection, diagnosis and treatment of disease. They perform tests using contemporary, automated and computerized instrumentation in all sections of the laboratory. The curriculum includes courses in liberal arts and the basic sciences as well as specialized course offerings in the major areas of clinical laboratory science. Students complete a clinical internship in the fourth semester and final summer session at one of several affiliated hospital laboratories. Students who wish to pursue Bachelor Degree programs may do so but should seek advisement. To be eligible for admission to the Medical Laboratory Technician Program, candidates must meet academic requirements, be legally eligible for employment and licensure in the United States at the time of application, and be of "good moral character" as defined by the New York State Department of Health applicable to the profession of Medical Laboratory Technology. Students are admitted in the fall only and must be available for full-time study in the last spring and summer semesters.

The program is accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Science (NAACLS), 5600 N. River Road, Suite 720, Rosemont IL, 60018, 773.714.8880. Graduating students are eligible to take all examinations offered for certification and licensure.

Physical Therapist Assistant (A.A.S.)—The Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) is a member of the health care team who provides Physical Therapy under the direction and supervision of a Physical Therapist. The PTA uses a variety of physical therapy interventions to provide treatments to improve the human experience across the lifespan. Interventions may include therapeutic exercises, functional training, manual therapy, and pain relieving modalities. PTA’s can work in a variety of settings including sports medicine facilities, outpatient clinics, schools, rehabilitation centers, nursing homes, hospitals, home care, athletic teams and health service agencies.

Upon successful completion, the student will receive the Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S) degree, and will be eligible to take the national licensing exam which will lead to certification by the State of New York as a Physical Therapist Assistant. When applying for certification as a PTA, the graduate will be required to show evidence of his or her current name and any previous names used, any criminal records and citizenship or legal status in the United States.

The program is affiliated with more than eighty clinical education sites in Nassau and Suffolk, the five boroughs, and upstate New York. The campus has two laboratories fully equipped with machinery and accessories found in a variety of physical therapy settings.

The PTA courses are offered during the day only. Students are admitted in the fall only and must be available for full-time study in the last semester. The P.T.A. Program has been designed as a career program leading to employment at the end of two years of study. However, after completing additional credits and a bachelor’s degree, students will be eligible to apply for competitive transfer into a doctoral level physical therapy program.

The program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE) of the American Physical Therapy Association (APTA), 1111 North Fairfax Street, Alexandria, Virginia 22314; telephone: 703.706.3245; email: accreditation@apta.org; website: www.capteonline.org.

Radiation Therapy Technology (A.A.S.)—Radiologic Tech: Radiation Therapy Technology (A.A.S.) - The Radiation Therapy program is a two-year (four semesters and three summer sessions) program leading to the Associate in Applied Science degree. Radiation Therapy courses are only offered during the day and students are admitted to the program during the Fall semester only. Graduates are eligible to take the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists examination to become Registered Radiation Therapists and obtain New York State Licensure. Radiation Therapists primarily treat cancer patients by applying ionizing radiation according to a radiation oncologist's prescription, using a variety of complex treatment techniques and equipment. The Radiation Therapy program combines technical and liberal arts courses given at Nassau Community College with off campus clinical education at various affiliated hospitals and free-standing cancer centers. Students will rotate to different clinical settings ranging throughout Manhattan, Queens, Nassau and Suffolk Counties. The program maintains a fully functional VERT lab (virtual simulation), a state-of-the-art reality training system in radiation therapy, and a physics lab for treatment planning.

An additional $50 per student OSHA training fee for each clinical rotation may apply. The Test for Essential Academic Skills (TEAS) is required for all applicants.

To be eligible for admission to the Radiation Therapy Program, candidates must meet academic requirements and be 18 years of age by the start of the first day of the first semester. Students must be legally eligible for employment and licensure in the United States at the time of application and be of "good moral character" as defined by the New York State Department of Health, applicable to the profession of Radiation Therapy. An interview is required. Background checks and physicals, including drug testing, are required upon acceptance and is at the cost of the student. Acceptance into the Radiation Therapy program is conditional, based upon the outcome of your background check and drug testing.

This program is accredited by the New York Department of Health and the Joint Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology, www.jrcert.org, 20 N. Wacker Drive, Suite 2850, Chicago, Illinois 60606. All students are expected to follow the policies as set forth in the college catalog and in the Radiation Therapy Student handbook.

Radiologic Technology (A.A.S.)—The Radiologic Technology program is a two-year (i.e., four semesters and three summer sessions) program leading to the Associate in Applied Science degree. This is a day only program starting each Fall semester. The curriculum combines liberal arts studies and technical courses with clinical education at affiliated hospitals in Nassau and Suffolk counties. The Radiologic Technology student is trained to work under the supervision of a physician in the diagnostic applications of x-rays. Responsibilities of the Radiologic Technologist include; positioning of patients, handling of complex equipment, and utilizing radiation protection devices. In addition to these technical skills, the technologist's duties require him/her to attend to the physical and emotional needs of patients who are often acutely ill or seriously injured. The program is accredited under the Nassau Community College accreditation granted by The Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools, and by the New York State Department of Health. Graduates are eligible to take the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists examination to become a Registered Radiologic Technologist and to obtain New York State Licensure. Opportunities for professional advancement and continuing education at the B.S. degree level are available.

The program maintains two fully functional radiologic suites. These radiology rooms are designs to give the radiology student a comprehensive training in all aspects of radiology imaging. Both radiology suites are equipped with the latest imaging modalities; DR imaging, CR imaging, and film imaging.

To be eligible for admission to the Radiologic Technology Program, candidates must meet academic requirements, must be legally eligible for employment and licensure in the United States at the time of application, and must be of "good moral character" as defined by the New York State Department of Health applicable to the profession of Radiologic Technology.

Respiratory Care (A.A.S.)—Respiratory Care is an allied health specialty concerned with the performance of diagnostic cardiopulmonary evaluation and respiratory therapy treatment applied to patients with deficiency and abnormalities of the cardiopulmonary system. It includes related education of the patient, family, and public. Cardiopulmonary evaluation includes the acquisition, analysis and interpretation of data obtained from physiologic specimens, performance of diagnostic tests, studies and research of the cardiopulmonary system, as well as neurophysiologic studies related to respiratory care. Specific testing techniques are employed in respiratory care to assist in diagnosis, monitoring treatment and research. This is understood to include measurement of ventilatory volumes, pressures, flows, blood gas analysis and other related physiologic monitoring. Respiratory therapy techniques include the application and monitoring of medical gases and related administration apparatus, environmental control systems, humidification systems, aerosols, inhaled medications, ventilatory support, bronchopulmonary drainage, pulmonary rehabilitation, cardiopulmonary resuscitation and airway management.

The Respiratory Care program is designed to train the student for a career as a respiratory therapist. It is a two-year course of study leading to the Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree. In addition, graduates are eligible for nationally recognize certification and registration through the National Board for Respiratory Care, and for licensure by the New York State Education Department. To be eligible for admission to the Respiratory Care Program candidates must meet academic requirements, must be legally eligible for employment and licensure in the United States at the time of application, and must be of "good moral character" as defined in the New York State Education Law as applicable to the profession of the Respiratory Care, and must pass a criminal background check.

The Respiratory Care curriculum is a balance of courses in the liberal arts and basic sciences as well as more specialized technical and clinical courses. Clinical, laboratory, and classroom training is structured to provide a comprehensive understanding of modern respiratory care techniques. Graduates are trained in diagnostic and therapeutic techniques for adult, pediatric and neonatal patients, and upon graduation are prepared to work in all areas of the field including intensive-critical-emergency care, general respiratory care, and rehabilitation and home care for cardiopulmonary patients. This program is nationally accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care.

Surgical Technology (A.A.S.)—The Surgical Technology student is prepared to assume the role of surgical technologist in any surgical setting. In this program, the student is prepared to function in the areas of scrub, circulating assistant, and second assistant during surgical and obstetrical procedures. The graduate surgical technologist may elect to specialize in a particular area of surgery such as open heart, neuro, eye, orthopedics, and many others. Graduates are also employed in interventional suites, delivery rooms, ambulatory surgery centers, central supply units, organ retrieval/transplant teams, and surgical equipment sales. This two-year program leads to an Associate in Applied Science Degree and is accredited by the Committee on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) upon recommendation from the Accreditation Review Council on Education in Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (ARC/STSA).

CAAHEP contact information:
Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs
9355 - 113th St. N, #7709
Seminole, FL 33775
Phone: 727.210.2350
Fax: 727.210.2354
www.caahep.org

ARC/STSA contact information:
Accrediting Review Council on Education in Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting
19751 Mainstreet, Suite 339
Parker, CO 80138
Phone: 303.694.9262
Fax: 303.741.3655
info@arcstsa.org

The Surgical Technology courses are offered during the day only and students are admitted only in the Fall semester.
A minimum grade of "C" is required in all AHS courses to qualify for programmatic advancement.
Graduates are required to take the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) National Certifying Examination for Certified Surgical Technologists (CST).
All candidates must be legally eligible for employment and certification in the United States at the time of application.
You must be of good moral character as defined in the New York State Education Law as applicable to the profession of Surgical Technology.
Background checks and random drug testing are required upon acceptance.
Acceptance into the Surgical Technology program is conditional, based upon the outcome of your background check and random drug testing.
Meeting all these requirements does not guarantee an interview or acceptance.
Accepted students must be able to complete the minimum 120 clinical case requirement in the “first scrub” and “second scrub” roles.
Accepted students are expected to follow the policies as set forth in the college catalog and in the Surgical Technology Student Handbook.

The Surgical Technology Program Student Handbook is available for review for current and potential students. Call 516.572.9640 ext. 26568 for details. The CST is widely recognized in the health care community as the foremost credential for surgical technologists in the nation and required for employment in NYS. Beginning in 2013, the program has annually received the National Merit Award from the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting (NBSTSA) for achieving a 90% or higher graduate pass rate on the Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) examination.

Surgical Technology Program Learning Outcomes:

Program will prepare competent entry-level professionals in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains.
Students will perform at an acceptable level meeting stated academic, clinical and professional criteria.
Students will have the ability to provide a safe patient environment by being proficient in:
- OR Environment
- Aseptic Technique
- Chemical Agents
- Sterilization
- Operation of Equipment
- Instrumentation
- Transport of Patient
- Positioning
- Skin Preparation
- Drainage Tubes and Devices
- Surgical Procedures
- Drugs and Calculations
All students will register for, take and pass the NBSTSA National Certification Exam.
Graduates will be qualified competent entry level CST personnel.

Program Effectiveness Trends Data:

Five-Year Average Program Completion Rate: 85%
Five-Year Average Job Placement Rate: 97%
Five-Year Average Employer Satisfaction Rate: 100%
Five-Year Average Graduate Satisfaction Rate: 99%
The Current Pass Rate for the Class of 2023, CST Exam: 98%