Interdisciplinary Studies (AF53)  Degree


Program Description:

As the number of specialized jobs increase, the option to specifically tailor course work to a student's academic and career goals becomes increasingly important. The Associate of Applied Science degree in Interdisciplinary Studies (Healthcare) provides an educational foundation of roles that span multiple disciplines in the healthcare environment. These fields may include health information technology, nursing, surgical technology and radiology.

The Associate of Applied Science degree in Interdisciplinary Studies program at Albany Technical College is designed to prepare students for employment in a variety of positions in today's healthcare field. This program offers students learning opportunities that develop higher level academic skills required for job acquisition, retention, and advancement.

The program of study includes a set of core courses that builds on interdisciplinary in the study of health and provides a basic knowledge of health-related issues. The degree program also includes a clinical track & a non clinical track (students must complete at least one clinical and one non clinical track for graduation requirements), that emphasize some of the frequent skills healthcare provide utilize daily:

By increasing the amount of General Studies course students take, students will gain more communication skills, thinking and problem solving skills, core technology skills and interpersonal skills. Gaining these skills makes these students much more likely to be qualified for promotions, management opportunities, and even business ownership.

Entrance date: Varies

Core courses: Each semester

Occupationally specific courses: Varies

Program admission requirements:

Minimum Test Scores

ACCUPLACER – Sentence Skills 70 COMPASS – Writing 62
Reading Comp. 64 Reading 79
Elem. Algebra 57 Algebra 37

High School diploma or equivalent required for graduation.

Applicant must be at least 15 years of age. *

Some practicums may require 17 years of age.

Credits required for graduation: 60-65

Beginning Spring 2022 (January 2022), ALL FIRST TIME college students will be required to take the College Success (COLL 1020) course.

Curriculum Outline (62 hours)
General Education Core Courses 21 credits 21
Area I - Language Arts/Communications 6
ENGL 1101

Explores the analysis of literature and articles about issues in the humanities and in society. Students practice various modes of writing, ranging from exposition to argumentation and persuasion. The course includes a review of standard grammatical and stylistic usage in proofreading and editing. An introduction to library resources lays the foundation for research. Topics include writing analysis and practice, revision, and research. Students write a research paper using library resources and using a formatting and documentation style appropriate to the purpose and audience.

3
Select one of the following courses 3
ENGL 1102
Prerequisite: ENGL 1101

Emphasizes the student's ability to read literature analytically and meaningfully and to communicate clearly. Students analyze the form and content of literature in historical and philosophical contexts. Topics include reading and analysis of fiction, poetry, and drama; research; and writing about literature.

3
ENGL 1105
Prerequisite: ENGL 1101

Emphasizes practical knowledge of technical communications techniques, procedures, and reporting formats used in industry and business. Topics include reference use and research, device and process description, formal technical report writing, business correspondence, and technical report presentation.

3
SPCH 1101

Introduces the student to the fundamentals of oral communication. Topics include selection and organization of materials, preparation and delivery of individual and group presentations, analysis of ideas presented by others, and professionalism.

3
Area II - Social/Behavioral Sciences-Chose Two of the following (6 Hours) 6
ECON 1101

Provides a description and analysis of economic operations in contemporary society. Emphasis is placed on developing an understanding of economic concepts and policies as they apply to everyday life. Topics include basic economic principles; economic forces and indicators; capital and labor; price, competition, and monopoly; money and banking; government expenditures, federal and local; fluctuations in production, employment, and income; and United States economy in perspective

3
ECON 2105

Provides a description and analysis of macroeconomic principles and policies. Topics include basic economic principles, macroeconomic concepts, equilibrium in the goods and money markets, macroeconomic equilibrium and the impact of fiscal and monetary policies.

3
ECON 2106

Provides an analysis of the ways in which consumers and business firms interact in a market economy. Topics include basic economic principles, consumer choice, behavior of profit maximizing firms, modeling of perfect competition, monopoly, oligopoly and monopolistic competition.

3
PSYC 1101

Introduces the major fields of contemporary psychology. Emphasis is on fundamental principles of psychology as a science. Topics include research design, the organization and operation of the nervous system, sensation and perception, learning and memory, motivation and emotion, thinking and intelligence, lifespan development, personality, psychopathology and interventions, stress and health, and social psychology.

3
SOCI 1101

Explores the sociological analysis of society, its culture, and structure. Sociology is presented as a science with emphasis placed on its methodology and theoretical foundations. Topics include basic sociological concepts, socialization, social interaction and culture, social groups and institutions, deviance and social control, social stratification, social change, and marriage and family.

3
HIST 1111

Emphasizes the study of intellectual, cultural, scientific, political, and social contributions of the civilizations of the world and the evolution of these civilizations during the period from the prehistoric era to early modern times. Topics include the Prehistoric Era the Ancient Near East, Ancient India, Ancient China, Ancient Rome, Ancient Africa, Islam, the Americas, Japan, Ancient Greece, the Middle Ages, and the Renaissance.

3
POLS 1101

Emphasizes study of government and politics in the United States. The focus of the course will provide an overview of the Constitutional foundations of the American political processes with a focus on government institutions and political procedures. The course will examine the constitutional framework, federalism, civil liberties and civil rights, public opinion, the media, interest groups, political parties, and the election process along with the three branches of government. In addition, this course will examine the processes of Georgia state government. Topics include foundations of government, political behavior, and governing institutions.

3
Area III - Natural Sciences/Mathematics 6
MATH 1113
Prerequisite: MATH 1111

Prepares students for calculus. The topics discussed include an intensive study of polynomial, rational, exponential, logarithmic, and trigonometric functions and their graphs. Applications include simple maximum and minimum problems, exponential growth and decay.

3
Select one of the following courses 3
MATH 1111

Emphasizes techniques of problem solving using algebraic concepts. Topics include fundamental concepts of algebra, equations and inequalities, functions and graphs, and systems of equations; optional topics include sequences, series, and probability or analytic geometry.

3
MATH 1101

Emphasizes functions using real-world applications as models. Topics include fundamental concepts of algebra; functions and graphs; linear, quadratic, polynomial, exponential, and logarithmic functions and models; systems of equations; and optional topics in algebra.

3
Area IV - Humanities/Fine Arts 3
ENGL 2130
Prerequisite: ENGL 1101

Emphasizes American literature as a reflection of culture and ideas. A survey of important works in American literature. Includes a variety of literary genres: short stories, poetry, drama, nonfiction, and novels. Topics include literature and culture, essential themes and ideas, literature and history, and research skills.

3
HUMN 1101
Prerequisite: ENGL 1101

Explores the philosophic and artistic heritage of humanity expressed through a historical perspective on visual arts, music, and literature. The humanities provide insight into people and society. Topics include historical and cultural developments, contributions of the humanities, and research.

3
ARTS 1101
Prerequisite: ENGL 1101

Explores the visual arts and the relationship to human needs and aspirations. Students investigate the value of art, themes in art, the elements and principles of composition, and the materials and processes used for artistic expression. Well-known works of visual art are explored. The course encourages student interest in the visual arts beyond the classroom.

3
MUSC 1101
Prerequisite: ENGL 1101

Explores the formal elements of musical composition, musical form and style, and the relationship of music to historical periods. The course includes listening and analysis of well known works of music. This course encourages student interest in musical arts beyond the classroom.

3
Occupational Courses 16-17 credits 16
COMP 1000

Introduces the fundamental concepts, terminology, and operations necessary to use computers. Emphasis is placed on basic functions and familiarity with computer use. Topics include an introduction to computer terminology, the Windows environment, Internet and email, word processing software, spreadsheet software, database software, and presentation software.

3
BIOL 2113
Corequisite: BIOL 2113L

Introduces the anatomy and physiology of the human body. Emphasis is placed on the development of a systemic perspective of anatomical structures and physiological processes. Topics include body organization, cell structure and functions, tissue classifications, integumentary system, skeletal system, muscular system, and nervous and sensory systems.

3
BIOL 2113L
Corequisites: BIOL 2113, ENGL 1101, BIOL 2117, BIOL 2117L

Selected laboratory exercises paralleling the topics in BIOL 2113. The laboratory exercises for this course include body organization, cell structure and functions, tissue classifications, integumentary system, skeletal system, muscular system, and nervous sensory systems. Please Note: Transferability of online lab courses to your prospective institution may vary. We recommend verifying with your institution's admissions or academic department whether they accept online lab courses for credit

1
BIOL 2114
Prerequisites: BIOL 2113, BIOL 2113L, BIOL 2117, BIOL 2117L Corequisite: BIOL 2114L

Continues the study of the anatomy and physiology of the human body. Topics include the endocrine system, cardiovascular system, blood and lymphatic system, immune system, respiratory system, digestive system, urinary system,and reproductive system.

3
BIOL 2114L
Prerequisites: BIOL 2113, BIOL 2113L, BIOL 2117, BIOL 2117L Corequisite: BIOL 2114

Selected laboratory exercises paralleling the topics in BIOL 2114. The laboratory exercises for this course include the endocrine system, cardiovascular system, blood and lymphatic system, immune system, respiratory system, digestive system, urinary system, and reproductive system. Please Note: Transferability of online lab courses to your prospective institution may vary. We recommend verifying with your institution's admissions or academic department whether they accept online lab courses for credit

1
ALHS 1090

Introduces the elements of medical terminology. Emphasis is placed on building familiarity with medical words through knowledge of roots, prefixes, and suffixes. Topics include: origins (roots, prefixes, and suffixes), word building, abbreviations and symbols, and terminology related to the human anatomy.

2
Select either BIOL 2117 & BIOL 2117L or ALHS 1040 3
BIOL 2117
Corequisites: BIOL 2117L, BIOL 2113, BIOL 2113L

Provides students with a foundation in basic microbiology with emphasis on infectious diseases. Topics include microbial diversity, microbial cell biology, microbial genetics, interactions and impact of microorganisms and humans, microorganisms and human disease.

3
BIOL 2117L
Corequisites: BIOL 2117, BIOL 2113, BIOL 2113L

Selected laboratory exercises paralleling the topics in BIOL 2117. The laboratory exercises for this course include microbial diversity, microbial cell biology, microbial genetics, interactions and impact of microorganisms and humans, microorganisms and human disease. Please Note: Transferability of online lab courses to your prospective institution may vary. We recommend verifying with your institution's admissions or academic department whether they accept online lab courses for credit

1
ALHS 1040

Introduces a grouping of fundamental principles, practices, and issues common in the health care profession. In addition to the essential skills, students explore various delivery systems and related issues. Topics include: basic life support/CPR, basic emergency care/first aid and triage, vital signs, infection control/blood and air-borne pathogens.

3
Specializations-Students must complete one non-clinical track specialization & one clinical track specialization 25 credits 25
Non-Clinical Track-Student must complete one of the following non-clinical tracks:
HFA1- Healthcare Office Assistant Specialization (17 hours) 17
BUSN 1440
Prerequisite: COMP 1000

Reinforces the touch system of keyboarding placing emphasis on correct techniques with adequate speed and accuracy and producing properly formatted business documents. Topics include: reinforcing correct keyboarding technique, building speed and accuracy, formatting business documents, language arts, proofreading, and work area management.The ability to key 25 gross words a minute on 3-minute timings with no more than 3 errors as a pre-requisite.

4
BUSN 1015

This course is designed to increase efficiency and streamline administrative procedures for healthcare insurance billing and reimbursement. Topics include documentation in the medical record, types of insurance, Medicare compliance policies related to documentation and confidentiality, and HIPPA and other compliance regulations.

3
BUSN 2340
Prerequisites: ALHS 1090, ALHS 1011, COMP 1000, ENGL 1010 Corequisite: BUSN 1440

Emphasizes essential skills required for the business healthcare office. Introduces the knowledge, skills, and procedures needed to understand billing purposes. Introduces the basic concept of business healthcare administrative assisting and its relationship to the other health fields. Emphasizes healthcare regulations and ethics; and, the healthcare administrative assistant's role as an agent of the physician. Provides the student with knowledge and the essentials of professional behavior. Topics include: introduction to business healthcare procedures, healthcare regulations ethics, healthcare records management, scheduling appointments, health insurance, billing/collection, work area management, resource utilization, and office equipment..

4
BUSN 2350
Prerequisites: ALHS 1011, ALHS 1090, COMP 1000

This course provides a study of the content, code sets, storage, retrieval, control, flow, retention, maintenance of electronic health records, and computerized office management. Topics include: electronic healthcare information management, electronic data interchange, coding standards, health record and office management software, point of entry data entry, electronic coding from health records, speed data entry in processing healthcare records, analysis of records to improve patient care, confidentiality, release of information, security of electronic healthcare record, communication, technology, insurance payment, managed care, posting to accounts, appointment schedules, practice management, report generation, customizing medical documents, claims management, collections management, and HIPAA security.

3
MAST 1120
Prerequisites: ALHS 1011, ALHS 1090, BIOL 2113, BIOL 2113L, BIOL 2114, BIOL 2114L

Provides fundamental information concerning common diseases and disorders of each body system. For each system, the disease or disorder is highlighted including: description, etiology, signs and symptoms, diagnostic procedures, treatment, management, prognosis, and prevention. Topics include: introduction to disease and diseases of body systems.

3
PB71-Pharmacy Technology Specialization (22 hours) 22
PHAR 1000
Prerequisites: MATH 1111, MATH 1012

This course develops knowledge and skills in pharmaceutical calculations procedures. Topics include: systems of measurement, medication dispensing calculations, pharmacy mathematical procedures, and calculation tools and techniques.

4
PHAR 1010

Provides an overview of the pharmacy technology field and develops the fundamental concepts and principles necessary for successful participation in the pharmacy field. Topics include: safety, orientation to the pharmacy technology field, Fundamental principles of chemistry, basic laws of chemistry, ethics and laws, definitions and terms, and reference sources.

5
PHAR 1020
Prerequisites: PHAR 1000, PHAR 1010, PHAR 1040

This course introduces the student to principles of receiving, storing, and dispensing medications. Topics include: purchasing, packaging, and labeling drugs; pharmacy policies and procedures; documentation; inventory and filing systems; compounding; storage and control; pharmacy equipment; and health care organizational structure. This course provides laboratory and clinical practice.

4
PHAR 1040

The course introduces the students to principles and knowledge about all classifications of medication. Topics include: disease states and treatment modalities, pharmaceutical side effects and drug interactions, control substances, specific drugs, and drug addiction and abuse.

4
PHAR 1050
Prerequisites: PHAR 1020, PHAR 1030

Orients students to the clinical environment and provides experiences with the basic skills necessary for the pharmacy technician. Topics include: storage and control, documentation, inventory and billing, community practice, institutional practice, and communication,

5
Clinical Track-Student must complete one of the following clinical tracks:
NAA1-Nurse Aide Accelerated Specialization (7 hours) 7
NAST 2100

Introduces student to the role and responsibilities of the Nurse Aide. Emphasis is placed on understanding and developing critical thinking skills, as well as demonstrating knowledge of the location and function of human body systems and common disease processes; responding to and reporting changes in a residents /patients condition, nutrition, vital signs; nutrition and diet therapy; disease processes; vital signs; observing, reporting and documenting changes in a residents condition; emergency concerns; ethics and legal issues and governmental agencies that influence the care of the elderly in long term care settings; mental health and psychosocial well-being of the elderly; use and care of mechanical devices and equipment; communication and interpersonal skills and skills competency based on federal guidelines. Specific topics include: roles and responsibilities of the Nurse Aide; communication and interpersonal skills; topography, structure, and function of the body systems; injury.

7
PT71-Phlebotomy Specialization (9 hours) 8
PHLT 1030
Prerequisite: ALHS 1040

Provides an introduction to blood collecting techniques and processing specimens. Emphasis is placed on the knowledge and skills needed to collect all types of blood samples from hospitalized patients. Topics include: venipuncture procedure, safety and quality assurance; isolation techniques, venipuncture problems, and definitions; lab test profiles and patient care areas; other specimen collections and specimen processing; test combinations, skin punctures and POCT; professional ethics and malpractice; and certification and licensure.

3
PHLT 1050
Pre/Corequisite: PHLT 1030

Provides work experiences in a clinical setting. Emphasis is placed on enhancing skills in venipuncture techniques. Topics include: introduction to clinical policies and procedures and work ethics; routine collections: adult, pediatric, and newborn; and special procedures.

5
CSB1-Central Sterile Supply Specialization (7 hours) 7
CSSP 1010

This course provides an overview of the Central Sterile Processing and Distribution profession and develops the fundamental concepts and principles necessary to successfully participate as an entry level Central Sterile Processing Technician. Emphasis will be placed on the profession of Central Sterile Processing, basic sciences and related subjects, infection control, aseptic technique, equipment management, sterilization, instrumentation and supplies, legal issues, inventory management, safety, quality assurance, professional development and healthcare trends. Students completing this course will be eligible to apply to take the International Association of Healthcare Central Service Materiel Management (IAHCSMM) certification exam.

5
EMPL 1000

Emphasizes human relations and professional development in today's rapidly changing world that prepares students for living and working in a complex society. Topics include human relations skills, job acquisition skills and communication, job retention skills, job advancement skills, and professional image skills.

2
ET81-Electrocardiography Technology Specialization (10 credits) 10
ECGT 1030
Prerequisites: ENGL 1010, MATH 1111, PSYC 1010 Corequisites: ALHS 1011, ALHS 1090, ECGT 1050

Provides an introduction to electrocardiography techniques and record keeping. Emphasis is placed on the knowledge and skills needed to perform ECG on all types of patients. Topics include: infection control techniques, basic life support, legalities and ethics, basic cardiovascular anatomy and physiology, ECG techniques and recognition, ECG lead placement, technical aspects of the ECG, ECG rhythm strip interpretation, advanced ECG techniques and a Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI) exam review.

5
ECGT 1050
Prerequisites: ENGL 1010, MATH 1012, PSYC 1010 Corequisites: ALHS 1011, ALHS 1090, ECGT 1030

Provides an introduction to clinical practice in the setting of hospitals, clinics, and medical offices. Students must demonstrate regard for the dignity, rights, and privacy of each patient. They must also abide by the policies and procedures of each clinical setting. Students will be able to learn by doing electrocardiography techniques and record keeping. Emphasis is placed on the application of knowledge and skills gained in the classroom. Students will have the opportunity to display their ability to interact appropriately with patients, family members, and other members of the healthcare team. Students may be required to perform Basic Life Support. Topics include: application of classroom knowledge and skills and functioning in the work environment.

5
Up one level
Programs of Study