Student Handbook

The purpose of the student handbook is to provide students with essential information about our policies, procedures, and resources. It serves as a guide for students to understand their rights and responsibilities, and maintain a safe and respectful learning environment. Additionally, it helps establish accountability and transparency in our operations.

The Student Handbook is provided to ensure the students understand this information up front. Once enrolled, the policies and procedures outlined here will be what governs our working relationship. AHDPG reserves the right to make updates to the Student Handbook as needed and will post the most current handbook here for students’ future use.

Company
Information Policies and
Procedures Program
Information

Program Start Dates

Healthcare Documentation Specialist Programs	Medical Billing and Coding Programs	Medical Scribe Programs Wednesday	Call Center, Medical Assisting, and Technician Programs
Monday	Tuesday @ 3 PM ET	Wednesday @ 11 AM	Rolling
1/1/2024	1/9/2024	1/3/2024	Rolling
1/15/2024	1/23/2024	1/17/2024	Rolling
1/29/2024	2/6/2024	1/31/2024	Rolling
2/12/2024	2/20/2024	2/14/2024	Rolling
2/26/2024	3/5/2024	2/28/2024	Rolling
3/11/2024	3/19/2024	3/13/2024	Rolling
3/25/2024	4/2/2024	3/27/2024	Rolling
4/8/2024	4/16/2024	4/10/2024	Rolling
4/22/2024	4/30/2024	4/24/2024	Rolling
5/6/2024	5/14/2024	5/8/2024	Rolling
5/20/2024	5/28/2024	5/22/2024	Rolling
6/3/2024	6/11/2024	6/5/2024	Rolling
6/17/2024	6/25/2024	6/19/2024	Rolling
7/1/2024	7/9/2024	7/3/2024	Rolling
7/15/2024	7/23/2024	7/17/2024	Rolling
7/29/2024	8/6/2024	7/31/2024	Rolling
8/12/2024	8/20/2024	8/14/2024	Rolling
8/26/2024	9/3/2024	8/28/2024	Rolling
9/9/2024	9/17/2024	9/11/2024	Rolling
9/23/2024	10/1/2024	9/25/2024	Rolling
10/7/2024	10/15/2024	10/9/2024	Rolling
10/21/2024	10/29/2024	10/23/2024	Rolling
11/4/2024	11/12/2024	11/6/2024	Rolling
11/18/2024	11/26/2024	11/20/2024	Rolling
12/2/2024	12/10/2024	12/4/2024	Rolling
12/16/2024	12/24/2024	12/18/2024	Rolling
12/30/2024	1/7/2025	1/1/2025	Rolling

*Special group and one-on-one orientations are available upon request.

The schedule is subject to change. Please contact Admissions for more details.

School Operations

School Operations

We offer continuous enrollment for all of our programs rather than traditional semesters or terms. AHDPG offices are open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Eastern. Instructors’ office hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. local time; however, any variations will be posted in course syllabi. As all programs are offered online, students have 24/7 access to their courses using the online learning management system.

Observed Holidays

Observed Holidays (Offices Closed)

Equal Opportunity

Equal Opportunity

Our goal is to recruit, hire, and maintain a diverse workforce. Equal employment opportunity is not only good business, it’s the law and applies to all areas of employment including recruitment, selection, hiring, training, transfer, promotion, termination, compensation, and benefits.

AHDPG is an equal-opportunity employer. AHDPG does not discriminate in its employment or enrollment decisions on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, disability, or on any other basis that would be in violation of any applicable federal, state, or local law.

Family Education Rights and Privacy Act

Family Education Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)
Keeping your record correct and up to date is important to you because it can help in reaching you in an emergency, forwarding mail, and computing grades. In the course of an application for enrollment, AHDPG compiles a number of important records including:

Students may inspect and review their educational records upon request. A written request to review records should be submitted to the student’s instructor, identifying as precisely as possible the information wished to be inspected. If errors or inaccuracies are found on review, a student may submit a written request to have information amended. If a resolution is not reached, the student may request a hearing with Mr. Peter Reilly, President, and CEO, [email protected].

AHDPG will not release any personal information about students to outside individuals or agencies without prior written permission of the student, excluding information required to be provided under State or Federal laws, or auditors or researchers. Certain information is not considered to violate the rights of privacy. Therefore, AHDPG is permitted to routinely release this information unless asked, in writing, by a student not to do so. Many employers may contact AHDPG and seek information before extending an offer of employment to a recent graduate.

Advising

Advising

AHDPG will personally advise students in regard to academics and attendance, providing suggestions for the successful completion of the program. Documentation of the advising will be retained in the student’s file.

Cancellation Policy (GA Students)

Cancellation Policy (GA Students)

All Tuition and Fees paid, excluding nonrefundable fees outlined above, will be refunded should a student request cancellation in writing (via email) within 72 hours of signing this Enrollment Agreement, assuming the student has not accessed the training program.

Curriculum Revision/Class Delay or Cancellation Policy

Curriculum Revision/Class Delay or Cancellation

AHDPG reviews the curriculum continually in order to provide the best educational experience possible. AHDPG reserves the right to revise the curriculum or class semester at its discretion.

Job Placement

Job Placement

AHDPG does not offer job placement assistance or guarantees; however, students who receive a Certificate of Completion are provided information regarding our Employer Affiliates, employers who will accept applications from AHDPG graduates without prerequisite work experience. Applicants must meet each organization’s application criteria, and positions are dependent on each company’s hiring needs.

Online and Digital Tools and Communication

Online and Digital Tools and Communication

Instructure Learning Management System (LMS)

The curriculums associated with the training programs delivered by AHDPG are housed in a learning management system called Instructure. The Instructure system is a web-based system that allows AHDPG’s Instructors administrative access to create, update, and administer each program. In addition, student access the Instructure system via the Internet to complete their work and assignments and receive feedback from their Instructors. Core features of the Instructure Learning Platform™ include:

A robust virtual learning environment with course management, a gradebook, and a complete set of administrative tools.
Integrated communication tools for email, instant messaging, video conferencing, discussion boards, and voice communication. The system is fully integrated with Google™ Gmail, as well as Microsoft-based email and Office Apps.
Full mobile interface that delivers courses to students via any mobile device and allows students to view multimedia resources, take tests, and deliver assignments from anywhere.

Zoom/Google Meets
AHDPG leverages Zoom/Google Meets for a variety of purposes including meetings with healthcare organizations and individual students, new program orientations, one-on-one student interactions, technical support sessions, and internal team meetings.

Communication Methods
Students and instructors may communicate by telephone, e-mail, Instructure integrated messaging system, or Zoom/Google Meets.

The Valor Act

The Valor Act

Where a student is unable to complete an academic course because that student is called to, or enlists in active duty, schools must allow that student the option of: 1) completing the course at a later date without penalty; or 2) withdrawing from the course with a full refund of fees and tuition paid.

Transcripts

Transcripts

Transcripts will be provided upon request of the student. A transcript from AHDPG includes:

Student Name (as it appeared on Certificate of Completion)
Program Completed
Program Enrollment Dates
Program Curriculum Summary
Enrollment Status (Completed, Incomplete/Withdrawn)
Certificate Received (Yes/No)
Percentage or Letter Grade Received

Transcript requests will only be accepted via the official Transcript Request Form and payment of the $15 transcript fee. Only one (1) transcript copy is provided per payment.

Transcripts will be generated within 72 business hours of the request and will be delivered as indicated on the request form. Transcripts may be requested in electronic (PDF) form to be sent via e-mail, or as a hard copy sent via mail, and may be sent directly to the student or to the school/employer, as indicated on the request form. It is the responsibility of the student to provide complete and accurate information and to verify which method of delivery will be accepted by a third-party recipient.

Transfer Credit

Transfer Credit

Although authorized, AHDPG is not accredited by a U.S.-based accrediting association recognized by the United States Secretary of Education; therefore, students are not eligible for Federal Student Aid. Additionally, as is the case with all postsecondary institutions, both accredited and unaccredited, there is no guarantee that academic credit will transfer to another institution.

Policies and Procedures

Academic Integrity

Academic Integrity Policy

Academic integrity is expected of all AHDPG students. Mutual trust between faculty and students is an integral component of online learning. Students are expected to do their own work. Plagiarism and cheating are unacceptable. Dishonest behavior will be handled in a fair but firm manner, including potential expulsion from the program. Students should at all times conduct themselves as professionals, whether in their coursework, in discussion forums, or in any other interactions within the program.

Violation of the Academic Integrity Policy is grounds for expulsion. Students expelled from the program are not eligible for re-enrollment.

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)

Reasonable Accommodations For Students With Disabilities Policy

AHDPG is committed to the principle that every individual should have an equal opportunity to enroll in our program, excel at their coursework, and graduate from the program with a high level of competency in their chosen field. AHDPG seeks to assure access by providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with physical, mental, or learning disabilities recognized under the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA). Reasonable accommodation is the provision of aids, or modification to testing, services or a program of study, that allows access by individuals with disabilities.

The ADA defines a disability as “any medical or physical condition that substantially limits an individual’s ability to perform one or more major life activities” as compared with the average person in the general population. Major life activities include, but are not limited to: walking, seeing, hearing, speaking, breathing, performing manual tasks, caring for oneself, working, and learning.

The ADA requires an institution of higher education to provide reasonable accommodation to a qualified individual with a documented disability, provided the accommodation does not create undue hardship. An undue hardship refers to any accommodation that would be unduly costly, substantially disruptive or that would fundamentally alter the nature of the program. Any student may request reasonable accommodations from AHDPG.

In addition, AHDPG is required to abide by the provisions of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 which protect otherwise qualified individuals from discrimination based on their disability. In order to be considered otherwise qualified a student with a disability must be capable, either with or without accommodation, of fulfilling the essential requirements of the educational program.

Individuals requesting reasonable accommodation are required to self-disclose to the Student Services Coordinator and submit a request in writing or an accessible format appropriate format for their limitation which generates a durable record. The request must be accompanied by official documentation of the disability from an appropriate, licensed professional, which must address the current functional limitation(s), prognosis, and recommendation(s) of appropriate accommodation.

How to Apply for Reasonable Accommodation

1. Complete the Request for Accommodation Form. An accessible format that generates a durable record may be substituted for a written version of this form where appropriate.

2. Request and submit documentation that is original, signed, and on official letterhead from a certifying professional in the area of the student’s disability. The documentation must address:

a. Disability and functional limitation(s)

b. Prognosis (permanent or temporary and, if temporary, the anticipated duration)

c. Recommendations for accommodation(s)

3. Submit the completed Request for Accommodation Form together with the medical documentation directly to the Student Services Coordinator who will review the documentation and work with the Instructors as appropriate. You will be notified in writing, or by accessible format which generates a durable record where appropriate, regarding the outcome of your request. AHDPG reserves the right to verify the qualifications of the certifying professionals and the authenticity of the documentation.

4. Each student who is offered accommodation is required to affirmatively indicate his/her acceptance of the accommodation offered by signing and returning the Accommodation Acceptance Form that is included with the response from the Student Services Coordinator.

Privacy
The Student Services Coordinator receives and retains all inquiries and requests for accommodation and the required documentation. Requests for accommodation and related documentation will be kept on file for a minimum of one year.

Access to information regarding student requests for accommodation is on a need-to-know basis consistent with the requirements of HIPAA. To preserve student confidentiality, all information regarding requests for reasonable accommodation is housed in a secure file and access is restricted to Human Resources staff.

Attendance & Absence

Attendance and Absence Policy

Although this is an online program, students are expected to maintain consistent attendance and assignment submissions throughout the program. Students should report anticipated extended absences (greater than 7 days) to their instructor via e-mail. Failure to maintain attendance and course progress could result in being denied access to the program and possible expulsion.

While this is a self-paced course, each semester has a set length of access to help students progress through the program, and all semester assignments must be completed by each semester’s end date. Students are provided with their semester end date at the start of each semester and are responsible for noting this date and completing work on time. Students should contact their instructor with any questions.

NOTE: For requests for extensions, deferrals, and leaves of absence, please see the individual sections in this Program Handbook.

Students are also expected to contact their instructor upon return from absence to check for any information that may have been disbursed during their absence.

Conduct and Grievances

Standards of Conduct and Grievances

Conduct Expectations:

We uphold high standards of conduct to foster a positive learning environment. All students, instructors, and staff are expected to:

Treat each other with respect, dignity, and professionalism.
Communicate courteously and constructively in all interactions.
Avoid disruptive behavior that hinders the learning process of others.
Respect diversity and refrain from discrimination or harassment in any form.
Adhere to the school’s code of conduct and all applicable policies and regulations.

Grievance Procedure:

Students or staff with concerns or grievances should initially attempt to resolve the issue informally by discussing it with the individual(s) involved or their instructor.

If the issue remains unresolved or if the grievance involves the instructor, the aggrieved party may escalate the matter to Peter Reilly, President/CEO via email at [email protected] or via telephone at (508) 938-9250.

Mr. Reilly will will review the grievance and any previous decision, conduct any necessary further investigation, and issue a final decision.

The school prohibits retaliation against any individual who raises a grievance in good faith or participates in the grievance process.

Any acts of retaliation will be subject to disciplinary action, up to and including termination or expulsion, as appropriate.

This policy will be periodically reviewed to ensure its effectiveness and relevance.

Students may also contact the Massachusetts Division of Occupational Licensure, Office of Private Occupational Schools at any time with a complaint: [email protected] or (617) 701-8719.

Deferral

Deferral Policy – Applies to Installment Payment Programs Only

A student in good standing and participating in any of the installment payment options for tuition who wishes to request a temporary hold on their program and payments due to compelling or compassionate circumstances may request a deferral. Compelling or compassionate circumstances include but are not limited to:

Serious illness
Serious illness or death of an immediate family member
Serious injury
Family leave
Military leave or deployment – spouse
Natural disaster
Financial difficulty
Personal reasons

A student who would like to defer their program and payments must email their instructor to receive a Request for Deferral Form, indicate the reasons for the request, and submit the online form as indicated by their instructor. After confirmation that the student is in good standing, the request will be reviewed for approval and the student will receive e-mail notification when the request has been processed.

The definition of a student in good standing is:

Up to date on all coursework and assignments with regular logins, attendance, and assignment submissions)
Achieving proficiency – 85% or better
Have no outstanding financial obligations (i.e., up to date on tuition payments)

AHDPG may require additional information or documentation from the student to substantiate the reason for the deferral and to determine a practical time period in which the student should return.

Approved deferrals will suspend the financial obligations of the student for a predetermined amount of time, based on the reason for the deferral request, not to exceed three (3) months. In addition, the Request for Deferral Form will stipulate a Return Date.

Approximately ten (10) days prior to the Return Date, the student will receive a reminder email from the Instructor. On the Return Date, the student’s account will be reactivated, and the student’s payment(s) will be restarted. It is the responsibility of the student to notify their Instructor prior to the Return Date if they do not intend to return to the program, at which point the terms and conditions of the Enrollment Form (Withdrawal/Refund Policy) will apply. Additionally, any missed payments after returning to the program will be subject to the Missed Payment policy as outlined on the Enrollment Form.

If the student later wishes to return to the program, an application for readmission to the course will be required. Students may request a copy of their signed Enrollment Form by emailing admissions at [email protected].

Employment References

Employment References

AHDPG instructors and staff are not able to act as professional or personal references in a student’s job search. AHDPG may provide only the dates of attendance and grades achieved, with the student’s permission. As an educational organization, we are open and willing to share with a student their transcript. Transcript requests will only be accepted via the official Transcript Request Form and payment of the $15 transcript fee.

Extension

Extension Policy

An extension may be requested by a student with a need for more time to complete all assignments in the course due to compelling or compassionate circumstances. Compelling or compassionate circumstances may include, but are not limited to:

Serious illness
Serious illness or death of an immediate family member
Serious injury
Military leave or deployment – spouse
Natural disaster
Unavoidable technical delays

To request an Extension, the student must contact their instructor to a Request for Extension Form and submit the online form prior to their semester/program end date. When reviewing a request for an extension, additional information or documentation from the student may be required. Once the student’s request has been received and it has been confirmed the student is in good standing, the student will receive e-mail notification when the request has been processed. A copy will be maintained in the student’s file. Any applicable extension payments must be processed prior to the expiration of that semester so that there is no lapse in access to the program.

A student in good standing will:
Demonstrate commitment to the program and timeline by regular course attendance and logins, consistent submission of coursework, and consistent communication with their instructor.
Be achieving proficiency as outlined for their program.
Have no outstanding financial obligation.
Have current (not expired) access to the semester for which they are requesting access.

Extensions are granted in 1-, 2- or 3-month blocks. In order to achieve maximum benefit from the curriculum, consistency in attendance and submission of work in accordance with the Course Schedule is of utmost importance; therefore, it is not our policy to grant multiple extensions within a program. If a student does not complete the semester in which the extension was granted by the new completion date, the student may be withdrawn from the course and forfeit all fees paid for tuition, books, and materials.

The fee for an Extension is $195 (per 30 days of extension granted), payable upon approval of the extension. For students enrolled in one of the monthly payment options, regular payments will continue throughout the extension period in lieu of the $195 fee.

NOTE: An Extension does not suspend one’s financial obligation to the program.

Financial Aid

Financial Aid

230 CMR 15.04 (5) and (6) – After April 1, 2017, if a School allows a student to begin participation in a Program while an initial award for financial aid, including student loans, is pending, and the student subsequently is denied some or all of that student loan or financial aid amount, the School shall offer that student in writing an opportunity to terminate the enrollment agreement with a full refund of all Monies Paid, less actual reasonable administrative costs as defined under M.G.L. c. 255, § 13K. (6) In addition to the requirements of M.G.L. c. 255, § 13K, for programs beginning after April 1, 2017, prior to the completion of five school days or five percent of the Program, whichever occurs first, a School shall afford a student the opportunity to withdraw with a full refund of all Monies Paid, less (1) actual reasonable administrative costs as defined under M.G.L. c. 255, § 13K; and (2) actual reasonable costs of non-reusable supplies or Equipment where a School reasonably provided the student with the supplies or Equipment, so long as the student receives the refund to which they are entitled under M.G.L. c. 255, § 13K. Provided, however, that this provision shall not apply to (1) Programs not subject to division approval; and (2) Programs 80 hours or less in duration and $2,000 in total cost.

Guidance and Counseling Services

The AHDPG team provides guidance and counseling services in the following areas:

To help students make informed career choices and set clear educational and vocational goals.
To assist students in achieving academic and vocational success through appropriate guidance and resources.
To facilitate a smooth transition from school to the workforce or further education.

If services are needed in other areas students should seek the assistance of licensed professionals.

Leave of Absence

Leave of Absence Policy – Non-Monthly/Non-Installment Payments

Leaves of absence are granted to students who wish to discontinue the program temporarily due to compelling or compassionate circumstances. Compelling or compassionate circumstances may include, but are not limited to:

Serious illness
Serious illness or death of an immediate family member
Serious injury
Family leave
Military leave or deployment – spouse
Natural disaster

To request a leave of absence, the student must contact their instructor for a Leave of Absence Request Form, indicate the reasons for the request, and submit the online form as indicated by their instructor. When reviewing a request for a leave of absence, additional information or documentation from the student may be required. Once the student’s request has been received and it has been confirmed the student is in good standing, the student will receive e-mail notification when the request has been processed and a copy will be maintained in the student’s file.

A student in good standing will:

Be up to date on all coursework and assignments with regular logins and assignment submissions, without extended unexcused absences
Have consistent and timely communication with their Instructor
Be achieving proficiency in their respective program
Have no outstanding financial obligations

Leaves of absences are limited to a period of three (3) months. If a student is not prepared to return to active status after three (3) months, the Instructor will review the student’s record and future plans to determine whether an additional leave is in the best interest of the student, the program, and AHDPG.

NOTE: A leave of absence does not suspend one’s financial obligation to the program.

In order to be reinstated to active status, the student must notify their Instructor in writing via e-mail ten (10) days prior to returning to the program and contact the Student Services Coordinator to pay a reinstatement fee of $195. The student must then return to active status immediately following the expiration of the leave of absence.

If a student does not return at the end of an approved leave of absence, the terms of the Withdrawal/Refund Policy will apply. If the leave of absence expires and the student wishes to return to the program, an application for readmission to the course will be required.

Minimum Enrollment Requirements

All students entering AHDPG must submit or achieve the following:

High School Diploma or the Equivalent, or Academic, Employer or Family Sponsorship.
Complete the assessment associated with their respective program, as necessary.
Maintain up-to-date information on the AHDPG Student Profile.

Minimum Technology Requirements

We strongly recommend having an actual computer (laptop or desktop) to complete your training, not a mobile device. Mobile devices (iPads, Chromebooks, tablets, or smartphones) will, in some situations, work for introductory study; functionality will be limited, so we do not recommend them as the primary source of study.

Minimum PC Requirements:

At least 13″ screen if purchasing a laptop – smaller than this, and the text gets quite difficult to read
Minimum dual-core CPU
Minimum 4 GB RAM
Minimum 250 GB hard drive
Windows 10
High-speed internet
Adobe Reader or equivalent PDF reader
Microsoft Word 2003 or higher is required for the Healthcare Documentation Specialist program

Missed/Late Payment

Missed/Late Payment Policy

Upon signing the Enrollment Form with AHDPG it is the student’s responsibility to ensure that all payments are made in full and on time.

Any change(s) necessary to facilitate payment shall be communicated via email to AHDPG’s Student Services Coordinator at [email protected] or via the telephone at (508) 925-0556 at least two (2) business days prior to the payment due date. This will allow AHDPG time to make the necessary adjustments.

Any payment change received after the two-business-day notice requirement will be considered a “missed/late” payment.

In the event of a missed/late payment the following policy will apply:

On the first occasion, AHDPG will make the necessary change and not assess a $40 Missed Payment Fee.
Any subsequent missed payment will result in a $40 Missed Payment Fee and AHDPG reserves the right to disable student access to their program until the missed payment and the Missed Payment Fee are paid.

PayPal Note: If a student anticipates making regular changes to their payment accounts with AHDPG, a student can choose to set up a PayPal account to make those changes easier themselves. This will eliminate the need to notify AHDPG but does not relinquish the students’ responsibility to make timely payments.
Whether a student uses PayPal, a credit card, a bank account, or any other method of payment, the AHDPG Missed Payment Policy will apply if a payment is missed and/or late.

New Student Orientation

We begin each of our programs with a New Student Orientation. These orientations take various forms and are designed to allow our Instructors to introduce themselves, introduce the students to their programs and the tools we use, and allow the students to ask any questions they may have before getting started in their program. Once a student has participated in their orientation they are free to work through their program on their schedules, and at their own pace. Our Instructors are here to mentor, monitor, and explain the curriculum, where necessary, answer student questions, and provide feedback on student work and assignments.

Non-Harassment & Discrimation

Non-Harassment & Discrimination Policy

AHDPG is committed to providing all members with an environment that is free of harassment and discrimination. Therefore, AHDPG strictly prohibits in the workplace all forms of harassment or discrimination of employees or non-employees in association with AHDPG based on sex, race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, or disability. Such conduct will result in appropriate disciplinary action up to and including dismissal.

Specifically, no instructor shall threaten or insinuate, either explicitly or implicitly, that a refusal to submit to sexual advances will adversely affect training, or that acceptance of such sexual advances will have a positive effect on training. Other sexually harassing conduct, whether committed by instructors or management personnel, is also prohibited. It is important to remember that any verbal or physical conduct of a sexual nature may be viewed as sexual harassment if it hinders job performance or creates an intimidating, hostile, or offensive work environment. This may include such things as verbal abuse of a sexual nature, commenting about an individual’s body in a sexually offensive manner, sexually degrading words used to describe an individual, or the display of sexually suggestive objects or pictures.

It is everyone’s responsibility to maintain a discrimination and harassment-free atmosphere. This includes freedom from harassment not only by fellow students but also by other persons whom AHDPG members encounter at their respective work sites, provided that management is immediately made aware of such harassment. If an investigation confirms the allegations, prompt corrective action will be taken.

The above policy also applies to intimidation, ridicule, or insults on the basis of an individual’s race, color, national origin, age, disability, gender, sexual orientation, or religion. It includes actions such as repeated verbal abuse, circulation of written material that demeans or exhibits hostility toward an individual or group on any of the aforementioned bases, or inappropriate jokes or slurs. Discrimination and harassment include adverse action and/or offensive behaviors directed toward or taken against a student on the basis of sex, race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, age, or disability. Adverse action includes but is not limited to, segregation of a student or student group, inequitable treatment or opportunities, or adverse employment action based solely upon a protected category.

Students who have complaints of sexual or other forms of harassment or discrimination or are aware of possibly harassing or discriminatory behavior should report such conduct to any member of the management team. The Institute will attempt to keep such reports confidential and will disclose reported information only on a need-to-know basis in order to investigate and resolve the matter. Retaliation against persons who make such complaints is illegal and unethical, and AHDPG will not tolerate any such retaliation.

Readmission

Readmission Policy

In order to be reinstated to active status, the student must notify their Instructor in writing via e-mail ten (10) business days prior to returning to the program and pay a reinstatement fee of $200.

Any student who has withdrawn from the program must be in good standing to be readmitted. A student in good standing must be:

Up to date on all coursework and assignments
Consistent and timely communication with their Instructor
Achieving proficiency in their respective program
Have no outstanding financial obligations

To request readmittance to the program, the student should send an e-mail to their Instructor with a copy to the Student Services Coordinator at [email protected] requesting readmission with an explanation as to the circumstances involved with his or her withdrawal and the subsequent reason for the request for readmittance. If approved by the Instructor, the Instructor will e-mail the Student Services Coordinator to confirm the student has no outstanding financial obligations and approve or deny the request via e-mail back to the student with a copy to the Student Services Coordinator so a copy can be maintained in the student’s record.

Anyone requesting readmission to the program after more than 60 days out of the program may be required to take a screening test to determine where to restart the program.

A student being readmitted to our program following a withdrawal will be required to restart the program at the beginning of any semester not successfully completed. In most cases, this will require the student to pay again for this semester. It is recommended you contact the Instructor and Student Services Coordinator to discuss your situation and options when considering readmission.

Satisfactory Progress

Satisfactory Progress
In addition to the ongoing coaching and feedback students will receive in the normal course of their program, AHDPG will provide students with a written progress report at least once during each course with durations of 15 hours or more. A progress report must be provided by the time fifty percent (50%) of the course has been completed.

Student Complaints

Student Complaint Policy

A student may file a complaint with his or her Instructor at any time. If the student’s complaint involves an Instructor the student may file his or her complaint with Peter Reilly, AHDPG President and CEO by submitting an email to [email protected]. Per 230 CMR 15.07(2) a school shall respond to written student complaints in writing within ten days from when the complaint was submitted to the school. All student complaints will be maintained by AHDPG for one year following the graduation or withdrawal of the student. Any student aggrieved by the failure of AHDPG to resolve a complaint may contact the Massachusetts Division of Occupational Licensure, Office of Private Occupational Schools at [email protected], or via telephone at 617-701-8719.

Students who reside in Georgia can appeal AHDPG’s decision to the Georgia Nonpublic Postsecondary Education Commission via the telephone at (770) 414-3300.

Suspension

Suspension Policy

AHDPG reserves the right to cancel or suspend a student’s enrollment in the following circumstances:

If a student submits fraudulent documents to gain admission.
If a student does not maintain satisfactory course progress as outlined above.
If the student behaves in a way that could potentially harm AHDPG or any of our businesses.
If the student falls 45 days behind in their payments.

Students who remain inactive in their program for 30 days without prior communication with their Instructor or requesting a leave, deferral, or extension will fall under the withdrawal policy and be withdrawn from the program for inactivity.

Withdrawal & Refunds

Withdrawal and Refund Policy

A student may withdraw from the course at any time by submitting a Withdrawal Request Form. However, the student will only be entitled to a refund based on the following criteria:

You may terminate this agreement at any time.
If you terminate this agreement within five (5) days you will receive a refund of all monies paid, provided that you have not commenced the program.
If you subsequently terminate this agreement prior to the commencement of the program, you will receive a refund of all monies paid, less the actual reasonable administrative costs described in paragraph 7.
If you terminate this agreement during the first quarter of the program, you will receive a refund of at least seventy-five (75%) percent of the tuition, less the actual reasonable administrative costs described in paragraph 7.
If you terminate this agreement during the second quarter of the program, you will receive a refund of at least fifty (50%) percent of the tuition, less the actual reasonable administrative costs described in paragraph 7.
If you terminate this agreement during the third quarter of the program, you will receive a refund of at least twenty-five (25%) percent of the tuition, less the actual reasonable administrative costs described in paragraph 7.
If you terminate this agreement after the initial five-day period, you will be responsible for actual reasonable administrative costs incurred by the school to enroll you and to process your application, which administrative costs shall not exceed fifty ($50) dollars or five percent (5%) of the contract price, whichever is less. A list of such administrative costs is attached hereto and made part of this agreement.
If you wish to terminate this agreement, you must inform the school in writing of your termination, which will become effective on the day such writing is mailed (postmarked) or received via email.
The school is not obligated to provide any refund if you terminate this agreement during the fourth quarter of the program.

If a student withdraws from a program in accordance with the School’s withdrawal policy, the School shall:

treat the withdrawal as a termination of the enrollment contract, effective immediately;
complete a refund calculation for the student, including all fees and payments, in a form acceptable to the division; and
provide the calculation and any refund to the student within 45 days of the effective date of the termination

If a student stops attending School but does not withdraw in accordance with the School’s withdrawal policy, the School shall:

for purposes of any payments due from the student or refund due to the student, treat the student’s nonattendance as a termination of the enrollment contract, effective no later than the last date of attendance or last participation in an instructional activity;
determine the effective date of the termination within 30 days after the end of the period of enrollment, the term, or the Program, whichever is earliest;
complete a refund calculation for the student, including all fees and payments, in a form acceptable to the division; and
provide the calculation and any refund to the student within 45 days from the date the School determines the effective date of termination under 230 CMR 15.04(8)(b)

Any student withdrawn from the program will need to reapply for admission following our readmission policy.

Withdrawal Requests

Before requesting withdrawal, students are encouraged to communicate with their instructor about other available options, such as extensions or deferrals/leaves of absence; full policies are covered in this Handbook.

If a student ultimately decides to withdraw, the student may request a Withdrawal Request Form from their instructor. Once the request has been received, Accounting will provide the calculations of any refund or balance due per the terms of the Withdrawal and Refund Policy and will return this form to the student to review and complete. The withdrawal will be processed only after the student has reviewed these calculations and completed the Payment/Refund Information of the form, thereby confirming the agreement. Any questions regarding the calculations or payment options may be directed to Accounting/Student Services.

Withdrawal & Refunds (GA Students)

Withdrawal and Refund Policy

A student may withdraw from the course at any time by submitting a Withdrawal Request Form. However, the student will only be entitled to a refund based on the following criteria:

You may terminate this agreement at any time.
If you wish to terminate this agreement, you must inform the school in writing of your termination, which will become effective on the day, such writing is mailed (postmarked) or emailed (date received).
Upon requesting a withdrawal, you must complete the following steps:
- Notify your instructor via email of your wish to withdraw.
- Schedule a call with your instructor to discuss available options and confirm your intent to withdraw.
- Complete the AHDPG Withdrawal Request Form.
- Complete the AHDPG Refund or Balance Due Form.
- Make any payments due at the time of your withdrawal.
Upon successful completion of the Withdrawal Process outlined above, you will receive a pro-rated refund of tuition* and fees, except for the Application Fee, based on the percentage of the program completed, as long as the student has requested withdrawal before 50% of the course/program is completed. No refund is due upon completing 50% of the defined length of the program.
Refunds are made via the credit card or bank account on account within 45 days of withdrawal.

Note: Tuition Refunds listed above are based on a percentage of tuition and may not reflect the actual amount to be refunded. In addition, the actual tuition refund will be based on payments made to AHDPG and in the case of a student on a Monthly Payment Plan may result in a student having a balance due at the time of withdrawal. Student and/or guardian authorizes AHDPG to process any balance due at the time of withdrawal via the payment (credit card or bank account) outlined in this Agreement.

Any student withdrawn from the program will need to reapply for admission following our readmission policy.

Withdrawal Requests

Program Information

Contact (Call) Center Associate Program

Admissions and Course Prerequisites:

All students entering AHDPG must submit or achieve the following:

High School Diploma or the Equivalent, or Academic, Employer or Family Sponsorship.
Complete the assessment associated with their respective program, as necessary.
Maintain up-to-date information on the AHDPG Student Profile.

Program Overviews:

Customer service is typically at the heart of every business, especially for businesses that sell their products and services directly to customers such as healthcare. Even in healthcare business-to-business interactions, customer service is essential. There is just too much competition to ignore it or to fail to serve customers with excellence. The healthcare contact center is a department in a healthcare business or organization that manages customer interactions through multiple channels and technologies. Contact center agents are tasked with solving customer problems, answering customer questions, and general meeting customer needs through effective communication and follow-through. This course provides learners with foundational contact center knowledge and skills so that they can pursue their customer service careers.

Healthcare contact center agents must understand the healthcare environment and the language of health care, including basic anatomy, physiology, and medical terminology. They must also understand the basics of common diseases and disorders, especially chronic conditions, to fully understand how to meet the needs of patients. Though agents never give medical advice, understanding basic healthcare topics are essential to healthcare system problem-solving. Additionally, healthcare contact center representatives must understand healthcare laws, insurance basics, billing and reimbursement, basic psychological aspects of aging and illness, and how to use computers and customer relations management (CRM) technologies.

Course Outcomes:

At the end of this course, students will be able to:
Dissect a medical term to determine its meaning.
Define basic anatomical and physiological terminology related to each body system.
Define common diseases and disorders related to each body system.
Identify common health and healthcare beliefs and values.
Discuss the health care delivery systems in the U.S. Including their challenges and benefits.
Identify healthcare services, professionals, and settings.
Identify the components and processes of the retail pharmacy.
Explain common health services for special populations.
Discuss medical law and ethics.
Explain how to maintain compliance with HIPAA.
Explain how health care services are financed and paid for.
Discuss medical data, the healthcare record, and supporting technologies.
Define high-quality technical customer support.
Explain the basic role of the contact center in business and excellent customer service.
Describe the unique needs of different types of customers.
Explain the role and expectations of the contact center agent.
Use multiple technologies and communication channels in customer communication. Effectively handle numerous types of difficult customers and situations.
Effectively apply problem-solving and critical thinking concepts to customer care.
Apply sales strategies when the opportunity arises in customer communication.
Explain basic business concepts needed as foundational knowledge for meeting customer needs.
Discuss the current trends and issues related to various aspects of contact center operation and success.
Complete a self-evaluation of personal traits and communication skills related to successful contact center communication and customer care.
Identify psychological factors, theories, and concepts that can be used to understand the healthcare patient/customer to provide the best customer service possible.

Grading Scale:

Precentage Range	Letter Grade	Point Value
90 - 100	A	4.0
80 - 89	B	3.0
70 - 79	C	2.0
0 - 69	Failing	0.0

A minimum grade average of 70% is required to proceed from one course/subject module within the Coding and Billing program to the next course/subject module.

The composition of grades, including applicable categories of assignments and associated weights varies by subject module and can be found in the individual course syllabuses.

Tuition and Fees:

Tuition fee: $850.00
Books, Materials, and Technology Fee: $495.00 (nonrefundable)
Administrative Fee: $50.00 (nonrefundable)

Other Fees:

3% Convenience Fee (nonrefundable). Waived for direct bank draft payments.
Extension Fee: Students requiring more time in the program than originally allocated will incur an Extension Fee. The Extension Fee will be assessed at $195 per month for students who pay up front for their program or the monthly payment for students on the monthly payment plan.
Missed Payment/Return Payment Fee: A $40 fee will be charged for each missed or returned payment.
Readmission Fee: A student who leaves a program and consequently requests readmission will incur a Readmission Fee of $200.00.
Transcript Fee: A fee of $15 will be charged for each transcript requested.

Completion Requirements:

Academics – A minimum score of 70% is required for graduation.

Remediation – The facilitator will work with any student who seems to be struggling to achieve and maintain a minimum course average of 70%. Any student who is in danger of not achieving the 70% required to pass the to the next semester will be counseled by the instructor and a plan for Student Improvement will be written. This plan will be placed in the student’s official file.

Healthcare Documentation Specialist

Admissions and Course Prerequisites:

All students entering AHDPG must submit or achieve the following:

High School Diploma or the Equivalent, or Academic, Employer or Family Sponsorship.
Complete the assessment associated with their respective program, as necessary.
Maintain up-to-date information on the AHDPG Student Profile.

Orientation:

To allow a seamless beginning of the program, students are provided with login credentials to the course via email on their start date. An initial recorded orientation is provided within the online course to go over the curriculum format, goals, and expectations and to allow students to begin without delay. However, AHDPG feels that an online course should not be done in isolation and that good communication is required between students and instructors to ensure success in their programs. To that end, soon after viewing the orientation, students are provided with an “assignment” to schedule an initial one-on-one conference with the instructor (by phone or Zoom) to serve as a personal introduction, to address student questions and concerns, and to ensure that students understand that they may approach their instructor to ask for help whenever needed. AHDPG feels that developing this rapport from the very beginning is critical to student success by helping to foster good communication and support student engagement throughout the program.

Program Overview:

The course is designed to be completed in 12 months and requires a commitment of 20 hours per week. To ensure our students get the most out of the program and can make a smooth transition into the workforce, a student must follow the time requirements to complete this course within the maximum timeframe. The following timetable has been designed to ensure an optimal learning environment for students and allows our instructors to focus their attention on students’ progress. If you cannot commit 15-20 hours per week to this program, please speak with the Admissions Coordinator to determine the best course of action. A student enrolled in the program is expected to communicate with their instructor immediately should any difficulties arise that keep a student from adhering to the course schedule.

Course Layout:

The Healthcare Documentation Specialist program is a 12-month program divided into five (5) separate sections. Maintaining consistent attendance and assignment submissions is essential to learning and retaining the material and making steady progress to successfully meet program completion criteria within the course timeline.

Section 1 – Fundamentals of Healthcare Documentation

The Fundamentals of Healthcare Documentation section is designed to help you understand the field of medical transcription and the core concepts of performing optimally as a medical transcriptionist. The section includes an overview of the medical transcription industry; the tools, materials, and types of documents created by medical transcriptionists; and the basic grammar principles that provide a firm foundation for mastering the fundamentals needed to create accurate medical reports. This section also presents introductory medical terminology, concepts, combining forms, suffixes, and prefixes.

Section 2 – Medical Knowledge 1

The Medical Knowledge 1 section covers the following specialties: Laboratory, Radiology and Nuclear Medicine, Pharmacology, Digestive System (Gastroenterology), Urinary System (Urology), Female Reproductive System (Obstetrics and Gynecology), Male Reproductive System, Nervous System (Neurology), and Pediatrics. Students will come away with an understanding of the common tests and diagnostic procedures involved, as well as the ability to correctly define, spell, and pronounce the medical terms associated with each specialty.

Section 3 – Medical Knowledge 2

The Medical Knowledge 2 section covers the following specialties: Cardiovascular System (Cardiology), Respiratory System (Pulmonology), Blood System (Hematology), Lymphatic and Immune Systems (Immunology), Musculoskeletal System (Orthopedics), Skin (Dermatology), Sense Organs – The Eye and Ear (Ophthalmology and Otolaryngology), Endocrine System (Endocrinology), Cancer Medicine (Oncology), Psychiatry, and Surgery. Students will come away with an understanding of the common tests and diagnostic procedures involved, as well as the ability to correctly define, spell, and pronounce the medical terms associated with each specialty.

Section 4 – Advanced Healthcare Documentation

Advanced Healthcare Documentation covers advanced concepts related to performing high-quality transcription. The section is divided into three sections: Medicolegal Aspects of the Healthcare Record, Advanced Transcription, and Introduction to Speech Recognition Technology.

Medicolegal Aspects of the Healthcare Record: This unit outlines the purpose of the healthcare record as well as the content and formats commonly seen in today’s healthcare documentation. This section of the program will also establish a general knowledge of existing standards and regulations as set by a variety of organizations including AHDI, AHIMA, AMA, JCAHO, NCQA, HL7, ASTM, and CMS. A focused unit on HIPAA and HITECH is also included.

Advanced Transcription: This unit begins with an overview of word expanders, which are used by healthcare documentation specialists to enhance both accuracy and productivity. Exercises are included with the presentation to assist you in beginning your expander library.

Section 5 – The Practicum

The medical transcription practicum is an integral component of this curriculum. This is the bridge between being a student to your role in the workplace. The expected duration of The Practicum is 90 days. This section provides almost 900 minutes of authentic dictation – the audio files presented are the very same recordings dictated by a practicing medical provider at the time of a patient’s visit (with personal information deleted), having been transcribed at that time by a medical transcriptionist. This gives students experience with multiple specialties, accents, and styles representative of the work they will receive when employed.

Section	Duration
1	30
2	90
3	90
4	60
5	90
Total	360

Grading Scale:

Percent Range	Letter Grade
95 - 100	A
90 - 94.99	B
85 - 89.99	C
0 - 84	Failing

Grades achieved for Sections 1 through 4 (also known as Tier 1 or “main coursework”) will be averaged together to determine eligibility for the Practicum. An average of at least 85% is required to enter the Practicum.

Composition of Grades:
The composition of grades including categories of assignments and associated weights varies by Section and can be found in the individual Section Syllabi.

To graduate, a student must achieve at least a 95% average in the Practicum. This grade is calculated separately from the rest of the coursework and includes only the work done in the Practicum.

Tuition and Fees:

The healthcare documentation specialist program is a 12-month program with a total list price of $3,745.00, with components as follows:

Tuition fee: $2,900.00
Books and Materials Fee: $795.00 (nonrefundable)
Administrative Fee: $50.00 (nonrefundable)

Other Fees:

3% Convenience Fee (nonrefundable). Waived for direct bank draft payments.
Extension Fee: Students requiring more time in the program than originally allocated will incur an Extension Fee. The Extension Fee will be assessed at $195 per month for students who pay upfront for their program or the monthly payment for students on the monthly payment plan.
Missed Payment/Return Payment Fee: A $40 fee will be charged for each missed or returned payment.
Readmission Fee: A student who leaves a program and consequently requests readmission will incur a Readmission Fee of $200.00.
Transcript Fee: A fee of $15 will be charged for each transcript requested.

Completion Requirements

Academics – The student is required to maintain no less than 85% overall average in their coursework to proceed to the practicum portion of the program. They are required to achieve a 95% average or better on their transcription work in the practicum to graduate from the program.

Remediation – The instructor will work with each student who receives a failing grade on an assignment, offering supplemental work to improve his or her knowledge of the subject matter. Any student who is in danger of not achieving the 85% required to pass the coursework portion of the program will be counseled by the instructor and a plan for Student Improvement written. This plan will be placed in the student’s official file.

Typing Skills – A healthcare documentation specialist must work both quickly and accurately. A minimum amount of work needs to be produced daily. Because of this, students are expected to achieve a minimum typing speed of 55 wpm and a productivity rate of 75 lines per hour by the end of the program. Production testing is conducted each section to assist the student in measuring and improving typing skills.

Career Pathways:

Students who complete this program will have the knowledge needed to work as a healthcare documentation specialist (medical transcriptionist and speech recognition editor) in a wide variety of medical and surgical specialties and many work types, in either an in-house or at-home setting. This knowledge is also highly desirable in other healthcare-related occupations including but not limited to medical office staff, medical scribing, and billing and coding, leading to many opportunities upon completion of the program.

Certifications in healthcare documentation with the Association for Healthcare Documentation Integrity (AHDI) include:

Registered Healthcare Documentation Specialist (RHDS)
Certified Healthcare Documentation Specialist (CHDS)

Medical Assistant Programs

Admissions and Course Prerequisites:

All students entering AHDPG must submit or achieve the following:

High School Diploma or the Equivalent, or Academic, Employer or Family Sponsorship.
Complete the assessment associated with their respective program, as necessary.
Maintain up-to-date information on the AHDPG Student Profile.

Program Overviews:

Medical Administrative Assistant Program (MAA)

This program prepares students to function effectively in many of the administrative and clerical positions in the healthcare industry. It provides students with a well-rounded introduction to medical administration that delivers the skills students require to obtain an administrative medical assistant position or advance within current their healthcare career. This course covers the following key areas and topics:

History and background of the medical assisting profession
Interpersonal skills, medical ethics, and basic medical law
Telephone techniques and skills for scheduling appointments
Medical terminology
Basics of insurance billing and coding
Medical records management and management of practice finances
Course topics covered in this program include:
An overview of the healthcare industry and expectations for a healthcare professional.
Role of the medical administrative assistant
History of medicine, medicine and the law, medical malpractice, medical ethics, and medical practice specialties.
Ethical and legal issues, fraud abuse, and compliance.
Office and patient communication techniques, appointment scheduling, and general office duties.
Technology in the healthcare environment.
Basic terminology used in the medical office.
Medical records management, confidentiality of the medical record, initiating a medical record for a new client, and filing reports in the medical record.
HIPAA review and patient bill of rights and confidentiality.
Financial and practice management.
Health insurance coverage, and billing and coding procedures.
Professional fees, billing and collecting procedures, accounting systems, and credit arrangements.
Medical accounting, financial statements, cost analysis, and budgets for the medical practice.
Specimen collection, laboratory safety, federal and state regulations.
Assisting with medical emergencies.
Career development.

Clinical Medical Assistant Program

The Clinical Medical Assistant course provides students with the knowledge and skills needed to perform clinical procedures in various medical office settings. For example, medical assistants perform routine clinical tasks to keep the offices of physicians, podiatrists, chiropractors, optometrists, and many other specialists running smoothly. Clinical duties may also include taking medical histories and recording vital signs, drawing blood, explaining treatment procedures to patients, preparing patients for examination, assisting the physician during the examination, and assisting with minor surgery.

The Phlebotomy component of the training prepares professionals to collect blood and other specimens from clients for the purpose of laboratory analysis. During this course component students will become familiar with all aspects related to blood collection and develop comprehensive skills to perform venipuncture methods correctly and safely.

This EKG Technician component of the course covers topics and processes critical to conducting and interpreting electrocardiogram (EKG). To begin, you’ll review the anatomy and physiology of the heart. From there you will explore the technology used such as the EKG machine. Next, you’ll learn how to interpret a rhythm strip, and finally, you’ll follow this by discovering the details of a myocardial infarction.

This course covers the following key areas and topics:

Grading Scale:

The following table shows the graded scale for all Medical Assisting Programs. A grade of 70% is required for successful completion of the program and to receive a Certificate of Completion.

Precentage Range	Letter Grade	Point Value
90 - 100	A	4.0
80 - 89	B	3.0
70 - 79	C	2.0
0 - 69	Failing	0.0

The composition of grades including applicable categories of assignments and associated weights varies by subject module and can be found in the individual course syllabuses.

Tuition and Fees:

Medical Administrative Assistant Program

Tuition and Fees:
Tuition fee: $1,450.00
Books, Materials, and Technology Fee: $795.00 (nonrefundable)
Administrative Fee: $50.00 (nonrefundable)
Administrative Fee: $50.00 (nonrefundable)

Clinical Medical Assistant Program

Tuition fee: $2,800.00
Books, Materials, and Technology Fee: $795.00 (nonrefundable)
Administrative Fee: $50.00 (nonrefundable)

Other Fees

3% Convenience Fee (nonrefundable). Waived for direct bank draft payments.
Extension Fee: Students requiring more time in the program than originally allocated will incur an Extension Fee. The Extension Fee will be assessed at $195 per month for students who pay upfront for their program or the monthly payment for students on the monthly payment plan.
Missed Payment/Return Payment Fee: A $40 fee will be charged for each missed or returned payment.
Readmission Fee: A student who leaves a program and consequently requests readmission will incur a Readmission Fee of $200.00.
Transcript Fee: A fee of $15 will be charged for each transcript requested.

Completion Requirements

Academics – A minimum score of 70% is required for graduation.

Career Pathways:

Medical Administrative Assistant Program (MMA)

Students who successfully complete this program will have the knowledge needed to work as a Medical Administrative Assistant in the clinic or hospital setting. Among the subjects studied in this program are medical office procedures, medical law and ethics, interpersonal and written communications, medical records management, and front desk reception and scheduling. Medical administrative assistants may work in a variety of roles and locations with job titles ranging from unit secretary or medical office specialist to patient coordinator. This knowledge and experience are also helpful if more training is desired to progress to more advanced roles, such as within health information management.

Clinical Medical Assistant Program (CMA)

This course of study prepares Students who successfully complete this program will have the knowledge needed to work as a Clinical Medical Assistant in the clinic or hospital setting. The knowledge obtained in this program includes medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, medicolegal issues, specialty studies as they pertain to clinical medical assisting, vital signs and physical examination, EKG and phlebotomy training. A CMA works in both the administrative and clinical settings, gaining experience in office procedures and administration as well as direct patient communication and care within the scope of their duties and therefore honing skills that are desirable in a wide range of clinical and administrative healthcare roles.

Medical Billing and Coding Programs

Admissions and Course Prerequisites:

All students entering AHDPG must submit or achieve the following:

High School Diploma or the Equivalent, or Academic, Employer or Family Sponsorship.
Complete the assessment associated with their respective program, as necessary.
Maintain up-to-date information on the AHDPG Student Profile.

Program Overviews:

Medical Billing and Coding (CBCS)

The Medical Billing and Coding course are geared toward enrolling students who already have a strong understanding of medical terminology and anatomy and physiology and can begin immediately in the Billing and Coding curriculum. This course is designed to be completed in 6 months. Upon completion of the program, students are eligible to sit for the Certified Billing and Coding Specialist (CBCS) exam through the National Healthcareers Association (NHA).

Medical Billing and Coding with Medical Terminology and Anatomy & Physiology (CBCS)

The Medical Billing and Coding with Medical Terminology & Anatomy and Physiology Program is the ideal comprehensive course for learners who have limited or no recent experience in the healthcare industry. Students will begin with a Medical Terminology course as an introduction to medical language, building a vocabulary of the most commonly encountered suffixes, prefixes, and word roots. The next module of this program is the Anatomy and Physiology course, which promotes an understanding of human anatomy, physiology, and disease processes as well as the workings and interrelatedness of all the body systems and functions. Upon completion of these short courses, students are enrolled in the Medical Billing and Coding curriculum. The full course is designed to be completed in 8-10 months. Upon completion of the program, students are eligible to sit for the Certified Billing and Coding Specialist (CBCS) exam through the National Healthcareers Association (NHA).

These courses require a commitment of 10-15 hours per week; however, to ensure our students get the most out of the program and are able to make a smooth transition into the workforce, a student must follow the time requirements to complete this course within the maximum timeframe. If you cannot commit 10-15 hours per week to this program, please speak with the Admissions Coordinator to determine the best course of action. A student enrolled in the program is expected to communicate with their instructor immediately should any difficulties arise that keep a student from adhering to the course schedule.
In addition to the Certified Billing and Coding Specialist (CBCS) certification through the National Healthcareers Association (NHA), other national certification exams are available for students who complete this course, including the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC), the American Health Information Association (AHIMA), and others.

Certain national certification organizations suggest 6 months to 2 years of practical work experience prior to pursuing certain national certification exams.

Grading Scale:

Medical Billing and Coding Programs Grading Scale:

Precentage Range	Letter Grade	Point Value
90 - 100	A	4.0
80 - 89	B	3.0
70 - 79	C	2.0
0 - 69	Failing	0.0

A minimum grade average of 70% is required to proceed from one course/subject module within the Coding and Billing program to the next course/subject module.

The composition of grades, including applicable categories of assignments and associated weights varies by subject module and can be found in the individual course syllabuses.

Tuition and Fees:

Medical Billing and Coding (CBCS) Program:

Tuition fee: $2,750.00
Books and Materials Fee: $795.00 (nonrefundable)
Administrative Fee: $50.00 (nonrefundable)

Medical Billing and Coding with Medical Terminology and Anatomy & Physiology (CBCS) Program

Tuition fee: $3,300.00
Books and Materials Fee: $795.00 (nonrefundable)
Administrative Fee: $50.00 (nonrefundable)

Other Fees:

3% Convenience Fee (nonrefundable). Waived for direct bank draft payments.
Extension Fee: Students requiring more time in the program than originally allocated will incur an Extension Fee. The Extension Fee will be assessed at $195 per month for students who pay up front for their program or the monthly payment for students on the monthly payment plan.
Missed Payment/Return Payment Fee: A $40 fee will be charged for each missed or returned payment.
Readmission Fee: A student who leaves a program and consequently requests readmission will incur a Readmission Fee of $200.00.
Transcript Fee: A fee of $15 will be charged for each transcript requested.

Completion Requirements

Academics – A minimum score of 70% is required for graduation.

Career Pathways:

This course of study prepares students to enter the workforce trained to act as medical billing and coding specialists within the in-house or at-home setting. The Medical Billing and Coding curriculum offers medical terminology and anatomy and physiology training prior to learning the topics related to medical billing, insurance, diagnosis and procedure coding, and reimbursement concepts. This knowledge is also highly desirable in other healthcare-related occupations including but not limited to medical office staff, medical transcription and speech recognition editing, and medical scribing, leading to many opportunities upon completion of the program.

Certifications: This course prepares the student to sit for the Certified Billing and Coding Specialist (CBCS) exam with the National Healthcareer Association (NHA). In addition, students may wish to pursue other industry credentials, such as the CPC, COC, CIC certifications with The American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC); or the CCA, CCS, CCS-P certifications with The American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA).

Medical Office Management

Admissions and Course Prerequisites:

All students entering AHDPG must submit or achieve the following:

High School Diploma or the Equivalent, or Academic, Employer or Family Sponsorship.
Complete the assessment associated with their respective program, as necessary.
Maintain up-to-date information on the AHDPG Student Profile.

Program Overview:

This course is divided into 17 lessons that include the latest information on the design and management of the medical office. From developing the skills needed to succeed as a medical office manager to attracting and keeping the best staff, this course is a how-to guide for both a professional medical office manager or an individual interested in pursuing a position in medical office management.

Healthcare management is a field that attracts a diverse population of people. Although some medical practices prefer to hire medically trained managers, such as a person in a nursing or medical assisting background, other practices look for a manager who has skills in the business area. The healthcare field today is far different from what it was in decades past. Changes have occurred at many levels, from the way physicians are paid for their services to the scope of practice of the various medical personnel. The medical office manager needs to stay current with the changes in the field as they occur. This includes changes in the federal, state, and local levels, where laws passed may impact the way healthcare is delivered.

Grading Scale:

Precentage Range	Letter Grade	Point Value
90 - 100	A	4.0
80 - 89	B	3.0
70 - 79	C	2.0
0 - 69	Failing	0.0

A minimum grade average of 70% is required to proceed through the program. The composition of grades including applicable categories of assignments and associated weights varies by subject module and can be found in the individual course syllabuses.

Tuition and Fees:

Tuition fee: $1,795.00
Books and Materials Fee: $795.00 (nonrefundable)
Administrative Fee: $50.00 (nonrefundable)

Other Fees:

3% Convenience Fee (nonrefundable). Waived for direct bank draft payments.
Extension Fee: Students requiring more time in the program than originally allocated will incur an Extension Fee. The Extension Fee will be assessed at $195 per month for students who pay upfront for their program or the monthly payment for students on the monthly payment plan.
Missed Payment/Return Payment Fee: A $40 fee will be charged for each missed or returned payment.
Readmission Fee: A student who leaves a program and consequently requests readmission will incur a Readmission Fee of $200.00.
Transcript Fee: A fee of $15 will be charged for each transcript requested.

Completion Requirements:

Academics – A minimum score of 70% is required for graduation.

Medical Scribe Programs

Admissions and Course Prerequisites:

All students entering AHDPG must submit or achieve the following:

High School Diploma or the Equivalent, or Academic, Employer or Family Sponsorship.
Complete the assessment associated with their respective program, as necessary.
Maintain up-to-date information on the AHDPG Student Profile.

Orientation:

An online orientation is conducted on the first day of the program to serve as an introduction between students and instructors; to discuss the course format, goals, and expectations; and to address student questions and concerns. Prior to the first day of the program, the instructor provides, via email, a link to the online orientation session along with the planned date and time. If that session is not convenient for the student, the instructor will work with the student to schedule at a mutually convenient time.

Orientations may be conducted one-on-one or in small groups. Audio communication, either through a microphone or telephone, is required in order to have an interactive discussion; the use of a webcam or video is not required. Although programs are conducted in an online setting, interaction between students and instructors is very important to ensure that students understand the material and feel comfortable approaching their instructors to ask for help when needed. AHDPG feels that developing this rapport from the very beginning is critical to student success by helping to foster good communication and support student engagement throughout the program.

Overview:

Medical Scribe Professional (MSP)

This 4-month online course should be completed in the following sequence in order to master key concepts in one section before moving on to the next module. Curriculum and timeline may be modified at any time at the discretion of the AHDPG faculty to improve quality and student outcomes. A student enrolled in the program is expected to communicate with their instructor immediately should any difficulties arise that keep a student from adhering to the course schedule.

Course Topics:

Medical Terminology

Basic Word Structure
Organization of the Body
Suffixes
Prefixes
Medical Specialists and Case Reports
Body Systems: Cardiovascular to Male Reproductive
Body Systems Continued: Musculoskeletal to Urinary
Immunity and COVID-19 Vaccines
Diagnostic Tests and Procedures
Abbreviations, Acronyms, Symbols, Eponyms, & Plurals
Exam

Anatomy & Physiology

Introduction to the Human Body
Integumentary and Muscular System
Skeletal System
Nervous System
Sensory and Endocrine Systems
The Heart
Lymphatic and Immune Systems
Respiratory and Urinary Systems
Digestive System
Reproductive System and Human Development
Exam

How to Scribe:

Course Overview
- AHDPG
- What is a Medical Scribe?
The Language of Medicine
- Terminology
- Abbreviations & Brief Forms
- Phrasing
- Sound-a-Likes
Subjective
- Chief Complaint
- History of Present Illness
- Review of Systems
- Past Medical History
- Current Medications
Objective
- Physical Examination
- Orders
- Procedures
- Lab
- Path
- Imaging
Assessment
- Differential Diagnosis
- Diagnosis
- Problem List
- Medical Decision Making
Plan
- Plan of Care
- Patient Education
Reimbursement
- Coding
- Medical Necessity
- Revenue Cycle
Healthcare Compliance
- HIPAA
- Compliance
- Safety
The Electronic Health Record
- Documentation Standards
- HITECH
- Health Information
Documentation Review
Practice Scenarios/Charting
Final Exam
- Part 1 – Knowledge Exam
- Part 2 – Charting Exam

Medical Scribe Training for Allied Health Professionals (MS4AHP)

This expedited program is designed specifically for practicing Allied Health Professionals (medical assistants, medical transcriptionists, licensed vocational nurses, technicians, etc.) in the field of medical scribing. Students will use their extensive medical knowledge to further their skills in this career opportunity. Starting from the vantage point that each candidate for this program comes to us with a fundamental level of knowledge in Anatomy & Physiology, Medical Terminology, English Grammar, Computer Skills, and HIPAA, this course is designed to give you the information and knowledge necessary to handle the activities associated with medical scribing and further reducing the administrative burden placed on your physicians by today’s electronic medical record systems. Courses that would normally target new scribes (those with no previous healthcare experience) will be waived in this program as prospective students for this course already have a medical background and have taken an initial screening exam on the waived subjects.

Course Topics:

How to Scribe:

Course Overview
- AHDPG
- What is a Medical Scribe?
The Language of Medicine
- Terminology
- Abbreviations & Brief Forms
- Phrasing
- Sound-a-Likes
Subjective
- Chief Complaint
- History of Present Illness
- Review of Systems
- Past Medical History
- Current Medications
Objective
- Physical Examination
- Orders
- Procedures
- Lab
- Path
- Imaging
Assessment
- Differential Diagnosis
- Diagnosis
- Problem List
- Medical Decision Making
Plan
- Plan of Care
- Patient Education
Reimbursement
- Coding
- Medical Necessity
- Revenue Cycle
Healthcare Compliance
- HIPAA
- Compliance
- Safety
The Electronic Health Record
- Documentation Standards
- HITECH
- Health Information
Documentation Review
Practice Scenarios/Charting
Final Exam
- Part 1 – Knowledge Exam
- Part 2 – Charting Exam

Grading Scale:

Medical Scribe Professional (MSP) & Medical Scribe Training for Allied Health Professionals Programs:

Grades will be based on the following:
All Assessments (Tests), Assignments, and Final Exams will be averaged together at the end of the course, and the total average will factor into the final program grade as below.

Learning Activity	Percentage
Lesson Assignments	30%
Lesson Test	30%
Final Exam Part 1	20%
Final Exam Part 2	20%

Percentage Range	Letter Grade
90 - 100	A
80 - 89	B
0 - 79	Failing

Tuition and Fees:

Medical Scribe Professional (MSP) Program

Tuition fee: $1,350.00
Books and Materials Fee: $795.00 (nonrefundable)
Administrative Fee: $50.00 (nonrefundable)

Medical Scribe Training for Allied Health Professionals (MS4AHP) Program

Tuition fee: $995.00
Books, Materials and Technology Fee: $120.00
Administrative Fee: $50.00 (nonrefundable)

Other Fees:

3% Convenience Fee (nonrefundable). Waived for direct bank draft payments.
Extension Fee: Students requiring more time in the program than originally allocated will incur an Extension Fee. The Extension Fee will be assessed at $195 per month for students who pay upfront for their program or the monthly payment for students on the monthly payment plan.
Missed Payment/Return Payment Fee: A $40 fee will be charged for each missed or returned payment.
Readmission Fee: A student who leaves a program and consequently requests readmission will incur a Readmission Fee of $200.00.
Transcript Fee: A fee of $15 will be charged for each transcript requested.

Completion Requirements

Course completion is achieved when:

All assignments, activities, and exams have been submitted to the Instructor.
The Instructor has provided all grades and feedback.
The student has satisfied their financial obligation and this has been confirmed in writing (via email) between the Instructor and the Student Services Coordinator.

Academics – The student is required to maintain no less than 70% overall average in their coursework in order to proceed in the program.

Remediation – The instructor will work with each student who receives a failing grade on an assignment, offering supplemental work to improve his or her knowledge of the subject matter. Any student who is in danger of not achieving the 70% required to pass the coursework portion of the program will be counseled by the instructor and a plan for Student Improvement written. This plan will be placed in the student’s official file.

Career Pathways:

These courses of study prepare students to enter the workforce fully trained to act as a medical scribe, medical assistant-scribe, clinical information manager, remote scribe, telescribe, and senior medical scribe within the clinical setting to support providers and patients during their encounters. The Medical Scribe Professional curriculum offers medical terminology and anatomy and physiology training to those students who are new to the healthcare field. The Medical Scribe for Allied Health Professionals curriculum offers scribe training to those who already have an understanding of medical terminology and anatomy and physiology and who have had previous healthcare experience. This knowledge is also highly desirable in other healthcare-related occupations including but not limited to medical office staff, medical transcription and speech recognition editing, and billing and coding, leading to many opportunities upon completion of the program.

Medical Technician Programs

Admissions and Course Prerequisites:

All students entering AHDPG must submit or achieve the following:

High School Diploma or the Equivalent, or Academic, Employer or Family Sponsorship.
Complete the assessment associated with their respective program, as necessary.
Maintain up-to-date information on the AHDPG Student Profile.

Program Overviews:

EKG Technician Program

This EKG Technician Program prepares students to perform EKGs. This course will include information on the anatomy and physiology of the heart, medical disease processes, medical terminology, medical ethics, legal aspects of patient contact, electrocardiography, and stress testing.

This EKG Technician program prepares students to function as EKG technicians. This course covers the following key areas and topics:

Detailed anatomy and physiology of the heart
Medical disease processes and terminology
Medical ethics and legal aspects of patient contact
Electrocardiography and echocardiography
An introduction to the components, function, and proper use of the EKG machine
The normal anatomy of the chest wall for proper lead placement
12-lead placement and other practices
EKG Technician Detailed Course Information:

Role of the EKG technician

Function of the EKG department in a variety of settings (hospital, clinic, office, mobile service)
Medical terminology related to electrocardiography
Care and safety of patients, including medical and legal aspects of patient care
Anatomy and physiology of the cardiovascular system
Electrophysiology, the conduction system of the heart, and the cardiac cycle
Circulation of blood through the heart and vessels
Lead placement for 12-lead electrocardiography
Basic EKG interpretation of normal rhythms and arrhythmias
EKG troubleshooting including recognizing artifacts
Waves and measurements
EKG strip analysis (P, Q, R, S, T waveform interpretation)
Identification of rhythms using the 12-lead EKG
Pacemakers
Holter monitoring and the echocardiogram

Students who complete this comprehensive course will receive a certificate of completion from AHDPG and will be prepared to sit for the national certification exam administered by the National Health Career Association (NHA). Check your state requirements prior to enrolling.

Patient Care Technician Program

The healthcare industry is currently undergoing major changes in the way patient care is provided. This restructuring has resulted in the introduction of a new category of healthcare workers trained to perform a variety of patient care services. Patient Care Technicians must possess the technical skills necessary to service complex patient personal care issues, including the implementation of selected portions of a specific care plan that may include rehabilitation services, basic bedside care, collection of laboratory specimens, Phlebotomy, and EKGs. They work alongside doctors, nurses, and other healthcare providers to oversee and monitor patients. This Patient Care Technician program will provide students with the basic medical knowledge and hands-on skills necessary to perform or obtain technical diagnostic testing and perform direct patient care.

Course Outcomes:

By the end of this course, students will be able to:

Phlebotomy Technician Program

The Phlebotomy Technician program prepares individuals to collect blood from clients for the purpose of laboratory analysis. This course covers the following key areas and topics:

Course Objectives:

Process and procedures for collecting blood specimens for laboratory analysis.
All aspects of blood collection and related procedures.
The order of draw.
Universal precautions
Skills to perform venipunctures completely and safely.
Terminology and related anatomy and physiology.

Detailed Course Topics Covered:

The history of phlebotomy and the healthcare setting.
Quality assurance and legal issues.
Infection control, safety, first aid, and personal wellness.
Universal precautions including safety protocols and infection control.
Laboratory operations (e.g. safety, quality control)
Blood banks and blood typing, lab departments and personnel.
Medical terminology and laboratory theory.
Human anatomy and physiology of the circulatory system.
Specimen collection, processing, and handling.
Blood collection equipment, additives, and order of the draw.
Venipuncture specimen collection procedures.
Capillary puncture equipment and procedures.
Special collections and point-of-care testing.
Arterial puncture procedures.
Non-blood specimens and tests.
Pediatric and geriatric blood collection.
Blood and blood composition, blood tubes, coagulation, venipuncture protocols, etc.

The Clinical Phlebotomy Externship is a standard 40-hour unpaid rotation. During these Externships, students are given a chance to get hands-on experience and practice phlebotomy procedures on patients with supervision. The Externship is designed to ensure students get a minimum of 50 accurate sticks (a combination of venipuncture/capillary sticks and 10 skin punctures) and record this on a log sheet that is signed by a lab supervisor.

Students who complete this comprehensive course will receive a certificate of completion from AHDPG and will be prepared to sit for the national certification exam administered by the National HealthCareer Association (NHA). Check your state requirements prior to enrolling.

Grading Scale:

Precentage Range	Letter Grade	Point Value
90 - 100	A	4.0
80 - 89	B	3.0
70 - 79	C	2.0
0 - 69	Failing	0.0

A minimum grade average of 70% is required to proceed from one course/subject module within the Coding and Billing program to the next course/subject module.

The composition of grades including applicable categories of assignments and associated weights varies by subject module and can be found in the individual course syllabuses.

Tuition and Fees:

EKG Technician Program

Tuition fee: $1,450.00
Books, Materials, and Technology Fee: $795.00 (nonrefundable)
Administrative Fee: $50.00 (nonrefundable)

Patient Care Technician Program

Tuition fee: $1,950.00
Books, Materials, and Technology Fee: $495.00 (nonrefundable)
Administrative Fee: $50.00 (nonrefundable)

Phlebotomy Technician Program

Tuition fee: $1,450.00
Books, Materials, and Technology Fee: $795.00 (nonrefundable)
Administrative Fee: $50.00 (nonrefundable)

Other Fees:

3% Convenience Fee (nonrefundable). Waived for direct bank draft payments.
Extension Fee: Students requiring more time in the program than originally allocated will incur an Extension Fee. The Extension Fee will be assessed at $195 per month for students who pay upfront for their program or the monthly payment for students on the monthly payment plan.
Missed Payment/Return Payment Fee: A $40 fee will be charged for each missed or returned payment.
Readmission Fee: A student who leaves a program and consequently requests readmission will incur a Readmission Fee of $200.00.
Transcript Fee: A fee of $15 will be charged for each transcript requested.

Completion Requirements:

Academics – A minimum score of 70% is required for graduation.

Patient Care Technician

Admissions and Course Prerequisites:

All students entering AHDPG must submit or achieve the following:

High School Diploma or the Equivalent, or Academic, Employer or Family Sponsorship.
Complete the assessment associated with their respective program, as necessary.
Maintain up-to-date information on the AHDPG Student Profile.

Program Overview:

The healthcare industry is currently undergoing major changes in the way patient care is provided. This restructuring has resulted in the introduction of a new category of healthcare workers trained to perform a variety of patient care services. Patient Care Technicians must possess the technical skills necessary to service complex patient personal care issues, including the implementation of selected portions of a specific care plan that may include rehabilitation services, basic bedside care, collection of laboratory specimens, Phlebotomy and EKG’s. They work alongside doctors, nurses, and other healthcare providers to oversee and monitor patients. This Patient Care Technician program will provide students with the basic medical knowledge and hands on skills necessary to perform or obtain technical diagnostic testing and perform direct patient care.

Course Outcomes:

At the end of this course, students will be able to:

Grading Scale:

Precentage Range	Letter Grade	Point Value
90 - 100	A	4.0
80 - 89	B	3.0
70 - 79	C	2.0
0 - 69	Failing	0.0

A minimum grade average of 70% is required to proceed from one course/subject module within the Coding and Billing program to the next course/subject module.

The composition of grades, including applicable categories of assignments and associated weights varies by subject module and can be found in the individual course syllabuses.

Tuition and Fees:

Tuition fee: $1,950.00
Books, Materials, and Technology Fee: $495.00 (nonrefundable)
Administrative Fee: $50.00 (nonrefundable)

Other Fees:

3% Convenience Fee (nonrefundable). Waived for direct bank draft payments.
Extension Fee: Students requiring more time in the program than originally allocated will incur an Extension Fee. The Extension Fee will be assessed at $195 per month for students who pay up front for their program or the monthly payment for students on the monthly payment plan.
Missed Payment/Return Payment Fee: A $40 fee will be charged for each missed or returned payment.
Readmission Fee: A student who leaves a program and consequently requests readmission will incur a Readmission Fee of $200.00.
Transcript Fee: A fee of $15 will be charged for each transcript requested.

Completion Requirements:

Academics – A minimum score of 70% is required for graduation.

Veterinary Assistant

Admissions and Course Prerequisites:

All students entering AHDPG must submit or achieve the following:

High School Diploma or the Equivalent, or Academic, Employer or Family Sponsorship.
Complete the assessment associated with their respective program, as necessary.
Maintain up-to-date information on the AHDPG Student Profile.

Program Overview:

The Veterinary Assistant program prepares learners for a new career in the field of veterinary medicine. Participants will learn about the care of animals as well as how to recognize signs of illness and disease in a variety of animals from common pets to exotic species. This program also covers interpersonal communication, interaction with clients and their animals, as well as how to assist the veterinarian during examinations. Administrative duties, such as fee collection, banking, and accounts payable are also emphasized to provide learners with the skills necessary to maintain an efficient front office. This veterinary assisting course is a vital asset to learners who wish to work in this exciting and rewarding field.

Employment of veterinary assistants and caretakers of laboratory animals is expected to grow 9% to 2030, faster than average for this occupation. As more and more Americans are adopting pets, the pet population continues to increase at a steady pace. Additionally, technological and medical advancements veterinary medicine is helping to boost the level of care for pets at a cost that used to be out of reach, further contributing to the rising demand for veterinary medicine generally, and veterinary assistants in particular. The veterinary assistant can expect to obtain a position mainly in clinics, animal hospitals and research laboratories, but grooming facilities, pet day cares and boarding facilities would be in need of individuals with these skills as well.

Course Outcomes

By the end of this course, students will have the ability to:

Demonstrate the process of dissecting a medical term using its prefix, word root, combining forms, and suffixes.
Define general medical terms and abbreviations used in veterinary medicine.
Define veterinary medical terms and abbreviations that apply to each body system including those for anatomy, physiology, diagnostic procedures, and pathological conditions.
Define terms that describe body parts and anatomy specific to various species of animals.
Define common terms that denote sex, age, birthing, grouping, and general descriptions of animals.
Define veterinary medical terms and abbreviations associated with the examination, pharmacology, pathology, surgery, dissection, and laboratory procedures.
Define specific veterinary terms and abbreviations used to describe canines, felines, equine, ruminants, swine, birds, and other species.
Explain the foundations of veterinary practice in terms of ethical, legal, safety, practice management, and professional communication.
Explain the concepts associated with veterinary diagnostics.
Explain the concepts associated with veterinary therapeutics.
Explain the concepts associated with animal nursing care and husbandry for different animal species.

Grading Scale:

Precentage Range	Letter Grade	Point Value
90 - 100	A	4.0
80 - 89	B	3.0
70 - 79	C	2.0
0 - 69	Failing	0.0

A minimum grade average of 70% is required to proceed from one course/subject module within the Coding and Billing program to the next course/subject module.

The composition of grades, including applicable categories of assignments and associated weights varies by subject module and can be found in the individual course syllabuses.

Tuition and Fees:

Tuition fee: $1,350.00
Books, Materials, and Technology Fee: $495.00 (nonrefundable)
Administrative Fee: $50.00 (nonrefundable)

Other Fees:

3% Convenience Fee (nonrefundable). Waived for direct bank draft payments.
Extension Fee: Students requiring more time in the program than originally allocated will incur an Extension Fee. The Extension Fee will be assessed at $195 per month for students who pay up front for their program or the monthly payment for students on the monthly payment plan.
Missed Payment/Return Payment Fee: A $40 fee will be charged for each missed or returned payment.
Readmission Fee: A student who leaves a program and consequently requests readmission will incur a Readmission Fee of $200.00.
Transcript Fee: A fee of $15 will be charged for each transcript requested.

Completion Requirements:

Academics – A minimum score of 70% is required for graduation.

Veterinary Assistant Scribe

Admissions and Course Prerequisites:

All students entering AHDPG must submit or achieve the following:

High School Diploma or the Equivalent, or Academic, Employer or Family Sponsorship.
Complete the assessment associated with their respective program, as necessary.
Maintain up-to-date information on the AHDPG Student Profile.

Program Overview:

Veterinarians are under an increasing weight of administrative tasks that pull them away from patient care. With Veterinary Scribes, veterinarians can increase productivity, improve efficiency, have quality PMS documentation, and help minimize the risk for burnout and turnover.

The Veterinary Assistant – Scribe program prepares learners for a new career in the field of veterinary medicine. Participants will learn about the care of animals as well as how to recognize signs of illness and disease in a variety of animals from common pets to exotic species. This program also covers interpersonal communication, interaction with clients and their animals, as well as how to assist the veterinarian during examinations. Administrative duties, such as fee collection, banking, and accounts payable are also emphasized to provide learners with the skills necessary to maintain an efficient front office. This program is designed to give you the information and knowledge necessary to handle the activities associated with medical scribing to further reducing the administrative burden associated with electronic record keeping. This veterinary assisting course is a vital asset to learners who wish to work in this exciting and rewarding field.

Employment of veterinary assistants and caretakers of laboratory animals is expected to grow 9% by 2030, faster than average for this occupation. As more and more Americans are adopting pets, the pet population continues to increase at a steady pace. Additionally, technological and medical advancements veterinary medicine is helping to boost the level of care for pets at a cost that used to be out of reach, further contributing to the rising demand for veterinary medicine generally, and veterinary assistants. The veterinary assistant can expect to obtain a position mainly in clinics, animal hospitals and research laboratories, but grooming facilities, pet day cares and boarding facilities would need individuals with these skills as well.

Course Outcomes

At the end of Veterinary Assisting course, students will be able to:

Explain how to dissect a medical term in terms of prefixes, word root, combining forms, and suffixes.
Define general medical terms and abbreviations used veterinary medicine.
Define veterinary medical terms and abbreviations that apply to each body system including those for anatomy, physiology, diagnostic procedures, and pathological conditions.
Define terms that describe body parts and anatomy specific to various species of animals.
Define common terms that denote sex, age, birthing, grouping, and general descriptions of animals.
Define veterinary medical terms and abbreviations associated with the examination, pharmacology, pathology, surgery, dissection, and laboratory procedures.
Define specific veterinary terms and abbreviations used to describe canines, felines, equine, ruminants, swine, birds, and other species.
Explain the foundations of veterinary practice in terms of ethical, legal, safety, practice management, and professional communication.
Explain the concepts associated with veterinary diagnostics.
Explain the concepts associated with veterinary therapeutics.
Explain the concepts associated with animal nursing care and husbandry for different animal species.

At the end of Medical Scribe course, students will be able to:

Understand the intrinsic value of a medical scribe to a veterinarian, including the role, responsibilities, etiquette, and personality of a functioning and successful scribe.
Describe the functions of electronic health record (EHR) systems used in veterinary practices.
Competently document patient histories, physical exams, and treatments using SOAP.
HIPAA compliance and confidentiality of veterinary records.
Understand the components and mechanics of an EHR regarding scribing utilizing hands‐on practice and demonstrate competency in same.
Apply scribe workplace fundamentals through direct multimedia scenarios.
Obtain scribing practice with case presentations and medical charting.
Prepare to add a significant new skill set to your resume.

Grading Scale:

Precentage Range	Letter Grade	Point Value
90 - 100	A	4.0
80 - 89	B	3.0
70 - 79	C	2.0
0 - 69	Failing	0.0

A minimum grade average of 70% is required to proceed from one course/subject module within the Coding and Billing program to the next course/subject module.

The composition of grades, including applicable categories of assignments and associated weights varies by subject module and can be found in the individual course syllabuses.

Tuition and Fees:

Tuition fee: $2,250.00
Books, Materials, and Technology Fee: $495.00 (nonrefundable)
Administrative Fee: $50.00 (nonrefundable)

Other Fees:

3% Convenience Fee (nonrefundable). Waived for direct bank draft payments.
Extension Fee: Students requiring more time in the program than originally allocated will incur an Extension Fee. The Extension Fee will be assessed at $195 per month for students who pay up front for their program or the monthly payment for students on the monthly payment plan.
Missed Payment/Return Payment Fee: A $40 fee will be charged for each missed or returned payment.
Readmission Fee: A student who leaves a program and consequently requests readmission will incur a Readmission Fee of $200.00.
Transcript Fee: A fee of $15 will be charged for each transcript requested.

Completion Requirements:

Academics – A minimum score of 70% is required for graduation.

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