Healthcare Careers Start at IRSC Fall 2022-2023

A note from the Deans…

We are delighted that you are interested in pursuing a career in Health Science. IRSC offers more than 20 different programs in Health Science (in 19 areas of study) for you to explore, from fast-paced emergency care to patient care in a medical office environment to careers in healthcare administration.

All health science programs at IRSC are selective admissions, meaning a limited number of students are accepted each year. Selection is based on specific criteria, which could include GPA, prerequisite coursework, shadowing hours, etc. Find the career that is right for you by exploring the pages that follow and by attending free information sessions, which are offered regularly at IRSC campuses.

The IRSC Health Science Division and School of Nursing offer short-term training programs, certificate programs, Associate in Science degrees and Bachelor of Science degrees. Now is the perfect time to meet with an IRSC advisor at any one of our fi ve campuses in Fort Pierce, Okeechobee, Port St. Lucie, Stuart and Vero Beach to plan which program(s) to apply for and to review the selection criteria to determine your eligibility.

We wish you the best of luck on your educational journey and hope to see you soon!

Sincerely,

Patricia Gagliano, Ph.D., R.N.

Ann Hubbard, Ed.D., D.N.P., C.N.E. Dean, School of Nursing Dean, Health Science

Meet IRSC

Juliana M. King Nursing Laboratory Specialist School of Nursing

Ann B. Hubbard, Ed.D., D.N.P., C.N.E. Dean, Health Science

Patricia A. Gagliano, Ph.D., R.N. Dean, School of Nursing

Amanda Finkelstein Clinical Coordinator School of Nursing

Judy Diaz Clerk Health Science

Lisa Lopez Program Coordinator Health Science

Eva Haddock Administrative Assistant School of Nursing

Steps To Get Started

Careers in Health Science

Table of Contents

Central Service Technology

Central service technicians enjoy rewarding careers as part of the behind-the-scenes healthcare team in hospitals and outpatient clinics. They play a vital role in preventing infection by sterilizing, cleaning, processing, assembling, storing and distributing medical supplies. Graduates earning the IRSC Central Service Technology certificate are able to take the Certified Registered Central Service Technician national and international exams and seek employment with a hospital or outpatient surgery center.

Annual salaries for new central service technicians average $34,000. Typical pay is $37,209 per year. Highly experienced

can earn up to $52,240.

Dental Assisting

Requires 2.0 or higher GPA

Dental assistants help others look and feel their best—working with dentists to help patients maintain and improve their oral health and quality of life. Dental assistants seek employment in a private dental office, dental school, hospital, clinic or public health setting where they set up equipment, sterilize instruments, take radiographs and impressions, make temporary crowns, polish teeth, place sealants and administer fluoride treatments.

According to Career Coach (2022), the Treasure Coast employment projection for dental assistants continues to grow. New workers earn approximately $30,450 annually. Typical pay is $37,035 per year. Highly experienced workers can earn up to $47,755.

Dental Hygiene

Requires 3.0 or higher GPA

Dental hygienists work with dentists to help patients maintain and improve their oral health and quality of life. They examine the mouth; scale, root plane, clean and polish teeth; and expose and interpret x-rays. Students completing their IRSC degree can expect to take the Dental Hygiene National and State Licensure Board examinations and seek employment in a private dental office, public health agency, school system, hospital or clinic.

According to Career Coach (2022), median pay for dental hygienists is $75,903. New worker earnings start near $58,502. Highly experienced workers can earn up to $79,048.

100% of 2021 IRSC Dental Hygiene program graduates passed the National Board for Dental Hygiene Examination (NBDHE).*

100% of students enrolled in the Dental Assisting program in 2021 graduated.*

Emergency Medical Technician

Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) enjoy rewarding careers—helping to save lives in the event of illness or injury in response to emergency calls. They assess injuries, administer emergency medical care and transport injured or sick persons to medical facilities.

According to Career Coach (2022), compensation for new workers generally starts around $26,960. Typical pay for EMTs is $34,125 per year, while highly experienced workers can earn as much as $44,208.

On average, 4-out-of-5 IRSC students enrolled in the Emergency Medical Technician program pass the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) exam on the first full attempt.*

Paramedic

Paramedics administer first aid treatment or life support care to sick or injured persons in pre-hospital settings. They assess the nature and extent of illness or injury to establish and prioritize medical procedures and perform emergency diagnostic and treatment procedures. Paramedics with a degree in Emergency Medical Services often obtain leadership and management positions.

According to Career Coach (2022), compensation for new workers generally starts around $36,633. Typical pay for Paramedics is $48,010 per year, while highly experienced workers can earn as much as $52,205.

The Paramedic program of Indian River State College is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (www.caahep.org) upon the recommendation of the Committee on Accreditation of Educational Programs for the Emergency Medical Services Professions (CoAEMSP).

Within 12 months of graduation, 100% of IRSC Paramedic program graduates are either employed full- or part-time as a paramedic, continuing their education or serving in the military.*

* Based on recent graduate outcome data. Not a guarantee.

Health Information Technology Requires 2.5 or higher GPA

Health information technicians enjoy rewarding careers in healthcare and cutting-edge information technology. They are trained to accurately compile, analyze and maintain medical records consistent with the healthcare industry’s numerical coding system. Graduates earning an A.S. Degree in Health Information Technology take the Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) exam, and seek employment with a hospital, outpatient surgery center, clinic, physician’s office or government agency. Some technicians even work from home.

Annual salaries for new health information technicians average $30,000. Typical pay is $40,093 per year. Highly experienced workers can earn up to $56,159. (Career Coach, 2022)

The Associate in Science Degree in Health Information Technology is an online program through IRSC Global.

The IRSC program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM).

100% of Health Information Technology program 2021 graduates are working full- or part-time after graduation.

Earn Your Degree Online

Indian River State College leverages new opportunities for flexible, web-based course delivery, providing online access to academic programs for campus-based students, as well as offcampus and distance students.

IRSC offers hundreds of individual web-based courses and twelve web-based degrees; among these are the A.S. Degree in Health Information Technology and the coursework for the Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing. In-person, clinical components are required.

IRSC Online courses and degree programs are nationally certified through Quality Matters (QM) and created with a consistent format, so students can focus on learning and easily navigate through the material.

“I want to lead change in the healthcare world. My goal is to become a hospital CEO.”

Raynasha Grant, Class of 2017 Office Manager, Indian River Medical Center

Health Services Management

Requires 2.5 or higher GPA

Health services managers are trained as entry- level health professionals to generally coordinate the front offi ce operations for a clinic or physician’s office. Typical duties include working with the public to set appointments, maintain confidential medical records, and facilitate some billing or accounting functions. The average annual salary for this position is $39,530*. Salaries vary depending on a candidate’s work history and degree.

Prospective Health Services Management students may be able to earn competency credits based on current knowledge and prior experience working in the healthcare industry. See page 17 to learn how IRSC Prior Learning Assessment can help you save time and money in pursuit of your degree.

* bls.gov/oes/current/oes319099.htm

Healthcare Management (B.S. Degree)

Requires 2.5 or higher GPA

Healthcare managers are trained to plan, direct and coordinate medical and health services. They keep healthcare operations running smoothly by making decisions, solving problems, monitoring resources, analyzing information, implementing healthcare programs and coordinating the work of others.

Healthcare managers typically seek employment in a hospital, clinic, physician’s office, public health agency, long-term care facility or laboratory. The average annual salary for this position is $50,430. Salaries vary depending on a candidate’s work history and degree.

Prospective Bachelor’s Degree students may be able to earn competency credits based on current knowledge and prior experience working in a supervisory role in the healthcare industry. See page 17 to learn how IRSC Prior Learning Assessment can help you save time and money in pursuit of your degree in Healthcare Management.

* bls.gov/oes/current/oes319099.htm

“Indian River State College has smaller-size classes and blended classes, and the professors take the time to get to know you as a person.”

David Forest, Class of 2018 Director of Rehab Services, Lawnwood Regional Medical Center and Heart Institute

Healthcare Informatics Specialist

Healthcare informatics specialists enjoy rewarding careers as part of the behind-the-scenes healthcare team in hospitals. They play a vital role in designing, developing and accessing ways to collect, share, standardize and integrate data and information systems. Graduates earning the Healthcare Informatics Specialist certificate may be eligible to take the AHIMA Certified Health Data Analyst (CHDA) exam and seek employment with a hospital, outpatient surgery center, clinic, physician’s office or government agency. Some can even work from home.

Annual salaries for new healthcare informatics specialists average $26,792. Typical pay is $36,692 per year. Highly experienced workers can earn up to $56,159. (Career Coach, 2022)

Home Health Aide

Home health aides enter private residences to support patients’ needs including observation, record keeping, nutrition, household management, safety and maintenance of daily living activities. They are an essential part of the healthcare team that assists patients in regaining their independence. This course is designed for Certified Nursing Assistants (C.N.A.s) who wish to expand their skills and credentials.

According to Career Coach (2022), compensation for new workers generally starts around $19,494. Typical pay for home health aides is $24,618 per year, while highly experienced workers can earn as much as $38,851.

Medical Assisting

Medical assistants enjoy rewarding careers in one of the fastest-growing healthcare careers. Under the direction of a physician, they take and record vital signs and medical histories, prepare patients for examination, draw blood, administer medications and injections, perform minor surgery, schedule appointments, maintain medical records, and assist with billing and coding. Upon completion of the program, students seek American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) national certification, and find employment in a physician’s office, clinic or other healthcare facility.

Medical assistants earn around $29,790 when they start out. Typical pay is $36,717 per year. Highly experienced workers can earn up to $42,262 (Career Coach, 2022)

Medical Coder/Biller

Medical coder/billers are part of the behind-the-scenes healthcare team trained to process health insurance claims for hospitals, clinics or physicians’ offices. Typical duties include reading charts to determine medical history and establishing medical codes for healthcare providers and insurance companies. Graduates earning the Medical Coder/Biller certificate are able to take the Certified Coding Associate (CCA), Certified Coding Specialist (CCS) and/or Certified Professional Coder (CPC) exams, and seek employment with a hospital, outpatient surgery center, clinic, physician’s office or government agency. Some can even work from home.

Annual salaries for new medical coder/billers average $31,100. Typical pay is $38,000 per year. Highly experienced workers can earn up to $65,372. (Career Coach, 2022)

Medical Lab Technology Requires 2.5 or higher GPA

Medical laboratory technologists enjoy careers as part of the emerging biotechnology field and diagnostic healthcare team. They process body fluids for chemical, serological and biological analysis for the diagnosis, treatment and prevention of disease. Students completing the program at IRSC, go on to take the American Society of Clinical Pathology (ASCP) and American Association of Bioanalysts (AAB) medical lab technology certification exams, and seek employment in a hospital or independent laboratory.

According to Career Coach (2022), medical lab technology is an in-demand field on Florida’s Treasure Coast. New workers earn $31,237 per year on average. Typical pay for medical and clinical laboratory technologists is $58,850 per year, while highly experienced workers can earn as much as $76,382.

“The resources at Indian River State College have made it possible to achieve my goal of being a medical laboratory technologist and have groomed me to be a very competitive candidate in my field.”

* Based on recent graduate outcome data. Not a guarantee.

Michael Kutsner, Class of 2019 Medical Lab Technology

100% of IRSC Medical Laboratory Technolog y program graduates are working full- or part-time as a medical technologist within 12 months of graduation.*

Nursing—Nursing Assistant

Nursing assistants enjoy rewarding careers under the supervision of nursing and medical staff. Students are trained to identify and meet basic patient care needs for safety, comfort and daily activities—including feeding, bathing, dressing, grooming and transporting of patients. Nursing assistant graduates seek employment in a hospital, nursing home, physician’s office, clinic, long-term care facility or private home.

Earnings for new nursing assistants generally start around $22,706. Typical pay for nursing assistants is $28,868 per year, while highly experienced workers can earn as much as $37,934. (Career Coach, 2022)

Nursing—

Licensed Practical Nurse

Licensed Practical Nurses (L.P.N.s) are trained to work under the direction of doctors and registered nurses to assist with examining and treating patients; measure and record patient vital signs; prepare and administer injections; dress wounds; assist patients with bathing, dressing and eating; and record the progress of patients. L.P.N.s seek employment at a hospital, physician’s office, clinic, surgery center, nursing home, school system, private home or residential care facility after passing the National Council Licensure Examination.

According to Career Coach (2022), new L.P.N.s earn approximately $36,554. Typical pay is $48,931 per year. Highly experienced workers can earn up to $62,803.

On average, nearly 100% of IRSC Practical Nursing program graduates are working in either a full- or part-time position as a practical nurse 9 months after graduation.*

Associate Degree in Nursing—

Registered Nurse (R.N.)

Requires 3.0 or higher GPA

Registered Nurses (R.N.s) assess patient health problems and needs, provide hands-on daily care, monitor patient progress, educate, manage and supervise. R.N.s seek employment at a hospital, physician’s office, clinic, surgery center, nursing home, school system, private home or residential care facility after passing the National Council Licensure Examination.

According to Career Coach (2022), earnings for new R.N.s serving Treasure Coast communities start around $47,565. Typical pay is $64,189 per year. Highly experienced workers can earn up to $95,514.

On average, nearly 100% of IRSC Registered Nursing program graduates are working in either a full- or part-time position as a registered nurse 9 months after graduation.*

Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing— R.N. to B.S.N.

Requires 2.5 or higher GPA; an active, unrestricted home state of Florida

Registered Nurse License; Florida residency declaration for tuition purposes; a diploma in Nursing, A.A.S. Degree or A.S. Degree in Nursing.

Registered nurses ready for advancement to leadership and management positions complete the Bachelor’s Degree in Nursing for additional training, positioning them for advancement with a highly valued credential.

Building on the skills, knowledge and experiences of your Associate Degree, the nurse prepared with a Baccalaureate Degree utilizes an evidencebased practice model. This model uses the best scientific evidence, based on clinical experience and research, while incorporating patient preferences and values in the practice of professional nursing care. This dynamic program offers online didactic lectures with experiential learning opportunities.

The IRSC A.D.N. and R.N. to B.S.N. Nursing programs are accredited by the Accreditation Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN).

“I’m truly grateful to IRSC. I started as a surgical tech in women’s health and, in 2017, began working as an R.N. after receiving my degree. Now with a B.S.N. in hand, I’ve landed a new position in labor and delivery.”

Melissa Earman, Class of 2021 Labor and Delivery R.N. Lawnwood Regional Medical Center

On average, nearly 100% of IRSC Registered Nurse to B.S.N. program graduates are working in either a full- or part-time position as a nurse within 6 months of graduation.*

on recent graduate outcome data. Not a guarantee.

“I love what I do. My career is the perfect mix of working with people and science.”

Adam Carroll, Class of 2013 Pharmacy Manager, Walmart

Phlebotomy

Phlebotomists enjoy rewarding careers as vital members of the healthcare team—trained to draw blood for tests, transfusions, donations or research. They also label, sort and record blood specimens; prepare blood smears; and provide comfort to patients during blood draws. Phlebotomists are usually employed at a hospital, clinic, laboratory or healthcare facility. Many are able to set their own schedule.

Phlebotomist earnings generally average around $29,750. Typical pay for phlebotomists is $36,818 per year, while highly experienced workers can earn as much as $47,148. (Career Coach, 2022)

Pharmacy Technician

Pharmacy technicians enjoy rewarding careers as vital members of the healthcare team— trained to prepare medications under the direction of a pharmacist. They measure, mix, count out, label and record amounts and dosages of medications according to prescription orders. Graduates of the IRSC Pharmacy Technician program take the National Pharmacy Technician Certification Examination, and may seek employment in a retail pharmacy, hospital or nursing facility. Others choose to continue their education to become a pharmacist by completing the Associate in Arts Degree program prior to transferring to a university.

New pharmacy technicians start out earning around $28,610. Normal pay is $37,000 per year. Highly experienced workers can earn up to $45,831 (Career Coach, 2022)

100% of IRSC Pharmacy Technician program graduates for 2021 were working either full- or part-time as a pharmacy technician within 3 months of graduation.*

“IRSC gave me the opportunity to advance in my career and make connections that will last a lifetime. I am grateful for the unconditional support that I received from my professors and peers.”

Delaney Ridgway, Class of 2021 Physical Therapist Assistant Premier Physical Therapy

Physical Therapist Assistant

Requires 3.0 or higher GPA

Physical Therapist Assistants (PTAs) work under the direction of a physical therapist to assist patients in improving their mobility, restoring function and relieving their pain. They are trained to prevent or limit permanent physical disabilities of patients suffering from injuries or disease. Graduates of the IRSC Physical Therapist Assistant program sit for the Florida Jurisprudence Examination and the National PTA Licensure Examination, and seek employment in a hospital, physical therapist’s office, skilled nursing facility or home care.

New physical therapist assistants earn around $47,525. Typical pay is $61,511 per year. Highly experienced workers can earn up to $84,968. (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2022)

The PTA program at Indian River State College is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education (CAPTE).

Radiography

Requires 3.0 or higher GPA

Radiographers enjoy rewarding careers as valued members of the healthcare team. They are trained to take x-rays and CAT scans to assist in diagnosing medical conditions. Graduates of the IRSC Radiography program take the national certifying examination given by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (A.R.R.T.), and seek employment in a hospital, imaging center or physician’s office.

Radiologic technologists working on the Treasure Coast generally earn around $37,186 when they start out. Typical pay is $54,200 per year. Highly experienced workers can earn up to $77,137. (Career Coach, 2022)

This IRSC program is accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRCERT).

Nearly 100% of IRSC Radiography program graduates are employed in either a full- or part-time position as a radiographer within 12 months of graduation.*

* Based on recent graduate outcome data. Not a guarantee.

Surgical Services Technology

Surgical technologists work under the supervision and delegatory authority of a surgeon to facilitate the safe and effective conduct of invasive and non-invasive surgical procedures, ensuring that the operating room environment is safe, that equipment functions properly, and that the operative procedure is conducted under conditions that maximize patient safety. Surgical technologists are experts in the theory and application of the principles of asepsis and sterile technique to combine the knowledge of human anatomy, surgical procedures, and implementation and tools and technologies to facilitate a physician’s performance of invasive therapeutic and diagnostic procedure.

Earnings for surgical technologists generally average around $44,534. Typical pay is $57,543 per year. Highly experienced workers can earn up to $65,000 (Employ Florida, 2022) .

The IRSC Surgical Technology program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (www.caahep.org) upon the recommendation of the Accreditation Review Council on Education in Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting.

Respiratory Care

Requires 2.5 or higher GPA

Registered respiratory therapists are trained to care for patients with respiratory or other cardiopulmonary disorders. They care for premature infants, elderly patients and patients suffering from heart attacks, drowning and chronic lung disease. Most seek employment in a hospital or other medical facility.

The start up salary for a respiratory therapist is around $61,020. New workers start $57,179. Experienced workers can earn in excess of $76,684. (Employ Florida, 2022) .

The IRSC Respiratory Care program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC).

On average, 100% of those graduating from the program are working either full- or part-time as a certified surgical technologist one year after graduation.*

Based on recent graduate outcome data. Not a guarantee.

Apprenticeship Programs

Apprentices Earn While They Learn

Education

Setting

Hospital/Office

Paced/Trauma/Emergency Office

Non-Emergency Clinical Hospital/Retail Pharmacy

Non-Emergency Clinical Hospital/Office

Paced/Trauma/Emergency Hospital/Office

Non-Emergency Clinical Hospital/Office

Paced/Trauma/Emergency Hospital/Office

Non-Emergency Clinical Office

Non-Emergency Clinical Office

Non-Emergency Clinical Hospital/Office Administrative Hospital/Office Administrative Hospital/Laboratory

Non-Emergency Clinical Hospital/Office

Non-Emergency Clinical Hospital/Office

Non-Emergency Clinical Hospital/Office

Paced/Trauma/Emergency Hospital/Office

Paced/Trauma/Emergency Hospital

Paced/Trauma/Emergency Hospital/ Non-Emergency Clinical Hospital/Ambulance

Paced/Trauma/Emergency Hospital/Office Administrative Nursing Home

Non-Emergency Clinical Office

Non-Emergency Clinical Hospital/Office Administrative Nursing Home

Non-Emergency Clinical Hospital/Ambulance

Paced/Trauma/Emergency Hospital/Retail Pharmacy

Non-Emergency Clinical Hospital/Laboratory

Non-Emergency Clinical Hospital

Paced/Trauma/Emergency

Local Educational Opportunities

Indian River State College

Indian River State College

Indian River State College

Indian River State College

Indian River State College

Indian River State College

Indian River State College

Indian River State College

Indian River State College

Indian River State College

Indian River State College

Indian River State College

Indian River State College

Indian River State College

Indian River State College

Indian River State College

Indian River State College

Indian River State College

Indian River State College

Indian River State College

Indian River State College

Study at IRSC

Indian River State College (IRSC) is a public, comprehensive college with a statewide and national reputation for excellence. Located on Florida’s Treasure Coast, each of the College’s fi ve campuses—in Fort Pierce, Okeechobee, Port St. Lucie, Stuart and Vero Beach—provide unparalleled educational environments.

At IRSC, students enjoy small classes, personal attention and state-of-the-art facilities, with friendly professors and advisors who are active partners in their educational journey.

IRSC offers more than 20 different health science programs from career and technical education program certificates to Bachelor’s degrees. All of our health science programs are accredited. This ensures that students are receiving education that meets or exceeds the standard for that profession. Health science programs at IRSC go above and beyond the traditional learning experience by engaging students through the use of cutting-edge technology in the classroom and interdisciplinary collaboration. These and other strategies for learning have proven highly successful for our students as demonstrated in our program success rates. The IRSC Health Science Division overall licensure pass rate is 85%, and the overall job placement rate is 97%. Individual success rates by program can be found at irsc.edu.

Career and Transfer Services

Students enrolled in IRSC health science programs graduate job-ready as a result of opportunities such as internships, capstone projects, technical certificates and service learning that complement their academic pursuits. For those pursuing an advanced degree, credits earned at IRSC seamlessly transfer into Baccalaureate Degree programs offered at IRSC and at colleges and universities throughout the State of Florida.

For those entering the workforce post-graduation, Career and Transfer Services offers workshops, job fairs, career forums, career counseling appointments, mock interviews, resumé assistance, job searches and career exploration/assessments.

Financial Aid

The Financial Aid Office at Indian River State College is staffed with knowledgeable advisors who assist students in applying for needs-based grants, Federal Direct Student Loans and scholarships. Workshops designed to help students and parents complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) are held regularly on IRSC campuses. A host of financial aid resources—from printed materials to step-by-step videos—are readily available to students and parents.

Financial aid advisors are available during regular business hours:

• St. Lucie County: 772-462-7450

• Indian River, Martin and Okeechobee counties: 1-866-900-3243

Academic Support

The Academic Support Center (ASC) at Indian River State College provides extensive resources and instruction to help students excel in their coursework. Services include free individual and group tutoring, review sessions, computer use and assistance, and special needs equipment. The Center also offers workshops that address how to study, take notes, manage your time, save money and stay out of debt. There’s an ASC on every campus. Various online tools also support academic success. These include River Support, Blackboard online training and IRSC Online academic resources.