Health Care Find your path to a rewarding career
There’s more to health care than doctors and nurses. Demand for health care professionals is surging, in direct patient care and behind-the-scenes roles.
With more than 40 different degree and certificate programs in the health care field, Columbus State can help you find the best fit. And thanks to a new partnership with OhioHealth, we're planning to double our graduates in nursing, surgical technology, medical imaging, respiratory therapy and sterile processing. There's never been a better time to start working toward a meaningful, well-paid career in health care.
Healthcare Overview / Q&A
Tuesday, June 18, 2024
10:00 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
[VIRTUAL]
Why Build a Career in Health Care?
Skills and Interests
Health care employers need people in direct patient care, as well as IT specialists, technologists, and administrators. If you’re compassionate, precise, and good under pressure, you’ll thrive in health care.
Good Pay and Benefits
With a certificate or associate degree, you could start earning anywhere from $18 to $36 an hour. Plus, there’s room to increase your earning potential as you gain experience.
Career Growth
The increasing demand for health care services offers long-term career stability. Plus, many employers provide benefits for continuing education.
Find the Right Education and Training
We have more than 40 programs in the health care field, including two-year associate degrees and short-term certificates that get you into the workforce quickly. Need help choosing the right program? Request Information
Associate Degrees
Dental Hygiene A.A.S.
This degree prepares you for an entry-level position as a dental hygienist. Dental hygienists assist dentists in oral exams, routine teeth cleanings, taking x-rays and more. Graduates are eligible to sit for licensure examinations on the national and state level.
For College Credit | 2-Year Degree
Health Information Management Technology A.A.S.
Health information systems collect, store and report health data. Maintaining those systems is vital to documenting and streamlining patient care. This degree prepares you to use and manage health information systems. Classes focus on the medical, administrative, ethical, legal, and regulatory requirements of the health care system.
For College Credit | 2-Year Degree
Health Sciences A.A.S.
This degree allows you to explore different health careers or earn a certificate in a variety of related health care fields. This program is also a good fit for students interested in transferring to a four-year institution for a bachelor’s degree in a health care profession. You’ll select an area of emphasis and general education core requirements and electives based on your chosen area.
For College Credit | 2-Year Degree
Health Care Management A.A.S.
The business of health care is expanding and the need for qualified individuals to help manage the impact of new technology and treatment processes is high. This degree prepares you to lead in the health care space, with courses on human resources, project management, risk assessment, and more.
For College Credit | 2-Year Degree
Medical Imaging A.A.S.
This program equips you to become a radiographer—a highly skilled professional who performs imaging examinations at the request of a physician. Different types of medical imaging include X-rays, ultrasounds, CT scans and MRIs. The results aid radiologists and doctors in diagnosing and treating illness and injury.
For College Credit | 2-Year Degree
Medical Laboratory Technology A.A.S.
Lab tests on blood, urine, bacterial cultures and other samples help doctors diagnose and treat patients. This program prepares you to work in a medical lab setting and perform a wide range of important diagnostic laboratory procedures. Employment opportunities include hospitals, research and reference laboratories, public health, veterinary facilities, and more.
For College Credit | 2-Year Degree
Multi-Skilled Health A.A.S.
As health care facilities evolve to meet patient needs, organizations are looking for individuals who have a variety of skills. The Multi-Skilled Health degree provides the flexibility for students to gain these important skills in health care. Many of these courses require a clinical placement.
For College Credit | 2-Year Degree
Nursing (RN) A.A.S.
This degree prepares you to care for patients of all ages in health care facilities, in the community and in homes. The program blends classroom lectures, laboratory practice, and hands-on clinical experiences to build critical thinking, decision making, and care management skills. Graduates are prepared to take relevant licensure exams.
For College Credit | 2-Year Degree
Respiratory Care A.A.S.
This five-semester degree program prepares you to work in respiratory care. Respiratory therapists specialize in treating patients who have trouble breathing, from premature infants to adults and seniors with lung conditions. They work with doctors to examine and treat patients, manage ventilators, administer medication and more.
For College Credit | 2-Year Degree
Sport & Exercise Studies A.A.S.
This degree prepares you to work in athletic or tactical strength and conditioning. You will learn to perform athletic assessments, program design and implementation, and training for a wide variety of athletes and individuals training for greater sport or job performance.
For College Credit | 2-Year Degree
Surgical Technology A.A.S.
This degree prepares you to work as a surgical technologist. Surgical technologists prep operating rooms, sterilize equipment, and help doctors and nurses perform tasks during surgery. Coursework covers human anatomy, surgical procedures, sterile and aseptic technique, and more.
For College Credit | 2-Year Degree
Veterinary Technology A.A.S.
This degree prepares you to work as a veterinary technician. Vet techs assist veterinarians during exams, as well as run tests, administer medications and vaccines, collect animal’s health history, and more. Some vet techs specialize in dentistry, anesthesia, emergency care, or zoological care. In this program, you will spend a portion of your clinical experience in settings such as research centers, private clinical practices, emergency hospitals, diagnostic laboratories, and zoos.
For College Credit | 2-Year Degree
Massage Therapy / Entrepreneurship A.T.S.
This degree program prepares you to practice massage therapy in health and fitness environments, salons and day spas, medical offices, private practices, and more. Successful completion of the Massage Therapy program meets all requirements for graduates to sit for the Massage and Bodywork Licensing Examination.
For College Credit | 2-Year Degree
Medical Assisting A.T.S.
This degree prepares you to work as a medical assistant, primarily in medical offices, urgent care centers, and clinics. Medical assistants are multi-skilled health professionals who assist in patient care management by scheduling appointments, collecting patient’s health history, taking vital signs, and more.
For College Credit | 2-Year Degree
Certificates
Basic Electrocardiography (EKG) Certificate
This certificate prepares you with entry-level skills to correctly perform the EKG process, interpret various heart rhythms, and troubleshoot equipment. Students complete at least 16 clinical hours and 30 tracings.
For College Credit | 1-Semester Certificate
Exercise Specialist Certificate
This certificate prepares you to sit for the leading certifications in the health and fitness industry. These certifications include (but are not limited to) the American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) Certified Personal Trainer certification and the National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) Certified Personal Trainer certification.
For College Credit | 3-Semester Certificate
GXMO Medical Imaging Certificate
This certificate prepares you for licensing as a General X-ray Machine Operator (GXMO) through the Ohio Department of Health. The GXMO credential allows performance of certain x-ray procedures under practitioner supervision.
For College Credit | 3-Semester Certificate
Healthcare Manager Certificate
This certificate starts you on the path to managing the business of health care. Health care managers provide leadership skills in health care human resources, project management, risk assessment, and more.
For College Credit | 2-Semester Certificate
Health Information Management Technician Certificate
This certificate prepares you to work as a health information technician. Health information technicians assist in compiling patient records and help maintain accuracy and confidentiality. You’ll also learn how to safely release medical information for legal requests, prescription authorizations and record requests.
For College Credit | 2-Semester Certificate
Massage Therapy Advanced Techniques Certificate
This certificate covers various advanced topics in massage therapy designed to prepare you for positions in specialized areas. These classes are open to current students and therapists already practicing in the field and wanting to gain additional specialized skills.
For College Credit | 2-Semester Certificate
Massage Therapy Certificate
This certificate prepares students for massage therapy careers in health and fitness environments, salon and day spas, medical offices, private practices, and many other areas. Successful completion of the Massage Therapy Certificate program meets all requirements for graduates to sit for the Massage and Bodywork Licensing Examination.
For College Credit | 4-Semester Certificate
Medical Assisting Certificate
This certificate prepares you to work as a medical assistant, primarily in settings such as medical offices, urgent care centers, and clinics. Medical assistants are multi-skilled health professionals who assist in patient care management and perform a broad range of clinical and administrative duties.
For College Credit | 3-Semester Certificate
Medical Coding Certificate
This certificate provides you with the entry-level skills to work as a medical coder. Medical coding is the process of translating health conditions and procedures into standard codes for record-keeping and billing. Courses in medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, coding, and medical reimbursement will prepare you for long-term success.
For College Credit | 3-Semester Certificate
MLT Clinical Laboratory Assisting Certificate
Lab tests on blood, urine, bacterial cultures and other samples help doctors diagnose and treat patients. This certificate provides exposure to the clinical laboratory techniques and procedures needed for entry-level laboratory jobs.
For College Credit | 1-Semester Certificate
Nurse Aide Training Program Certificate (STNA)
This certificate gives you the knowledge and skills needed to provide basic care for patients in the long-term care setting. Classes emphasize communication skills, patient safety, and basic patient care skills.
For College Credit | 1-Semester Certificate
Patient Care Assistant Certificate
This certificate prepares you to provide nursing care for patients in an acute care setting or a skilled rehabilitation unit. The program is an expansion of the curriculum and skills within the state-approved Nurse Aide Training Program.
For College Credit | 1-Semester Certificate
Pharmacy Technician Certificate
The Pharmacy Technician Program prepares you for a career as a pharmacy technician. Pharmacy technicians are responsible for preparing medications for dispensing, performing dosage calculations, taking inventory, and ordering supplies.
For College Credit | 2-Semester Certificate
Phlebotomy Certificate
This certificate gives you the entry-level skills to work as a phlebotomist. Phlebotomists perform blood collections for medical tests, research or donations. This involves proper use of equipment, handling and labeling samples, and helping patients cope with anxiety or adverse reactions.
For College Credit | 2-Semester Certificate
Practical Nursing Certificate (LPN)
This program prepares you to care for clients in a variety of health care settings. You will develop communication, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. Graduates are eligible to sit for relevant certification examinations.
For College Credit | 4-Semester Certificate
Sterile Processing Technology Certificate
This certificate prepares you to work as a sterile processing technician. Sterile processing technicians are a vital part of any hospital system. They help prevent infection and ensure patient safety by inspecting, cleaning and managing medical equipment and surgical instruments.
For College Credit | 2-Semester Certificate
Train the Trainer Certificate
This certificate prepares qualified nurses to teach, coordinate, and supervise a Nurse Aide Training Program in Ohio.
For College Credit | 1-Semester Certificate
Youth Coaching Certificate
This Sport and Exercise Studies certificate prepares you to provide coaching leadership in youth league sports. Upon completion, you are qualified to pursue American Sport Education Program certification.
For College Credit | 3-Semester Certificate