Clearfield, PA – The Lock Haven University Clearfield Campus announced today that two new certificate programs in the medical field will be offered this fall. LHU Clearfield, in partnership with Condensed Curriculum International (CCI), will offer the opportunity to earn certificates in a Pharmacy Technician program and a Medical Billing and Coding Professional program. Prospective students can apply immediately at the LHU Clearfield admissions office to begin either program the week of October 11th and complete the hours in nine weeks for Pharmacy Technician and thirteen weeks for Medical Billing and Coding.

“Our LHU Clearfield Campus strives to serve our region and there is a need for the pharmacy technician and medical billing and coding professional programs. We are pleased to be able to offer these programs beginning in October, which will benefit our community and will help our Clearfield Campus grow, as well,” said Dr. Marianne Hazel, LHU Clearfield Campus Interim Dean.

The Pharmacy Technician certificate is a comprehensive 50 hour course that will prepare students to enter the pharmacy field and to take the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board’s PTCB exam. “The demand for PT’s (Pharmacy Technicians) continues to grow with demand expected to increase substantially throughout 2011,” said Julie McDonald, director of CCI. “The high demand is the result of the constant availability of new drugs, the national shortage of registered pharmacists, the establishment of certified PTs and the aging population.”

The Medical Billing and Coding Professional certificate is an 80 hour course that offers the skills needed to solve insurance billing problems, execute file claims and trace delinquent ones, properly process forms and documents using multiple types of medical coding and procedures within various medical and health care organizations. “It is essential that we have professional individuals with the proper knowledge and background in these procedures to ensure health facilities and offices runs efficiently and appropriately to meet the demands and needs by all individuals receiving health care,” Julie explained.

Prospective students may apply online 24-hours, seven days a week on the LHU Clearfield Campus website, www.lhup.edu/clearfield, for only $25 with a credit card. The educational requirements to enter into either certificate program require a high school diploma or GED with courses in math and science needed for the Pharmacy Technician program.

LHU Clearfield is a branch campus of Lock Haven University which is a member of the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education (PASSHE), the largest provider of higher education in the commonwealth. LHU Clearfield is conveniently located in Clearfield, PA on route PA-322 and close to Interstate-80. For additional information about the LHU Clearfield Campus, visit the website at www.lhup.edu/clearfield

--LHU Clearfield--