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[pandemic*handwashing*hand sanitizers*toilet tissue*public school closures*work from home*zoom meetings*essential*non-essential*masks*gloves*6ft*social distancing*economy stimulus checks*telehealth*respirators*shortages*hazard pay*frontline workers*covid-19]

All of these words have become household names during the COVID-19 pandemic. Every day, we tend to utilize them on social media, and in conversations with colleagues, families and friends. As scientists around the world work tirelessly to move these words out of our daily dialogue, there is a lesson to be learned: Have an elevated appreciation for educators and essential workers!

Essential Workers are defined in the Essential Services Act of 2013 as “employees that perform work involving the safety of human life or the protection of property” such as but not limited to: grocery retailers, retail stores, manufacturers of healthcare equipment, manufacturers of equipment utilized by essential workers, service providers, pharmacists, healthcare professionals, janitorial services, cafeteria workers, hospitality industry, airlines industry, postal industry, sanitation workers, oil & natural gas industries, and delivery services. Additionally, the list of essential workers and/or industries are steadily increasing by state governments as the lockdown continues.

As the number of confirmed cases continue to grow, our healthcare workers are directly facing the impact of the virus with obstacles such as fatigue, shortages of equipment, PPE and staff. Our healthcare frontline workers are directly fighting the COVID-19. They are everyday people like you and me that have turned into real-life super heroes with capes and masks. If there ever was a time to consider entering the healthcare field, now would be the time.

River Parishes Community College offers a variety of Allied Health Programs that may spark your inner desire for advancement in your current healthcare track or start navigating the stepping stones to an amazing journey into the healthcare field.

River Parishes Community employs skilled healthcare professionals to teach all their Allied Health courses. All of our Allied Health Programs are cohorts, meaning, there is a selection process for entry into the program. If you are interested in getting your feet wet in the Healthcare field, Patient Care Technician and/or Medical Assistant are the programs for you. Medical Assistant/Patient Care Technician are for people who are highly customer-service oriented, enjoy working in teams, and hold the ability to listen to patients.

The Medical Coding Program allows you to learn more in-depth knowledge of healthcare terminology for billing purposes. Medical coders review clinical documentation and assign universal alphanumeric codes as necessary for the medical billing process. If your memory is amazing and you like troubleshooting, this is the program for you.

Our Practical Nursing Program is an extensive, hands-on learning program that will prepare you for the next step in your journey of becoming a Registered Nurse. The Practical Nursing Program will introduce you to various medical terminology, hands-on clinicals in a variety of healthcare facilities, teaches professionalism, and participates volunteering opportunities. All our Allied Healthcare programs have a 90 percent employment rate within six months of graduation.

At this point in time, we are currently accepting applicants for the following programs for the Fall 2020 semester: Medical Coding, Patient Care Technician, Medical Assistant, and the Gonzales Campus Practical Nursing Program.

If you are interested, please contact Cherri Wells, cwells@rpcc.edu for more information.