Six new degree programs to be offered by High-Tech Institute in Minneapolis

High-Tech Institute in Minneapolis will begin offering six new degree programs, with a class start set for January 11, 2010 for all programs. The school is located at 5100 Gamble Drive, Suite 200 in St. Louis Park, Minn.

High-Tech Institute Minneapolis will offer six new Associate of Applied Science degree programs in Medical Assistant, Medical Billing & Coding, Massage Therapy, Pharmacy Technician, Surgical Technologist and Limited Scope X-ray Technician. The school also offers diploma programs in these fields.

"We are excited to now introduce associate degree programs in addition to our diploma offerings," said Elizabeth Beseke, president of High-Tech Institute Minneapolis. "These degree offerings broaden the opportunities for our students to gain additional educational experience, making them qualified for a wider range of career opportunities."

Among the new Associate of Applied Science degree programs:

• Medical Assistant - The Medical Assistant is a multi-skilled health professional who plays an important role as a member of the health care team in a variety of medical settings. This program introduces students to anatomy and physiology of the body systems, medical terminology, and required clinical and administrative skills. Upon graduation, students will be prepared to work as an entry-level Clinical Medical Assistant, Administrative Medical Assistant, Medical receptionist, Medical Bookkeeper, and Laboratory Assistant.

• Medical Billing & Coding - Students will receive training in all areas of insurance billing and medical coding, medical records, as well as study the human anatomy, physiology and common diseases and an introduction to medical terminology and pharmacology. Upon graduation, students will be qualified to work as a medical insurance biller, a medical records coder or health information technician.

• Massage Therapy -- Students will study anatomy, physiology and pathology in relation to soft tissue injury and treatment and train in various methods of massage. Upon graduation, students will be qualified to work in a variety of settings as a massage therapist - from private practice to nursing homes, resorts to pain management clinics.

• Surgical Technologist - Students will study the anatomy and physiology of the body, receive an introduction to the operating room as well as training in skills of a Surgical Technologist, laboratory procedures and CPR certification. An externship at a medical facility will be part of the education process and students will be qualified to work in hospital operating rooms, delivery rooms, surgical centers and clinics upon graduation.

• Pharmacy Technician - Students study anatomy and physiology of the body and of drugs used to treat common diseases, gaining familiarity with interpreting physicians' orders, maintaining records, processing drug orders, calculating dosing and stocking medication. Upon graduation, students may pursue careers in retail pharmacies, hospitals and clinics.

• Limited Scope X-Ray Technician - Students study the anatomy and physiology of the body, radiologic techniques, darkroom and film developing techniques and complete an externship at a clinical site. Upon graduation, students are eligible to take the Minnesota State Licensure Examination and with successful completion, be eligible for careers in physicians' offices, clinics and diagnostic imaging centers.