Brighton College School Catalog 2015 Page 2

Transcription

1 School Catalog 2015

2 Brighton College School Catalog 2015 Page 2

3 Brighton College 8777 E. Via De Ventura, Suite 300, Scottsdale, AZ Phone: (602) Fax: (602) Brighton College is an Arizona Educational Corporation. Brighton College has the following licenses issued by the Arizona State Board for Private Postsecondary Education: Regular Vocational License Number V1389 to provide the Medical Billing, Medical Coding and Billing, Medical Coding, Medical Records Technician, Medical Transcription and Coding, Medical Transcription, Pharmacy Technician, Criminal Justice, Legal Assistant/Paralegal and Legal Nurse Consultant diploma programs, CompTIA, CISCO Certificate, Advanced Security Practitioner Certificate, Certified Information Systems Security Practitioner (CCISP) Certificate, and the Regular Degree License Number D1389 to provide the Associate Degree in Health Services Management, Associate Degree in Criminal Justice, Associate Degree in Paralegal Studies degree programs, Associate of Science in Business Management, and the Associate of Science in Business Technical Sales. Brighton College is accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC), th Street, N.W., Suite 2, Washington, D.C , phone: Website: If a complaint cannot be resolved after exhausting Brighton College s grievance procedure found in this catalog, the student may file a complaint with the Arizona State Board for Private Postsecondary Education. The student must contact the State Board for further details. The State Board address is: 1400 W. Washington, Room 260, Phoenix, AZ Phone: Website: Brighton College School Catalog 2015 Page 3

4 Published June, 2015 The information contained in this catalog was accurate at the time of publication. Following publication, any catalog information may change without notice, including without limitation, the information regarding tuition, fees, costs, class schedules, the student calendar, the program outline, the course descriptions, curricula, faculty, advisory committees, student services, administrative policies, program objectives and career opportunities for graduates of the program. New courses as well as course changes are included in this edition of the catalog. Students pursuing a diploma under a previous edition of the catalog should refer to that edition to determine course requirements for their program. Brighton College expects its students to read and understand the information published in this document. Failure to read and understand this catalog will not excuse any student from the application of any requirement or regulation published herein. Brighton College is owned by Trade Training Company, LLC and Learnkey Inc. Brighton College's Board of Directors consist of Douglas Feeney, Paul Zagnoni, Lori Coruccini and Jeff Coruccini. Brighton College's president is Paul Zagnoni and vice president and Matthew Tidwell. Brighton College School Catalog 2015 Page 4

5 Table of Contents MESSAGE FROM THE VICE PRESIDENT... 8 MISSION STATEMENT... 9 ACCREDITATION MEMBERSHIPS AND AFFILIATIONS ACADEMIC CALENDAR ACADEMIC DELIVERY MODE TIME COMMITMENT FOR PROGRAMS STATEMENT OF NONDISCRIMINATION ADMISSIONS POLICIES ENROLLMENT DATES TRANSFER CREDIT FOREIGN CREDENTIALS INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS PROGRAMS IN HEALTH SCIENCES ASSOCIATE DEGREE IN HEALTH SERVICES MANAGEMENT DIPLOMA PHARMACY TECHNICIAN DIPLOMA MEDICAL CODING DIPLOMA MEDICAL TRANSCRIPTION DIPLOMA MEDICAL BILLING DIPLOMA MEDICAL RECORDS TECHNICIAN DIPLOMA MEDICAL CODING AND BILLING DIPLOMA MEDICAL TRANSCRIPTION AND CODING PROGRAMS IN LEGAL STUDIES ASSOCIATE DEGREE IN PARALEGAL STUDIES DIPLOMA IN PARALEGAL STUDIES DIPLOMA LEGAL NURSE CONSULTANT ASSOCIATE DEGREE IN CRIMINAL JUSTICE DIPLOMA IN CRIMINAL JUSTICE PROGRAMS IN BUSINESS ASSOCIATE OF SCIENCE IN BUSINESS TECHNICAL SALES ASSOCIATE OF SCIENCE IN BUSINESS MANAGEMENT PROGRAMS IN INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY COMPTIA CERTIFICATE PROGRAM CISCO CERTIFICATE PROGRAM ADVANCED SECURITY PRACTITIONER CERTIFICATE PROGRAM Brighton College School Catalog 2015 Page 5

6 CCISP CERTIFICATE PROGRAM COURSE DESCRIPTIONS TUITION AND FEES PROGRAMS IN HEALTH SCIENCES PROGRAMS IN LEGAL STUDIES PROGRAM BUSINESS PROGRAMS IN INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY TUITION PAYMENT METHODS EMPLOYER TUITION REIMBURSEMENT FINANCIAL OBLIGATION FINANCIAL PROBATION TEXTBOOKS AND INSTRUCTION SHIPPING AND HANDLING FEES REFUND POLICY PROGRAM WITHDRAWAL REFUND CALCULATION TERM OF ENROLLMENT AGREEMENT HOLDER IN DUE COURSE ACADEMIC POLICIES STUDENT IDENTITY INTEGRITY SCHOLARSHIP STUDENT CONDUCT TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY POLICY GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE LESSON EXAMS WRITING ASSIGNMENTS COMPREHENSIVE FINAL EXAMS PROCTORED EXAMS TUTORING AND ADVISING ATTENDANCE LIBRARY RESOURCES GRADING POLICY PROGRAMS IN HEALTH SCIENCE AND BUSINESS PROGRAMS IN LEGAL STUDIES PROGRAMS IN INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY CREDIT HOURS GRADE BOOK SATISFACTORY ACADEMIC PROGRESS STUDENT RECORDS AND TRANSCIPTS Brighton College School Catalog 2015 Page 6

7 PRIVACY OF RECORDS LEAVE OF ABSENCE TRANSFERRING BETWEEN PROGRAMS RE-ENROLLMENT EXTENSION POLICY GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS TRANSCRIPTS JOB PLACEMENT FACULTY CONFLICT OF INTEREST ADMINISTRATION FACULTY Brighton College School Catalog 2015 Page 7

8 MESSAGE FROM THE VICE PRESIDENT Welcome to Brighton College! Brighton College and the former Paralegal Institute share a long history of providing excellent, affordable career oriented education that position students for success in the workforce! Brighton College was founded in 1961 in Hudson, Ohio and offers programs in allied health professions including medical coding, medical billing, medical transcription, health services management, pharmacy technician, business management, business technical sales and information technology. The Paralegal Institute was founded in 1974 in Phoenix, Arizona and offers programs in paralegal studies, legal nurse consulting and criminal justice. Brighton College and The Paralegal Brighton College are one in the same, sharing in their student services team, executive management, accreditation, mission and vision. Together, their passion is in serving those who dedicate their lives to serving our community. We are committed to providing affordable education while maintaining high quality, online pathways to students seeking preparation for a new career. Thank you for considering Brighton College. Please explore our catalog and you will discover why our programs are an excellent choice. Whether you are looking for an entry level position in a new career, wanting to enhance your current career, or making a career change, be assured of our commitment to support you as you set out on a career path that will be enjoyable, rewarding and paved with opportunities. Sincerely, Matthew Tidwell Vice President Brighton College School Catalog 2015 Page 8

9 MISSION STATEMENT The mission of Brighton College is to provide quality distance adult education in an online, supportive learning environment that promotes self-development, self-discipline, meaningful employment, and lifelong learning. Goals The Goals of Brighton College are: to provide quality distance education to students seeking preparation for a career in their chosen field of study for the paralegal, criminal justice, healthcare sciences, information technology, or business sales and management industries. to provide instruction from practicing professionals, specializing in their respective area and sharing their expertise and experience ensuring that what students are learning is relevant and current in today s world; to assist graduates in realizing their goals throughout their careers by promoting professional development and lifelong learning. Objectives The mission and goals of Brighton College are accomplished by successfully achieving the following objectives: to provide a positive, supportive distance learning environment through excellent student services that builds students' motivation for learning new skills and accomplishing educational goals; to prepare competently skilled graduates for an entry level position in their chosen field through a curriculum that incorporates practical application of the skills they are learning; to deliver a curriculum that prepares students to sit for a certification exam when appropriate to the program of study; to continually review and update or add new courses of study when necessary, offering the most current information and meeting industry standards; to assess its mission and achievement of institutional effectiveness through student academic progress, student satisfaction, and graduate outcomes. Brighton College School Catalog 2015 Page 9

10 ACCREDITATION Brighton College is accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission, DEAC (Formerly Distance Education and Training Council-DETC), which is listed by the U.S. Department of Education as a nationally recognized accrediting agency and is a recognized member of the Council for Higher Education Accreditation. The Distance Education Accrediting Commission is located at th Street, N.W., Suite 808 Washington D.C You may contact them at Web address: MEMBERSHIPS AND AFFILIATIONS Council for Higher Education Accreditation BBB accredited Business (Better Business Bureau) Association for Healthcare Documentation Integrity (AHDI) American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA) American Medical Billing Association (AMBA) National Healthcare Association (NHA) VA Benefits Approved The Paralegal Institute at Brighton College is an Associate Member, National Association of Legal Assistants The Paralegal Institute at Brighton College is a member of the American Association of Legal Nurse Consultant ACADEMIC CALENDAR Hours of Operation, Administrative Office: Monday Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mountain Standard Time Observed Holidays: New Year s Day Memorial Day Independence Day Labor Day Thanksgiving Day Christmas Day Instructors are available by outside of normal business hours. Phone: or Fax: info@theparalegalinstitute.edu and info@brightoncollege.edu Brighton College School Catalog 2015 Page 10

11 ACADEMIC DELIVERY MODE At Brighton College the courses are delivered through an online classroom. Students take one course at a time. Depending on the student s schedule, motivation, and credit hours of the course, some courses will take more time than others. The instructors and student services representatives will help students stay on track, but students must always keep in mind that they must complete the program in the maximum amount of time as set out in the catalog and enrollment agreement. In each course, students participate in discussion boards allowing a combination of interaction with faculty and fellow students. This interaction, in conjunction with prescribed course assignments which are comprised of quizzes, writing assignments and case studies, are designed to facilitate the student s successful completion of each course in a manner that supports the attainment of his/her long term academic goals. TIME COMMITMENT FOR PROGRAMS Brighton College has open enrollment and you may enroll and begin your program at anytime. Students may proceed through their program as quickly as desire, time, and ability permit. However, certain funding options may have specified requirements that impact eligibility. Basic guidelines have been established to provide students with reasonable expectations to complete their specific program of study. These guidelines are based on an average student pursuing a full-time enrollment load with an expectation of approximately 20 hours devoted to courses per week. STATEMENT OF NONDISCRIMINATION Consistent with the tenets that lie at the foundation of an institution for higher learning, Brighton College has a strong commitment to the principle of nondiscrimination in its admission and employment practices, administration of educational policies, and other schooladministered programs. Brighton College does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, religion, age, marital status, national origin, physical disability, veteran s status, or any other basis prohibited by applicable federal, state, or local laws. Brighton College School Catalog 2015 Page 11

12 ADMISSIONS POLICIES Candidates seeking admission to Brighton College can apply online at: or or call Candidates must be 18 years of age or older to apply. Interested candidates should submit the following at time of enrollment: A completed enrollment application The enrollment fee ($100) Evidence of earning a high school diploma or GED, or the recognized equivalent. (Degree Programs Only) Students who have attended an accredited university or college in the United States recognized by the U.S. Department of Education and have completed 12 or more college credits may submit an official college transcript in lieu of a high school transcript to qualify for associate degree programs. Candidates for admission must meet the following requirements upon enrollment: Be 18 years of age or older or provide permission from responsible parties to enroll. Have the ability to speak, read and write English fluently Have earned a high school diploma or GED, or the recognized equivalent (Degree Programs Only) Have the ability to use a personal computer and the Internet Have the ability to receive and send Have the ability to be self-motivated and work independently Transcription Students: A minimum typing speed of 30 words per minute is strongly recommended. Legal Nurse Consultant candidates must submit evidence of their credential (R.N., B.S.N., P.A. or M.D.) to be eligible for admission. Official transcripts must be sent directly to Brighton College. If for any reason, you are not accepted into Brighton College, all monies remitted with the Enrollment Application will be promptly returned. Brighton College must take reasonable measures to ensure that students accepted for enrollment in a program have no physical limitations that might possibly prevent them from successfully completing the program or gaining employment in the field for which the training if offered. Please inform Brighton College if you have any special needs that might prevent successful completion of the program or require further action by the College. Brighton College School Catalog 2015 Page 12

13 Enrollment Dates Brighton College has open enrollment meaning you may enroll and begin a program at any time. The courses within each program are self paced without a set start and eand date, however programs must be completed in maximum times as indicated. Extensions beyond the required time to complete a program will only be approved for students who have maintained satisfactory academic progress, have paid in full, or are current with their payment plan during the time period of the program. Students must have completed 50% of the program during the required time period in order to be considered for an extension. Transfer Credit Students pursuing an associate s degree or a diploma may receive transfer credit not to exceed 50% of the credits in the program. The courses must satisfy the subject matter and curriculum requirements of the student s degree or diploma program. Brighton College reserves the right to accept or reject any or all academic credits offered for transfer. The student requesting recognition of transfer credit may be requested to provide an academic catalog or other more detailed materials, such as a course syllabi and course descriptions. The courses must have been college-level, completed with a grade of C or better, and for core program coursework they must have been completed within the past five years. General Education courses may have been taken at any time. The credits must have been awarded by institutions accredited by agencies that are recognized by the United States Secretary of Education and/or The Council for Higher Education Accreditation. (This can be determined through the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) website: The student must supply an official transcript(s) from the previous institution(s) within 90 days of enrollment. During the enrollment process, unofficial transcripts may be provided for evaluation. Brighton College does not consider grade points or hours attempted for work completed at other institutions; therefore, transfer credit neither raises nor lowers a student s grade point average. Brighton College neither guarantees nor implies that other institutions will accept credit hours earned at the College. A student who anticipates transferring to another institution should first contact the other institution to determine whether or not their credit hours will transfer. Policies governing the transferability of credit vary greatly from school to school. Veterans: Brighton College will inquire about each veteran s previous education and training, and request transcripts from all prior institutions, including military training, traditional college coursework and vocational training. Previous transcripts will be evaluated and credit will be granted, as appropriate. Foreign Credentials Brighton College welcomes applications from individuals with credentials from non-u.s. Brighton College School Catalog 2015 Page 13

14 institutions. Such applicants must first obtain an independent foreign credentials evaluation from Education Credential Evaluators, Inc. (ECE), Post Office Box 92970, Milwaukee, WI , USA, telephone , fax , or another independent U.S. evaluator approved by the college. Request forms and cost information are available at the ECE website ( Foreign undergraduate applicants must obtain a general evaluation while subject evaluations will be required for individual transfer courses. International Students Brighton College admits students living outside of the continental United States. All programs at Brighton College are taught in English. Applicants whose native language is not English and who have not earned a degree from an appropriately accredited institution where English is the principal language of instruction must receive a minimum score of 500 on the paper-based Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL PBT), or 61 on the Internet Based Test (ibt), or a 6.5 on the International English Language Test (IELTS). International students on a monthly payment plan must pay with a credit card. Shipping and handling charges for materials not included in the tuition must be pre-paid prior to release. All tuition and fees must be paid in U.S. currency. Students are responsible for all custom duties. Brighton College School Catalog 2015 Page 14

15 PROGRAMS IN HEALTH SCIENCES Brighton College s Diploma programs are designed to prepare students with the academic knowledge and necessary skills to prosper in entry-level positions in the healthcare environment. The courses completed within the diploma programs earn college credit and may be eligible to transfer into the associate degree at Brighton College. The Associate Degree in Health Services Management prepares graduates to work in a specific department of management, such as patient records, coding or billing. The general education courses include the fundamental academic disciplines; English, Communication and Speech, American History, Mathematics, and Psychology. PROGRAMS IN HEALTH SCIENCES Credit Hours Estimated Length Maximum Length Program Associate Degree - Health Services Management 60 2 years 3 years Diploma - Pharmacy Technician 15 6 months 9 months Diploma - Medical Coding 18 7 months 11 months Diploma - Medical Transcription 19 8 months 12 months Diploma - Medical Billing 15 6 months 9 months Diploma - Medical Records Technician 21 8 months 12 months Diploma - Medical Coding and Billing 22 9 months 14 months Diploma - Medical Transcription and Coding months 15 months Diploma - Legal Nurse Consultant months 15 months A 6-month extension may be granted at no additional charge to students requiring additional time to complete the program. Under extenuating circumstances, a second extension may be approved for an additional fee of $500. Brighton College School Catalog 2015 Page 15

16 ASSOCIATE DEGREE IN HEALTH SERVICES MANAGEMENT Brighton College s Associate Degree in Health Services Management is designed to prepare students with the academic knowledge and necessary skills to prosper in entry-level positions in the health care environment. Subjects in the health services management program include medical office procedures, law and ethics in medicine, anatomy and physiology, business, coding procedures, medical transcription, principles of management, accounting and human resource management. Brighton s program associate degree programs also include a foundation comprised of comprehensive general education curriculum to prepare students for future career opportunities. Overall Program Competencies Develop a foundational knowledge in the areas of medical terminology, anatomy and physiology. Use various classification systems to code and categorize patient information for reimbursement purposes, for databases and registries, and to maintain patients medical and treatment histories, specifically billing, coding, and medical transcription. Organize and manage health information data by ensuring its quality, accuracy, accessibility, and security in both paper and electronic systems. Demonstrate a working knowledge of the legal and ethical environment the health care industry must adhere to in order to discuss patient information and discrepancies with other professionals such as physicians and insurance personnel. Demonstrate a working knowledge and understanding of business functions essential to the success of the health services industry. Curriculum General Education courses are in bold. Module 1 Courses Credit Hours BUS 100 Skills for Success 3 ENG 201 English Composition 3 HSM201 Introduction to Health Services 3 MED 200 Medical Terminology 3 MED 104 Medical Office Procedures 4 Module 2 BUS 201 Introduction to Business 3 COM110 Communication and Speech 3 MED 103 Anatomy and Physiology 4 Brighton College School Catalog 2015 Page 16

17 MED 201 Medical Law and Ethics 3 PSY201 Introduction to Psychology 3 Module Three BUS 202 Principles of Management 3 HST 200 American History I 3 MTH 101 Principles of Mathematics 3 MCB 101 Medical Coding I 3 Module Four ACC 101 Introduction to Accounting 3 BUS 203 Human Resource Management 3 HST 201 American History II 3 MCB 102 Medical Coding II 3 TRN 101 Beginning Medical Transcription 4 Total Credit Hours: 60 General Education Brighton College s general education curriculum offers courses in a variety of disciplines that provide a strong foundation for a well rounded education. The general education curriculum for the Associate Degree in Health Services Management focuses on five key areas: Written and Interpersonal Communication Social Science Physiology Mathematics Total General Education Requirements 6 credit hours 6 credit hours 3 credit hours 3 credit hours 18 credit hours Upon completion of the General Education requirements students will be able to: Demonstrate college-level writing, research, documentation and critical thinking skills; Communicate effectively, reflect critically, problem solve logically, and apply these skills to achieve personal and professional growth; Apply skills in the workplace that enhance professional and personal success; Critically evaluate the impact on society of individual and group behavior; Apply quantitative information and problem-solving skills to arrive at reasoned decisions. What career opportunities exist for someone with an associate degree in health services management? Most health services managers with an associate degree will work in a specific department of management, such as patient records, coding or billing. Brighton College School Catalog 2015 Page 17

18 What is the demand for Health Services Managers? According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics ( employment of medical records and health information technicians is expected to increase by 21 percent from 2010 to 2020, faster than the average for all occupations. The demand for health services is expected to increase as the population ages. An aging population will need more medical tests, treatments, and procedures. This will also mean more claims for reimbursement from private and public insurance. Additional records, coupled with widespread use of electronic health records by all types of healthcare providers, should lead to an increased need for technicians to organize and manage the associated information in all areas of the healthcare industry. Health services staff with an associate degree in health services management can typically expect to make somewhere between $30,000 - $55,000 depending upon work experience and location of employment*. Individuals who go on to acquire more education (a bachelor s or master s degree) can rise faster in the field. *Information based on the Occupational Outlook Handbook, Edition, a publication of the U.S. Department of Labor. Individual student earnings vary based on experience and location. DIPLOMA PHARMACY TECHNICIAN Brighton College s Pharmacy Technician Diploma prepares students to be employed in many pharmaceutical settings. The majority are in retail pharmacies, hospital settings, and mail order facilities. Pharmacy technicians who work in retail or mail-order pharmacies have varying responsibilities, depending on State rules and regulations. Technicians receive written prescriptions or requests for prescription refills from patients. They also may receive prescriptions sent electronically from the doctor s office. To prepare the prescription, technicians must retrieve, count, pour, weigh, measure, and sometimes mix the medication. Then, they prepare the prescription labels, select the type of prescription container, and affix the prescription and auxiliary labels to the container. Once the prescription is filled, technicians price and file the prescription, which must be checked by a pharmacist before it is given to the patient. Technicians may establish and maintain patient profiles, prepare insurance claim forms, and stock and take inventory of prescription and over-the-counter medications. In hospitals, nursing homes, and assisted-living facilities, technicians have added responsibilities, including reading patients charts and preparing and delivering the medicine to Brighton College School Catalog 2015 Page 18

19 patients. Still, the pharmacist must check the order before it is delivered to the patient. Graduates of the program are qualified to obtain entry-level positions in retail pharmacies, mail-order pharmacies, clinics, hospitals, nursing homes, and assisted-living facilities. Please Note: Some states require that a pharmacy technician be certified. Certification exam information can be obtained at the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board website ( or The National Healthcareer Association website ( A student should check with the state in which he/she intends to practice for specific licensing/certification requirements. In the state of Arizona, students must pass the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam and complete additional training in a pharmacy under the direction of a pharmacist. Overall Program Competencies Utilize medical terminology and knowledge of human diseases; Comply with hospital and retail pharmacy policies and procedures; Dispense pharmaceutical materials in an accurate manner; Create and update patient s health and insurance information; Communicate with insurance companies for authorizations and payments; Measure, mix and label drugs as needed; Protect patient s health information by following HIPAA regulations Courses for Diploma - Pharmacy Technician Courses Credit Hours MED 102 Essentials of Medical Terminology 3 MED 109 Human Diseases 3 PHM 102 Pharmacy Mathematics 3 PHM 103 Pharmacy Practice I 3 PHM 104 Pharmacy Practice II 3 Total Credit 15 Brighton College School Catalog 2015 Page 19

20 DIPLOMA MEDICAL CODING Brighton College s Diploma in Medical Coding prepares a student for a career in medical coding. A medical coder may work in a doctor s office, an outsource facility, a hospital, or from home as an independent contractor. Every medical service (such as an office visit, surgical procedure, and testing) has a numerical code associated with it. A medical coder identifies and assigns numerical codes to patient procedures and diagnoses by abstracting information and utilizing required coding systems. Coders consult classification manuals and also rely on their knowledge of disease processes. This information is then submitted for financial reimbursement to health insurance companies and/or government agencies. Graduates of the program are qualified to obtain entry-level positions in: Hospitals Physicians offices Insurance companies Health maintenance organizations (HMO s) Mental health facilities Coding/billing organizations The objective of the Medical Coding program is to prepare individuals for an entry level position in the coding field. Most students taking the program are expanding their medical training to include medical coding or switching career fields entirely. Overall Program Competencies Abstract information from documentation in order to assign the correct ICD-9-CM and/or ICD-10-CM and CPT codes Protect patient s health information by following HIPAA regulations Complete claims forms for submission electronically to insurance companies Apply core knowledge in the following areas: medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, medical office procedures, and electronic medical records. Certification bestows a measure of professional recognition that can set graduates apart from others in the field that may not have this credential. Graduates will receive certification prep materials along with a exam voucher from the National Healthcareer Association (NHA) for the appropriate exam for their field as offered through NHA. Students are also eligible to sit for the following exams: Certified Coding Associate (CCA) or Certified Coding Specialist (CCS) provided by the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA). Brighton College School Catalog 2015 Page 20