FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What programs are available?
Do the courses transfer?
What is an online course?
Is an online course a self-paced course?
Am I required to log into the class at a specific time of day?
Are online courses easier than face to face courses?
What computer skills do need to have to take an online course?
What are the minimum technical requirements required to take an online course at SCCC/ATS?
Where can I locate free versions of this software?
How do I turn in assignments and take exams?
Where do I purchase books for the courses?
What if I do not own a computer or my computer breaks down during the course?
Will I be paid for my Professional Practice Experience?
Will I be guaranteed a job after I complete my program?
What if I need special accommodations?
How do I get started?
What programs are available?
SCCC/ATS currently offers a Coding and Reimbursement Specialist Certificate and a Medical Transcriptionist Certificate. Both of these programs are online programs.
Do the courses transfer to other institutions?
SCCC/ATS has articulation agreements in place with other colleges and universities which allow students, who wish to obtain a two year Health Information Technology or a four year Health Information Management Degree, to transfer credits. Many of these institutions have online programs. Thus, you as a student can continue your education without relocating.
What is an online course?
An online course does not meet face to face in a classroom. All assignments and interaction is performed through a course management program that is connected to the Internet. Currently, SCCC/ATS uses the WebCT platform. EduKan uses the eCollege platform.
Is an online course the same as a self-paced course?
No. Online courses are not self-paced. You will have specific due dates for assignments and/or exams just as you do in a face to face course.
Am I required to log into the class at a specific time of day?
No. The best part of an online course is that you can attend the class at your convenience.
Are online courses easier than face to face courses?
No. The content of an online course is identical to a face to face class that is taught on campus. Some students feel that online courses are harder because students are required to be self-motivated. However, many students find that they like online courses better than campus courses because online courses give them the freedom to work on the courses at their convenience. Online courses allow students to work while attending college. Furthermore, online courses also allow students to obtain a degree without relocating to a college or university.
The most successful online students tend to share the following characteristics. They:
- Are self-motivated and self-starters
- Have good organizational and time management skills
- Are familiar with the Internet and computers
- Are resourceful and actively seek answers and solutions to questions and problems
What computer skills do need to have to take an online course?
- Familiarity with your web browser
- Able to do Internet searches
- Able to attach and send documents through email
- Able to use Word to type documents
- Able to create PowerPoint slides
What are the minimum technical requirements required to take an online course at SCCC/ATS?
- Internet access
- Email account
- Windows ME, 2000, XP, or Vista
- 62 MB RAM
- 56K modem (please note that at lower speeds, some graphics and video may not display)
- Sound Card
- Internet Explorer 6.0
- For Mac Users: MACOS 9.1 or OS X
- Real Player to hear audio clips
- Windows Media to play video clips
- Word 97, 2003, or 2007 ( WebCT and eCollege do not support WordPerfect, Microsoft Works, and other Word Processing Software)
- PowerPoint Viewer or PowerPoint to view PowerPoint slides
Where can I locate free versions of this software?
How do I turn in assignments and take exams?
- Assignments: Most assignments must be typed in Word. You cannot use other word processing software programs. You will submit assignments through the course management platform (WebCT or eCollege) as an attachment. The process is similar to sending an attachment with an email.
- Exams: Some courses will require you to take a proctored exam. If you live near one of the six colleges that are a part of the EduKan Consortium (SCCC/ATS, Garden City Community College, Pratt Community College, Barton Community College, Colby Community College, and Dodge Community College) you may be asked to take the exam at one of their testing centers. If you do not live near one of the testing centers, you will arrange for an acceptable proctor.
Where do I purchase books for the courses?
For courses taken through Seward Online, you can purchase the books from the SCCC/ATS bookstore. You can contact them at http://www.saintsbookstore.com/ or (620) 417-1153
For courses taken through EduKan, you will purchase your books from eCampus. You can contact them at http://ecampus.com or 1-877-284-6744
The Transcription Program’s books are online and included as a part of the cost of the program. If you would like to order hard copies of the books, you will contact Career Step at 1-888-657-5752
What if I do not own a computer or my computer breaks down during the course?
You may use the computer labs when class is not being held. You may also use the SCCC/ATS Library’s computers for course work.
Will I be paid for my Professional Practice Experience?
No, you will not be paid to do your Practicum. However, this experience allows you to gain valuable experience and make important contacts. Internships are a way to get your foot in the door and to show a facility that you have knowledge, skills, and a good work ethic. Many times, internships lead to either a job with the facility or to important contacts who will help you obtain another job. Think of this experience as an extended interview.
Will I be guaranteed a job after I complete my program?
Seward County Community College/Area Technical School and the Health Information Management Department cannot guarantee employment upon graduation.
What if I need special accommodations?
If you believe that you are entitled to special accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act, please contact Celeste Donovan, Dean of Student Services at 620-417-1016 or visit the office located in the Hobble Academic Building.
How do I get started?
Follow the steps here.
|
