The Associate Degree in Clinical Health Science (ACHS) at Maine College of Health Professions is an integration of the education and training received in four certificate programs: Certified Phlebotomy Technician Program, Certified Clinical Medical Assistant Program, Certified Patient Care Technician Training Program, and Certified Mental Health Technician Program. Along with certificate courses, General Education courses are included to provide a wide breadth of learning opportunities, skills that can be applied to everyday life, and experiences that foster lifelong learning. Graduates of the ACHS program acquire a vast array of patient care skills and laboratory skills. In addition, they gain proficiencies in assisting patients with their mental health needs and in coordinating mental health services. Upon achieving course benchmarks and programmatic objectives, students possess the skills and knowledge necessary to provide efficient and effective healthcare services and ensure patient safety and quality control. Graduates acquire work-ready skills that prepare them for careers in allied healthcare.
The Mission of the Clinical Health Sciences Program is to:
- Educate individuals to be competent and knowledgeable allied health professionals who work collaboratively to support optimal patient care
- Offer educational experiences to enhance critical thinking skills, emotional intelligence, effective communication, and awareness of community, cultural, and global diversity.
- Cultivate a desire for continuing education
- Offer educational opportunities that meet the needs of individuals and communities
- Provide graduates with work-ready skills in allied healthcare.
Upon completion of the ACHS program, students will:
- Evaluate patient health concerns to optimize patient healthcare outcomes.
- Utilize appropriate patient care techniques, interventions, protocols, and equipment to optimize patient outcomes.
- Integrate the principles of healthcare ethics into allied health practice.
- Demonstrate mastery of professional communication and etiquette when performing patient care within their scope of practice.
- Demonstrate an awareness of community, cultural, and global diversity in a healthcare setting.
- Ascertain your role within the healthcare team to optimize patient outcomes.
- Reflect on personal biases and patterns of thinking to promote optimal decision-making in the healthcare setting.