We understand that enrolling in a certification program is a big commitment, so here’s a compilation of common questions that you might have about our programs:
Q: Do you offer BLS or ACLS certification?
A:
Altamont Healthcare does not offer BLS, CPR, or ACLS certification. Our partner, Zenith Career Services, offers both of these certifications. You can click here to go to their website.
Q: How does financial aid work?
A:
Current & prospective students interested in loan options can fill out a loan application to see if they could be approved for a loan. The application alone is a soft credit pull that will not affect your credit score. Once you are formally enrolled, Altamont Healthcare will verify your loan and payments will either start immediately or 3 months after graduation, depending on the option you chose. If you are not approved for a loan, applying with a co-borrower with higher credit will boost your chances of approval.
Q: Where can I take the certification exam?
A:
SPD and ERT students will take the exam through the CBSPD. You can find test dates and sites on their website. EKG and Surgical Tech students will take the exam through the NCCT. You can take the certification exam through our partner, Zenith Career Services. You can click here to find test schedules and dates.
Q: What happens if I fail the class?
A:
You will be unable to take the CBSPD or NCCT certification exam, but you will be allowed to retake the course for free. You can retake the course as many times as you need to.
Q: How can I enroll in a certification program?
A:
You can apply by clicking here. At the end of the application, you will need to pay a registration fee of $250. When your application is approved, we will send your student portal login along with your enrollment paperwork. If you submit the application without paying a fee, you will not receive a portal login or enrollment paperwork.
Q: What is included in the program?
A:
We will provide you with a uniform, textbooks, a comprehensive exam review guide with practice questions, free CPR/Basic Life Support certification, and a career advancement workshop.
Q: Will I be certified to work when I complete the program?
A:
No, our programs prepare you for the CBSPD or NCCT certification exam. When you pass the certification exam, you will be certified to work as a technician or a technologist.
Q: How long are the programs?
A:
Here’s a list of the programs and their lengths:
- Sterile Processing and Distribution (SPD) Technician: 115 hours, 5-10 weeks.
- Flexible Endoscope Reprocessing Technician (ERT): 30 hours, 1-2 weeks.
- Electrocardiogram (EKG) Technician: 100 hours, 5-10 weeks.
- Surgical Technologist: 800 hours, 8 months of class (500 hours) + 3-6 months of externship (300 hours).
- Externships: 240-400 hours (Duration & schedule varies depending on your availability).
Q: Are the classes online?
A:
We use a blended-learning approach; our classes are split 80/20 between online lectures delivered via Zoom and in-person labs. The lab component may be completed online upon approval for long-distance students.
Q: How much does the externship for Surgical Technologists cost?
A:
The externship cost is $0 for our Surgical Technologist program. You must pass your NCCT Board Exam before participating in an externship.
