The applied management program is designed for individuals with degrees, diplomas, or certificates in specialty areas, such as merchandising, dental hygiene, electronics, medical assisting, drafting, welding, or other vocational areas.
The Associate of Applied Science degree in Applied Management is designed to meet the needs of individuals who have acquired occupationally related training at community colleges, technical institutes, military service schools, or industry-related schools in business, health, or another technical field.
This degree is an excellent choice for those who do not care to specialize in any particular business area but want a broad understanding of business. Graduates of this program will be qualified for a wide range of challenging jobs in business, government, or non-profit organizations, including various management positions in retailing, finance, insurance, and marketing. It is an excellent degree for those who desire to operate a business of their own.
This specialized Associate of Applied Science degree program emphasizes an understanding of business and an introduction to the use of computers in business. Students may elect to continue in the Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration. They may also choose an emphasis in accounting, information technology, financial management, pre-law, international business, management or marketing.
The health care management program is designed for individuals interested in finding career opportunities in administrative or leadership positions within the diverse health care field or within their own area of clinical/professional expertise.
The curriculum was created to give students a deeper knowledge of current health care management topics, operations and practices. Courses focus on the analytical skills necessary to determine the needs of the health care industry and problem-solving skills to implement and manage the solutions. The program focuses on critical areas in health care today including policy, regulatory, finance, ethics, administration and technology.
Two enrollment options are available to students who wish to earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Health Care Management:
Option 1: A "four-year" program designed for students who wish to enter the health care management field. If a student has completed prior course work, a course-by-course evaluation will be conducted and credit granted where possible.
Option 2: A “degree completion” program that allows students who have previously earned a diploma or associate degree in nursing or allied health to complete their Bachelor of Science degree in Health Care Management in two years, or less, if attending classes full-time at NAU. Length of time to earn a bachelor’s degree may vary depending on extent of diploma program.
This two-year program of study provides education for various entry-level positions in the information systems field. Students are encouraged to work with their advisor to design a program in their area of interest, which may be in programming, database administration, Microsoft networking or software applications. Graduates may qualify for positions such as computer operators, programmers, database administrators or microcomputer specialists.
Credits earned in this program will apply toward the information technology bachelor's degree with an emphasis in management information systems.
The requirement for management personnel to understand information technology and its impact upon modern business operations has never been greater. This degree program, with its component of business, finance, management, and accounting courses and its specialization in MIS, prepares graduates to be managers in information technology. Graduates are qualified for positions as systems analysts and information systems managers.
The medical assistant performs administrative and clinical duties in a physician's office or other outpatient care settings within the scope of specific training and state law and in accordance with assignments by a physician.
Administrative duties may include patient scheduling, receptionist duties, medical record management, medical transcription, office correspondence, medical insurance procedures and office accounts, fees and collections.
Clinical duties may include interviewing and teaching patients, taking vital signs, preparing patients for examination and assisting the physician during the exam, performing routine laboratory testing, sterilizing instruments and equipment, and administering medications. A medical assistant with sufficient training and experience may become responsible for office management.
The medical assisting program utilizes a combination of lecture and laboratory sessions, as well as an externship following completion of other required course work. Students are required to obtain a Hepatitis B vaccination prior to enrolling in the clinical science lab and laboratory techniques courses; in addition, they must complete a physical examination and tuberculosis testing prior to externship.
The medical staff services management degree is designed to prepare graduates to work in a hospital or health care facility as a credentialing expert. A certified MSSM is qualified to become an integral part of health care administration that would be responsible for: managing compliance, adherence to government bylaws, credentialing of staff, operations management (staffing, budgets, database administration, etc.), continuing education, and upholding organizational policies, procedures, and regulations.
Associate of Science Degree
Nursing is a career that is in great demand. Nursing offers opportunities in multiple settings with individuals, families and communities. The National American University Nursing Associate of Science Degree will provide the student the knowledge and skills necessary to integrate practice theories and concepts from nursing, sciences and humanities when providing comprehensive nursing care in a variety of settings. The program will provide competent graduates prepared to take the NCLEX-RN exam. (Completion of the program does not insure student eligibility to take the NCLEX exam. Students are responsible for meeting eligibility requirements for licensure designated by the Nurse Practice Act and the State Board of Nursing.)
An Associate of Applied Science degree in Paralegal Studies is offered for those students who wish to pursue a course of study emphasizing basic paralegal skills. Credits earned in this program will apply toward a Bachelor of Science degree in Paralegal Studies. Students can normally achieve the bachelor's degree in six additional quarters.
Any person convicted of a felony may not serve as a paralegal in the State of South Dakota without the approval of the South Dakota Supreme Court.
Pharmacy technicians assist licensed pharmacists by providing medication and other health care products to patients. Technicians receive written prescriptions or requests for prescription refills from patients as well as establish and maintain patient profiles, prepare insurance claim forms, and stock and take inventory of prescriptions and over-the-counter medications. This is an excellent career choice for anyone who wants to change careers and finish a degree program in two years or less, or continue on to pharmacy school.
Many employers are now seeking pharmacy technicians with formal training. NAU's pharmacy technician students participate in classroom and laboratory work in a variety of areas, including medical and pharmaceutical terminology, pharmaceutical calculations, pharmacy record keeping, pharmaceutical techniques, and pharmacy law and ethics. This extensive training prepares graduates of the program to sit for The National Pharmacy Technician Certification Examination to become a Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT).
