National American University

Associate of Applied Science in Criminal Justice

The Associate of Applied Science Criminal Justice degree program prepares students to evaluate analytically, synthesize information, and use critical-thinking skills to develop appropriate solutions for important criminal justice issues. The program is designed to help students understand the coercive nature of criminal justice decision-making and the need to use logic, ethics, and critical-thinking skills in order to use authority appropriately. NAU offers classes online and on-campus for its Criminal Justice degree program. This degree prepares students for entry-level employment in various criminal justice positions such as police officers, court clerks, court bailiffs, correctional officers, probation officers, parole officers, and other federal law enforcement positions. Policing and institutional corrections employment may also require the completion of a training academy.

Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice

Bachelor of Science Criminal Justice degree program prepares students to evaluate analytically, synthesize information, and use critical-thinking skills to develop appropriate solutions for important law enforcement issues. Both the traditional and online Criminal Justice degree programs are designed to build upon an associate degree in criminal justice and help students understand the coercive nature of criminal justice and law enforcement decision-making and the need to use logic, ethics, and critical-thinking skills in order to use their authority appropriately. The Bachelor of Science Criminal Justice degree also prepares graduates for employment in law enforcement careers, such as a police officer, court clerk, court bailiff, corrections officer, probation officer, parole officer, and other federal law enforcement jobs such as border patrol. Policing and institutional corrections employment may also require the completion of a training academy.

Medical Assisting Degree Program

Associate of Applied Science Medical Assisting degree program utilizes a combination of lecture and laboratory sessions, as well as a practicum following completion of required coursework, in order to prepare students for entry-level positions in ambulatory healthcare settings. Medical assistants perform administrative and certain clinical duties under the direction of a physician. Administrative duties may include scheduling appointments, maintaining medical records, billing, and coding for insurance purposes. Clinical duties may include taking and recording vital signs and medical histories, preparing patients for examination, drawing blood, and administering medications as directed by a physician. Graduates of accredited programs are eligible to take the national certification exam to become a Certified Medical Assistant CMA (AAMA) after the completion of your associate degree.

National American University’s Associate of Applied Science Medical Administrative Assistant degree program is designed to prepare your for entry-level administrative positions in a variety of healthcare settings. The program uses a combination of lecture and laboratory sessions to address administrative and general office topics in order to prepare students for entry level positions in health care. Medical administrative assistant’s duties may include greeting patients, setting appointments, scheduling hospital admissions, medical transcription, bill collections, office compliance and other general office procedures. Those with sufficient training and experience may become responsible for office management.

The medical billing and coding diploma program is designed to prepare students for entry-level positions as medical billers and coders in a variety of healthcare settings, such as physician offices, multispecialty clinics, nursing homes, surgery centers, healthcare systems, and medical billing companies. Medical billers and coders are responsible for completing insurance claims; coding patient diagnoses and medical, surgical and diagnostic services; submitting claims consistent with government regulations and private insurance policies; and coordinating communications between healthcare providers, insurance carriers, and patients. The accuracy and timeliness of their work is crucial to providers’ financial operations, and they serve as valuable members of the healthcare team.

This diploma program utilize a combination of learning activities in coding and billing courses with a practicum experience at the end of the program to help students develop the knowledge and skills billers and coders use in the healthcare field. Graduates may wish to pursue certification in this field through national professional associations, such as the American Association of Professional Coders (AAPC) or the American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA).