Health care is a dynamic field, says Barbara Sonderling; “there are many professional opportunities and exciting career options.” And with its series of Health Care Pathways online programs, Kaplan College is making even more advancement opportunities available.
Located in Davenport, Iowa, Kaplan College offers a variety of online programs for health care professionals who are seeking ways to expand their careers. Sonderling, RN, Esq., is Executive Director, Kaplan College’s Health Care Pathways online certificate programs, including its newest offering, a Case Management Certificate available as an online, 12 month, non-credit program. Other offerings include Forensic Nursing, Legal Nurse Consulting, and Life Care Planning.
“Case Management is an integral component of modern health care delivery systems,” Sonderling said. “We provide a comprehensive educational program for health care professionals who desire to pursue a successful case management career. Graduates may work in a diversity of practice settings, including hospitals, insurance companies, managed care organizations, and independent practice.”
Sonderling coordinates with subject-matter experts in the development of new online programs aimed at the evolving demands of the health care industry. One such expert is Patricia McCollom, RN, MS, CRRN, CDMS, CCM, CLCP, who not only helped to develop the case management program but also serves as one of the instructors. McCollom worked with other industry leaders, including Paul Deutsch, Ph.D., a certified case manager, to incorporate case management standards of practice, tools, models, and quality measures into an innovative, online environment.
Designed for busy health care professionals, the online program is convenient and accessible available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Students progress at their own pace and complete the courses in sequence because, as McCollom said, they are set up so that each one is the foundation for the next. According to Sonderling, “The Health Care Pathways programs provide health care professionals with challenging Web-based learning opportunities via message boards, online readings, academic exercises, and Web field trips. Upon completion of the program, students receive a certificate from regionally accredited Kaplan College, reflecting achievement of proficiency in the field. Students gain the requisite knowledge to confidently pursue their dynamic new health-care career path.” Sonderling added that students are able to communicate with faculty, fellow students, academic advisors, and student services via message board, internal e-mail, live chat or a toll-free phone number. “We encourage communication and interaction,” Sonderling said. “We strive to build a sense of community and are committed to assisting our students.”
Sonderling explained, “Our students are already licensed health care professionals. Our programs are the perfect supplement to their existing clinical experience and skills.” McCollom agreed. “You have to be an advanced practitioner to become a case manager.” Health and human services professionals eligible for enrollment include: registered nurses, social workers, occupational therapists, physical therapists, rehabilitation counselors, psychologists, and medical doctors.
According to McCollom, “Case management helps (patients) get through a serious injury, a hospital stay, or a catastrophic illness. Case managers coordinate the goods and services a person needs. Many hospitals have a case management department to ensure that care is not fragmented, but coordinated. Case managers promote quality, cost-effective health care in the best interest of patients and their families.”
McCollom adds, “Patients see us as someone who’s there for them to help them through the maze of health care.” By coordinating medical care and responding to patient questions and concerns, the case manager provides a valuable benefit in the delivery of health care.
Each Kaplan College Health Care Pathways program offers a distinct opportunity to add specialized knowledge for a rewarding career. With the Case Management Certificate, health and human services professionals become instrumental in the promotion of quality, cost-effective health care by utilizing strategies to assess, plan, and manage health care and human services. The Life Care Planning Certificate, for registered nurses and qualified rehabilitation professionals, cultivates skills necessary to develop and organize a concise life care plan for individuals who have experienced catastrophic injury or have chronic health care needs. With the Forensic Nursing Certificate, registered nurses explore the scientific investigation and treatment of victims and perpetrators of abuse, violence, criminal activity, sexual assault, and traumatic events. The Legal Nurse Consulting Certificate adds valuable legal skills for registered nurses to pursue opportunities at law firms specializing in personal injury or medical malpractice, with health care facilities in risk management, or in independent practice.
