PVT

The Great Basin College Pahrump Valley Center will offer a short-term intensive program of training for a career as a physician's front office assistant.

The certification program prepares students for entry-level employment paying from $10 to $13 per hour. The course begins Aug. 26 and runs through the traditional fall semester. It will allow students to develop the skills necessary to work as a critical member of the health care profession.

Bookkeeping, medical terminology, computer applications and executive office procedures are just a few of the skills students will learn as part of the program. Students will be prepared for the many tasks they will face in the profession, including reception duties, appointment scheduling, insurance claims processing, bookkeeping and billing.

Employment is expected to increase more rapidly than average for this profession as the health industry expands due to a growing and aging population and technological advances in medicine.

According to current research, Nevada is set to see a 20-40 percent increase in job openings for this field by 2012.

To get started, call the college's office of continuing education at 775.753.2231, or Al Daniels at the Pahrump Valley Center, 727-2000. Students can register for Great Basin College courses by logging on to www.gbcnv.edu.