The Healthcare and Sciences Department houses educational programs that include Dental Hygiene, Diagnostic Medical Sonography, Diagnostic Cardiac Sonography, Health Information Technology, Pharmacy Technician, Radiologic Technology, and Respiratory Care. The department provides academic science courses such as Anatomy and Physiology, Biology, Chemistry, Microbiology, and Physics.
The department also offers two academic associate degrees, Biological Sciences and Health Sciences. These fully transferable academic degrees are for students who wish to transfer to a four year institution and pursue a degree in one of the biological sciences or meet pre-requisite courses for allied health and nursing programs.
Graduates of programs within the department provide specific services to people in a variety of health care settings, industries and private businesses. Graduates describe pleasant working conditions and competitive salaries following their education.
The goal of delivering services through a team of dedicated specialists working cooperatively characterizes each Healthcare and Sciences program. Each educational program strives to give the student a quality education with the use of innovative teaching tools, clinical and job experiences and state-of-the-art equipment and facilities. The department offices are located in the Multipurpose Building.
Additional costs above tuition and fees are required in all Healthcare and Sciences programs. Uniforms, equipment and instruments, liability insurance, health examinations, immunizations, licensure/registration examination fees, and transportation to clinical facilities are the responsibility of the student. Financial aid is available to eligible students. Liability insurance and health examinations are required each year of the program. Students may be assigned to clinical experiences during day, evening, night and weekend hours. Clinical agencies may require additional health examinations, dress codes or conformity with other policies. Students will be informed in advance of each requirement.
Admission to some Healthcare programs is selective with the number of students admitted based on facility constraints. Admission to LIT does not guarantee admission to specific programs. Each program utilizes a competitive and selective admissions process to choose the most qualified applicants.
Students interested in programs including Dental Hygiene, Radiologic Technology, Diagnostic Medical Sonography, Diagnostic Cardiac Sonography, Nursing, and Respiratory Care must apply to the program. Interested students must 1) complete an Allied Health or Nursing Application; 2) submit required official transcripts; 3) submit test scores; and 4) submit other documents on specific dates (see program statement). Students will not be considered for admission if they do not complete specific program application procedures.
Applicants must be TSI complete or pass an approved test to be admitted to a program.
Applicants are urged to follow application instructions carefully to ensure processing by program admission committees. Enrollment is based on availability of clinical sites.
No active programs available.
Biological Sciences
Program Director: Bryan Neal
Office: Multipurpose Building, Room 215
Address: 802 E. Lavaca St., Beaumont, TX 77705
Phone: (409) 247-5103
E-mail: bkneal@lit.edu
The 60 SCH Associate of Science in Biological Sciences is designed for those students who wish to take courses for academic transfer in Biology. Students seeking an Associate of Science in Biological Sciences must complete 60 SCH of coursework including the 42 SCH Core Curriculum which will transfer to four-year institutions.
Academic Associates
Dental Hygiene
Program Director: Michelle DeMoss
Office: Multipurpose Building, Room 209
Address: 802 E. Lavaca St., Beaumont, TX 77705
Phone: (409) 981-6814
E-mail: dentalhygiene@lit.edu
Dental hygienists provide dental health services that include cleaning (prophylaxis), oral cancer screenings, x-rays, pit and fissure sealants, patient education, and nutritional counseling. The traditional workplace setting for dental hygienists is a private dental office; however, hygienists also provide dental hygiene care in other settings such as prisons, public health facilities, schools, and long-term care facilities. The role of the Dental Hygiene Program is to prepare highly competent dental hygienists to meet the oral health care needs of the public.
The 68 SCH Dental Hygiene Program is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditations, American Dental Association, 211 East Chicago Avenue, Chicago, Illinois 60611, 312/440-4653, www.ada.org.
The Dental Hygiene Program has a limited capacity and selects students based upon defined criteria. Students must take pre-enrollment courses and are encouraged to take general education courses and support courses prior to applying to the program.
Application forms, selection criteria and admission procedures are available online. Applications to the Dental Hygiene Program are due on February 1st of each year.
Once accepted into the Dental Hygiene Program, the curriculum is two years in length beginning in July and ending in May. During enrollment, students attend lecture, laboratory, and clinical courses. Clinical practice occurs in the Dental Hygiene Clinic on the LIT campus.
Dental hygiene students must 1) maintain a minimum of a 'C' in all courses; 2) maintain a 2.3 GPA; 3) complete a portfolio; 4) complete the Recommended Program of Study; 5) complete community service requirements; and 6) satisfy LIT graduation requirements. Each of the requirements must be satisfied for a student to graduate with an Associate of Applied Science in Dental Hygiene.
Graduates must successfully pass the Dental Hygiene National Board Examination, a regional or state clinical exam, and a state jurisprudence exam in order to apply for a license to practice.
Associate of Applied Science
Diagnostic Cardiac Sonography
Program Director: Lacey Stinebrickner
Office: Gateway, Room 115
Address: 124 Gateway St., Beaumont, TX 77701
Phone: (409) 257-0061
E-mail: medicalsonography@lit.edu
Medical Director: Dr. Joseph Nightingale
The 65 SCH Diagnostic Cardiac Sonography Program prepares individuals for a career as a Diagnostic Cardiac Sonographer (Echocardiographer) through classroom study and supervised clinical experience. The cardiac sonographer performs cardiovascular examinations to produce a picture of the heart and great vessels using high frequency sound waves. These examinations are used to diagnose congenital heart disease, valvular disease, pericardial disease, cardiomyopathy, and other cardiovascular diseases. Types of examinations include 2D and 3D Echo, M-Mode, color flow and spectral Doppler, as well as Transesophageal and Stress studies. The Cardiac Sonographer may work in hospitals, clinics, and physician's offices.
The Diagnostic Cardiac Sonography Program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) upon the recommendation of the Joint Review Committee on Education in Diagnostic Medical Sonography (JRC/DMS).
Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs,
1361 Park Street, Clearwater, FL 33756, 727-210-2350.
www.caahep.org
Individuals seeking admission to the Diagnostic Cardiac Sonography Program must submit an online application, available exclusively on the Lamar Institute of Technology's Allied Health webpage. The application period opens on the first business day in January and closes on February 28th each year.
Admission to the program is competitive and based on academic performance and TEAS scores.
Applicants who are not selected for admission may reapply in the following year during the standard application period. Those accepted into the program will commence coursework in the Summer I semester.
A minimum grade of 'C' must be earned in all courses in the recommended program of study. Students that successfully complete the recommended program of study will earn an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Diagnostic Cardiac Sonography. Applicants may obtain additional information by contacting the program director.
Upon completion of the Diagnostic Cardiac Sonography A.A.S. (DCSO) , graduates are eligible to take the certification examinations (RDCS) in the specialty area of Adult Echocardiography (AE) administered by the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS) or through Cardiovascular Credentialing International (CCI).
Associate of Applied Science
Diagnostic Medical Sonography
Program Director: Lacey Stinebrickner
Office: Gateway, Room 115
Address: 3871 Stagg, Beaumont, TX 77701
Phone: (409) 257-0061
E-mail: medicalsonography@lit.edu
Medical Director: Dr. Joseph Nightingale
The 65 SCH Diagnostic Medical Sonography program prepares individuals for a career as a Diagnostic Medical Sonographer through classroom study and a supervised clinical experience. The medical sonographer performs ultrasound examinations to produce a picture of organs and muscles using high frequency sound waves. These examinations are used to diagnose fetal abnormalities, congenital disorders, cancers and benign tumors, as well as other diseases and disorders. Types of examinations include obstetrical, female and male reproductive organs, abdominal, thyroid, and vascular exams that include color and spectral Doppler. The Medical Sonographer may work in hospitals, clinics and physician's offices.
The Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP) upon the recommendation of the Joint Review Committee on Education in Diagnostic Medical Sonography (JRC/DMS).
Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs,
1361 Park Street, Clearwater, FL 33756, 727-210-2350.
www.caahep.org
Individuals seeking admission to the Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program must submit an online application, available exclusively on the Lamar Institute of Technology's Allied Health webpage. The application period opens on the first business day in January and closes on February 28th each year.
Admission to the program is competitive and based on academic performance and TEAS scores.
Applicants who are not selected for admission may reapply in the following year during the standard application period. Those accepted into the program will commence coursework in the Summer I semester.
Students will have to complete a background check after acceptance into the program during the first Summer III semester. Further information will be provided to students after beginning the program.
A minimum grade of "C" must be earned in all courses in the recommended program of study. Students successfully completing the program will be awarded the Associate of Applied Science Degree in Diagnostic Medial Sonography. Applicants may obtain additional information by contacting the program director.
Upon completion of the Diagnostic Medical Sonography A.A.S. (DMSO) , graduates are eligible to take the certification examinations (RDMS) in the specialty areas of Abdomen (AB) and/or Obstetrics/Gynecology (OB/GYN) administered by the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonographers (ARDMS).
The number of students accepted into the program is limited to the space available in the clinical agencies.
Associate of Applied Science
Health Information Technology
Program Director: Staci Waldrep
Office: Multipurpose Building, Room 247
Address: 802 E. Lavaca St., Beaumont, TX 77705
Phone: (409) 839-2918
E-mail: healthinfotech@lit.edu
Health Information Technology professionals play a critical role in maintaining, collecting, and analyzing the data that doctors, nurses and other healthcare providers rely on to deliver quality healthcare. They are experts in managing patient health information and health records, administering computer information systems, coding the diagnoses and procedures for healthcare services provided to patients, preparing health-care statistics, and providing continuous quality improvement.
The Health Information Technology Program (HITT) is a two-year program. The 60 SCH HITT Program prepares students for employment in multiple workplace settings in the healthcare industry including hospitals, physicians' offices and clinics, long-term care facilities, insurance companies, government agencies, cancer registries, and home care providers. Graduates are prepared to serve as health information technicians and coding professionals. Practicums are non-paid and require attendance at Select health care facilities. Upon successful completion of the program, students earn an Associate of Applied Science degree.
The program now offers a Medical Coding Specialist Certificate (HICC) . The 44 SCH Coding Certificate prepares students to sit for the Certified Coding Associate (CCA) credential. Graduates are prepared to work as a coder/biller in physician's offices, outpatient clinics, emergency centers and day surgery centers. Students will be instructed under ICD-10 coding guidelines and rules. The practicum is non-paid and offered online but also requires attendance at select health care facilities.
Also available is a Health Informatics Certificate (HITC) . The 24 SCH Certificate of Completion in Health Informatics is designed to prepare students for employment as entry level Health Informatics personnel or to provide supplemental training for persons previously or currently employed in related health record occupations. Students will learn the fundamentals of healthcare informatics by focusing on resources, devices, and methods used to acquire, store, retrieve, and utilize electronic health records.
Students are required to obtain a criminal background screening and must meet acceptable established criteria.
Each semester all courses in the curriculum must be completed with a grade of "C" or better to progress in the program. Health Information Technology (HITT) courses must be taken in the order listed in the program of study.
At this time each program is available in an on-line format and students should have excellent computer skills and be disciplined to complete coursework. Future options may include traditional classes, as demand necessitates.
The program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education. (http://cahiim.org). Students enrolled in their final term of study in the Health Information Technology Associate Degree or the Medical Coding Specialist Certificate are eligible to apply for admission to the national examination administered by the American Health Information Management Association (http://www.ahima.org).
Students who complete their Associate Degree may continue their education to acquire a Bachelor's Degree in Health Information Management (HIM) through a progression agreement established with Texas State University.
Associate of Applied Science
Certificate
Health Sciences
Program Director: Melanie Daleo
Office: Multipurpose Building, Room 216
Address: 802 E. Lavaca St., Beaumont, TX 77705
Phone: (409) 247-5103
E-mail: mdaleo@lit.edu
The 60 SCH Associate of Science in Health Sciences is designed for those students who wish to take courses for academic transfer in a health science related field. Students seeking an Associate of Science in Health Sciences must complete 60 SCH of coursework including the 42 SCH Core Curriculum which will transfer to four-year institutions.
Academic Associates
Medical Assistant
Program Director: Tamanna Assih
Office: Workforce and Allied Health Training Center
Address: 855 E. Lavaca St., Beaumont, TX 77705
Phone: (409) 247-7502
E-mail: tassih@lit.edu
The Medical Assisting program at Lamar Institute of Technology is designed to prepare graduates for successful employment in medical offices, clinics, and other healthcare settings. Students gain hands-on experience and practical skills in administrative and clinical procedures. Graduates are equipped to support physicians and other healthcare professionals by performing a wide range of administrative and clinical tasks.
Associate of Applied Science
Certificate
Nursing
Program Director: LeAnn Chisholm-Springer RN, PhD, CNE, CHSE
Office: Workforce and Allied Health Training Center, Room 343
Address: 855 E. Lavaca St., Beaumont, TX 77705
Phone: (409) 247-5146
E-mail: ljchisholmspringer@lit.edu
The 60 SCH nursing program prepares students to take the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nursing (NCLEX-RN) and become a licensed professional registered nurse (RN) in Texas.
Students must maintain a "C" or better in all nursing courses to remain in the nursing program. Students successfully completing the nursing program will be awarded the Associate of Applied Science in Nursing degree.
Associate of Applied Science
Pharmacy Technician
Program Director: Shunetta Lewis
Office: Workforce and Allied Health Training Center, Room 333
Address: 855 E. Lavaca St., Beaumont, TX 77705
Phone: 409-257-0060
E-mail: pharmacytechnology@lit.edu
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (www.bls.gov), advancement opportunities are available in large pharmacies and health systems. Pharmacy Technicians with significant training and experience can be promoted to supervisory positions, inventory control, and purchasing processes. Opportunities exist for advancement into specialty positions such as chemotherapy technician or nuclear pharmacy technician, and others may move into sales.
With a substantial amount of formal training, some technicians go on to become pharmacists. Employment for Pharmacy Technicians is expected to increase and job opportunities to be good, especially for those with formal education and a certification.
The goal of the Pharmacy Technician Program is to assist licensed pharmacists in the preparation and distribution of prescription medications in a variety of healthcare settings, including hospital, community pharmacies, home health pharmacies, and specialty pharmacies. Duties of the Pharmacy Technician can include data entry, providing customer service, counting, packaging and labeling pharmaceutical products, sterile product preparation, and inventory management.
Applicants must have a high school diploma or GED and must pass all sections of the TSI assessment and pass a criminal background check. Students that complete Introduction to Pharmacy Technology (PHRA 1301 ) and Pharmacy Technician Certification Review (PHRA 1243 ) are eligible to apply to take the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam, a national certification test administered by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PCTB).
Students must: 1) maintain a 'C' or better in all courses in the Pharmacy Technician Program, 2) maintain a 2.0 GPA in all courses in the Pharmacy Technician Program, 3) successfully pass a Criminal Background Screen, and 4) complete the Recommended Program of Study in order to earn a Certificate in Pharmacy Technician.
Interested individuals are encouraged to contact the department for additional information.
Certificate
Radiologic Technology
Program Director: Brenda A. Barrow
Office: Multipurpose Center, Room 232
Address: 802 E. Lavaca St., Beaumont, TX 77705
Phone: (409) 880-8848
E-mail: radiologictechnology@lit.edu
The 64 SCH Radiologic Technology Program prepares students for entry-level positions in healthcare settings performing procedures that produce images of patients for diagnosis by physicians. Each student will be assisted in the pursuit of technical competence through lectures, demonstrations, supervised study and practical experience. A graduate of the program is awarded an Associate of Applied Science degree.
The Radiologic Technology Program is accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology, 20 N. Wacker Dr., Suite 2850, Chicago, IL, 60606-3182, (312) 704-5300, and www.jrcert.org. Graduates are eligible to apply for admission for the certification exam administered by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists.
Students are accepted into the Radiologic Technology Program in the spring semester of each year. Admission to the program is based upon evidence of intellectual characteristics which are assumed to be consistent with a successful career in radiologic technology. Students are required to obtain a criminal background screening and must meet acceptable established criteria. The number of students admitted into the program is limited to the space available in clinical agencies. The Radiologic Technology program begins in the Summer II semester.
Students are encouraged to take supporting courses prior to admission into the program. Supporting courses include all courses other than those designated with an "RADR" preceding the course number. Radiology courses must be taken in the order listed.
The Radiologic Technology application/Allied Health Program Application may be submitted online first business day of January - last business day of February. Information regarding the application process is available on the program website or from the Program Director in Multipurpose Center 232. Applicants can register for the TEAS test through the ATI website at atitesting.com for the TEAS for Allied Health OR TEAS for Nursing Students as specified by the professional program.
A minimum grade of "C" must be earned in all courses required on the Recommended Program of Study. Students must maintain a 2.0 cumulative grade point average while enrolled in the Radiologic Technology Program.
Associate of Applied Science
Respiratory Care
Program Director: Stacy Taylor
Office: Gateway Center, Room 106
Address: 3871 Staff Drive, Suite 194, Beaumont, TX 77701
Phone: (409) 880-8854
E-mail: respiratorycare@lit.edu
Medical Director: N. Jeff Alford, M.D.
Respiratory therapists provide hands-on care that helps people recover from a wide range of medical conditions. Respiratory Therapists are employed in hospitals where they provide breathing treatments, manage ventilators for the critically ill in intensive care units, deliver lifesaving treatments in emergency rooms, and neonatal and pediatric intensive care units. Respiratory therapists also provide home care in patients' homes, assist with diagnosing sleep disorders, work to provide care for patients undergoing pulmonary rehabilitation, and assist in emergency transports.
The purpose of the 66 SCH Respiratory Care Program is to prepare graduates with demonstrated competence in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains of Respiratory Care practice as performed by Registered Respiratory Therapist. The students of this program will prepare for careers in Respiratory Care through lectures, laboratories, and clinical experience aimed at qualifying the student for certification and registration by the National Board for Respiratory Care. A graduate of this two year instructional program is awarded the Associate of Applied Science degree.
The Respiratory Care Program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC), 264 Precision Blvd., Telford, TN, 37690, 817-283-2835, www.CoARC.com.
The program has a limited capacity and selects students based upon defined criteria. Students who are interested in applying to the Respiratory Care Program must complete an application to 1) Lamar Institute of Technology and 2) the Respiratory Care Program. Individuals interested in applying must also complete all Texas Success Initiative Requirements. Students are expected to complete the pre-admission courses prior to admission into the program.
Applications and selection criteria are available from the Respiratory Care Program office in the Multipurpose Building. Completed application forms, transcripts and a criminal background screen are to be submitted to the Director of Respiratory Care Program by April 15. Applicants will be notified of a mandatory orientation session after the application deadline of April 15.
Specific graduation requirements for the Respiratory Care Program are:
- A minimum grade of "C" must be earned in all courses outlined in the program of study.
- A grade point average of 2.0 must be maintained in all courses submitted on the degree plan
- Take and pass the NBRC Secured Comprehensive Therapist Multiple Choice, and the Clinical Simulation Self-Assessment Examination.
- Satisfy LIT graduation requirements.
After graduation, earning the passing score of the National Board of Respiratory Care entry-level Therapist Multiple Choice examination, the graduate earns the title of "Certified Respiratory Therapist" (C.R.T.).Earning the passing score for the advanced-level of the Therapist Multiple Choice examination enables the graduate to take the Clinical Simulation Exam offered by the National Board Respiratory Care. A passing score on the Clinical Simulation will earn the graduate the Registered Respiratory Therapist (R.R.T.) credential. For more information about a career in the Respiratory care profession, visit www.AARC.org.
Associate of Applied Science