Frequently Asked Questions
General FAQs
Q: Is financial aid available?
A: Tuition assistance may be available if you are unemployed, a veteran or veteran’s spouse, or a person with a disability. Other options include education loans. A list of funding resources and contact information can be found here http://dce.unm.edu/loans-financial-aid.htm.
FAQs for Substance Abuse Studies
Q: Do I need a degree to get into the program?
A: Yes, in counseling from an accredited institution of higher education AA or higher is required by the NMCTPB. Or your current counseling license.
Q: Apply to the program before registering, how?
A: Application steps are:
- STEP 1: Please go online to http://dcereg.com to create your profile. You may also call (505) 277-0077 x1 to set up your profile or to check if you already have a profile. If you have taken prior classes with UNM Continuing Education you may have a profile already.
- STEP 2: Send by fax or email your counseling license or a copy of your degree transcripts or diploma to (505) 277-8975 or lnalin@unm.edu. For New Mexico Licensure, the NM Counseling and Therapy Practice Board required a degree in counseling or a counseling related field. Please check their website for the list of accepted degrees: www.rld.state.nm.us/boards/Counseling_and_Therapy_Practice.aspx
. - STEP 3: Email your responses to these questions to lnalin@unm.edu.
- What are your professional goal(s) for the program?
- How have your background, education, work, culture, and life experience led you to the field of addictions counseling?
- What do you anticipate to be your greatest challenge in this program?
Q: What are the specific requirements for Licensed Substance Abuse Associate (LSAA) and Licensed Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselor (LADAC) certification?
A: Contact the New Mexico Counseling and Therapy Practice Board at www.rld.state.nm.us or (505) 476-4610.
FAQs for Phlebotomy Class
Q: How do I apply?
A: Complete the application and the immunizations form. Have a copy of your Gold Career Readiness Certificate (see below for information on that certificate), proof of age, high school, GED or higher education diploma ready to bring with you with the forms. Then schedule an appointment with the Program Supervisor by contacting her at lnalin@unm.edu.
Q: What is and how do I get a Gold Career Readiness Certificate?
A: The New Mexico “Certified for Success” Career Readiness Certificate is a portable credential that shows you possess certain fundamental skills needed in the workplace. The WorkKeys assessment system is used to determine those skill levels. Depending on their scores, potential or incumbent employees receive one of these certificates:
- Gold—awarded to those who score at or above a level 5 in each of the core areas.
- Silver—awarded to those who score at or above a 4.
- Bronze—awarded to those who score at or above a 3 in each of the core areas.
To register go to the Workforce Connections website for career services at https://www.jobs.state.nm.us/whyreg.asp. Once registered you will have a profile for receiving job services and assessments. You can access the services available for your job search after completing this training program. Contact the New Mexico Workforce Solutions to schedule the assessments. Call Robert Whittaker at (505) 843-1967 or Rosanne Shreve at (505) 843-1927 or Arleen Luchetti at (505) 843-1926.
After completing the assessments successfully for Level 5 – Gold Certificate, please forward a copy of the assessment report to UNM Continuing Education, Loree Nalin, Program Supervisor at lnalin@unm.edu or fax to (505) 277-8975. Your CR certificate will arrive to you from the Governor’s Office several weeks later.
FAQs for Administrative Medical Specialist Certificate
Q: Can I take all the classes in the same semester?
A: Yes, if desired.
Q: What is the employment outlook for Billing and Coding?
A: Administrative Specialists in Healthcare work closely with Medical Professionals (physicians, nurse practitioners) and different Insurance companies (state, federal, private payers). The training in this area involves understanding health care in general. Starting pay for coders will vary.
Q: Is there a certifying exam for coders?
A: The exam, Certified Professional Coder (CPC) exam, is offered exclusively through the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC) and administered through our local chapter.
Q: I have taken Medical Terminology and Human Anatomy at another college; can I test out of that class?
A: Yes, validate by presenting a transcript with a passing grade and arrange to test out with the program supervisor. A passing score of 70% or higher is required to waive the class.
Q: Which coding class should I start with?
A: It is recommended to start with the CPT class. Providers in the community on the outpatient side are more interested in the CPT coding system which is assigned to generating revenue.
Q: I heard the field is updating from ICD-9 to ICD-10, when will that happen?
A: ICD-10 will be implemented October 2013. We will definitely start classes in Spring of 2013 if not Fall of 2012.