Sequim Gazette staff

In an effort to meet community demand and future economic needs, Peninsula College is releasing a spate of new programs for the fall 2015 quarter.

Health Information Management — Medical Billing and Coding

The Peninsula College Health Information Management – Medical Billing and Coding Certificate prepares students for employment in medical records departments in a variety of health care office settings including medical clinics, physician practices, hospitals, insurance companies and managed care organizations.

Students will learn medical coding, insurance reimbursement, health information systems and compliance.

The curriculum integrates national credentialing competencies and prepares students for the AAPC Certified Professional Coder and Certified Professional Coder-Hospital Outpatient exams.

Graduates of this program will have a thorough understanding of coding and managing medical records as well as human relations, law for health information, anatomy and physiology.

Program website: www.pencol.edu/proftech/health-information-management-medical-billing-coding

Hospitality and Ecotourism

Clallam and Jefferson counties are full of natural wonders, cultural experiences, local events and outdoor activities that have transformed the Olympic Peninsula into the premier destination for outdoor enthusiast in Washington.

The Peninsula College Hospitality and Ecotourism program is designed to prepare students to work in fields that serve visitors on the Olympic Peninsula. Foundation courses introduce students to hospitality, ecotourism, marketing and human relations.

Core courses expand student knowledge and skills in hotel facilities and technology, event management, marketing, ecotourism, tourism policy and planning, and accounting.

Capstone courses provide practicum experience and opportunity for service learning projects with local employers. Students are required to have access to a computer, the Internet and a browser. This degree can be completed online.

Program website: www.pencol.edu/proftech/hospitality-and-ecotourism

Welding Program (evenings)

Due to demand, Peninsula College will begin offering evening welding courses for anyone interested in reigniting their creativity or exploring a new career path. These classes were created to accommodate overflow from the welding program’s lengthy wait list and for people who work during the day.

Suzanne Robertson will instruct a two-credit welding course at P.C.’s main campus from 6-9 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays for beginning and advanced welders.

Program website: www.pencol.edu/proftech/welding

Sustainable Food Systems

The Sustainable Food Systems Short Term Certificate of Completion is designed for both aspiring farmers and community leaders interested in learning how to work within a regional food system in the areas of advocacy, education and production.

The certificate program is ideal for anyone wanting to learn more about the major challenges impacting today’s food system as well as how to address these issues with local, community-based, sustainable solutions.

With the average age of today’s farmers approaching 56 years old, the program is designed to create a significant and lasting connection with younger generations.

Program website: www.pencol.edu/proftech/sustainable-agriculture

Multimedia Communications — Digital Storytelling & 3D Design

P.C.’s Digital Storytelling & 3D Design Short Term Certificate of Completion prepares students for jobs related to digital media, web content development and 3D design.

Students will learn about interactive multimedia, digital literacy and how to develop media for engagement, education and entertainment for augmented reality.

The course also will include immersive environments, transformative design and interactive interfaces.

Emphasis will be placed on the esthetics, structured storylines and success with graphics, video and 3D design software.

Program website: www.pencol.edu/proftech/multimedia-communications

More information:

All programs begin in the fall quarter. Students must register by Sept. 18. For quick steps to get started, visit www.pencol.edu/getstarted.

For information on new programs, contact the specific program coordinator:

• Health Information Management — Medical Billing and Coding, Debi Menichini-Barlow, dmenichini-barlow@pencol.edu

• Hospitality and Ecotourism, Mia Boster, mboster@pencol.edu

• Evening Welding, Jeramie O’Dell, jodell@pencol.edu

• Multimedia Communications —Digital Storytelling & 3D Design, Renne Brock Richmond, rbrock-richmond@pencol.edu

• Sustainable Food Systems, Jennifer Santry, jsantry@pencol.edu.