Blue Cliff College

Dental Assisting Program

Dental assistants play a hands-on role in keeping a dental practice running smoothly. Responsibilities include preparing instruments, taking X-rays, educating patients on oral hygiene, managing records and appointments, and sanitizing equipment.

Program Length

Blue Cliff College's Dental Assisting diploma requires 958 hours (59 credits) to complete. Both daytime and evening class schedules are available:

• Daytime: Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 5:00 pm (11 months)
• Evening: Monday through Friday, 5:00 pm to 10:00 pm (15 months)

Occasional weekend sessions may also be required, held Saturday or Sunday from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm.

What the Program Covers

Students gain exposure to a wide range of subjects throughout the program, including:

• Anatomy, physiology, and oral histology
• Tooth form, structure, and preventive dentistry
• Dental health and nutrition
• Infection control and radiography
• Dental laboratory procedures and orthodontics
• Patient care and healthcare laws (OSHA and HIPAA)
• Dental office administration and management

Externship

Toward the end of the program, students complete an externship in a working dental office, gaining real-world experience under the guidance of licensed professionals.

Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN) Program

Blue Cliff College's Licensed Practical Nursing diploma program prepares students across cognitive, psychomotor, and behavioral learning domains for a career as a Practical Nurse. The curriculum is designed to build critical thinking and problem solving skills while addressing the legal, ethical, moral, and cultural dimensions of modern healthcare.

Program Length and Requirements

The LPN diploma program requires 90 quarter credit hours (1,714 contact hours) and typically takes 15 months to complete. Training includes both classroom instruction and hands-on clinical work.

Classroom coursework covers the foundational concepts essential to patient care, including relevant science and math (such as dosage calculations), medical terminology, computer skills, and more. Clinical work gives students real-world experience in healthcare settings.

Career Preparation

Graduates of the LPN program are prepared to sit for the NCLEX-PN exam and pursue entry-level positions in the healthcare industry.

Diagnostic Medical Sonography Program

Diagnostic medical sonography (DMS) is the use of ultrasound technology to help physicians monitor and treat patients. Sonographers may review a patient's medical history, prepare them for an external or transvaginal ultrasound, perform the scan, and summarize findings for the managing physician. While sonographers are trained to identify potential concerns, diagnosis is left to the supervising physician.

Program Length and Requirements

Blue Cliff College's Diagnostic Medical Sonography program typically takes 19 months to complete. Students build foundational knowledge in sonography history and principles, explore the various ultrasound specialty areas, and complete clinical rotations at healthcare facilities.

As an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree program, the curriculum also includes general education coursework to provide a well-rounded academic foundation.

Practical Nursing Certificate Program

Blue Cliff College's 12-month Practical Nursing Certificate program prepares students for entry-level nursing careers. Practical nurses play a key role in healthcare facilities, supporting physicians, registered nurses, and patients to keep daily operations running smoothly.

What Practical Nurses Do

Under the supervision of registered nurses or physicians, practical nurses provide a range of basic patient care services. Duties may include taking vitals and medical histories, drawing blood, inserting catheters, performing basic wound care, and providing comfort care such as assisting with eating, dressing, and bathing. Specific tasks may vary by state.

Program Length and Requirements

The program requires 980 credit hours (44 clock hours) and is completed over 12 months. Coursework covers all topics included in the National Council Licensure Examination for Licensed Practical/Vocational Nurses (NCLEX-PN), preparing graduates to sit for the exam upon completion.