North Idaho Higher Education (NIHE) represents a consortium of five Idaho higher education institutions which cooperate to deliver post-secondary education/training across Region 1.  These five institutions are Lewis-Clark State College, North Idaho College, University of Idaho, Idaho State University and Boise State University.  Collectively, these five schools offer nearly one hundred different degree programs in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho.  In addition to offering a variety of degree programs (associate to doctorate), to nearly 5,000 students, NIHE ensures that student transfer processes are streamlined and student services are accessible to all consortium students.  North Idaho Higher Education regionally markets and promotes Idaho higher education and training opportunities across the Inland Northwest. The consortium is directed by a Local Operation’s Council (LOC) and supported by subcommittees, which consist of members from all partnering institutions.  

Contact: www.northidahohighereducation.org

Physical Therapist Assistant Consortium Program

LC State Advisor: Jacob Hornby
E-mail: jmhornby@lcsc.edu
Office: MLH 211
Phone: 208-792-2441 or 208-792-2225
Website: http://www.lcsc.edu/career-technical-education/physical-therapist-assistant-program/

The Idaho Physical Therapist Assistant Consortium Program at LC State prepares students for employment as physical therapist assistants (PTA). The PTA functions through the direction of a physical therapist (PT) to implement the PT's plan of care. The ultimate goal of physical therapy is to aid patients and clients in their return to maximal function. PTA students are instructed in thinking processes and skills such as therapeutic exercise, orthopedic and neurological interventions, therapeutic modalities, and the art of patient care. In addition to patient treatment courses, students study the basic sciences of anatomy, physiology, clinical pathology, and kinesiology. Clinical education experiences are integrated throughout the curriculum and offer students the opportunity to practice the techniques learned and practiced each semester. The program is designed to be completed in two years following the completion of necessary prerequisites.

Dental Hygiene Program

LC State Advisor: Jacob Hornby
E-mail: jmhornby@lcsc.edu
Office: MLH 211
Phone: 208-792-2441 or 208-792-2225
Website: http://www.lcsc.edu/career-technical-education/physical-therapist-assistant-program/

In collaboration with Lewis-Clark State College, the North Idaho College Dental Hygiene Program prepares students for entry into the dental hygiene profession as licensed clinicians (Registered Dental Hygienist – RDH).  Dental Hygienists provide preventive, therapeutic, restorative, and additional procedures to control oral disease and promote optimal oral health. The Dental Hygiene program includes instruction in dental anatomy, microbiology, and pathology; dental hygiene theory and techniques; dental materials; radiology; patient education and counseling; and office management and professional standards. Clinical education experiences are integrated throughout the curriculum and offer students the opportunity to gain competency through practice each semester.

The program is designed to be completed through North Idaho College in two years, following the completion of necessary prerequisites at LC State or another accredited college or university.  Graduates will be eligible to take the National Dental Hygiene Board Examination (NBDHE), and the regional and or state clinical and local anesthesia examinations. Applicants are encouraged to contact North Idaho College or the State Board of Dentistry in the states in which they wish to practice, for individual licensing -requirements.

Medical Laboratory Technology

LC State Advisor: Jacob Hornby
E-mail: jmhornby@lcsc.edu
Office: MLH 211
Phone: 208-792-2441 or 208-792-2225
Website: http://www.lcsc.edu/career-technical-education/physical-therapist-assistant-program/

In collaboration with Wenatchee Valley College, the Medical Lab Technology (MLT) program prepares students for employment as technicians in a medical laboratory, work in medical research, industrial or veterinary laboratories, or medical supply and equipment sales. Technicians work together with medical technologists and pathologists and typically have less direct contact with patients.  MLTs perform a great variety of scientific laboratory procedures, utilizing automated computerized instrumentation, all of which aid in the detection, diagnosis, and treatment of disease. 

The program is designed to be completed in two years following completion of necessary pre-requisites.  Pre-requisites can be completed on the LC State campus.  Students accepted to the MLT program will complete coursework through live, virtual delivery and clinical requirements in the LC Valley or surrounding communities.