History
Brown Mackie College—Merrillville has a long and rich history. The school started in 1890 as LaPorte Business College and later changed its named to Commonwealth Business College. In 1919, the school became Reese School of Business and remained so for many decades. In 1975, the name reverted to Commonwealth Business College, and in 1984, a second location was added that is now Brown Mackie College—Merrillville. In 1995, the Merrillville location became part of the Commonwealth Business College Education Corporation, and in 1998 the school moved into its present location in the Twin Towers business complex of Merrillville, Indiana.
Brown Mackie College-Merrillville
Academics
Brown Mackie College—Merrillville has a variety of degree options in five subject areas: business, healthcare and wellness, legal studies, nursing, and technology based programs.
Business
The bachelor of business administration degree prepares students for the ever-changing business world by providing courses in accounting theories and principles, management theory, and entrepreneurship—conceiving, initiating, organizing, managing, and operating a small business.
Other options for study are the business management associate degree, and the business certificate. Coursework in the certificate program covers accounting, computer operations and programs, and decisioning making for small businesses. Those completing the program are well suited for such jobs as executive or sales assistant, bookeeper, and customer service or banking representative.
The associate degree covers various aspects of small businesses and the marketplace, accounting, and all phases of business, preparing graduates for jobs as office manager, account representative, and human resources or marketing associate.
Students interested in accounting can earn either an accounting certificate or an accounting technology associate degree. In the certificate program, students study basic accounting concepts, computerized accounting systems, and human resources, which prepares them for various entry level accounting jobs or as a stepping stone to an accounting degree. The associate degree takes the coursework further, adding payroll management classes, making them qualified for entry level jobs as bookkeeper, tax preparer, auditor, payroll clerk, accounts receivable processor, or accounts payable processor in a variety of office settings.
Healthcare and Wellness
Students interested in healthcare will find a number of program options at Brown Mackie College—Merrillville. The healthcare management bachelor’s degree enables students to apply learning to the real life role of a manager in a healthcare setting. The curriculum includes managing healthcare information and recordkeeping practices, the structure and function of healthcare organizations, and leadership in healthcare organizations.
With the aging population, one of the most valuable degrees today may be Brown Mackie College—Merrillville’s associate degree in gerontology. The program introduces students to the biological, social, and psychological aspects of aging and prepares students to work in entry level jobs that serve seniors.
The biomedical equipment technology associate degree trains students to install, repair, maintain, manufacture and service all types of biomedical equipment. The medical assisting associate degree prepares students to assist in the examination and treatment of patients and in the administrative functions of medical offices. The medical office management associate degree prepares students for entry level jobs as medical secretary, medical transcriptionist, and medical records clerk, as well of medical office manager.
The occupational therapy assistant associate degree prepares students to administer therapy treatments under the supervision of an occupational therapist.Those who complete the surgical technology associate degree are prepared to work as part of a surgical team under the supervision of surgeons and other surgical personnel. The school also offers a medical assistant diploma, preparing students to assist in the examinaton and treatment of patients under the direction of a physician.
Legal Studies
Brown Mackie College—Merrillville offers two bachelor’s degrees in this area: criminal justice and legal studies. The criminal justice bachelor’s degree offers instruction in all facets of the criminal justice system, fundamentals in criminal investigation, and discussion of issues in criminal justice. Graduates are prepared to work at all levels of government, private security or investigation companies, in business or retail.
The associate’s degree in criminal justice offers instruction on guidelines for law enforcement officers, criminal and other law, and legal research and writing. This degree is a stepping stone toward a bachelor’s degree, or can be used by students with another degree or work experience to change careers. The certificate in criminal justice also serves as a stepping stone toward a criminal justice degree or a way to change careers if the student already has a degree or work experience.
The legal studies bachelor’s degree provides courses in applications in principles of law, legal research and writing, and the process of litigating a civil trial, and trains students to be paralegals. The paralegal associates degree and certificate programs offers courses in applications of law, concepts of legal research and writing, and drafting documents and prepares students to work in entry level positions under the direct supervision of an attorney.
Nursing
There has never been a better time to be a nurse than now, and Brown Mackie College—Merrillville’s practical nursing diploma teaches students the structure and function of the human body, principles of administering medications and dosage calculations, and the role of a practical nurse on a healthcare team. Students are prepared for positions in hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, and other facilities.
Technology Based Programs
The school offers two associate degrees in this area, one in biomedical equipment technology and the other in computer software technology. The biomedical program offers courses in anatomy, biology, physiology, and chemistry; engineering mechanics and physics; electronic circuit analysis; and installation, inspection, maintenance, and repair of medical and clinical equipment. Graduates are well prepared to find employment in tertiary healthcare settings, equipment manufacturing, or equipment service organizations.
The computer software technology associate degree includes courses on computer operations and programs, database management software, and professional presentation techniques. The degree prepares students for jobs as computer operator, data entry specialist, administrative assistant, computer support service specialist, computer applications specialist, and computerized clerical support. The school also offers a computer software technology certificate, which prepares students to be desktop publishers, word processors, administrative assistants, computer trainers, and computer applications or computer support services specialists.
Merrillville, IN 46410
p. 219-769-3321
w. www.brownmackie.edu