Course Description
Healthcare is one of the largest and fastest growing industries in the country today. Population growth, longevity, and health reform have increased the need for additional educated and skilled healthcare workers. The Allied Health field encompasses varied occupations such as surgical technician, nurse assistant, ultrasound technicians, registered nurse, occupational and physical therapist, emergency medical technicians, paramedics, speech therapy, medical office assistants and medical laboratory technicians to name a few. The Allied Health Program is designed to provide an introduction to health related careers. It also prepares students for the Nurse Assistant and Home Health Aide certifications.
Freshmen
In Grade 9, students are introduced to the Allied Health field with emphasis on Activity Assistant and Nursing Assistant careers. Concepts include the roles of both the Activity and Nursing Assistant, safety, infection control, use of assistive devices, human growth and development and exploration of other health careers. The study of Medical Terminology begins. Students have externships at a long-term care facility and a childcare center.
Skills: Medical hand washing | Use of personal protective equipment | Use of assistive devices | Patient ambulation | Transfer techniques | Planning and implementation of activities for residents of a long-term care facility
Sophomores
In Grade 10, in depth study of nursing assistant begins. Concepts include health and safety, communication skills related to health careers and responding to the patient’s needs. The study of Medical Terminology continues. Students have an externship at a long-term care facility.
Skills: Vital signs | Range of motion | Clinical bed making | Medical nail care | Transfer techniques
Juniors
In Grade 11, course work is focused on the mastery of the Department of Public Health Certified Nursing Assistant theory and skills. Direct patient care provides students the opportunity to apply what they have learned in the classroom to the long -term care setting. Students receive instruction in Home Health Aide after completion of C.N.A. curriculum. The study of Medical Terminology continues.
Skills: Positioning | Bathing and showering of patients | Oral care | Dressing and undressing | Feeding | Toileting | Shaving | Documentation
Seniors
In Grade 12, students learn advanced nursing assistant skills in Patient Care Technician. In addition, students complete a year -long capstone project that includes, writing a research paper, creating a storyboard and brochure relating to the topic and presenting their research to faculty, peers and family. Additional theory includes, a college level Medical Terminology course as part of an articulation agreement with NEIT. Externships in Grade 12 include, shadowing health care professionals at an acute care hospital, assisting with care at an adult day health and childcare centers.
Skills: Collecting specimens | Stoma care | Surgical asepsis | Wound care | Pre and post operative care for the patient care technician
Certifications
| Certified Nursing Assistant |
| Home Health Aide |
| First Aid |
| Basic Life Support/CPR/AED |
| Alzheimer's Association Habilitation Training |
| OSHA 10 hour |
College Pathways
| Anna Maria College |
| Becker College |
| Bridgewater State |
| Emmanuel College |
| Lasell College |
Mass College of Pharmacy and Health Science |
| Massasoit CC |
| New England College |
| Penn State |
| University of Maine |
| Westfield State |
Career Pathways
Students graduate from the Allied Health program with the certifications needed to work as a Certified Nursing Assistant and Home Health Aid. Graduates are prepared with foundational knowledge needed to enter higher education programs to train for careers such as: Registered Nurse, Physician's Assistant, Physical Therapist, Occupational Therapist, Dietitian, and more.
About the Industry
The healthcare industry is made up of highly trained and licensed professionals who work in a variety of disciplines to maintain or restore the physical, mental, and/or emotional well being of the individuals they serve. Over the next decade, the healthcare industry is expected to experience extensive job growth, with most disciplines averaging greater than 10%.
Work Environment
Members of the healthcare industry work in hospitals, long term care facilities, rehabilitation centers, community settings, and more.
How to become a...
Students are eligible to take the state nurse aide competency after completing the required hours of training. After passing the written and performance exam, students will be certified as a nursing assistant.