The Health Occupations Technology program allows you to explore a variety of health care professions.  You will be developing academic and technical skills related to the health professions.  You will also develop employability skills for a employment in the health care industry. Units of instruction are planned and delivered in a three-tier fashion; each tier can build on the previous year or be offered independently. Level I (AM session): you will develop awareness and skills in medical terminology, normal anatomy and physiology, dental assisting, ethics, communication skills, safety standards, and growth and development of humans. Level II (PM session): This level is based on PA OBRA Nurse Aide Curriculum. You will develop skills in geriatric health care, and basic health care. This class has mandatory commitments including 60 hours of clinical experience at an approved site. Prior to the beginning of school, the student entering this level will need a PA Criminal Record History Clearance, physical examination, 2-step Mantoux test, and hepatitis vaccination. You will also develop knowledge of disease processes, communication skills, and standard safety precautions. Upon successful completion of OBRA requirements, you will be eligible to take the PA State Nurse Aide Certification Exam. Additionally, you will also be certified in CPR. Level III (PM session): You will develop knowledge and skills as a pharmacy aide and ECG technician, basic computer skills, communication skills, and safety and security procedures are a part of the curriculum. Shadowing opportunities with a pharmacy clerk and/or ECG technician are available. You are encouraged to enroll in higher-level science, chemistry and mathematics courses.

Qualities and Characteristics of the Program

·         Responsible

·         Honest

·         motivated

·         a team player

·         dependable

If you have

• a positive attitude
• good communication and organization skills
• self-discipline
• good attendance and punctuality
• good problem-solving skills
• attention for details
• adaptable/flexible
• the ability to lift 50 pounds
• good personal health and hygiene

If you like to

• care for people
• participate in activities that involve direct personal contact with people
• solve problems
• work as a team

You will need

• lab jacket – uniform– white duty shoes
• workbook (level I) – textbook and workbook (level II) – workbook (level III)
• ID Badge – school will provide 1^st badge – host badges cost $3.00

If you think

• these qualities and characteristics describe YOU

This may be the program you are looking for!

Nature of the Program:  Health, medical, or dental assistants may work alone or as members of a team under the direct supervision of a nurse, physician, dentist, pharmacist or other health care professionals. They usually work indoors in well-lit, well-ventilated environment. The standard workweek varies depending on the choice of employment. Institutions that operate on a 24-hour basis would require shift work, weekends, and holidays. Latex is used in the health care environment on a regular basis. All health care workers will have direct hands-on responsibility for clients. They will be giving personal care, measuring vital signs, and communicating with supervisors about these observations.  

Completion of the Program:  Upon successful completion of the Health Occupations Technology program, students will be qualified to seek post-secondary education or obtain entry-level positions in the health care field. Students will be eligible to take the Pennsylvania State Nurse Aide certification examination. **Please note that this exam is developed at an 8^th grade reading level and a 5^th grade mathematics level. Motivated individuals will have the qualifications to obtain a position as an entry-level health care worker in various fields such as dental assisting, nurse aide, pharmacy clerk, unit secretary and ECG technician. American Heart Association certification includes CPR.

Related Occupations: Registered nurse, licensed practical nurse, dental hygienist, dental assistant, dentist, pharmacology assistant, pharmacist. This list is not all-inclusive.