Health Assisting
Program Description
The healthcare field has seen many changes over the past ten years. There is a dire need for qualified, competent, and compassionate healthcare workers. Completing the four-year Health Assisting Program will prepare the students for various entry-level positions in the healthcare industry. Students in this program can acquire skills via the classroom/lab setting and clinical setting that prepare them for a career in healthcare. Students are introduced to Medical Terminology, Anatomy and Physiology, Disease pathology, Human Growth and Development, and Restorative care. This program is designed to focus on introducing students to a career in health, focusing on nursing assistant certification. Students who complete all requirements will be eligible to sit for the Massachusetts state registry for CNA (Certified Nursing Assistant). Students will be able to train in a simulated lab setting followed by an actual clinical setting, working with healthcare professionals and patients. Senior year students will have EKG (electrocardiogram) basic skills training and/or introduction to phlebotomy technician and Basic EMT (Emergency Medical Technician) training. Eligible seniors have also found co-operatives paid placements at local hospitals, doctors' offices, nursing homes, and other healthcare facilities.
Course Content
- Intro to Allied Health
- Body Positions & Directional Planes
- Communication & Professionalism in the Workplace
- First Aid/CPR
- Medical Terminology
- Infection Control
- Vital Signs
- Growth and Development
- Life Stages from Birth to Geriatrics
- Health and Nutrition
- Body System and Functions
- Employability Skills
- Clinical Placement in Nursing
- Home Practicing Skills
- Protecting Patients
- Cultural Differences
- Understanding Dementia
- Total Care of Patient (Theory and practice of all skills involved)
- EKG Basics
- Phlebotomy technician Training including Understanding the Basics of Venipuncture, Dermal Puncture
- Basic EMT Training
- Nurse Assistant
- Home Health/Resident Assistant
Career Tree: Health Assisting
Industry Certifications
- Massachusetts Board of Registration Certified Nursing Assistant
- Massachusetts Personal and Homecare Aide Training PHCAST
- Homecare Aide Council Home Health Aide/Home Health Assistant certification
- Person-Centered Dementia Care
- American Heart Association Basic Life Support (BLS)
- American Heart Association First Aid Certification
- American College of Surgeons Stop the Bleed certification
- Serve Safe food handler online certification
- OSHA Health Edition, 10-hour certification
Possible Career Pathways
- Certified Nurse Assistant
- EKG Technician
- Emergency Medical Technician
- Licensed Practical Nurse
- Medical Assistant
- Medical Transcriptionist
- Occupational Therapist
- Pharmacy Technician
- Phlebotomy Technician
- Physical Therapist
- Radiology Technician
- Registered Nurse
Salary Info
Massachusetts Averages:
- Certified Nursing Assistant: $24.30/hour; $54,892/year
- Emergency Medical Technician: $22.91/hour; $53,359/year
- Licensed Practical Nurse: $42.58/hour; $76,434/year
- Electrocardiogram (EKG) Technician: $32.87/hour; $76,529/year
National Averages:
- EMTs and Paramedics: $36,930/year
- Licensed Practical Nurse: $48,070/year
- Registered Nurses: $77,600
(Updated 1/12/13)
Sources:
Indeed.com
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
College Partners
- New England Institute of Technology
Employers Hiring Minuteman Graduates
- Emerson Hospital
- Lahey Clinic
Advisory Committee Partners
- Hanscom A.F.B. Fire Department
- Winchester Nursing Rehabilitation Center
- Middlesex Community College
- Partners Healthcare