• Course Description:

    The Health Occupations Program at Central Westmoreland Career and Technology Center provide students in grades 9-12 with basic knowledge of a variety of health care careers. The course is designed to provide basic theory, as well as assisting the student with developing self-discipline, encouraging personal growth, acceptance of responsibility, and the development of sound ethical attitudes and behavior. Upon completion of the course, students will be qualified to function in the health care field with job entry skills under the supervision of professionally trained persons such as a doctor, dentist or registered nurse. Students interested in the Health Occupations program should be in good physical health, have the ability to work with others, a genuine interest in patient care, motivation to learn and an attitude that shows maturity and responsibility.

    Skills Learned:

    Some of the skills a student will be able to perform are use of medical equipment, maintaining medical records, obtaining and recording vital signs, total patient care, and infection control procedures. Students will also have the opportunity to become certified in standard first aid, adult, infant and child CPR/AED.

    Related Occupations and Earnings:

    Related occupations include Medical Assistant, Nurse and Child Care Assistant. Earnings range between $11-$16/hour.

    Post-Secondary Opportunities:

    Articulated credits can be earned toward an Associate’s Degree at Institutions such as Central Pennsylvania Institute of Science and Technology, Harcum College and Pennsylvania Institute of Technology.

    Grading Procedures:
    33.3% Hands on Work, 33.3% Theory, 33.3% Daily Grade

    Suggested Prerequisites:
    Algebra I & II, Geometry, Chemistry, Biology, College Prep English I-IV

    *Industry & Skills Certifications:

    American Red Cross First Aid/CPR/AED for adults, children and infants

    National Nurse Aid Assessment Program (NNAAP) certificate to be placed on the Pennsylvania Nurse Aide Registry

    Student Requirements:
    Critical Thinking, Communication, Coordination, Manual Dexterity, Time Management, Reading & Interpreting, Controlled Precision.

    Student Costs:
    Work uniform (scrubs), White work shoes, Crew length white socks, Watch with sweep hands, Calculator

    Text Book:

    Introduction to Health Occupations Sixth Edition by Shirley A. Badasch, M.Ed, RN and Doreen S. Chesebro, B.Ed, LVN

    Introduction to Medical Terminology by Ann Ehrlich and Carol L. Schroeder

    Comprehensive Medical Assisting by Nina Beaman, MS, RNC, CMA and Lorraine Fleming-McPhillips, MS, MT, CMA

    Assisting in Long-Term Care, Fifth Edition by Barbara R. Hegner, MS, RN (deceased) and Mary Jo Gerlach, RN, MSN Ed.

    Being a Homemaker/ Home Health Aide, Sixth Edition by Elana Zucker, RN, MSN

    Central Westmoreland Career and Technology Center

    Mrs. Elder & Ms. McLaughlin – Health Professions/Occupations Instructors

    Phone Number – 724-925-3532 x. 1331 & 1326

    Office Hours: 7:15am to 8:00am

    11:45am to 12:00pm

    2:30pm to 2:45pm

    Please leave a voicemail message outside of these times.

    * Cost, if applicable, may be the responsibility of the Student.