Health Assisting

Lead Teacher
Mrs. Christine Girard RN

Ms. Donna Bartlett RN
Mrs. Darlene Nykiel RN

The Health Assisting Program introduces students to a wide variety of health care career opportunities. Students completing this program will have training in child growth and development, human anatomy, and physiology, medical records, medical terminology, medical math and computer skills. If they meet the academic requirements they will also be eligible for certifications as nursing assistants and home health aides. First Aid and CPR with AED training and certification will be given, as well as Alzheimer's training and certification.

Freshman Year:

Students obtain classroom instruction as well as "on-the-job" training in the area of child growth and development.
Two days per week they will be assigned to area nursery schools, day care centers, and elementary schools to learn more about child development, childhood illnesses, nutrition, the value of play, and to understand the importance of being a positive role model.

Sophomore and Junior
Year:

Students job shadow in approximately ten different departments in two local hospitals, and explore first hand what career opportunities are availble to them in health care and what these jobs entail, including education needed, job description, pay and career ladder.
Students receive Certified Nursing Assistant training and clinical experience at a local nursing home.
Students are responsible for assisting residents with all activities of daily living (bathing, dressing, feeding, and toileting). When students finish their junior year they will be eligible to take the state CNA exam.
Students will learn how to properly use a large assortment of medical tools including stethoscopes, thermometers, mechanical lifts to assist immobile patients, wheelchairs, scales, and personal protective equipment (PPE)

Senior Year:

Students may choose to go out on co-op(obtain employment in the health care field) instead of spending every other week in shop. They will gain experience in their field while earning money.
If they choose otherwise, students will receive training and certification in "home health" where they take the skills and training they learned as CNA's and apply that knowledge to the home care setting.
They gain clinical experience three days per week, in an assisted living facility.

Students will also be trained in medical records, medical terminology, and medical math during their senior year. This will prepare them for college and allow them to explore career opportunities outside direct care.
Medical records experience will be gained working at local hospitals and clinics.