Students who are caring, compassionate and possess critical thinking skills should check out Health Occupations Technology (HOT).  Statistics from the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry indicate that occupations in health care will continue to experience the highest growth rate. Students enrolled in the HOT program will also be enrolled in the Nurse Aide program during their first year.  First year students will also be introduced to medical terminology and basic anatomy while learning about common disease conditions.  Second year students will continue with medical terminology and begin a more in-depth course in anatomy and physiology as well as study human growth and development during their second or third year in the program.  Also during either the first or second year in the program, students are introduced to the theory and skills associated with working as a home health aide.

Third year students will initially focus on elements of medical assisting including learning the skill of medical transcription.  In the second semester third year students will have the opportunity to explore either components of a pharmacy technician curriculum or components of a beginning nursing pharmacology class.

Through scheduled clinical experiences at local long-term care facilities, students apply learned health care theory to actual “hands-on” clinical practice.  Students who satisfactorily achieve 112 theory hours and 38 clinical hours may be eligible to take the PA Nurse Aide (NA) competency exam.  Passing the NA exam provides immediate entry into the job market.
 Third year students will continue with some form of clinical experience which could include specific shadow experiences with staff from the Indiana Regional Medical Center as well as long term care facilities and an area day care.

Planned Courses

• Introduction to Allied Health Careers
• Introduction to Nursing Assistance
• Legal and Ethical Standards of Health Professions
• Infection Control
• Safety and Emergency Care
• Medical Terminology
• Communication Skills
• Anatomy and Physiology
• Pharmacy Technician
• Crime & Violence Prevention
• Residents Rights
• Common Chronic & Acute Conditions
• Mental Health & Social Services
• Home Health Aide
• Human Needs & Development
• Personal Care Procedures
• Basic Nursing Procedures

Academic Courses (Recommended & Required for Program of Study)

• Algebra I
• Algebra II
• Biology
• Chemistry

Advanced Standing

• Westmoreland County Community College
• Pennsylvania Highlands Community College
• Pennsylvania College of Technology
• Dual Enrollment opportunities with PA Highlands Community College

Career Opportunities

• Nurse Assistant
• Medical Assistant
• Registered Nurse*
• Licensed Practical Nurse*
• X-Ray Technician*
• Physical/Occupational Therapist or Assistant*
• Surgical Technician*
• Physician’s Assistant*
• Medical Lab Technician*
• Pharmacy Technician*
• Massage Therapist*
• EMT or Paramedic*
• Respiratory Therapist*

*Post-secondary education required