Students receive instruction that involves hands-on training and theory lessons in the fundamental subjects of the health care industry with the goal of providing quality health care to long-term patients. These subjects include safety standards, infection control, professionalism, medical-ethical issues, oral and written communication, medical terminology, medical math, human behavior, nutrition, anatomy and physiology and common diseases. Nursing assistant skills are applied through clinical experience at various long-term care facilities. The skills that students will be learning and applying at long-term care facilities include but are not limited to: bathing, dressing, feeding, toileting, ambulating patients, vital signs and making beds. Upon completion of the theoretical and clinical hours required of the nursing assistant student, the students are eligible to take the State of Connecticut Registry Examination to become a Certified Nursing Assistant. The State examination consists of two parts that evaluate the knowledge as well as the skills required to provide quality patient care. Students are eligible for certification in Dementia Care, as part of the CARES program.
Students are introduced to the clinical and administrative Medical Assistant career areas in order to prepare for entry-level positions in a medical office or clinic. They will then have the option of focusing on other careers within the Health Science Career Clusters through job shadowing. The influence of research and medical advances in the prevention and control of health problems through a medical assistant preparation provides training in medical office practices required for an entry-level position in a medical office. The clinical medical assistant training prepares the student for employment opportunities in a variety of clinical settings such as a physician practice or outpatient clinic. The Health Science Careers shadowing is the portion of year that exposes a student to particular health careers and allows students to gain valuable knowledge about that career. This information and experience is extremely beneficial in making informed decisions regarding post-secondary education and career mobility. As a Health Technology student, they will continue to be introduced to the basics of safety, sanitation and personal hygiene. Students will demonstrate the ability to complete a job application, produce a resume and cover letter, participate successfully in an interview and perform entry-level job readiness skills. Students are eligible for certification in Activities of Daily Living, as part of the CARES program. Certification in CPR for the health care provider and first aid is also provided.
Students successfully completing this course of study will be able to pursue a two- or four-year degree at colleges and universities or other private post-graduate institutions in the health care field. These programs provide for training as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), Registered Nurse (RN) or other health related field, i.e., radiology or physical therapy, occupational therapy, social work, psychology, dental assistant/hygienist to list a few. Students not wishing to pursue higher education opportunities are able to obtain immediate employment in the health care field. Jobs include but are not limited to: employment as certified nursing assistants in long-term care facilities or hospitals or medical assistants in medical offices or clinics.
