•  HEALTH ASSISTANT
     

    Course Objective:

    Students will obtain education and skills to be certified as a nursing assistant in Pennsylvania at the end of senior year.
     

    Course Description:

    The course prepares students for careers in the health field. Students are provided clinical experiences in long-term care and assisting living facilities to enhance the learning experience and assist in the transition to employment. Core curriculum includes an Overview of Health Careers, Basic Anatomy and Physiology, Medical Terminology, Basic Nursing Procedures, Universal Precautions, Legal and Ethical Aspects of Health Care, and Communication Skills. Students are also provided instruction to qualify them for certification in CPR and CNA.
     

    Course Topics:

    Functioning as a member of the health care team

    Care team members

    Providing basic care needs

    Understanding body systems and disorders

    Performing nursing procedures

    Meeting nutrition needs

    Identify first aid concepts

    Understanding life span development

    Demonstrate knowledge and use of safety practice

    Obtaining employment

    Functioning as a nursing assistant
     

    Required Supplies:

    Blue scrubs                 

    Lab jacket (optional)

    Watch with second hand

    White shoes 

    2-step mantoux test (seniors)

    Criminal clearance (seniors)                        

    Physical (seniors)  

    State Exam (Seniors)

    Textbooks:

    Diversified Health Occupations, 6th Edition; Louise Simmers; 2004.

    Nursing Assistant Care; Susan Alvare, Diane Dugan, & Jetta Fuzy; 2005.

    Dean Vaughn Medical Terminology 350, 2nd Edition; Workbook & Videotape Series.

    Dean Vaughn Basic Human Anatomy, Workbook & Videotape Series, 1998.

    Medical Assisting Administrative & Clinical Competencies, 5th Edition; Lucille Keir, Barbara Wise, & Connie Krebs; 2003. 


    Cooperating Companies:

    Townview – Canonsburg, PA
     
    Canonsburg Hospital – Canonsburg, PA

    Consulate Retirement Village of North Strabane – Canonsburg, PA 

    Specialized Shop Equipment:

    Hil Rom Electrical Bed
    Mannequin with appropriate orifices
     

    Clinical Experience:

    Consulate Retirement Village – North Strabane, PA

    Town View Health Center, Canonsburg, PA                               

     Certifications:

     
    Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)        

    PA Skills Certificate
     
    Pennsylvania Certified Nursing Assistant (seniors)   

    Articulation Agreements:

    California University of Pennsylvania – Health Technology

    Community College of Allegheny County – Medical Assistant, Advanced

    ICM School of Health & Business Careers – Health Information Technician; Medical Assistant; Medical Assisting Management

    ICM School of Health & Business Careers – Business Administration

    ICM School of Health & Business Careers – Medical Patient Care Assistant

    Pennsylvania College of Technology – Nursing

    Pittsburgh Technical Institute – Health Assistant

    Post-Secondary Training Options:

    California University of Pennsylvania – Bachelor of Science in Nursing Program

    Community College of Allegheny County – Medical Assistant; Medical Laboratory Technician; Medical Transcription; Registered Nurse

    ICM School of Health & Business Careers – Medical Assisting Management; Medical Office Administration; Occupational Therapy Assistant

    Penn Commercial – Medical Assistant; Massage Therapy

    Washington Hospital School of Nursing – Registered Nurse Program

    Western Area CTC – Licensed Practical Nursing Program

    Potential Careers:

    Nursing Assistant

    Registered Nurse

    Physical Therapy Aide                

    Medical Office Secretary

    Medical Assistant

    Personal Care Assistant

    Home Health Aide 

    Practical Nurse                        

    Nursing Skills:

    Active Listening — Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

    Reading Comprehension — Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.

    Critical Thinking — Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

    Instructing — Teaching others how to do something.

    Speaking — Talking to others to convey information effectively.

    Time Management — Managing one's own time and the time of others.

    Service Orientation — Actively looking for ways to help people.

    Monitoring — Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.

    Social Perceptiveness — Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.

    Writing — Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.

    Wages and Employment Trends:

    Median Wages (2009)                                           11.56 hourly, $24,040 annually

    Employment (2008)                                                   1,470,000 employees

    Projected Growth (2008-2018)                              Faster than average (14% to 19%)

    Projected Need (2008-2018)                                 422,300 additional employees