Health Careers
The Health Careers Program at Old Colony Regional Vocational Technical High School introduces the students to the career opportunities in the field of allied health care as well as provide instruction in basic entry level skills. Students receive a strong academic foundation as well as experiencing externships where they can practice their skills in a real-world medical setting under the supervision of experienced medical professionals.
All students enrolled in Health Careers receive instruction in the program requirements for Certified Nursing Assistant. Clinical hours far exceed the minimum required by the state thus allowing the student to further develop their level of competency as well as their self-esteem. Additional instruction and training is provided to all students for certification as Home Health Aides as well as in cardio-pulmonary resuscitation. The students also have the opportunity to receive instruction in other health related disciplines such as child care, medical assistant and dental assistant skills, and computer technology.
The Health Careers Program utilizes a variety of community settings in order to adequately prepare each student for successful entry into the world of work. These facilities include nursing homes, hospitals, child care centers, and offices/clinics for medical, dental, and rehabilitative services.
The Health Careers Program focuses on the needs and abilities of each individual student. Our class sizes are limited to a 1:10 ratio which insures that each student is provided with necessary preparation, attention, and supervision throughout the four-year program.
The Health Careers Program is a comprehensive program. It is one which is carefully designed to provide each student with the best and broadest education in a four-year high school program.
The following are some of the topics which are included in our curriculum:
| Anatomy and Physiology | Medical Terminology |
| Nursing Assistant Skills | Medical Assisting Skills |
| Child Growth & Development | Child Care Skills |
| Home Health Aide Skills | Dental Assisting Skills |
| Rehabilitative Skills | First Aid Skills |
| Stress Management | Job-Seeking Skills |
| Health Promotion | Leadership |
| Contemporary Health Issues | Independent Self-Study |
| Nutrition | Physical Fitness |
| Environmental Health | Computer Technology |
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Clinical Affiliations
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Charlton Memorial Hospital - Fall River St. Luke's Hospital - New Bedford |
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Health Careers News Release (5/12/03)
The Health Careers Education Program offered at Old Colony is a unique experience. The students are engaged in a four-year program learning their skills in various clinical externship sites.
During freshman year, students learn basic nursing assistant skills. Sophomore year students complete nursing assistant skills, become certified in CPR, and complete a basic first aid course. They also explore the field of childcare at the Headstart Center in New Bedford for four weeks. Sophomores also affiliate with the SouthCoast Hospital Group in Fall River, where they have the opportunity to observe in several departments.
During the junior year, from September until March, the students receive their practical nursing assistant training at the New Bedford Jewish Convalescent Home. They continue their affiliation with the SouthCoast Hospital Group at the New Bedford campus. Juniors receive certification in Nursing Assisant, Home Health Aide, and CPR. All junior students participate in an externship at the Sassiquin Dental Associates to explore interest in this area.
For the senoir year, each student has a choice: all are eligible for Cooperative Education, paid practical work experience, a field placement, or non-paid practical work experience. They may also remain in school to continue with advanced childcare skills, medical assistant skills, portfolios, computer, and job search skills, as well as introduction into holistic health medicine.
Health Careers Holiday Glass Painting - 2005
Health News & Notes:
The Division of Health Care Quality of the Massachusetts Department of Public Health is but one agency which certifies the Health Careers Program at Old Colony Regional Vocational Technical High School. The state agency is responsible for approving training programs in Health Careers throughout the Commonwealth. The recertification process includes on-site visits.
The Health Careers Program at Old Colony, in addition to approval by the Department of Public Health, is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges and the Massachusetts Department of Education. The program includes classroom, laboratory, and clinical experience in various health care facilities in the community.
During the 2006-2007 school year, the students will be affiliating with the following activities:
- HeadStart of New Bedford
- Sassaquin Dental Associates of New Bedford
- New Bedford Jewish Convalescent Home, Inc.
- SouthCoast Hospital Groups
- CVS Pharmacy Tech Program
High school age students from Acushnet, Carver, Freetown, Lakeville, Mattapoisett, and Rochester attend Old Colony. Applications are available from the school Guidance Office. For additional information about the Health Careers Program at Old Colony or admissions, call (508)-763-8011 ext.126.
For further information about the Health Careers Program at Old Colony, call 508-763-8011, Ext. 138.
America United 5K Walk
On October 11, 2001, twenty students and three instructors from the Health Careers Department participated in the America United 5K Walk to assist families of the victims of the September 11th catastrophe. As a result of this effort, $1760.00 was raised. The money was presented to representatives of the Salvation Army on October 25, 2001.