HEALTH OCCUPATIONS

HEALTH OCCUPATIONS I (AM Session)

Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) & Personal Support Specialist (PSS)

***Age requirement of 16 and up      

The Nursing Assisting program is a course for high school students that are interested in entering the health care profession.  The program provides classroom skills and clinical experience.  The student will attain 40 plus hours of clinical experience in local health care facilities throughout the school year. The student will also earn AHA certification in CPR/First Aid. Topic examples are, to name a few: Anatomy and Physiology, disease, infection control, communication, safety topics, and medical terminology.  At the end of the course, the student will take the Maine State Certification exam.  The experience gained as a Certified Nurse Assistant also enables the individual to consider and pursue upward mobility in the health services as opportunities arise.     


While students are covering the necessary curriculum to earn their CNA they are also covering curriculum to become a Personal Support Specialist (PSS).  This coursework is designed to meet the minimum criteria of educational needs of the PSS in the State of Maine. This training program is designed to teach the foundational skills, knowledge, and values needed by staff in the health care fields. This course will introduce you to many subjects that apply to a range of work situations. As an unlicensed, direct service worker, you will assist people in the community and in health care settings who require a wide range of services, skills, and supports in multiple settings. Successful completion of this course qualifies an individual to provide direct support to consumers in a variety of settings. 

HEALTH OCCUPATIONS II (PM Session)

Medical Terminology, Certified EKG Technician(CET), and Certified Residential Medication Aide (CRMA) 


The purpose of the medical terminology portion of this program is to prepare high school students for a career in the medical field. The student will be instructed in Medical terminology related to anatomy and physiology, diseases, and specific health careers. Any student interested in applying for a medical program at the post-secondary level should consider taking this course. 

As a Certified EKG Technician (CET), you’ll have the credentials nearly all healthcare employers require to perform the critical tasks of administering EKGs, as well as Holter monitoring and stress testing. NHA certification description: The need for qualified EKG technicians continues to rise as the aging population in America grows (and with it, the prevalence of heart-related conditions). Earning your CET will help you launch a successful and meaningful career that can help make a difference in countless lives. 

Certified Residential Medication Aide (CRMA) is a 2nd year for those students who have already received their CNA/PSS. CRMAs utilize safe and acceptable procedures in the administration of medications and treatments. Successful completion of this course satisfies the training requirements for workers who wish to pass medications in certain assisted housing programs. The CRMA program at HCTC will cover:  State of Maine regulations, some standard residential facility policies, basic anatomy and physiology of the human body, common medications in the majority of drug classes, and the practice of safe medication administration procedures. Additionally, participants will be provided the opportunity to practice taking vital signs, transcribing physician orders, administering medications in the classroom setting and completing medication cards/worksheets or some other type of learning tool. 

Skills for Success:

  • Good interpersonal skills with the ability to work together in teams

  • Demonstrate good communication skills to speak with patients,families and staff

  • Able to maintain physical endurance with prolonged standing and moving patients

  • Able to use critical thinking skills to prioritize best solution to problems or situations

  • Commitment to good attendance and punctuality because of required hours in the program

  • Professionalism both in the class and community while showing empathy and compassion

  • Knowledge of basic principles of biology

  • Memorizing skills with math facts and medical terminology

  • Demonstrate proficient math skills such as arithmetic,fractions,decimals,percentages,ratios and conversions

  • Reading is complex and extensive.  Students with less than ninth grade reading level could experience significant struggles to attain the essential learning.


Credentials & Certifications:

  • AHA CPR/First Aid Certification

  • Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)

  • Personal Support Specialist (PSS)

  • National Healthcareer Association Certified EKG Technician (CET) Certification

  • State of Maine Residential Medication Aide Certification

Concurrent Enrollment:

Eastern Maine Community College




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