Health Occupations is a program utilizing knowledge, skill, and professional attitudes to explore the wide range of careers available in health services; and to provide the student the opportunity to develop the skills and attitudes necessary to become a health services assistant.
Prospective students should have high reading/comprehension ability, average math skills, and a strong desire to help others. Knowledge of science, biology, and psychology are helpful but not required. Students should be neat and clean, relate well to others, use good grammar and be able to listen attentively, take notes, and follow directions accurately.
Things I will learn if I select this course:
- Applying Interpersonal Relations Skills to the Health Care Team.
- Utilizing Communication and Observation Skills.
- Safety.
- Concepts of Microbiology.
- Anatomy and Physiology of Body Systems.
- Nurse Assisting Skills.
- Clinical Observation.
- Exploration of Health Careers.
The first few months are spent in the classroom laboratory where the student practices procedures such as measuring temperature, pulse, blood pressure; using sterile technique, personal hygiene and other basic patient care skills.
The second half of the year, students select clinical rotations in health care areas including radiology, laboratory, pharmacy, physical therapy, child care, veterinary offices, public health, dietary, emergency room, dental offices, or areas of their interest.
Classroom work includes long-term care procedures, structure and function of the body, medical terminology, pre-employment preparation, personal health and hygiene, field trips and visits with health care professionals.
Students are given the option of being certified in CPR, First aid and as a Nursing Assistant for a long-term care facility. Second-year students will gain practical experience conducted outside the regularly supervised classroom by working in a health-related position of their choice.
PLACES OF EXPERIENCE
- Lafayette Regional Health Center
- Dentists Offices
- Day Care Centers
- Long Term Care Facilities
- Veterinary Clinic
- Emergency Medical Services
- Elementary Schools
- School Nurse Offices
- Medical Clinics
- Pharmacies
JOB OPPORTUNITIES
The employment outlook for those interested in health care related fields is excellent. Health Occupations gives you an opportunity to gain employment immediately upon graduation from high school or to use the knowledge as a base for further education.
- Registered Nurse
- Licensed Practical Nurse
- Laboratory Technician
- Dietary Aide
- X-Ray (Radiology) Technician
- Optometry Technician
- Veterinary Assistant
- Physical Therapy Assistant
- Dental Assistant/Hygienist
- Physician's Assistant
- Pharmacy Assistant
- Respiratory Therapy Technician
- Certified Nursing Assistant
- Activities Aid
- Child Care Worker
- School Nurse
SALARY RANGE
| Licensed Practical Nurse |
$24,000 to $30,000. Average wage $27,000 annually. |
| Dental Assistants |
$17,000 to $25,000. Average wage $21,500 annually. |
| Emergency Medical Tech. |
$15,000 to $25,000. Average wage $21,000 annually. |
| Occupational Therapists |
$38,000 to $52,000. Average wage $45,000 annually. |
| Physical Therapists |
$42,000 to $62,000. Average wage $45,000 annually. |
| Registered Nurse |
$35,000 to $48,000. Average wage $43,000 annually. |