Program Synopsis: The Nurse Aide Program is located at the Advanced Career Education Center at Highland Springs. The Nursing Program’s mission is to teach students to give nursing care with compassion, commitment, and competence. Students are prepared to provide nursing care for clients in a variety of health care settings.
Nurse Aide: Nurse Aide is a technical course offered at the junior and senior grade levels. Students study nutrition, geriatrics, body structure and function, and medical terminology. They are also introduced to disease and infection control. The course includes basic nursing skills including communication skills and interpersonal relationships, CPR, first aid, and patient care. This is a one year program and upon successful completion of this course, the student is eligible to take the licensing examination to become a certified nurse aide.
Instructor: Mrs. Mesco
Desired Aptitudes: Solid performance in Math and Science. Students should have good communication skills.
Employment Outlook (According to the Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2012-13 Edition):
|
Occupation |
Job Summary |
Median Salary |
| Occupational Therapy Assistants and Aides | Occupational therapy assistants and aides work under the direction of occupational therapists in treating patients with injuries, illnesses, or disabilities through the therapeutic use of everyday activities. They help these patients develop, recover, and improve the skills needed for daily living and working. | $47,490 |
| Opticians, Dispensing | Dispensing opticians help fit eyeglasses and contact lenses, following prescriptions from ophthalmologists and optometrists. They also help customers decide which eyeglass frames or type of contact lenses to buy. | $32,940 |
| Optometrists | Optometrists perform eye exams to check for vision problems and diseases. They prescribe eyeglasses or contact lenses as needed. | $94,990 |
| Orthotists and Prosthetists | Orthotists and prosthetists, also called O&P professionals, design medical support devices and measure and fit patients for them. These devices include artificial limbs (arms, hands, legs, and feet), braces, and other medical or surgical devices. | $65,060 |
| Pharmacists | Pharmacists dispense prescription medications to patients and offer advice on their safe use. | $111,570 |
| Pharmacy Technicians | Pharmacy technicians help licensed pharmacists dispense prescription medication. | $28,400 |
| Physical Therapist Assistants and Aides | Physical therapist assistants and physical therapist aides work under the direction of physical therapists. They help patients who are recovering from injuries, illnesses, and surgeries regain movement and manage pain. | $37,710 |
| Physical Therapists | Physical therapists help people who have injuries or illnesses improve their movement and manage their pain. They are often an important part of rehabilitation and treatment of patients with chronic conditions or injuries. | $76,310 |
| Physician Assistants | Physician assistants, also known as PAs, practice medicine under the direction of physicians and surgeons. They are formally trained to examine patients, diagnose injuries and illnesses, and provide treatment. | $86,410 |
| Physicians and Surgeons | Physicians and surgeons diagnose and treat injuries and illnesses in patients. Physicians examine patients, take medical histories, prescribe medications, and order, perform, and interpret diagnostic tests. Surgeons operate on patients to treat injuries, such as broken bones; diseases, such as cancerous tumors; and deformities, such as cleft palates. | This wage is equal to or greater than $166,400 per year. |
| Podiatrists | Podiatrists provide medical and surgical care for people suffering foot, ankle, and lower leg problems. They diagnose illnesses, treat injuries, and perform surgery. | $118,030 |
| Psychiatric Technicians and Aides | Psychiatric technicians and aides care for people who have mental illness and developmental disabilities. The two occupations are related, but technicians typically provide therapeutic care, and aides help patients in their daily activities and ensure a safe, clean environment. | $26,880 |
| Radiation Therapists | Radiation therapists treat cancer and other diseases in patients by giving radiation treatments. | $74,980 |
| Radiologic Technologists | Radiologic technologists perform diagnostic imaging examinations, such as x rays, on patients. | $54,340 |
| Recreational Therapists | Recreational therapists plan, direct, and coordinate recreation programs for people with disabilities or illnesses. They use a variety of techniques, including arts and crafts, drama, music, dance, sports, games, and field trips. These programs help maintain or improve a client’s physical and emotional well-being. | $39,410 |
| Registered Nurses | Registered nurses (RNs) provide and coordinate patient care, educate patients and the public about various health conditions, and provide advice and emotional support to patients and their family members. | $64,690 |