Orientation to Healthcare Careers Sheila Taridona CT Community

Orientation to Healthcare Careers Sheila Taridona CT Community Colleges Information provided with the assistance of the CT Area Health Education Center and the CT Department of Labor

Today’s Objectives n Have an open mind n To provide an overview of careers in health care n To explore certificate & associate degree programs offered at the CT Community Colleges and other locations n Introduction of the H. O. B. E. T and its relationship to healthcareers n Discuss financial aid options

High Growth/High Demand Healthcare Professionals n n n Did you know that doctors and nurses are only 40 percent of all health care providers? The other 60 percent are allied health practitioners. Over 5 million health care providers in the United States work in more than 80 allied health professions. Many of these professionals get their training on the job or at their local community colleges. Individuals who are trained for allied health professions are in high demand, and this demand will continue in the future. More than half of the top 30 fastest growing jobs in the U. S. predicted through 2016 are in allied health occupations.

Statewide Healthcare Programs Available Programs Nursing ¨ Radiological Tech ¨ Surgical Tech ¨ EKG ¨ Occupational Therapy ¨Respiratory Care EMT¨ Physical Therapy Asst ¨ Medical Assisting ¨ Paramedic Studies ¨ Dental Hygiene Mental Health Assistant ¨ Medical Billing/Coding ¨ Patient Care Tech ¨ Phlebotomy Tech ¨ CNA Dental Office Mgmt ¨ Gerontology ¨ Central Sterile ¨ Health Claims/Office ¨ Healthcare Administration Dietetic Tech ¨ Nursing Home Administration ¨Nutritionist ¨Health Educator ¨Pharmacy Tech Outreach Worker ¨ Clinical Lab Tech ¨ Art Therapist ¨Massage Therapist ¨Speech Language Pathologist Veterinary Tech ¨ Registered Dietitian ¨ Funeral Director ¨ Athletic Trainer ¨ Fitness Specialist Medical Librarian ¨ Medical Records Tech ¨ Medical Transcriptionist ¨ Rehabilitation Worker Environmental Tech ¨ Licensed Practical Nurse ¨Optician ¨Drug & Alcohol Counselor and many more…

Website Resources for Researching Healthcare Careers n Connecticut Community Colleges – Health Careers www. commnet. edu/healthcare n Health Careers in Connecticut www. healthcareersinct. com n Explore Health Careers www. explorehealthcareers. org n Occupational Outlook Handbook www. bls. gov/oco

Website Resources for Job Searching n Connecticut Job Bank www. jobcentral. org/ct n Career Builder www. careerbuilder. com Indeed www. indeed. com n Monster www. monster. com n n Also search healthcare provider websites

Suggestions for Exploring Healthcare Careers Research recommended websites n Ask questions- talk to people in healthcare n Review notes from orientation n Utilize contact person n Meet with Community College Program Advisors n Volunteer Service / Job Shadowing n

Qualities of Health Care Providers n n n Caring & compassionate Detail oriented Able to advocate for others Clear communicator Accountable for own actions Physically fit Flexible and resilient Emotionally stable Sensitive to diversity Problem solver Uses good judgment

Why Choose a Health Career ? Very rewarding n YOU can make a difference n Careers are highly respected n Salaries are great n Schedules are flexible n Many career choices n Training programs range from 2 months - 2 years n

What are your Choices? n n On the Job Training Non-Credit Certificate Programs Associate’s Degree Programs (2 yrs)

Non-Credit vs. Credit Programs Non-Credit Certificate Programs n n n You do not earn college credits towards a degree Fast-track, job-specific training Do not have to take general education courses Credit Certificate and Degree Programs n n Earn college credit towards a degree Must take Accuplacer exam (placement test) There could be prerequisite course requirements to get into a program General education courses could be part of the program

CT Community Colleges in the Eastern Region Three Rivers Community College www. trcc. commnet. edu 574 New London Turnpike, Norwich Quinebaug Valley Community College www. qvcc. commnet. edu 742 Upper Maple Avenue, Danielson 729 Main Street, Willimantic

Eastern Region Non-Credit Certificate Programs Quinebaug Valley C. C. – Danielson n Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) (also in Willimantic) n EKG Technician n Medical Billing and Coding n Pharmacy Technician (also in Willimantic) n Dietary Assistant n Veterinary Assistant

Eastern Region Non-Credit Certificate Programs Three Rivers C. C. – Norwich n Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) n Medical Billing and Coding n Patient Care Technician (PCT) n Medical Transcription (summer ’ 09) n EKG Technician n Pharmacy Technician

Certified Nursing Assistant CNA One of the fastest growing jobs n Provides basic bedside care bathing, toileting, feeding, etc… n Minimum of 100 hours of training required n Can work in hospitals, nursing homes, home care n Wage range $11. 00 -$17. 90 n State regulation required n Can build a career ladder to PCT, LPN or RN nursingassistantcentral. com n

Medical Coders n n Faster than average job growth Credit and non-credit training programs available n n Training takes approx. 12 -18 months Compiles and processes medical records via computer Can work in hospitals, HMO’s, doctors offices, clinics, nursing homes and insurance companies Salary approx. $13 - $16 to start

Patient Care Technician n n n Must work as CNA or EMT for 3 months (ft) to enroll Credit and non-credit programs available Training takes approx. 3 -12 months Provide routine care to patients, phlebotomy, EKG, advance patient care techniques Can work in doctors offices, hospitals, nursing homes, home care Salary approx. $13 -$15 to start

Electrocardiograph Technician EKG n n n Faster than average job growth Performs diagnostic tests to assess heart rhythm and rate Training takes approx. 2 months Can work in doctors’ offices, hospitals, clinics, insurance companies Wage range- $13. 50 - $25. 00/ hour

Pharmacy Technician n n Much faster than average job growth Assist licensed pharmacists - provide medication and other health care products to patients, label/fill prescriptions, place orders, stock shelves, fill unit/dose medication charts Can work in pharmacies, hospitals, nursing homes Wage range $10. 00 - $20. 70/ hour

Dietary Assistant n n Faster than average job growth Design of nutritional material, visiting patients for food preferences, monitoring food intake, tray set up according to therapeutic diets Can work in hospitals, nursing homes, day care facilities, school lunch programs, public health offices Wage range $10. 50 - $22. 30/ hour

Adult Education Healthcare Programs Go to www. cttech. org “Adult Education” for a complete listing of all programs. Programs in the Eastern Region n Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) n Dental Assisting

Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) n n n Faster than average job growth Approx. 18 -24 months to train Wage range $19. 30 - $31. 20/ hour Can work in doctors offices, hospitals, nursing homes, clinics, home care, military, etc… Can be part of a pathway to becoming a Registered Nurse (RN)

Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) Program The LPN program is offered through the CT Technical High School System Adult Education classes at Norwich Tech Windham Tech www. cttech. org/lpn/index. htm Completion of an accredited LPN Program usually takes 18 -24 months

Dental Assistant n n n Much faster than average job growth Assist dentists during procedures, take and develop dental radiographs (x-rays), sterilize instruments and equipment, and take impressions of patients’ teeth Wage range $12. 10 -$21. 00 Certificate or AS degree programs available Can work in dentists’ offices, hospitals, schools, community health agencies, etc…

Dental Assistant The Dental Assistant program is offered through the CT Technical High School System Adult Education classes at Windham Tech www. cttech. org/central/technicalofferings/dental-assistant. htm Program consists of theory, in school hands-on practice, and clinical training in local offices. Graduates are eligible to take the Dental Assisting National Board Examination to earn the title of Certified Dental Assistant. Completion of this accredited Dental Assistant Program takes 10 months (Sept - June)

Eastern Region Credit Certificate Programs Credit Certificates at QVCC n Phlebotomy n Patient Care Technician (PCT) n Health Information Management Tech: Coding Specialist (HIMT) (online) n Business Office Technology: Medical Office Skills n Business Office Technology: Medical Secretary n Community Health Worker n Allied Health Science (Health Careers Pathways) Credit Certificates at TRCC n Human Services: Case Management n Environmental Health and Safety Management

Phlebotomist Excellent job opportunities n Draws blood samples using a variety of venipuncture techniques, keep records of procedures n Can work in hospitals, clinics, home health agencies, labs, doctors offices, pheresis (blood separation) centers, public health departments n Salary approx. $12 - $15 start n

Health Careers Pathways Certificate Program This credit certificate is designed to assist students in achieving success in healthcare programs. Students will be provided with the foundation necessary for healthcare professions as well as exploring healthcareer options in depth. Credits for this program may be applied toward healthcare program requirements within Connecticut's Community College system.

Health Careers Pathways Certificate Program Health Careers Pathways Certificate Courses: n General Biology I n Anatomy and Physiology II n Concepts in Chemistry n English Composition n Intermediate Algebra n General Psychology I n Investigations in Health Careers Participating colleges have prerequisites for above courses. Please consult the catalog at the Community College you are attending for prerequisites and eligibility.

Investigations in Health Careers Course Components Course Modules: n Careers in Health Care n Success Strategies n Medical- Legal Responsibilities, Ethics and Confidentiality n Precautions and Safety n Medical Terminology/The Body Systems n Mathematics in Health Care n Interpersonal and Professional Communication Skills n Cultural Diversity Issues in Health Care n Medical Record Documentation Management n History and Contemporary Issues in Health Care The following will be included: n Clinical Classroom visit n Job shadowing n Research paper n Building a portfolio with E-Portfolio n Study and test-taking skills

Eastern Region Associate Degrees Three Rivers Quinebaug Valley Associate’s Degree n n Nursing (RN) Pre-Dental Hygiene* n n Medical Assisting Human Services (in conjunction with UNH)

Registered Nurse (RN) n n n One of the most in demand occupations Monitor patients’ conditions, provide treatments prescribed by physicians, administer medications, direct and supervise nursing support personnel, etc… Wage range $23. 40 - $41. 10/ hour Can work in hospitals, home care, clinics, military, doctors offices, schools, rehabilitation centers, etc… AS and BS programs available

Medical Assistant n n n Much faster than average job growth Employed in doctors’ offices, clinics Record medical history, take blood pressure/ samples, office duties, assist with in-office procedures Duties vary widely depending on nature and size of office $12 -$14/ hour to start

Projected Healthcare Growth Expectancy & Salaries 2006 -2016 Occupation 2006 2016 Annual Openings Average Salary Home Health Aide 10, 590 13, 280 364 28, 404 CNA 24, 660 27, 590 513 30, 157 Occ. Therapy Asst 420 470 12 49, 728 Phy. Therapy Asst 670 820 24 45, 937 RN 32, 840 38, 560 1, 114 68, 594 Dietetic Tech 360 400 15 32, 272 Dental Assistant 3. 390 4, 060 126 38, 457 Medical Assistant 4. 990 6, 520 215 33, 487 Medical Transcrip. 1, 100 1, 240 27 37, 289 Pharmacy Tech 2, 880 3, 710 171 31, 646 Vet. Assistant 1, 130 1, 290 29 26, 109 LPN 8, 020 9, 070 324 52, 248 Dental Hygienist 3, 160 3, 790 123 70, 973 Sonographer 700 850 24 74, 542 Nuclear Med Tech 340 390 10 74, 265 Rad Tech 2, 970 3, 410 84 59, 836 EMT 2, 800 3, 150 67 36, 579 Respiratory Tech 210 7 43, 982 Med Records Tech 1, 570 1, 760 61 37, 173 Surgical Tech 1, 060 1, 250 50 48, 833

Does Education Pay? Retrieved from www. careervoyages. gov – Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2004

Level of Commitment Students must be committed to finishing desired training program n Most programs include reading, writing, math and homework n Once you are employed, you must be on time, responsible and active n Transportation options need to be planned n Child care and family obligations should be well thought out n

Prospective Employers & Job Sites n n n Hospitals, Hospice Nursing Homes Clinics Rehabilitation Centers Physicians Offices Industry Mental Health Agencies Public Health Departments Schools Home Care Settings Military

H. O. B. E. T Health Occupations Basic Entrance Test Who should take the H. O. B. E. T. ? Anyone who seeks direction in finding a healthcareer that fits best for them academically and socially.

H. O. B. E. T Health Occupations Basic Entrance Test (con’t ) The entrance test strives to support you academically by providing diagnostic information about your basic academic and processing skills. Educational Resources, Incorporated Provides Objective Measurement of: n Science reading ability & comprehension n Reading rate n Test-taking skills n Stress profile n Basic mathematics n Learning styles - study approach/most effective

H. O. B. E. T Health Occupations Basic Entrance Test (con’t ) “The Entrance Test is not designed to keep you out of school. It is designed to help you identify which of your academic skills must be sharpened before you can begin your advanced education. ” Educational Resources, Incorporated

H. O. B. E. T Health Occupations Basic Entrance Test (con’t ) Day of Exam: Eat breakfast or lunch Arrive early Turn off all cell phones, pagers, etc. Must be quiet during exam Only allowed three hours – do what you can Have positive attitude Stay focused

H. O. B. E. T Health Occupations Basic Entrance Test (con’t ) Personal Advising Session: n Results and Exam Interpretation n Steps to take after the H. O. B. E. T. exam n Health Career information relative to your interests and abilities n Training program information n Ongoing support

Financial Aid FAFSA Financial Assistance & Counseling (credit based programs only) Pell Grants, Scholarships, Loan opportunities Tuition Reimbursement Financial Assistance through the One-Stops WIA - Individual Training Accounts (ITA) (Must attend “All About Training” Workshop)

Scholarship Opportunity Bridges to Health Careers Initiative Grant funds provide limited scholarships to students who do not qualify for WIA funding Targeted Areas: Certified Nurse’s Aid (CNA), Emergency Medical Tech (EMT) Phlebotomy Tech, EKG Tech Pharmacy Tech, Medical Coding/Billing, Patient Care Tech, Dental Assistant Qualifications: Applicant must be one of the following – minority, low-income or English as Second Language (ESL) (Contact Sheila for more information)

Contact Information Sheila Taridona Health Career Advisor CT Community Colleges 61 Woodland Street Hartford, CT 06105 860 -550 -3350 staridona@commnet. edu

Connecticut Women’s Education and Legal Fund WHAT IS CWEALF? The Connecticut Women’s Education and Legal Fund, or (CWEALF) is a statewide, non-profit organization dedicated to enhancing the personal and professional lives of women, girls and their families. However, all services offered by CWEALF are available to men. Additionally, all CWEALF services are free.

What Kind of Services Does CWEALF Offer? n n n Explaining the law in easy to understand terms Educating individuals about their legal rights Providing information about divorce, child support, pregnancy discrimination, etc. Making sure that everyone has equal access to quality legal information Matching people with the social service agency that can best serve the person’s needs Referring people to attorneys, many of whom provide free consultations and/or will work on a sliding scale

What are Some of the Most Common Questions CWEALF’s Advocates Answer? n n n My boss told me that I would never get promoted unless I start dating him. I’d like to file a complaint but I don’t know who to call- can you help me with that? My ex hasn’t sent my child support for months…how do I get the money? My ex-wife has custody of our daughter and I don’t like how she’s being cared for. Can I get custody? I’m pregnant having terrible morning sickness and it’s making me late for work every day. My boss told me that if I’m late because of the morning sickness again, I’ll lose my job. Is that legal? I really want a divorce but I can’t afford a lawyer. Can I still get one?

How Do I Contact My Community Advocate? By phoning Elizabeth Marshall at 860 -247 -6090 ext. 40 to schedule a time to talk, or by e-mail at: emarshall@cwealf. org n By calling CWEALF’s Information & Referral Line at: 860 -524 -0601 or 800 -479 -2949 n Online at: www. cwealf. org n

Orientation to Health Careers n This product was funded by a grant awarded under the President’s Community-Based Job Training Grants as implemented by the U. S. Department of Labor’s Employment & Training Administration. The information contained in this product was created by a grantee organization and does not necessarily reflect the official position of the U. S. Department of Labor. All references to nongovernmental companies or organizations, their services, products, or resources are offered for information purposes and should not be construed as an endorsement by the Department of Labor. This product is copyrighted by the institution that created it and is intended for individual organizational, noncommercial use only.