1. 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

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

3. High Growth/High Demand Healthcare Professionals
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.

4. 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…

5. Website Resources for Researching Healthcare Careers
Connecticut Community Colleges – Health Careers
U.S. Department of Labor
Health Careers in Connecticut
Explore Health Careers
Occupational Outlook Handbook

6. Website Resources for Job Searching
Connecticut Job Bank
Career Builder
Indeed
Monster
Also search healthcare provider websites

7. Suggestions for Exploring Healthcare Careers
Research recommended websites
Ask questions- talk to people in healthcare
Review notes from orientation
Utilize contact person
Meet with community college program advisors
Volunteer service / job shadowing

8. Qualities of Health Care Providers
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

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

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

11. Non-Credit vs. Credit Programs
Non-Credit Certificate Programs
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
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

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

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

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

15. Certified Nursing Assistant CNA
One of the fastest growing jobs
Provides basic bedside care bathing, toileting, feeding, etc…
Minimum of 100 hours of training required
Can work in hospitals, nursing homes, home care
Wage range $11.00-$17.90
State regulation required
Can build a career ladder to PCT, LPN or RN
nursingassistantcentral.com

16. Medical Coders Faster than average job growth
Credit and non-credit training programs available
Training takes approx 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

17. Patient Care Technician
Must work as CNA or EMT for 3 months (ft) to enroll
Credit and non-credit programs available
Training takes approx 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

18. Electrocardiograph Technician EKG
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- $ $25.00/ hour

19. Pharmacy Technician 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 $ $20.70/ hour

20. Dietary Assistant 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 $ $22.30/ hour

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

22. Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)
Faster than average job growth
Approx months to train
Wage range $ $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)

23. 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
Completion of an accredited LPN Program
usually takes months

24. Dental Assistant 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…

25. Dental Assistant The Dental Assistant program is offered through
the CT Technical High School System
Adult Education classes at
Windham Tech
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)

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

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

28. 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 healthcare career options in depth.
Credits for this program may be applied toward healthcare program requirements within Connecticut's community college system.

29. Health Careers Pathways Certificate Program
Health Careers Pathways Certificate Courses:
General Biology I
Anatomy and Physiology I
Anatomy and Physiology II
Concepts in Chemistry
English Composition
Intermediate Algebra
General Psychology I
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.

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

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

32. Registered Nurse (RN) 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 $ $41.10/ hour
Can work in hospitals, home care, clinics, military, doctors offices, schools, rehabilitation centers, etc…
A.S. and B.S. programs available

33. Medical Assistant 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

34. 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
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
Med Lab Tech
1,530
1,690 39
45,828 34

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

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

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

38. 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 healthcare career that fits best for them academically and socially.

39. 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:
Science reading ability & comprehension
Reading rate
Test-taking skills
Stress profile
Basic mathematics
Learning styles - study approach/most effective

40. 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

41. 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

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

43. 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)

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

45. Contact Information
Sheila Taridona
Health Career Advisor
CT Community Colleges
61 Woodland Street
Hartford, CT 06105

46. 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.

47. What Kind of Services Does CWEALF Offer?
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

48. What are Some of the Most Common Questions CWEALF’s Advocates Answer?
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?

49. How Do I Contact My Community Advocate?
By phoning Elizabeth Marshall at
ext. 40 to schedule a time to talk, or by at:
By calling CWEALF’s Information & Referral Line at: or
Online at:

50. Orientation to Health Careers
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 non-governmental 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.