HAZLETON, Pa. — Penn State Hazleton’s Continuing Education Office has announced start dates for its upcoming health care programs, flexible offerings designed for those looking to strengthen their resume, reenter the workforce or launch a career in a growing profession.
Employment in health care occupations is expected to grow by 16% through 2030, far outpacing the average for other occupations, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
“With programs that can be completed in as little as four months, graduates of our health care programs are uniquely positioned to begin rewarding careers that pay well,” said Debra Conway, director of continuing education.
Program details and start dates are as follows:
Practical nursing — Start date: August 2022
The practical nursing program is an 18-month part-time program that provides a high-quality noncredit certificate in practical nursing. It helps provide skills, values, and attitudes essential for practical nursing practice and the knowledge necessary to test for the NCLEX-PN. Classes are held on evenings and weekends. Student financial aid is available for those who qualify.
To be considered for the program, prospective students are encouraged to attend a virtual information session to meet faculty and learn more about curriculum, admissions requirements, financial aid, and more. To learn more about upcoming sessions, contact Gina Regula at [email protected] or 570-450-3110.
Candidates are then required to take the TEAS entrance exam as a prerequisite for admission. Tests are held twice per month, with upcoming dates of:
- Monday, Jan. 17, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
- Wednesday, Feb. 9, 5-9 p.m.
- Friday, Feb. 25, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
- Saturday, March 5, 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.
- Monday, March 21, 5-9 p.m.
Candidates who meet or exceed TEAS exam criteria will then be invited to apply for the program. Upon acceptance to the program, students must obtain clearances and work with continuing education staff to complete additional requirements.
Clinical medical assisting — Start date: Monday, Jan. 10
This four-month evening program helps prepare students to assist physicians by performing functions related to the clinical aspects of a medical office, including preparing patients for examination and treatment, performing routine procedures and diagnostic testing, collecting specimens for laboratory analysis, and recording and taking vital signs, blood pressure and other patient care items. Students will also learn the proper placement of leads when taking a 12-lead EKG.
The course includes a total of 140 hours of classroom instruction. Classes are held from 6-9:30 p.m. on Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday at Penn State Hazleton.
Nurse aide — Start date: Monday, Jan. 17
The nurse aide program prepares students to provide safe and therapeutic care in the role of a nurse aide. The program has 27 days of instruction for students, with the first 15 days spent on classroom education. The remaining instructional time is devoted to clinical education. The course includes a total of 128 hours, plus five CPR hours.
Upon successful completion, students receive training on the skills necessary to test for the Pennsylvania Nurse Aide written (or oral) examination and skills evaluation, the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program (NNAAP).
Phlebotomy technician — Start date: Tuesday, March 8
This two-month evening program prepares students to collect blood specimens from patients through venipuncture and capillary sampling for the purpose of laboratory analysis. The course, a combination of classroom and lab instruction, teaches all aspects related to blood collection and how to perform venipunctures completely and safely.
The course includes a total of 90 hours of classroom instruction. Classes are held from 6-9:30 p.m. on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday at Penn State Hazleton. Upon successful competition, students will be prepared to sit for the exam to become nationally certified.
Visit the Continuing Education Office's website for more information or contact Conway at [email protected] or 570-450-3136.
