Sessions to feature information on Penn State Hazleton health care programs

HAZLETON, Pa. — Penn State Hazleton will host virtual information sessions for its practical nursing, nurse aide, clinical medical assisting and phlebotomy technician programs at 11 a.m. Friday, Feb. 4 and at 6 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 15.

The sessions will provide participants with program overviews and details about entrance requirements, course availability, the registration process, required courses, cost and payment options, and scheduling. 

“With health care jobs in high demand, these sessions are a convenient way to learn about the opportunities Penn State Hazleton can provide to those interested in beginning, continuing, or advancing their career in the health care field,” said Debra Conway, director of continuing education. 

Programs featured during the information session include: 

Practical nursing — Start date: August 

The practical nursing program is an 18-month part-time program that provides a high-quality noncredit certificate in practical nursing. It helps provide the knowledge, skills, values and attitudes essential for practical nursing practice and the knowledge necessary to test for the National Council Licensure Examination for Practical Nurses (NCLEX-PN). All classes are held in the evening and on weekends. 

Candidates are required to take the TEAS entrance exam. Exams are currently scheduled for 5 to 9 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 9, and Monday, March 21; and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 25, and Saturday, March 5.   

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. Student aid is available for those who qualify.   

Nurse aide — Start date: Monday, Feb. 28 

A 128-hour program which combines classroom and lab instruction, the nurse aide program is offered in either a six-week part-time schedule or a four-week full-time schedule. 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 90-hour 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. 

Classes are currently scheduled for 6 to 9 p.m. Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays at Penn State Hazleton. 

Clinical medical assisting — Start date: Monday, May 9 

This four-month evening program helps prepare students to assist physicians by performing functions related to the clinical aspects of a medical office, including assisting with patient-related care; preparing patients for examination and treatment, routine procedures and diagnostic testing; patient confidentiality; recording and taking of vital signs, blood pressures and other patient care items; review and administration of medications, allergies and other pharmacology-related items; laboratory procedures, phlebotomy and techniques to collect specimens for laboratory analysis; and cardiology and the proper placement of leads when taking a 12-lead EKG.  

Contact the Continuing Education Office at 570-450-3110 or email [email protected] to register. Learn more about health care programs at Penn State Hazleton at hazleton.psu.edu/ce