Health Assisting

Program Overview

The focus of the Health Assisting program is to prepare students to be critical thinkers as they provide competent and compassionate care to each individual patient or resident. Our goal is to provide students with the knowledge and skills that are needed to meet the changing needs of their clients, patients and residents. Our curriculum prepares students to further pursue their goals in college or in the workplace.

Our focus is to ensure that students become actively engaged in a curriculum that is consistent with today’s rigorous industry standard. Students acquire many skills as they prepare to sit for the Department of Public Health Certified Nursing Assistant exam and the Home Health Aide examination. In addition, students complete various clinical components at area facilities.

Program of Study

Grade 9

The 9th Grade students will be introduced to Health Assisting. They will learn theories and skills related to infection control, safety, measuring and recording vital signs and other parameters relating to patient status, bedmaking, positioning, transferring, and ambulation. They will be certified as Basic Life Support (BLS) Providers, where they will learn about First Aid and CPR.

Grade 10

The 10th Grade students will learn theories and skills related to personal care, nutrition and hydration, urinary and bowel elimination, common chronic and acute conditions, rehabilitation and restorative care, and mental health. They will be certified in Dementia Care.

Grade 11

Students prepare for clinical studies in either long term care or sub-acute care facilities. Students learn theory, practical applications and perform numerous tasks during their clinical experiences. Students prepare for Certified Nursing Assistant and Home Health Aide credentials.

Grade 12

Students participate in co-op employment in either acute, long-term care, pharmacies or home health care facilities.

Career Paths

Certified Nursing Assistant

Home Health Aide

Patient Care Assistant

Licensed Practical Nurse

Registered Nurse

Surgical Technologist

EKG Technician

Phlebotomy Technician

Radiology Technician

Ultrasound Technician

Emergency Medical Technician

Physical/Occupational Therapist

Speech and Language Pathologist

Dietitian/Nutritionist

Nurse Practitioner

Physician Assistant

Physician

Meet the Instructors

Debra Silva

Health Assisting Instructor
dsilva2@bostonpublicschools.org

Fatimah Mulrain

Health Assisting Instructor
fmulrain2@bostonpublicschools.org