Healthcare Career Pathways at NCC
Get the information you need to join the fastest growing industry in America. Whether it’s learning to become a CNA, dental assistant, personal care home administrator, or pharmacy technician, Northampton Community College has the programs you need to move forward.
In less than a month of training, NCC’s Nurse Aide training program prepares participants with the skills needed to take the National Nurse Aide Assessment Program Competency Examination for placement on the Pennsylvania Nurse Aide Registry. As a CNA, you can work in a long-term care facility, hospital or other health care setting and have the potential of earning $15 or more per hour. A free virtual information session will be held at 5 p.m. March 1. Learn more about the program and its requirements. Attendance is strongly encouraged for those considering enrolling in the CNA program, which begins April 12.
Another opportunity to consider is NCC’s 10-week Dental Assisting Program which teaches participants the skills required to become a member of a dental health team and apply both their interpersonal and technical abilities. Program instruction includes preparation of instruments, materials and equipment; assessment and education of clients; and helping the patient get ready for their appointment. All students will participate in a clinical externship arranged by the college. An in-person information session will be held at 6 p.m. March 2. Learn more about the program, careers in Dental Assisting and how to get started. The presentation will be followed by a tour of the dental laboratory. The next program session begins June 5.
If you’re looking for an evening program that’s mostly virtual, explore NCC’s Personal Home Care Administrator program, which can be completed in 16 weeks and satisfies the Pennsylvania requirements for obtaining training for certification as a Personal Care Home Administrator. A PCHA works with residents and staff in a nursing home or assisted living facility to oversee both the clinical and administrative aspects. Duties include financial recordkeeping, monitoring basic needs such as food service and cleaning, making sure patients get their prescribed medications and treatments, and ensuring they follow exercise and activity guidelines set out by medical staff. Consisting of only 20 individual modules, NCC’s program is approved by the PA Department of Human Services under 55 PA Code 2600.64 (a) (2). Modules begin on March 6, and the exam takes place on June 26.
In as little as 30 hours, NCC’s Virtual Pharmacy Technician Training and Exam Preparation program prepares students for the Certified Pharmacy Technician certification exam. Those who pass the exam are granted the title of Certified Pharmacy Technician. The ExCPT Exam is offered through the National Health Career Association and is NCCA approved. Exam fee is not included in the tuition. The online program is from March 7-April 13 and is excellent for those seeking an entry-level position in a retail pharmacy setting or those working in the field who would like to expand their employment opportunities.
To register for an info session or program, go to www.northampton. edu/healthcarecerts. For information, call 610-332-6585 or email healthcare@ northampton.edu.