Cynthia Riker-Instructor
EmailCynthia Riker
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Jamie Bergsieker-Instructor
Email Jamie Bergsieker


Health Occupations is a program utilizing knowledge, skill, and professional attitudes to explore the wide range of careers available in health services; and to provide the student the opportunity to develop the skills and attitudes necessary to become a successful healthcare provider.

Prospective students should have high reading/comprehension ability, average math skills, and a strong desire to help others. Knowledge of  A&P science, biology, and psychology are helpful but not required. Students should be neat and clean, relate well to others, use good grammar and be able to listen attentively, take notes, and follow directions accurately.

Health Occupations is a 2 year program offering up to four credit hours per year for juniors and seniors. Some schools offer Science credit as well.

Things I will learn if I select this course:

• Applying Interpersonal Relations Skills to the Health Care Team

• Utilizing Communication and Observation Skills

• Safety

• Concepts of Microbiology

• Anatomy and Physiology of Body Systems

• Nurse Assisting Skills

• Clinical Observation

• Exploration of Health Careers

The first few months are spent in the classroom laboratory where the student practices procedures such as measuring temperature, pulse, blood pressure, using sterile technique, personal hygiene and other basic patient care skills.

The second half of the year, students attend clinical rotationsto complete competencies for nurse assitant requirements.  Health care areas including radiology, laboratory, pharmacy, physical therapy, child care, veterinary offices, public health, dietary, emergency room, dental offices, or areas of their interest.

Classroom work includes long-term care procedures, structure and function of the body, medical terminology, pre-employment preparation, personal health and hygiene, field trips and visits with health care professionals.

Students are given the option of being certified in CPR, First Aid and as a Nursing Assistant for a long-term care facility during their 1st year. Second-year students will gain practical experience conducted outside the regularly supervised classroom by working in a health-related position of their choice, or completing  the course work to become a Phlebotomy Technician, EKG Technician, or Patient Care Technician.

Students will be members of the HOSA- Future Health Professionals.

Places of Experience:

• Lafayette Regional Health Center

• Dentists Offices

• Day Care Centers

• Long Term Care Facilities

• Veterinary Clinic

• Emergency Medical Services

• Elementary Schools

• School Nurse Offices

• Medical Clinics

• Pharmacies

• ​HCC

Employment Opportunities and Salaries:

• Physical Therapy Assistants - $39,430

• Medical Assistant - $29,370

• Phlebotomist - $29,730

• Home Health Aids - $20,820

• Dental Assistants - $34,500

• Mental Health Counselors  - $41,500

• Respiratory Therapist - $55,870

• Licensed Practical Nurse - $41,540

*Data taken from the National Occupational Handbook

MERIC (Missouri Economic Research & Information Center), www.missourieconomy.org, predicts that of the ten fastest growing occupations half are Health Care related. For more information see:

 http://education-portal.com/articles/Missouri_Career_Guide%3A_Overview_of_Hot_Careers_in_Missouri_(MO).html