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Career Pathways in Healthcare

Training Provided by Employer

Personal Care Aides and Home Care Aides
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Personal and Home Care Aides help people with disabilities – chronic or mental illness and elders with their daily living activities in the person’s own home.  These positions offer significant scheduling flexibility as they are most frequently hourly, part-time positions.

Career Pathway Story: Patient Care Associate to Doctor of Nursing Practice

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Pharmacy Technicians
$11.44 - $17.66
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Pharmacy technicians help pharmacists provide medication and other health care products to patients. Technicians usually perform routine tasks to help prepare prescribed medication, such as counting tablets and labeling bottles.

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Postsecondary Non-Degree Award

Non-Credit

Phlebotomists
$15.82 - $18.46
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Phlebotomists draw blood for tests, transfusions, research, or blood donations. Some explain their work to patients and provide assistance when patients have adverse reactions after their blood is drawn.

More information: Greenfield Community College; Springfield Technical Community College, Westfield State College
Certified Nurses Assistant (CNA)
$13.71 - $15.64
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Healthcare Up!

Franklin Hampshire Career Center in partnership with Greenfield Community College is offering free FREE Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) and Home Health Aide (HHA) training to qualified participants

Nurse Aide/ESOL

Holyoke Community College is offering classes for non-native speakers of English to improve language and math skills, and prepare to pass the MA Nurse Aide Certification Test and enter employment as a nurse aide or home health aide at no cost.

Snap Path To Work

Snap Path To Work Options at Holyoke Community College
Individuals receiving non-cash SNAP benefits through the MA Department of Transitional Assistance are eligible to apply. Programs are free and include advising & employment support services.

More information at Holyoke Community College

Certified Nurse Aide and CPR Certificate Program

This training program will provide you with entry-level job skills that will allow you to enter the health care field and prepare for the state board examination to become a Certified Nurse Aide (CNA) and receive your certification in CPR.

More information at Workforce Development Center at STCC, CNA 1, CNA 11

 Credit Transfer Options

BS in Health Service Administration at Bay Path University

The Health Sciences major allows students to apply 15 credits of previous health care or sciences courses to this degree’s health care core requirements.

This program is perfect for health service students and professionals, such as licensed practiced nurses, dental hygienists and certified nursing assistants, who are required to finish a bachelor’s degree yet find that their previous college credits do not transfer into management programs.

 Articulation Agreement

Westfield Technical Academy has an articulation agreement with Springfield Technical Community College that allows graduates of Westfield Technical Academy’s Health Assisting Program to transfer three credits to toward degree in the Health Science Associates Degree program at STCC.
Pharmacy Technicians
$11.44 - $17.66
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Pharmacy technicians help pharmacists provide medication and other health care products to patients. Technicians usually perform routine tasks to help prepare prescribed medication, such as counting tablets and labeling bottles.

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Non-Credit or Credit

Certified Personal Trainer
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A personal trainer are certified to have a varying degree of knowledge of general fitness involved in exercise.  They develop personal fitness short-term and long-term goals for their clients, while motivating and holding their clients accountable.

Learn More: Springfield Technical Community College 
Emergency Medical Technicians
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Emergency Medical Technicians respond to 911 calls for emergency medical assistance and assess a patient’s condition and determine a course of treatment.  They sometimes Provide first-aid treatment or life support care to sick or injured patients and Transport patients safely in an ambulance

Learn More: Holyoke Community College, Greenfield Community College, Springfield Technical Community College , American Medical Response

 
Medical Interpreters and Translators
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To ensure that they receive quality patient care, medical interpreters and translators facilitate communication between patients who do not speak English as a first language and their doctors, nurses, and other healthcare providers.Medical interpreters are not only bilingual, but also have a strong knowledge of medical terminology as well as Cultural Competence.

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Community Health Workers
$15.34 - $20.22
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A community health worker promotes full and equal access to health and social services in the community he or she serves, and helps healthcare organizations implement programs to promote, maintain, and improve individual and community health.

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Home Health Aide
$11.05 - $12.97
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Home health aides help people with their daily living activities in the person’s own home, or sometimes in a residential facility.

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Certified Nursing Assistants (CNA)
$13.71 - $15.64
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CNAs help patients perform the basic day-to-day tasks, especially personal care tasks.  The majority of job opportunities for nursing assistants are working with the elderly.

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 Credit Transfer Options

BS in Health Service Administration at Bay Path University

The Health Sciences major allows students to apply 15 credits of previous health care or sciences courses to this degree’s health care core requirements.

This program is perfect for health service students and professionals, such as licensed practiced nurses, dental hygienists and certified nursing assistants, who are required to finish a bachelor’s degree yet find that their previous college credits do not transfer into management programs.

 Articulation Agreement

Westfield Technical Academy has an articulation agreement with Springfield Technical Community College that allows graduates of Westfield Technical Academy’s Health Assisting Program to transfer three credits to toward degree in the Health Science Associates Degree program at STCC.

Credit

Patient Care Technician
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A patient care technician is mainly focused on working closely with patients, in conjunction with nurses. PCTs, sometimes referred to as nursing assistants, help perform basic care for patients, such as assisting them in using the restroom, serving meals or changing bedding. They may also monitor vital signs and provide emotional support to patients and families. PCTs work in the hospital setting.

Career Pathway Story: Patient Care Associate to Doctor of Nursing Practice

Learn More: Springfield Technical Community College

 
Paramedic
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Paramedics care for the sick or injured in emergency medical settings. People’s lives often depend on the quick reaction and competent care provided by these workers. Paramedics respond to emergency calls, performing medical services and transporting patients to medical facilities.

Greenfield Community College’s Paramedic program prepares Emergency Medical Technicians for Massachusetts and National Registry Certification as Paramedics. It covers all aspects of advanced life support care and prepares its graduates to function as Paramedics in a variety of settings. The 17-24 month program meets two evenings per week plus an average of two Saturdays a month for 11 months, followed by 6-9 months of continued clinical and field internship experiences. Learn More at Greenfield Community College.

 Credit Transfer Options

BS in Health Service Administration at Bay Path University

The Health Sciences major allows students to apply 15 credits of previous health care or sciences courses to this degree’s health care core requirements.

This program is perfect for health service students and professionals, such as licensed practiced nurses, dental hygienists and certified nursing assistants, who are required to finish a bachelor’s degree yet find that their previous college credits do not transfer into management programs.
Substance Abuse Counselor
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Provides training for entry-level employment in addictions treatment, and provides educational and practicum requirements to be eligible to sit for the licensing exam for LADC II (Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor II) in Massachusetts.

Learn more at Greenfield Community College, American International College

 Career Pathway Options

The Addiction Studies program is a certificate that “stacks” into a GCC degree program. Depending on course selection, once you earn this certificate you’re already halfway to earning one of the following degrees:

Human Services Liberal Arts Option

These certificates are a great way to gain a valuable credential and increase your earning power and career potential, all while building a solid foundation for seamless transfer into one of our associate degree programs. Work closely with your advisor to make sure you choose the right classes to put you on track for an associate degree!

Learn more about stackable degrees and certificates » Greenfield Community College

 Credit Transfer Options

BS in Health Service Administration at Bay Path University

The Health Sciences major allows students to apply 15 credits of previous health care or sciences courses to this degree’s health care core requirements.

This program is perfect for health service students and professionals, such as licensed practiced nurses, dental hygienists and certified nursing assistants, who are required to finish a bachelor’s degree yet find that their previous college credits do not transfer into management programs.
Medical Office Administration
$14.57 - $19.58
More Info

Medical office administrators are also called medical or administrative assistants. Medical office administrators complete administrative and clinical tasks in the offices of physicians, hospitals, and other healthcare facilities. Their duties vary with the location, specialty, and size of the practice.

Learn More: Greenfield Community College, Springfield Technical Community College 

 Career Pathway Options

The Medical Office Administration program is a certificate that “stacks” into a GCC degree program. Depending on course selection, once you earn this certificate you’re already halfway to earning one of the following degrees:

Computer Information Systems – Medical Office Management
These certificates are a great way to gain a valuable credential and increase your earning power and career potential, all while building a solid foundation for seamless transfer into one of our associate degree programs. Work closely with your advisor to make sure you choose the right classes to put you on track for an associate degree!

Learn more about stackable degrees and certificates » Greenfield Community College 

 Credit Transfer Options

BS in Health Service Administration at Bay Path University

The Health Sciences major allows students to apply 15 credits of previous health care or sciences courses to this degree’s health care core requirements.

This program is perfect for health service students and professionals, such as licensed practiced nurses, dental hygienists and certified nursing assistants, who are required to finish a bachelor’s degree yet find that their previous college credits do not transfer into management programs.

 Articulation Agreement

Westover Job Corps has an articulation agreement with Springfield Technical Community College that allows graduates of Westover’s Office Administration Trade to transfer three to fourteen credits to toward degree in the Medical Office Administrative Assistant program at STCC.
Surgical Technologists & Sterile Processing Technicians
$17.15 - $28.74
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Surgical technologists work as part of a surgical team in the operating room, assisting surgeons, registered nurses, and other surgical personnel. Surgical technologists also interact with patients, preparing them for surgery or assisting them after surgery.

Sterile processing technicians serve as the behind-the-scenes backbone of the operating room, sterilizing surgical equipment and assembling surgical tools and supplies.

Career Pathway Story: Surgical Technician to Nurse Manager 

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 Credit Transfer Options

BS in Health Service Administration at Bay Path University

The Health Sciences major allows students to apply 15 credits of previous health care or sciences courses to this degree’s health care core requirements.

This program is perfect for health service students and professionals, such as licensed practiced nurses, dental hygienists and certified nursing assistants, who are required to finish a bachelor’s degree yet find that their previous college credits do not transfer into management programs.
Medical Billers
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Medical billing clerks are responsible for compiling and maintaining records of charges for goods and services rendered at any health care facility and preparing invoices.

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 Credit Transfer Options

BS in Health Service Administration at Bay Path University

The Health Sciences major allows students to apply 15 credits of previous health care or sciences courses to this degree’s health care core requirements.

This program is perfect for health service students and professionals, such as licensed practiced nurses, dental hygienists and certified nursing assistants, who are required to finish a bachelor’s degree yet find that their previous college credits do not transfer into management programs.
Medical Coders
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Medical coders manage patient health information and use electronic medical records (EMR) systems technology to input, store, update, and retrieve information.

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 Credit Transfer Options

BS in Health Service Administration at Bay Path University

The Health Sciences major allows students to apply 15 credits of previous health care or sciences courses to this degree’s health care core requirements.

This program is perfect for health service students and professionals, such as licensed practiced nurses, dental hygienists and certified nursing assistants, who are required to finish a bachelor’s degree yet find that their previous college credits do not transfer into management programs.
Dental Assistants
$35.11 - $45.27
More Info

Dental assistants help prepare patients and equipment. They also work alongside a dentist and/or dental hygienist as he or she examines and treats patients.

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 Credit Transfer Options

BS in Health Service Administration at Bay Path University

The Health Sciences major allows students to apply 15 credits of previous health care or sciences courses to this degree’s health care core requirements.

This program is perfect for health service students and professionals, such as licensed practiced nurses, dental hygienists and certified nursing assistants, who are required to finish a bachelor’s degree yet find that their previous college credits do not transfer into management programs.
Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN)
$20.47 - $28.09
More Info

LPNs provide a wide range of basic medical care under the supervision of registered nurses and doctors. They often work directly with CNAs (Certified Nursing Assistants).

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 Credit Transfer Options

BS in Health Service Administration at Bay Path University

The Health Sciences major allows students to apply 15 credits of previous health care or sciences courses to this degree’s health care core requirements.

This program is perfect for health service students and professionals, such as licensed practiced nurses, dental hygienists and certified nursing assistants, who are required to finish a bachelor’s degree yet find that their previous college credits do not transfer into management programs.
Medical Assistants
$16.46 - $20.26
More Info

Medical assistants help doctors, nurses and other medical professionals with both administrative and clinical tasks, most often in a physician’s office.

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 Credit Transfer Options

BAY PATH UNIVERSITY

Apply up to 15 credits of previous health care experiences or health care courses to these degrees’ core requirements: Community Health, Health and Human Services, Health Sciences, and Health and Wellness bachelor’s degree programs. Find out more at www.baypath.edu.

Associates Degree

Medical Records and Health Information Technicians
$14.71 - $23.63
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HIT professionals manage a wide variety of healthcare information needs, ensuring that medical records are complete, accurate and maintained in accordance with the law and governmental regulatory bodies. Graduates from our program will have strong technical knowledge of health care delivery systems and electronic health record systems, as well as the skills to process and prepare health information for insurance submission, quality assurance compliance, and reporting.

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Biomedical Device Manufacturing Technicians
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Biomedical Device Manufacturing Technicians work in the areas of quality control, design, drafting, inspection, CNC and R&D in the manufacturing of biomedical related equipment and instrumentation.

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Biomedical Equipment Technician
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The Biomedical Equipment Technology (BMET) program prepares individuals for employment as Biomedical Equipment Technicians in hospitals and medical research centers. These individuals install, calibrate and maintain sophisticated medical devices and equipment used in the health care industry.

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Surgical Technologists
$22.63 - $30.98
More Info

The surgical technologist handles the instruments, supplies, and equipment necessary during the surgical procedure. He/she has an understanding of the procedure being performed and anticipates the needs of the surgeon. He/she has the necessary knowledge and ability to ensure quality patient care during the operative procedure and is constantly on vigil for maintenance of the sterile field.

Learn More. 
Diagnostic Medical Sonographers
$28.98 - $38.72
More Info

Sonography is a rapidly growing technology, used to locate, evaluate, and record pertinent anatomical, pathological, and functional data to aid the physician in the diagnosis of disease and injury. The graduate of this program may be employed in a wide variety of health care settings. The STCC program is a careful blend of didactic, laboratory, and hands-on clinical experiences that prepares the successful graduate for the specialties of abdominal and OB/GYN sonography.

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Dental Hygienist
$33.92 - $37.35
More Info

Dental hygienists clean teeth, examine patients for signs of oral diseases and provide other preventive dental care. They also educate patients on ways to improve and maintain good oral health.

Find out more at Springfield Technical Community College
Registered Nurse (ADN)
$29.04 -$44.18
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Registered nurses function in a wide range of healthcare roles, including direct care, patient advocacy, research, and nursing education.

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 Career Pathway Options
Respiratory Therapists
$27.08 - $33.90
More Info

Respiratory therapists evaluate, treat, and provide ongoing care for patients with these types of breathing or cardiopulmonary (lung and heart) disorders.

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Occupational Therapy Assistants
$22.79 - $29.24
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Occupational therapy assistants help patients with treatments that are part of their rehabilitation services plans.

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 Career Pathway Options
  • Earn BA in Liberal Studies with Major in Health Human Services  at Bay Path University.
  • Establish the foundation you need to become an occupational therapist. Earn your BA in Liberal Studies as you major in Pre-Occupational Therapy Studies. After completion of the Bachelors degree and prerequisites students are able to enter the Master’s of Occupational Therapy program.
  • Bay Path’s Master of Occupational Therapy Bridge Program is an accelerated path for licensed Occupational Therapy Assistants (OTA) or Physical Therapist Assistants (PTA) to earn a Master of Occupational Therapy (MOT) degree while continuing to work in the field. Our Bridge program provides heightened focus on evaluation, as well as, intervention.
Physical Therapist Assistants
$25.78 - $31,07
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Physical therapist assistants work directly with patients by helping them perform specific exercises or activities as directed by a physical therapist. The ultimate goal is to restore function, improve mobility or relieve the pain of the patient.

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Radiologic Technologists
$24.21 - $34.10
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Radiologic technologists perform X-ray examinations, mammograms, Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) scans, and Computed Tomography (CT) scans.

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Medical Lab Technicians
$17.30 - $27.26
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Medical lab technicians perform routine medical tests for diagnosis, treatment and prevention of disease.

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Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians
$15.30 - $29.31
More Info

Cardiovascular technologists and technicians assist physicians in testing, diagnosing, and treating heart and blood vessel ailments. Cardiovascular technologists may specialize in three areas of practice: Invasive cardiology, cardiac sonography, and vascular technology.

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Bachelors Degree

Public Health Worker
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Most public health workers specialize in a certain area such as behavioral science and health education, biostatistics, international global health and epidemiology.

They often work with underserved populations or in environmental disaster areas. The role of a public health worker is one with many responsibilities and requires an open mind, flexibility and patience. All Allied Health Schools (https://www.allalliedhealthschools.com/public-health/public-health-job-description/).

American International College » BS in Public Health

Springfield College » BS in Health Promotions for Schools and Communities 

University of Massachusetts, Amherst » School of Public Health and Health Sciences 

 

 Credit Transfer Options

Holyoke Community College to American International College  (Foundation of Health Transfer to Public Health Program: MTH 142, HTH 101, HTH 102).

Holyoke Community College to University of Massachusetts, Amherst (Foundation of Health Transfer to Public Health Program: MTH 160, HTH 213; Introduction to Public Health, (HTH 102), BIO 111, BIO 120, BIO 204 or BIO 229; ANT 101, ECN 101, PSY 217, PSY 218 or PSY 220).
Registered Nurse (BSN)
$29.04 -$44.18
More Info

Registered nurses function in a wide range of healthcare roles, including direct care, patient advocacy, research, and nursing education.

Career Pathway Stories from Nurses:

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 Career Pathway Options

Advance your nursing career with the Master of Science Program at University of Massachusetts, Amherst

  • Clinical Nurse Leader (MS-CNL) Concentration
  • Nursing Education (MS-NE) Concentration

Learn More: University of Massachusetts, Amherst
Mental Health and Substance Abuse Counselors
$13.41 - $19.32
More Info

Mental health and substance abuse social workers support and treat people with mental illness or substance abuse problems may involve providing individual or group therapy, outreach, crisis intervention, and training in how to perform daily activities of living.

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Substance Abuse and Behavioral Disorder Counselors
$11.33 - $23.25
More Info

Substance abuse and behavioral disorder counselors create treatment plans to help people recover from addiction or modify problem behaviors.
Medical Lab Technologists
$25.94 - $37.99
More Info

Medical lab technologist perform routine medical tests for diagnosis, treatment and prevention of disease.

Medical lab technologists and medical lab technicians have many similar responsibilities, but because technologists have more education, they conduct more advanced testing.

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Medical and Health Services Managers
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Medical records and health services manager is a broad category of careers that encompasses a number of different job titles, including hospital administrators, assisted living administrators, clinical directors, community health directors, and many more.

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 Career Pathway Options

Greenfield Community College offers an Associates Degree Program.

The Medical Office Management program has associated certificates that can “stack” into the degree. Depending on course selection, if you’re enrolled in this program you can earn one of the following certificates halfway through completing your degree:

Medical Office Administration

These programs are a great way to increase your earning power and job potential with a marketable career certificate while you’re still working toward your degree. Work closely with your advisor to make sure you choose the right classes!

Learn more about our degree and certificate and pathways » Greenfield Community College

 
Health Educators
$21.19 - $36.30
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Health educators help people gain the knowledge and skills they need to prevent illnesses and develop and maintain a healthy lifestyle.

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Masters Degree or Higher

Family Physicians and General Practitioners
Average Salary: $123.97
More Info

Family physicians and general practitioners are doctors who specialize in family and general medicine provide comprehensive care to children, adults and elders, especially preventative care.

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Physician Assistants
$21.78 - $58.69
More Info

Physician assistants provide a variety of diagnostic, therapeutic, preventive, and other healthcare services under the supervision of a physician or surgeon.  They often conduct complete physicals, provide treatments and counsel patients. PAs can also prescribe medications. Some physician assistants specialize in surgery or emergency medicine.

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 Career Pathway Options

The Western New England University Pre-physician Assistant program is a stepping-stone to becoming a valued caregiver in the healthcare field. The three-year program provides an opportunity for qualified students to prepare for admission to the Salus University Physician Assistant Studies program. After a successful admission to Salus, you will have the opportunity to be awarded a Bachelor of Science degree in Health Sciences from Western New England and a Master of Medical Science from Salus through our 3+2 articulation agreement.

 Credit Transfer Options

Holyoke Community College to Bay Path University (Foundation of Health Transfer to Physician Assistant Program: BIO 107, BIO 217, BIO 218, BIO 229 CHM 101 & CHM 102 or CHM 113 & CHM 114,CHM 221, plus one physical science, MTH 142, PHI 120.
This program qualifies for MassTransfer, which guarantees credit Transfer to Massachusetts state colleges and universities. MassTransfer also will grant students automatic acceptance to certain state colleges and universities by achieving the minimum grade point average and the HCC degree).
Advanced Practice Registered Nurses
$37.34 - $57.74
More Info

APRNs are nurses who have met advanced educational and clinical practice requirements, and often provide services in community-based settings. APRNs’ services range from primary and preventive care to mental health to birthing to anesthesia.

Career Pathway Stories from Nurses:

  • Pediatric Oncology Nurse Practitioner: Patient Care Associate to Doctor of Nursing Practice
  • Director of Professional Practice Education: Diploma Nurse to Doctor of Nursing Practice
  • Registered Nurse (MSN): Liberal Arts Transfer to Nursing (Doctor of Nursing Practice)

    • Learn More
    Registered Nurse (MSN) +
    $29.04 -$44.18
    More Info

    Registered nurses function in a wide range of healthcare roles, including direct care, patient advocacy, research, and nursing education.

    Career Pathway Stories from Nurses:

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    Speech-Language Pathologist
    $31.72 - $48.61
    More Info

    Speech-language pathologists diagnose and treat these communication disorders, as well as swallowing and other language-related disorders.

    Learn More

     Credit Transfer Options

    Holyoke Community College to Elms College (Foundation of Health Transfer to Communications Disorders Program (BA) requires: PSY 142, PHI 120; Given that the majority of requirements for this major do not transfer, it is advisable for students to transfer early on.

    Holyoke Community College to University of Massachusetts, Amherst (Foundation of Health Transfer to Communication Disorders Program: MTH 142, PSY 215).
    Mental Health and Substance Abuse Counselors
    $13.41 - $19.32
    More Info

    Mental health and substance abuse social workers support and treat people with mental illness or substance abuse problems may involve providing individual or group therapy, outreach, crisis intervention, and training in how to perform daily activities of living.

    Learn More
    Physical Therapists
    $29.57 - $50.16
    More Info

    Physical therapists work with patients to improve their ability to move, relieve pain and restore function to specific areas of the body, especially after an accident, illness or in the case of chronic conditions like arthritis.

    Learn More

     Credit Transfer Options

    Holyoke Community College to Springfield College (Foundation of Health Transfer to Doctorate in Physical Therapy: BIO 107, 217, 218, CHM 101 or 113, PHS 101, MTH 104, PSY 110).
    Occupational Therapists
    $31.22 - $44.59
    More Info

    Occupational therapists help people improve, develop, recover and maintain their ability to perform basic activities of all types, especially those to help them meet daily needs such as dressing, cooking, eating, and driving.

    Learn More

     Career Pathway Options

    Earn BA in Liberal Studies with Major in Health Human Services  at Bay Path University.

    • Establish the foundation you need to become an occupational therapist. Earn your BA in Liberal Studies as you major in Pre-Occupational Therapy Studies. After completion of the Bachelors degree and prerequisites students are able to enter the Master’s of Occupational Therapy program.
     Credit Transfer Options

     

    Holyoke Community College to Springfield College (Foundation of Health Transfer to Occupational Therapy BS/MS: BIO 107, BIO 217 & 218, PSY 110, PSY 217, SOC 110, MTH 142).

    MassHire Hampden County Workforce Board

    1441 Main Street, First Floor
    Springfield, MA 01103
    413-233-9856

    The MassHire Hampden County Workforce Board is an Equal Opportunity Employer/Program, auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities, Verizon Telephone Relay Service: TDD/TTY: 1-800-439-2370 Voice: 1-800-439-0183

    An Initiative of