(The following is a sponsored post from Denis Collins, continuing education coordinator for North Montco Technical Career Center.)
It is no secret why the healthcare field is an excellent choice for many students. Fast paced and filled with challenges, this career path nurtures a desire to help others and propels us to find solutions to some very complex problems.
North Montco Technical Career Center’s (North Montco) Allied Health program helps set the tone for students wanting to enter high-demand careers as physicians, physician assistants, nurses, pharmacists, therapists, etc. This selective program is open to 36 conscientious students each year who want to understand their options better.
The program, taught by Peggy Bossert, RN., MSN, offers several unique opportunities, including a bi-weekly clinical rotation where students gain knowledge observing professionals in various hospital specialties, such as med-surge, ER, lab, ICU, etc.
Aside from the rigorous academics involved, there are other critical skills to hone. A person working in the healthcare setting needs to have attention to detail, teamwork, empathy, and excellent communication skills, to name a few. Students’ efforts are rewarded, though, as the Bureau of Labor and Statistics sites high wages and growth rates in many healthcare fields.
For example, registered nurses earn an average of $77,850 per year, nurse practitioners can earn more than $127,000, and pharmacists can earn more than $128,000. The good news is that most of these professions have a considerable growth projection for the next ten years.
Madison McFarland, a former student of Bossert’s and a 2017 Perkiomen Valley High School graduate, took part in the program her senior year. She explains in the interview below how this helped lay the foundation for her career.
What drew you to the Allied Health Program at North Montco?
[McFarland]: Allied Health was appealing to me for various reasons:
Did you know you always wanted to be a nurse, or did that develop when you were in the program?
[McFarland]: I always had a good idea that I wanted to go to nursing school, but I was reassured I was making the right decision as I went through the program. This program gave me many hands-on experiences and helped me gain a lot of background knowledge.
Were your parents supportive of you attending North Montco? The Allied Health Program is a competitive program where students must go through an interview process. What was your reaction when you learned that you were accepted (as I know many strong applicants apply)?
[McFarland]: My parents were very supportive of the Allied Health Program. They were super excited when I told them that I wanted to apply! They were so happy and proud when they heard I was accepted. They were excited about all of the experiences that I was going to be able to have.
About North Montco Technical Career Center
North Montco offers six high-demand occupation sectors where students build workplace skills and earn the certifications employers want most: construction trades, culinary arts, engineering, and manufacturing. Training in all the programs reflect current industry trends and advances in technology.
Partnerships with business and industry, manufacturing and schools have kept North Montco’s programs state of the art to meet the demands of local employers.
Call today for more information (215) 855-3931
See also:
North Montco Tech Seeking Clinical Setting for Allied Health Program
North Montco Students Say Farewell During Senior Recognition Night
From North Montco to Yale University, Former Student Pursues Dreams in Biomed Tech
North Montco to Host a Car Show in April to Benefit Education Foundation, Sponsors Wanted
North Montco Alumnus Kellie Ridgway: A Story of Hard Work, Success and Mentorship
