Health Care Technology

A QHS student practices patient care techniques on a classmate who is lying in a hospital bed.

Health Care Technology

The comprehensive Health Care Technology program at Quincy High is designed to equip students with a thorough understanding of the healthcare sector. From on-site certification labs to clinical placements, we provide hands-on experiences that prepare our students for success in a variety of healthcare roles.

  • Certification Opportunities: Upon completion of Health Care Technology 12, students may become certified as nursing assistants through the Massachusetts Department of Public Health at our on-site testing lab.

  • Clinical Placements: Our Health Care students gain practical skills in a variety of settings. Health Care Technology 11 & 12 students are placed at Alliance Health at Marina Bay and Hancock Park Rehabilitation and Nursing Center where they participate in direct patient care and job shadowing in preparation for the state-certified nursing assistant exam.

Health Care Technology 12 students have additional placements at the YMCA, shadowing the school nurses, and working with those with developmental disabilities, and with the Quincy Public Health Department. These experiences allow students to see a variety of health care career possibilities.

Post-Graduate Opportunities

Once certified, students may find employment as nursing assistants, home health aids and patient care technicians.

Students may also aspire to higher-level roles with careers like nurses, physicians, dentists, physical and occupational therapists, ultrasound technicians, physician assistants.

Careers

Health care workers find opportunities in hospitals, medical offices, clinics, in-home care, rehabilitation centers, long-term care facilities, schools, forensic laboratories, radiology centers, and specialty facilities.

QHS health care students work out an equation on the whiteboard.Average Salary

Salaries range widely depending on responsibilities and education. Massachusetts salaries tend to be higher than the national average. Personal care aides average $34,990. Nurses average $96,630. Pharmacists average $120,240. Physical therapists average $91,840. Physician assistants average $129,480.

Industry/Career Outlook

Over the next 10 years, overall healthcare occupations will grow by 16% - much faster than average. Nursing jobs will grow by 9%. Home health care will grow by 25%. Ambulatory care will grow by 32%. Medical and lab careers will increase by 17%.

Additionally, the biotech industry in Massachusetts means that there are many opportunities in medical and clinical research, bioengineering, and health-related computer analytical careers.

Equipment/Software Training

Students use manikins, hospital beds, vital sign instruments, EKG machines, scales, phlebotomy arms, and equipment. Computer labs are available for research and presentations. Clinical placements provide experience with the newest medical technology with and other medical procedures using a variety of therapeutic devices.

Certifications/Licenses

Students may graduate from our program with the following certifications:

  • American Heart Association – First Aid and Basic Life Support for Health Care Provider

  • Career Safe

  • Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA)

  • Home Health Aid (HHA)

  • Dean Vaughn Medical Terminology Proficiency

  • Certificate of Occupational Proficiency – Health Assisting

Articulation Agreements

Students may earn college credits and/or scholarships via local colleges:

Bunker Hill Community College – 7 credits

  • AHE 111 Patient Care Skills – 3 credits

  • AHE 106 CNA Practicum – 1 credit

  • AHE 110 Principles of PC – 3 credits

New England Institute of Technology – 3 credits

  • MAA111 Introduction to Careers in Health – 3 credits

Recommended Course of Study

Grade 9

  • English

  • Foreign Language

  • Mathematics

  • Science

  • Social Studies

  • Physical Education

  • Pathways

  • 1 Elective Course

Grade 10

  • English

  • Foreign Language

  • Mathematics

  • Science (Biology)

  • Social Studies

  • Physical Education

  • Health Care Technology 10

  • 1 Elective Course

Grade 11

  • English

  • Mathematics

  • Science (Chemistry)

  • Social Studies

  • Physical Education

  • Health Care Technology 11

  • 1 Elective Course - Psychology

Grade 12

  • English

  • Social Studies

  • Science (Anatomy/Physiology)

  • Physical Education

  • Health Care Technology 12

  • 1 Elective Course - Human Behavior