Information For:
Health Services Program
There are five Health Services YA specialty areas to choose. All five areas require a job shadow experience and obtaining the Core Abilities Skills concurrently with the chosen technical skills. Additionally, some programs require training and passing of the
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) test.
Health Services YA Program Timeframe
- One Year Health Services YA Program = Core Abilities and a Job Shadow + One Specialty Area Unit MINIMUM
- Two Year Health Services YA Program = Core Abilities and a Job Shadow + Two Specialty Areas MINIMUM
Health Services Program Guide and Appendices
Health Services Skill Standards Checklist
Health Services YA Program Brochure
Health Services Required Skills
The Core Abilities required skills provide the employability and safety skills foundation for working in the Health Services industry. Additionally, the job shadow experience allows for students to explore options within the healthcare field while gaining a realistic view of the work required.
Core Abilities & Job Shadowing Unit
Note: The Core Ability curriculum for the Pharmacy Technician Specialty Area requires additional information specific for pharmacy technicians and the material they need to know to sit for the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE). SEE the specific Health Services YA Pharmacy Technician Specialty Area curriculum for those additions.
Health Services Specialty Area Choices
Health Care Foundations
This Specialty Area is appropriate for the student who is interested in a health care career in the areas of Therapeutic, Diagnostic and Information Services. The student may assist with laboratory testing, medical coding, or assistive devices. The ability to work in a number of different skill areas, most with direct patient contact, and the willingness to work in different settings and/or departments is essential.
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- Choose 2 of 3 Units for worksite competencies.
- Students performing CNA functions are required to earn CNA certification through an approved CNA program with approved instructors.
Health Information Management
This Specialty Area is appropriate for the student interested in the business and administrative aspects of health care. Health Information Management providers record and manage the documentation of the health care industry. There is no direct hands-on patient care involved and tasks revolve around record keeping, administrative, and information technology duties. The ability to be detail oriented and interested in documentation and computer work is essential.
Medical Assistant
This Specialty Area is similar to the Nursing Assistant YA Specialty Area and is appropriate for the student who wishes to work in direct client care in a
clinical setting. Medical assistants support physicians and other medical
professionals in an outpatient setting by performing a wide variety of duties.
The student will perform multiple functions including office administration,
direct patient care, and laboratory testing. The ability to handle multiple
tasks, as well as be compassionate, caring, and respectful is essential.
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- Students are required to earn CNA certification through an approved CNA program with approved instructors AND to take a Medical Terminology course to participate in the apprenticeship.
Nursing Assistant
This Specialty Area is appropriate for the student who wishes to pursue a career in direct patient care, such as nursing or as a physician. The student will be working with patients performing hands on, direct patient care tasks. The ability to be compassionate, caring, and respectful is essential.
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- Students are required to earn CNA certification through an approved CNA program with approved instructors.
Pharmacy Technician
This Specialty Area is appropriate for the student interested in the occupational area of pharmacy. Students will assist pharmacists to measure, mix, and provide prescriptions of various pharmaceuticals required for diagnostic evaluation and therapeutic treatment of patients. There is no direct hands-on patient care and tasks involve working in both hospital and retail pharmacies performing clerical and laboratory functions. The ability to be detail and customer service oriented with strong math and lab skills is essential.
This Specialty Area will prepare the YA student to sit for the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE) once they turn 18 years of age AND graduate high school. Recommended for Seniors only.
Note: The Core Ability curriculum for the Pharmacy Technician Specialty Area requires additional information specific for pharmacy technicians and the material they need to know to sit for the PTCE. SEE the specific Health Services YA Pharmacy Technician Specialty Area curriculum for those additions.
Related Health Services YA Program Information
Audio Visual Resources
Certifications & Organizations
- DHS/CNA - Wisconsin Department of Health Services
- NCHSTE - National Consortium on Health Science and Technology Education
- AHEC - Wisconsin Area Health Education Center
- PSW - Pharmacy Society of Wisconsin
- PTCE - Pharmacy Technician Certification
- WHA - Wisconsin Hospital Association
- WHIMA - Wisconsin Health Information Management Association
- WNA - Wisconsin Nurses Association
- WSMA - Wisconsin Society of Medical Assistants
- Peace Corps Health Opportunities
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