Healthcare Education Programs at Okaw Area Vocational Center in Vandalia, IL

Okaw Area Vocational Center in Vandalia, IL offers several robust healthcare education programs designed to prepare students for a variety of roles in the medical field. These programs combine classroom instruction with hands-on training, ensuring that graduates are well-prepared to enter the workforce or continue their education in healthcare.

Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Program

The Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) program at Okaw Area Vocational Center equips students with the essential skills needed to assist nurses in various healthcare settings. The program covers a wide range of topics, including:

• Basic nursing skills
• Anatomy and physiology
• Patient care and hygiene
• First aid and CPR
• Infection control
• Nutrition and feeding

Students will complete clinical rotations in local healthcare facilities, providing real-world experience under the supervision of experienced healthcare professionals. Upon successful completion, students are eligible to take the state certification exam to become a Certified Nursing Assistant.

Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Program

The Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) program prepares students to provide emergency medical care in a pre-hospital setting. This program emphasizes the following areas:

• Medical terminology
• Trauma assessment and management
• Cardiac care
• Respiratory emergencies
• Pediatric and geriatric care
• Ambulance operations

Training includes classroom instruction, practical labs, and clinical experiences in emergency departments and with ambulance services. Graduates will be qualified to sit for the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) exam.

Health Occupations Exploration

This program is ideal for students interested in exploring various healthcare careers. It offers a broad overview of different medical fields, allowing students to gain insights into possible career paths. The coursework covers:

• Basic health science principles
• Medical ethics and law
• Healthcare systems
• Occupational health and safety
• Introduction to various healthcare professions such as nursing, pharmacology, radiology, and medical office management

Students engage in job shadowing and internships to gain practical exposure, helping them make informed decisions about their future careers in healthcare.

Medical Terminology

A deep understanding of medical terminology is crucial for any healthcare professional. This program focuses on the language used in the medical field, including:

• Word roots
• Prefixes and suffixes
• Abbreviations
• Anatomical terms
• Diagnostic and procedural terms

This course is beneficial for students who plan to pursue careers in various healthcare professions, providing them with a solid foundation in medical vocabulary.

Get Started Today

By offering these comprehensive healthcare education programs, Okaw Area Vocational Center provides students with the knowledge, skills, and experiences needed to succeed in the healthcare industry. Whether you are looking to become a Certified Nursing Assistant, Emergency Medical Technician, or simply explore healthcare careers, Okaw Area Vocational Center has a program to meet your needs.

Take the first step towards a fulfilling career in healthcare by enrolling in one of these programs today. For more information, visit the Okaw Area Vocational Center’s website or contact their admissions office to learn how you can get started.