Pathway Vocational Institute of Health

The Pharmacy Technician curriculum at Metrowest Healthcare Academy will cover the History of Medicine and Pharmacy, Law and Ethics of pharmacy, Basic Anatomy and Physiology, classification of drugs/ pharmacology, basic sciences for pharmacy, hospital pharmacy, psychopharmacology and Complementary Alternative Medicine.

The Skills component will cover: Calculations for pharmacy technician, dosage forms/Route – Administration, Prescription processing, OTC Medications/Skin Care Products, repackaging and compounding, Aseptic technique, pharmacy stock/ billing/ computers.

EXTERNSHIP: 130 hours

Students will be required to complete at total of 130 internship hours at a pharmacy. Students will get experienced in drug distribution, compounding and prepackaging, billing cash register, dispensing refills, computer entry and attending phone calls. As a pharmacy technician you will assist the pharmacist with mixing and packaging prescriptions, maintain client records, and refers clients to the pharmacist. Students will get an overview of pharmacy law and ethics, medical and pharmaceutical terminology. Students will accomplish the techniques required to stock, package and prepare medications; and will understand the federal or state laws to govern a pharmacy.

PROGRAM OUTCOME:

The program will also provide necessary information required to pass the Pharmacy Technician Training Board (PTCB) Exam. Certification is a valuable component for the pharmacy technician’s career. Additionally, this course will prepare graduates for practice as entry-level Pharmacy Technicians in a variety of contemporary settings such as hospital, long-term care, home care and community. Upon completion of the program, students will be ready for the National Certification exam (ExCPT or PTCB) to become a Pharmacy Technician as well as obtain a license from the Massachusetts Board of Pharmacy before working in a Pharmacy. Alternatively, a certificate of completion will be provided in case the graduate cannot pass a National Certification Exam. The applicant can use the certificate of completion to forgo the 500 hour training requirement to take a state exam. The applicant will NEED a pharmacy technician TRAINEE (PTT) license prior to starting their externship.

Program Description

The Home Health Aide is a 75-hour hybrid program that teaches students how to help the elderly, the disabled, and people in ill health to maintain their quality of life and independence at home. Focus is on safety and universal precautions; moving and lifting patients; cleanliness and infection control; caring for children, the elderly, and the dying; and patient health, hygiene, and nutrition. Students learn how to check and report on vital signs, handle special situations, and perform emergency procedures.

Program Objectives

After completing the Home Health Aide program, students will be able to:

1. Describe the role of the home health aide, outline the responsibilities involved in caring for home-bound patients, and differentiate the home health aide’s role from other care providers.


2. Explain how to create a safe environment for the home health aide and the patient by identifying and describing OSHA regulations and other safe care requirements.


3. Identify and describe proper communication skills with patients, families, other healthcare providers, and insurance companies.


4. Describe typical duties and care responsibilities for patients of all ages and levels of health, with a focus on identifying issues and care concerns for specific populations.


5. Identify credible sources of dietary information and describe how to plan, purchase, store, and serve food to patients with different dietary restrictions and health concerns.


6. Identify and describe specific care regimens performed by the home health aide.


7. Identify and describe exercises designed to help patients gain and maintain strength and flexibility.


8. Explain how to take and record vital signs and collect bodily specimens for testing.

Upon successful completion of the Home Health Aide Training, you will obtain a certificate of completion and can practice as a HHA in MAssachusetts. 

ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS:

To enroll in the 75-hour hybrid (online and in-person) Home Health Aide program, students must meet the following criteria:

1. Must be 16 years of age


2. Must have a negative result for PPD (Mantoux test and negative chest x-ray) that is valid until the course completion


3. Have a high school diploma or its equivalent or comprehend on a 10th-grade level


4. Pass a basic English pre-entrance exam with an 80% score


5. Must have a satisfactory criminal background check through the CORI system before the 1st day of class


6. Have proof of personal health insurance (requested but not required)


7. Provide a valid government-issued picture ID (Passport, ID Card, Driver’s License, etc.)


8. Have an American Heart Association CPR/BLS Certificate before the start of clinical rotation. This training is offered on campus by an approved American Heart Association instructor.


9. Proof of a current flu shot or provide a valid exemption/declination document


10. Proof of COVID vaccination or provide a valid exemption/declination document


11. To attend any of our online classes, students enrolling in any hybrid program MUST have a personal computer, internet access and download Zoom.

Tuition & Fees:

Non-refundable administrative fee = $43.50

Tuition = $950.00

Total school charges = $943.50

Other expenses:

1. PPD Testing $45*(estimated)


2. Books: $90.00


3. CORI: $25.59


4. Immunizations + COVID-19 test: $20- $300


5. Drug testing (if applicable) = $50.00 - $200.00


6. Uniform and shoes $50-$100


7. BLS/CPR - $86.50


8. Masks - $10.00 - $30.00


9. Laptop/Tablet = $200.00 - $400.00 (estimated)


10. Non-refundable Building & Technology Fee = $100.00

Acceptable Method of Payment:

1. Cash


2. Cashier’s Check


3. Credit Card (VISA, Mastercard, American Express) - optional (a 2.99% to 3.99% merchant fee will apply)


4. School Payment Plan


5.  Private student loans


6.  Zelle


7. Venmo


8. Other (outside scholarship, employer sponsorship, MassHire, Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission, SMOC etc.)

This 720 hours program is designed to teach qualified students the necessary skills required for gainful employment in the modern medical facility. A qualified medical assistant is capable of performing a wide range of duties, with a variety of technical detail. Upon successful completion of this program, graduates will receive a certificate of completion and will have the option of taking a national certification exam through the National Career Assessments (MedCA) or through any other nationally recognized organizations to become a Certified Medical Assistant (CMA).

Program Overview

The objective of the Medical Assistant program is to prepare the graduate for entry-level employment as a Medical Assistant in a medical office, clinic or other related medical facilities. Students are instructed in various topics including patient processing, patient confidentiality procedures, performing various duties such as taking vital signs, drawing blood, performing basic EKGs as well as other related tasks. Certification is recommended but not required to work in the field.

Medical Assistant Overview

Medical Assistants perform routine administrative and clinical tasks designed to keep medical offices running smoothly.

The duties of a Medical Assistant vary from office to office, depending on the location and size of the medical practice and the practitioner’s specialty. In small practices, medical assistants are seen as “generalists,” handling both administrative and clinical duties concurrently, reporting directly to an office manager, physician, or other healthcare practitioner. Those in larger practices tend to specialize in just one area, usually clinical, under the supervision of department administrations (head nurse, office manager, lead physician, etc.).

Medical Assistants are trained to perform administrative duties that include: answering telephone, greeting patients, updating and filing patient medical records, filling out insurance forms, handling correspondence, scheduling appointments, arranging for hospital admission and laboratory services and handling billing and bookkeeping.

Clinically, a Medical Assistant’s duties vary according to state law and regulations. They can include: taking medical histories, recording vital signs, explaining treatment procedures, preparing patients for examinations and procedures, and assisting the physician during examination. They can also collect and prepare laboratory specimens, perform basic laboratory testing, dispose of contaminated supplies, and sterilize medical equipment They can instruct patients about medications and special diets, prepare and administer medications as directed by physician, authorize drug refills as directed, draw blood specimens, prepare patients for x rays and special examinations, take EKG’s, remove sutures and staples and change wound dressings.

Medical Assistants are also responsible for arranging and stocking medical examining rooms, maintain supplies and equipment, and maintain patient flow.

Externship/Clinical:

Each course listed has clinical sessions built into the curriculum to provide each student with the hands on skills needed to perform skills required in the work place. The academic information taught in the classroom will reinforce the hands on learning each student will receive in the externship site. There will be a ratio of 10 students per instructor; each student will be supervised, by a Registered Nurse Instructor as to the proper procedure for each clinical task. Evaluation of the task will be appraised on a clinical form. All clinical practicum will take place Monday through Friday during regular business hours.

Program Curriculum

• Medical Terminology


• Medical Law and Ethic


• Anatomy & Physiology


• Pathology & Disease


• Medical Administration


• Health Psychology


• Pharmacology


• Medical Documentation


• Computers in the Medical Office


• Infection Control & Asepsis


• General Patient Care


• Surgical Procedures and Specialty Practices


• Medical Emergencies and CPR


• Medical Laboratory Procedures


• Career Development

Program Description

The blended Nurse Assistant and Home Health Aide Training Program is approved by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health. This 90-hour program includes 65 hours of lecture/theory and lab/practice and 25 hours of clinical experience. Through lectures, videos, games, role-playing, and laboratory practice, the students learn skills such as bathing, dressing, positioning, and vital signs as well as learning to gather information needed to provide care for people within the healthcare system.

Program Description

The blended Nurse Assistant and Home Health Aide Training Program is approved by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health. This 90-hour program includes 65 hours of lecture/theory and lab/practice and 25 hours of clinical experience. Through lectures, videos, games, role-playing, and laboratory practice, the students learn skills such as bathing, dressing, positioning, and vital signs as well as learning to gather information needed to provide care for people within the healthcare system.