From Classroom to Clinic: Keystone Central’s New Era of Health Education
By Emily Wright
MILL HALL— Keystone Central School District is making significant strides in preparing students for prosperous careers through its Career and Technology Center (CTC). A flagship feature of the program is its Health Assisting courses, under the expert guidance of Chelsea Grieb, RN.
The Health Assisting program at the CTC is a multi-tiered course designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge they need for careers in the healthcare industry. Starting with an introductory course, students explore various healthcare careers, learn safety protocols, and familiarize themselves with basic clinical skills.
As they progress to Health Occupations 1 and 2, the curriculum dives deeper into medical terminology, anatomy, and patient care management. By the time they reach Health Occupations 3, students engage in advanced topics such as cardiac rhythms and pharmacology, honing their ability to problem-solve patient issues, and they also have the opportunity to participate in an internship program with a local healthcare facility. Moreover, juniors and seniors can apply for the Patient Care Technician (PCT) curriculum, gaining additional expertise in medical areas such as phlebotomy and EKG.
Students in the Health Assisting program at Keystone Central earn several important certifications, such as CPR/First Aid from the American Heart Association and the National Patient Care Technician certification. They can also earn college credits through partnerships the district has formed with Commonwealth University-Lock Haven and the Pennsylvania College of Technology.
Mrs. Grieb’s commitment to the program is clear from its recent achievements. In the 2023-2024 school year, she introduced a new Patient Care Technician (PCT) program within the existing Health Assisting curriculum at Keystone Central’s CTC. This program allows students to gain additional skills, such as drawing blood (phlebotomy) and reading heart monitors (EKG), and also earn a national certification through the National Healthcareer Association (NHA). With this certificate, students can jump right into jobs in both hospitals and clinics.
In its first year, the PCT program not only met, but exceeded national standards. The students’ impressive performance earned them recognition from the NHA, which named Keystone Central’s CTC Health Assisting program as one of the best in the country. Compared to the national average, Keystone Central students scored higher in every category assessed:
– Patient care: 4.4% above the national average
– Compliance, safety, and professionalism: 7.4% above the national average
– Phlebotomy: 4.1% above the national average
– EKG: 0.7% above the national average
– Infection control: 7.5% above the national average
The results were similar throughout Pennsylvania, with Keystone Central students scoring higher than the state average in all categories:
– Patient care: 4.6% above the state average
– Compliance, safety, and professionalism: 7.6% above the state average
– Phlebotomy: 7.4% above the state average
– EKG: 5.8% above the state average
– Infection control: 4.8% above the state average.
The CTC program’s local industry connections amplify the impact it has on student’s futures. Partnerships with institutions like Lock Haven Rehabilitation and Senior Living, Geisinger Hospital-Jersey Shore, Eagle Ridge Personal Care Home, and Lock Haven EMS allow students to gain valuable hands-on experience. These partnerships ensure that students are well-prepared to enter the workforce directly or pursue further education in fields like nursing, physical therapy, emergency medical response, and more.
With 100 students currently enrolled and continuing growth, the Health Assisting program anticipates adding another instructor to allow even more aspiring healthcare professionals to enroll in the program.
Under the leadership of dedicated educators like Chelsea Grieb, KCSD’s Career and Technology Program is a beacon of excellence in preparing students for successful careers. With its exceptional health assisting curriculum, valuable industry partnerships, and proven success, the program is not just educating students; it is shaping the future healthcare and technical workforce of Pennsylvania.
For more information about the programs offered through the Career and Technology Center, contact the office at 570-893-4900 ext. 4301.
