Dual Enrollment/College Credits
Anatomy and Physiology 1 (4 credits) VSU
Anatomy and Physiology 2 (4 credits) VSU
Health Careers is designed to prepare students for further education and/or employment in the healthcare field.
Certifications:
- American Heart Associaton BLS with AED
- AHA First Aid
- American College of Surgeons Stop the Bleed
- LNA Certification
- Bloodborne Pathogens
- LNA Certification VT Board of Nursing
- Nation Certified Phlebotomy Technician
- Certified Clinical Medical Assistant
Advisory Committee
- Amy Ridlon—RN
- Theresa Isabelle— Genesis Health Care
- Kelly Ferguson— Bayada Home Health
- Danielle Lafleur Brooks—CCV
- Karen Gallipo— The Pines
- Flavia Porch— RRMC Education
- Debbie Nova—RRMC
- Nicole Moran—VNA
- Courtney Collins — RRMC
Through a partnership with Vermont State Colleges, Southern Vermont Area Health Education Center, Rutland Regional Medical Center, and other community health professionals, our Health Careers Academy provides an in-depth, two-year program, combining classroom learning, hands-on practice, and dual enrollment opportunities for post-secondary education. Health Careers Academy offers a rigorous, collaborative, student-centered learning approach that encompasses a wide variety of learning styles, as well as offers a dynamic work environment with an emphasis on independent and group activities.
Year One: As a first-year student, you will explore a variety of health career choices through observational experiences, guest speakers, and hands-on learning. Students will learn Medical Language, Anatomy and Physiology 1, Medical Math, Basic Life Support, First Aid Certification, and the skills and knowledge necessary to prepare for the Vermont State Licensed Nursing Assistant Exam.
Year Two: Students returning for a second year based on their first-year performance; this includes obtaining their LNA certification at the end of their first year. Students will have the opportunity to focus on a health career of their choice by building on the skills and experiences gained from the first year in Health Careers. Students will be expected to participate in their academic work; possibly including Anatomy and Physiology II, and a co-op experience. Further career educational opportunities may be available. The second year will conclude with a capstone presentation that will summarize their individual experience in the Health Careers Academy for the past two years.
What We Do
Students participate in hands-on clinical training in a variety of simulated and actual clinical settings. They also take part in clinical rotations in healthcare settings to explore a variety of medical careers. Students use professional medical equipment, technology and techniques to care for others.
Entry Requirements
Recommended Prerequisites: lab science classes, college prep level classes strongly recommended, strong academic writing skills, proficiency in math without the use of a calculator to include number sense, multiplication, division, fractions and decimal conversion, and word problems; strong interpersonal skills; effective communication and speaking skills
Required: Must have completed 10th grade. Ability to physically, mentally and emotionally perform assigned tasks competently and safely as outlined by the Vermont State Board of Nursing.
Reading Level of course materials: Grade 10.0 – 13.0
Embedded Credits: 1 Science OR 1 FACS ( Family and Consumer Studies)
Program Instructor – Genevieve Wilcox
Genevieve Wilcox is a registered nurse with over 15 years experience. She completed her nursing education at Castleton University. Genevieve started teaching at Stafford Technical Center in the Fall of 2018. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family and friends.
ge**************@****vt.org (802) 770-1044
Justine Franko
Let me introduce myself as your Health Careers II teacher, Justine Franko. My history with Rutland City Public Schools includes serving as the high school/Stafford nurse and as a School Board Commissioner. I began my nursing education at the City University of New York and went on to earn a Master of Science in Nursing from Vanderbilt University, where I trained as a Family Nurse Practitioner and became a Board-Certified Nurse Midwife—yes, I delivered babies! I’ve worked in both clinic and hospital settings and discovered that precepting and teaching are the parts I enjoy most.
My family and I have lived in Vermont for 10 years, and we feel it’s the perfect place to raise our daughter. I love all the seasons, our community, and supporting people. I also enjoy traveling (I’ve visited every state except Alaska), swimming, yoga, all things vintage, painting (anything from a picture to a nightstand), and exploring wellness practices. I share my home with my husband, daughter, two dogs, and a cat.
ju************@****vt.org (802) 770-1038
Health Careers
The left side of the graphic includes the Stafford Technical Center logo and the phrase:
Career Tree – Education with Purpose
This infographic uses the image of a large tree to illustrate career pathways in Health Careers.
The tree begins with roots that represent the personal and educational foundation needed for career success. The trunk symbolizes growth, and the tree branches into three progressively higher levels of careers represented by layered platforms surrounding the tree.
Graphic Structure
Foundation (Roots)
The roots of the tree are labeled with four foundational elements:
- Academics
- Experiences
- Professional Skills
- Passion
These elements are presented as the basis for career development.
Level 1 – Entry-Level Careers
With Program Completion
Examples include:
- Licensed Nursing Assistant
- Home Health Aide
- Health Information Technician
- Occupational Therapy Aide
- Dietary Aide
- Medical Transcriptionist
- Laboratory Animal Caretaker
- Dispensing Optician
- Orderly
- Medical Equipment Preparer
- Medical Office Receptionist
- Hospital Admissions Representative
Level 2 – Technical Careers
Apprenticeship, Associate Degree, Advanced Certification, Experience, etc.
Career options include:
- Massage Therapist
- Registered Nurse
- Physical Therapist Assistant
- Emergency Medical Technician
- Psychiatric Aide
- Phlebotomist
- Pharmacy Technician
- Sonographer
- Dental Assistant
- Veterinary Technician
- Personal Trainer
Level 3 – Professional Careers
Bachelor’s Degree, Master’s Degree, Ph.D., Specialized Training, Experience, etc.
Career options include:
- Medical Doctor
- Physician Assistant
- Nurse Practitioner
- Medical Researcher
- Veterinarian
- Dietician
- Physical/Occupational Therapist
- Athletic Trainer
- Speech Language Pathologist
- Pharmacist
- Dentist
- Nurse Anesthetist
Key Message
The tree represents a progression of career development:
- Strong roots are built through academics, experience, professional skills, and passion.
- Students can begin in entry-level construction careers after program completion.
- Additional education, certifications, apprenticeships, and experience lead to technical careers.
- Higher education and specialized training provide pathways to professional careers with greater responsibility and leadership opportunities.
The visual emphasizes that career growth is continuous and that each stage builds upon the previous one.