Healthcare Cluster

Do you want to help people? Do you like to have the option to choose a wide range of work settings and schedules? Are you looking for a career that pays well? STCC has the Northeast’s largest Sims Medical Center, an area where students practice medical skills they are learning on state-of-the-art simulated patients that can mimic biological functions seen in healthcare. As practitioners in their fields, our faculty have real-world experience that makes classes come alive. Our healthcare graduates are some of the most sought after in the Western Massachusetts and Northern Connecticut areas.

Find Job Opportunities

Students who pursue a course of study in the Healthcare Cluster of programs find employment opportunities as a:

Dental Assistant
Dental Hygienist
Emergency Medical Technician
Medical Assistant
Medical and Dental Office Management
Medical Filing and Billing
Medical Lab Technician
Medical Office Receptionist
Occupational Therapy Assistant
Physical Therapy Assistant
Radiologic Technologists
Registered Nurse (RN)
Respiratory Therapist
Sonographer
Sterile Processing Technician
Surgical Technologist
Many, many more!

*Take a look at our Career Services page where you can learn more about the support we provide throughout your education and your career. Career Coach gives you immediate access to current job opportunities, a resume builder, and search tools to learn more about the career landscape and employment opportunities in your field!

Healthcare Cluster Programs

Dental Assistants

Dental Assistants perform a variety of tasks including chairside assisting, dental practice management, dental radiology, administrative assisting, and infection control. They are vital members of the dental team and the demand for dental assistants is projected to grow much faster than the average for all occupations.

Dental Hygiene

Dental Hygiene- Dental hygienists clean teeth, examine patients for signs of oral diseases, and provide other preventive dental care. They also educate patients on ways to improve and maintain good oral health. Dental Hygienists are vital members of the dental team. The rigorous two-year program leads to an Associate degree (graduates must pass the National Board Dental Hygiene exam and regional clinical licensing examinations before being eligible for state licensure). The program is accredited by the Commission on Dental Accreditation of the American Dental Association.

Diagnostic Medical Sonography

Diagnostic Medical Sonography, often referred to as “sonography” or “ultrasound”, prepares you to operate special imaging equipment to create images or to conduct tests. Diagnostic medical sonographers use cutting-edge technology to locate, evaluate and record pertinent anatomical, pathological, and functional data to aid physicians in the diagnosis of disease and injury. This program blends classroom, laboratory, and clinical practicums to prepare you for abdominal and OB/GYN sonography. The Sonography program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education programs.

Health Information Technology

Health Information Technology- Would you like to manage a wide variety of healthcare information needs as a HIT professional? With this degree, you will become proficient in ensuring that medical records are complete, accurate, and maintained in accordance with the law and governmental regulatory bodies. HIT graduates have a strong technical knowledge of health care delivery and electronic health record systems and skills to process and prepare health information for insurance submission, quality assurance compliance, and reporting. The Health Information Technology program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Health Informatics and Information Management Education (CAHIIM).

Health Science

Health Science introduces students to interdisciplinary topics in healthcare and provides the opportunity to explore specialty areas for a career in healthcare. This program offers flexible options: students are able to gain preparation for a variety of clinical careers and specialties, such as Occupational Therapy Assistant, Physical Therapist Assistant, Medical Laboratory Technician, Dental Hygiene, Nursing, etc., as well as administrative and supportive roles. This program prepares students for a range of possibilities in the healthcare field, with job prospects in hospitals, clinics, government agencies, and non-profit organizations.

Medical Assistants

Medical Assistants perform administrative and clinical skills in a variety of health care settings such as physicians’ offices, outpatient clinics, laboratories, and hospitals. Duties vary but could include performing vital signs, assisting with examinations, venipuncture, recording electrocardiograms, scheduling appointments, processing insurance claims, and maintaining medical records. The Medical Assisting Certificate Program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs. After completing the one-year certificate, students are eligible to enter the workforce or transfer to the Associate degree program.

Medical Laboratory Technicians

Medical Laboratory Technicians perform tests in all departments of the clinical laboratory including blood banking, chemistry, hematology, immunology and microbiology. Students operate complex electronic equipment, computers, and precision instruments and are also responsible for confirming the accuracy of test results and reporting laboratory findings. This 22-month program includes 4 semesters of classroom and on-campus laboratory work, as well as a 24 week clinical practicum. The program is accredited by the National Accrediting Agency for Clinical Laboratory Sciences (NAACLS).

Nursing

Nursing- Nurses provide and coordinate patient care, educate about health conditions, and provide support to patients and their families. The Registered Nurse at the Associate Degree level is prepared for a career that provides compassionate care for all ages in a variety of health care settings. Students learn to communicate effectively, provide health promotion and maintenance, and administer care to persons with health problems. The Nursing Program is approved and regulated by the Massachusetts Board of Registration in Nursing (BORN) and is accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Education in Nursing (ACEN). STCC also has numerous articulation agreements to continue on for your bachelor's degree and higher.

Occupational Therapy Assistants

Occupational Therapy Assistants help clients across the lifespan reach functional goals related to play, work, education and self-care. For example, students may help an individual who has had a stroke re-learn how to dress him/herself, or help a child with cerebral palsy learn to operate a computer with adapted equipment. Students are prepared to work in a variety of settings such as hospitals, clinics, rehabilitation facilities, schools, and community centers. This program is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education of the American Occupational Therapy Association.

Physical Therapy Assistants

Physical Therapy Assistants work as technical health care providers who work under the supervision of a physical therapist. You would perform movement-related activities and therapeutic techniques for patients with burns, amputations, spinal cord injuries, and cardiac, neurologic and orthopedic injuries. Such techniques might include gait training, heat and cold applications, massage, and the use of assistive, prosthetic and orthotic devices. This two-year program leads to an Associate degree and is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education.

Radiologic Technology

Radiologic Technology- Radiographers, also known as x-ray or radiologic technologists perform diagnostic imaging examinations, such as x-rays, on patients. Students are trained to position patients, evaluate images for diagnostic quality, use appropriate radiation protection, apply appropriate technical skills and communicate effectively with patients. This 21-month program includes a 12-week summer clinical practicum. It is accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology. You would be eligible to take the national certification exam administered by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists.

Respiratory Care

Respiratory Care practitioners work closely with patients and other healthcare providers. Students acquire skills in the treatment, management, diagnosis and care of patients with cardiopulmonary dysfunction. Training will include the use of therapeutic gasses, ventilator support, breathing exercises, aerosol administration, medications, humidification, and maintenance of airways. While students are likely to work in a hospital, opportunities exist in many areas of the healthcare industry. This two-year program includes a summer session and is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care.

Surgical Technology

Surgical Technology- The surgical technologist handles the instruments, supplies, and equipment necessary during the surgical procedure. Students gain an understanding of the procedure being performed and anticipate the needs of the surgeon. Surgical technologists have the necessary knowledge and ability to ensure quality patient care during the operative procedure and are constantly on vigil for maintenance of the sterile field.

Take the Next Step

For more information on any of these programs, please complete the information request form below and select the programs that you are interested in. You can also skip this step and Apply Now or find out more about possible careers at Career Coach.