Allied Health

The Allied Health Program at Mount Wachusett Community College (MWCC) offers students a flexible pathway to pursue a Certificate in Allied Health or an Associate Degree in Interdisciplinary Studies with an Allied Health Concentration. These programs are designed to prepare students to be productive and successful contributors to the healthcare field.

Key aspects of the program include:

• Entry-Level Skills: Students gain practical skills that help them secure entry-level employment in the healthcare industry. These skills include Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Training, Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Training, and other career electives within the Allied Health Concentration.

• Pre- and Co-Requisite Coursework: The program includes essential foundational courses that allow students to progress toward more specialized healthcare programs at MWCC. These include programs such as Nursing, Paramedic Technology, and Dental Hygiene.

Upon successful completion of the program, students will be equipped with the knowledge and skills to pursue a wide range of career opportunities in the health sciences.

Allied Health Concentration (IDSH) (formerly General Studies Allied Health)

A Degree in Interdisciplinary Studies

This concentration is for those who anticipate applying to a healthcare program, allowing them to complete general education requirements prior to program acceptance. Most of the MWCC healthcare programs have selective admissions requirements.  (See Selective Admission Requirements). Acceptance into this Interdisciplinary Studies concentration does not guarantee admission into a selective healthcare program, but does offer an opportunity to explore career options.

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Students contemplating applications to the MWCC Practical Nursing (PN) program should select BIO 152 Essentials of Anatomy and Physiology.  All other students should select BIO 109 Concepts in Biology or BIO 113 Life Science for Allied Health . Students must receive a "C+" or higher in BIO 109, BIO 113 or BIO 152.  

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General Electives: See General Electives exceptions. Students intending to continue to a baccalaureate degree should use general electives to fulfill the Mass Transfer Block. Please click here for Mass Transfer Information.

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Students should select the math course that corresponds with intended major.

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Humanities Electives: HUM 212 Medical Ethics suggested however students preparing for transfer may want to check requirements at the transfer institution; some prefer SPC 113 Speech. See Elective Courses by Abbreviation. 

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CAPSTONE COURSE

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An advanced general elective is any 200-level course. 

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All math and science coursework must be completed within the previous 10 years. Courses greater than 10 years in age will not be applicable to the program of study. 

Career Electives

See Allied Health program student learning outcomes and technical standards.  

Student Success Tips

Interdisciplinary Studies is a good alternative if you have not decided on a career or transfer program. However, once you have decided, it is suggested that you change your program of study as soon as possible.  

Please note that many of the career electives have earlier registration dates that apply to those specific courses. Students who are interested in taking career electives to look to register early and check for deadlines on the semester course listing. 

Students are expected to have proficient computer skills and the ability to access the internet via desktop/laptop computer or tablet. Internet access may be from home or through a public site, such as a local public library, public college or at any Mount Wachusett Community College campus.

Transfer Options

For transfer options, please click here. It is recommended that you also consult with your academic advisor.

Career Options/Earning Potential

For career options, please click here.

Special Requirements

Students should become familiar with the admission requirements and application deadline of their intended selective program. Technical standards must be met with or without accommodations.

As part of the coursework in the allied health program, students may be required to complete practical hours in clinical facilities working with patients/clients under the supervision of licensed providers.  Some clinical sites require the student obtain certain background checks (state/federal criminal or sexual offender), fingerprinting and/or drug testing before participating in clinical experiences.  Costs for certain criminal background checks and drug testing are the responsibility of the student. All screenings and background checks are completed AFTER registration into the course .

The prospective student is encouraged to discuss any concerns with the dean. A positive background check, positive drug screen or refusal to comply in these background checks or drug testing will result in the inability to participate in clinical experiences required in the program. 

Please note:  Marijuana, though legal in Massachusetts, is recognized as a controlled substance by the federal government.  Marijuana use whether for medicinal or recreational purposes will lead to a positive drug test; making the student ineligible to attend a practicum site. 

Allied Health Certificate (AHC)

This program is an excellent option for individuals seeking entry-level employment in the healthcare field.

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Students contemplating applications to the MWCC Practical Nursing (PN) program should select BIO 152 Essentials of Anatomy and Physiology.  All other students should select BIO 109 Concepts in Biology or BIO 113 Life Science for Allied Health .

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CNA to LPN cohort students are not required to take HEA 106 to be considered for guaranteed admission into the LPN program.

See the allied health general information for technical standards.

Career Electives

See Allied Health program student learning outcomes and technical standards.

Student Success Tips

This is a great opportunity for students to gain entry-level employment in the healthcare field prior to matriculating into a selective program.  Technology is integrated into all aspects of attending college in the 21st century. Students are expected to have proficient computer skills and the ability to access the internet via desktop/laptop computer or tablet. Internet access may be from home or through a public site such as a local public library, public college or at any Mount Wachusett Community College campus.

Special Requirements

Technical standards must be met with or without accommodations.

Students who are in the CNA-LPN Walkway must achieve at least an 83% (B) in all applicable coursework to remain eligible for guaranteed admission into the LPN program.

As part of the coursework in the allied health program, students may be required to complete practical hours in clinical facilities working with patients/clients under the supervision of licensed providers.  Some clinical sites require the student obtain certain background checks (state/federal criminal or sexual offender), fingerprinting and/or drug testing before participating in clinical experiences.  Costs for certain criminal background checks and drug testing are the responsibility of the student. All screenings and background checks are completed AFTER registration into the course .

The prospective student is encouraged to discuss any concerns with the dean. A positive background check, positive drug screen or refusal to comply in these background checks or drug testing will result in the inability to participate in clinical experiences required in the program.

Please note: Marijuana, though legal in Massachusetts, is recognized as a controlled substance by the federal government.  Marijuana use whether for medicinal or recreational purposes will lead to a positive drug test; making the student ineligible to attend a practicum site. 

Transfer Options

This program is intended for immediate career entry. Courses completed as part of this certificate program can be applied to the Interdisciplinary Studies -- Allied Health Concentration degree.

Career Options/Earning Potential

For career options, please click here.

Emergency Medical Technician Training (XEMT) (non-degree program)

People’s lives often depend on the quick reaction and competent care of emergency medical technicians (EMTs). EMTs  provide vital attention, caring for and transporting the sick or injured to medical facilities. In an emergency, EMTs typically are dispatched to the scene, where they determine the nature and extent of the patient’s condition. Following strict rules and guidelines, they give appropriate emergency care and, when necessary, transport the patient.

Technical Standards EMT

EMT students enrolling in EMT courses (HCC 111 Emergency Medical Technician I (Evening Only) and HCC 112 Emergency Medical Technician II (Evening Only) )  must be able to demonstrate the ability to:

• Comprehend textbook material at the 11th grade level.
• Communicate and assimilate information either in spoken, printed, signed or computer voice format. 
• Gather and draw conclusions from data acquired from patient treatment.
• Stoop, bend, and twist for a minimum of 30 minutes at a time and be able to repeat this activity at frequent intervals.
• Lift heavy loads (patients or equipment) that may exceed 100 pounds.
• Determine by touch:   hotness/coldness, wetness/dryness, hardness/softness.
• Manipulate gauges and valves associated with, for example, oxygen delivery.
• Read measurement units with or without corrective lenses.
• Manipulate small devices such as syringes, IVs, resuscitation equipment, etc.
• Identify behaviors that would endanger a person's life or safety and intervene quickly in a crisis situation with an appropriate solution.

• Remain calm, rational, decisive, and in control at all times, especially during emergency situations.

• Exhibit social skills appropriate to professional interactions.

• Maintain cleanliness and personal grooming consistent with close personal contact.

• Function without causing harm to self or others if under the influence of prescription or over-the-counter medications.

Program Length

Typically, these courses can be completed in one semester. HCC 111 Emergency Medical Technician I (Evening Only) meets the first seven weeks of a semester and HCC 112 Emergency Medical Technician II (Evening Only) meets the second seven weeks.

Certification

Upon completion of HCC 111 Emergency Medical Technician I (Evening Only) and HCC 112 Emergency Medical Technician II (Evening Only) with a final grade of 73 percent or better, students are eligible to take the state certification exam. (The practical exam costs $150; and the written exam costs $98, and a $200 host site fee.)  Candidates must be at least 18 years of age for either exam.  Candidates must complete the state examinations within two years of completing HCC 111 Emergency Medical Technician I (Evening Only) and HCC 112 Emergency Medical Technician II (Evening Only).

Transfer Options

Students can use these credits as career electives in MWCC’s Allied Health programs (AHC and IDSH). Consult with your academic advisor for further information.

Career Options/Earning Potential

For career options, please click here.

Program Student Learning Outcomes for AHC, IDSH, and XEMT

Program Student Learning Outcomes are those outcomes outlined in the Institutional Effectiveness and Learning Outcomes Assessment section.

Technical Standards¹ for IDSH and AHC

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For general information about technical standards and accommodation, see Technical Standards.