Allied Health

The Allied Health Program at Mount Wachusett Community College provides students with the opportunity to earn a Certificate in Allied Health or Associate Degree in Interdisciplinary Studies with an Allied Health Concentration.   Upon completion of one of these programs, students will be contributing, productive and successful participants in the health sciences arena.  During the course of study, students are able to attain skills leading to entry level employment while completing pre- and co-requisite coursework for MWCC selective health science programs such as nursing, physical therapist assistant and dental hygiene.  The entry level skills include Emergency Medical Technician Training (XEMT),  CNA Training and various career electives embedded within the Allied Health Concentration.   In collaboration with Quinsigamond Community College, students can complete their general education coursework then apply to the Radiologic Technologist or the Respiratory Care Programs through an articulation agreement.  

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 (formerly BIO 099). 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 (formerly THE113). 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.

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 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 (formerly BIO 099).

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.

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.

Radiologic Technologist and Respiratory Care Articulation Agreement

These programs are offered through an articulation agreement with Quinsigamond Community College.

Students may complete general education courses at MWCC through enrollment in the Interdisciplinary Studies -- Allied Health Degree or the Allied Health Certificate and apply for acceptance into the Radiologic Technologist or the Respiratory Care program at Quinsigamond Community College (QCC). All radiologic technologist or respiratory care courses must be taken at QCC and students must meet the selective admission requirements of the QCC program.  Please refer to the articulation website. 

Radiologic Technologist

An essential member of the health care team, the radiologic technologist provides diagnostic services to patients in hospitals, clinics, private imaging centers, and medical offices. Graduates of this program are eligible to apply for the national certification through examination by the American Registry of Radiologic Technologists (ARRT) and licensing through the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, Radiation Control program. Credentialing by the ARRT certifies the graduate as a Registered Technologist in Radiography — R.T. (R). Licensing by the Massachusetts DPH is required to be employed as a radiographer. QCC’s radiologic technologist program is fully accredited by the Joint Review Committee on Education in Radiologic Technology (JRC/ERT), 20 N. Wacker Drive, Suite 900, Chicago, IL 60606, telephone 312-704-5300, email mail@jrcert.org. For more information about Quinsigamond Community College courses, prerequisites, and the college itself, visit QCC's website. For specific information about the Rad Tech program, please click here.

Special Requirements:

In addition to the coursework at MWCC, students must satisfy additional QCC admissions requirements as follows:

• Must have a high school diploma or GED.
• Attendance at a MWCC Respiratory & Radiologic Technical Information Session.
• Must take the college placement test to determine math and English levels if no college level courses were previously completed.
• TEAS V required. Please visit the Office of Advising, Career and Transfer for score specifics.
• Math: minimum grade of C or better in MWCC MAT 143 Statistics or MAT 126 Topics In Mathematics.
• Biology: minimum grade of C+ in any college level Biology course (BIO 109 Concepts in Biology recommended) within the last five years.  Required grade must be earned within two attempts of taking and completing the course.
  • Minimum grade of C in BIO 203 Anatomy and Physiology I (formerly BIO 199) and BIO 204 Anatomy and Physiology II at MWCC.
• English: minimum grade of B in ENG 098 Fundamentals of Writing or place into ENG 101 College Writing I.
• At least one Biology course with a C+ or higher must be taken within the last five years.
• Review of program website and complete all discovery activities and health requirements.

Respiratory Care 

Respiratory Therapy is a specialized health care field where practitioners are trained in cardiopulmonary medicine to work therapeutically with people suffering from cardiopulmonary disease.  Respiratory Therapist provide not only direct patient care but also are involved with patient assessment, diagnostics, consultants, patient, and family education. Respiratory therapists may choose to be employed in a variety of settings, including acute and chronic care hospitals; long-term care and rehabilitation centers; sleep disorders laboratories; pulmonary diagnostic clinics; medical home care agencies; and medical equipment sales/service companies.

The Respiratory Care associate degree program prepares students for a career as advanced level respiratory care practitioners.  Graduates of this program are eligible to attempt the credentialing examinations offered by the National Board for Respiratory Care (NBRC). Upon successful completion of this process, graduates receive the Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) credential and licensing through the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, Board of Respiratory Care.  Credentialing by the NBRC and Licensing by the Massachusetts DPH is required to be employed as a Respiratory Therapist. 

The Quinsigamond Community College Respiratory Care program (Program #20037) is fully accredited by the Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care (CoARC), which can be contacted at  Commission on Accreditation for Respiratory Care [ 264 Precision Blvd ] Telford, TN, 37690 ]  817.283.2835 www.coarc.com.

For more information about Quinsigamond Community College courses, prerequisites, and the college itself, visit QCC's website. For specific information about the Rad Tech program, please go to Respiratory Care | Quinsigamond Community College (QCC)

Special Requirements:

• High School Diploma or GED/HiSET.
  • GPA: 3.00 or equivalent in high school or 3.00 in college with minimum 10 credits; or 550 Battery Average on GED; or HiSET 45.
• Attendance at a MWCC Respiratory & Radiologic Technical Information Session.
• Must show evidence of being compliant with the immunization requirements specified by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health. Additional immunization requirements will be required for clinical experiences.
• Meet with Program Director
• Review of Program Website and www.be-an-rt.org website
• English: Placement into college level English.
• Mathematics: Placement into college level mathematics.
• Biology: minimum grade of C+ in any college level Biology course (BIO 109 Concepts in Biology recommended) within the last five years. Required grade must be earned withing two attempts of taking and completing the course.
  • Minimum grade of C in BIO 203 Anatomy and Physiology I (formerly BIO 199), BIO 204 Anatomy and Physiology II, and BIO 205 Microbiology at MWCC.
• TEAS V required. Please visit the office of Advising, Career and Transfer for score specifics.

Application Deadline

The application deadline is May 15^th. Students applying after the deadline will not be considered. This selective admissions program requires additional application components. For more information, contact Advising at 978-630-9109.

Program Student Learning Outcomes for AHC, IDSH, XEMT and XPLB

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.