Program Spotlight: Health & Public Services Pathway
Jessyca Brown
Thursday, June 16, 2022 9:26 AM
Academics
Hillsboro, TX
The Hill College Health & Public Services Pathway features a variety of degree programs for students interested in serving their communities.
New hybrid ADN Transition program
This summer marks the start of the new hybrid program for the Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) and Paramedic Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) Transition programs. The first cohort began June 6 and will wrap up in May.
The college was recently approved to offer the program in a hybrid format to offer more flexibility for its students and is only one of few hybrid programs offered statewide. All theory course work of the hybrid programs will be conducted online, which will include discussion questions, scenarios, and case studies. The only face-to-face requirements for students include completing major exams in a Hill College testing center and 12 hours of training each week at a clinical facility. The traditional face-to-face program is still being offered as well.
“Most of our transition students work full-time and have requested this type of program for the transition,” said Lori Moseley, Hill College Dean of Health and Public Service Pathways. “With a hybrid program, students will not be required to take off as much time at work.”
New cohorts will be offered each June. For questions or additional information, call 817-760-5921 or 254-659-7920 or visit the Nursing - LVN to ADN Transition and Nursing - Paramedic to ADN Transition web pages.
Vascular Technology – Enhanced Skills Certificate
Hill College recently added the Vascular Technology – Enhanced Skills Certificate as an option in its Echocardiography program to help students meet workforce demands.
“Vascular studies is a large part of the normal work day of a cardiac sonographer,” said Hill College Echocardiography Program Director, Darla Whitehead. “If one looks at job postings, they see a large majority want vascular along with cardiac.”
Whitehead said facilities have started on-the-job training as a result, but the trainee doesn’t receive everything they need to be successful.
“Trainees must pass a registry exam, and they lack the skills to do so,” she said. “Formal classes will help them prepare for this.”
The addition of the Vascular Technology certificate to the program benefits Hill College students by providing the tools they need to have the career they desire.
There are facilities that are only cardiac and don’t require vascular training, which is why Hill College offers students the choice of echo then vascular enhanced certificate, instead of one continued course.
To enroll, students must have an associate of applied science degree and be registered in Echocardiography and/or Diagnostic Medical Sonography (RCS,or RDCS, or RDMS). Other program requirements include:
- Evidence of TSI completion
- Criminal Background Check from Verified Credentials
- CPR-American Heart Association BLS Health Care Provider
- Drug Screen
- Complete Physical Exam
- Current documentation of the following immunizations: 2 MMRs, 2 Varicella (chicken pox), Tdap, seasonal influenza, Tetanus within the last 10 years, Hep B series, and Covid-19
- 2 Professional References
- Vascular Technology Essay Questionnaire
The next cohort will begin in summer 2023. For more information, contact Whitehead at (817) 760-5933.
Fall Cohorts
The Health & Public Services Pathway also has program cohorts beginning in the fall. Hill College’s fall classes for 16- and 1st-8-week sessions begin Aug. 22, and 2nd-8-week sessions begin Oct. 17.
Hill College offers various nursing programs through its Health & Public Services pathway. The listed programs have a fall entry date, and the deadline to apply and submit required documents is July 1. The Associate Degree Nursing Program is a 2 year 60 hour Associate of Applied Science degree to become a Registered Nurse, and is offered this fall at the Hill County Campus. The Vocational Nursing Program is a one-year, 47/48 credit hour curriculum leading to a Certificate of Completion, which is accredited by the Board of Nursing (BON) for the State of Texas and is designed to provide the student with the skill and knowledge required to pass the NCLEX-PN (National Council Licensure Examination - Vocational Nursing). This program is offered this fall at the Johnson County Campus. For more information, visit the Health Sciences Nursing web page.
Hill College’s Emergency Medical Services EMS Professions prepare students to care for people in the pre-hospital setting as an Emergency Medical Technician-Basic or an Emergency Medical Technician-Paramedic. Students may work in an emergency department or a fire department, but most importantly, the certification aims to provide care in the pre-hospital field. Students can choose from a certificate of completion and an associate of applied science degree. For more information, call 817-760-5934.
The Criminal Justice program includes both completion of certification and associate degree options in criminal justice and law enforcement offered at both the Hill County and Johnson County Campuses and online. Additionally, students may choose from an associate of arts or an associate of applied science degree. A certificate of completion and associate of applied science degree are also available in Drug and Alcohol Abuse Counseling. For more information, call 817-760-5980.
Hill College’s nationally ranked Fire Protection Technology program offers two certificates of completion and an associate of applied science degree. Hill College’s Fire Academy is an affordable, high-quality program that ensures recruits complete the program and have a successful career in the fire department. For more information, call 254-659-7981.
The Cosmetology program offers the following degree and certification options: cosmetology, nail technology, cosmetology instructor, facial specialist/esthetician, and cosmetology operator. The program is the only one of its kind in the area and is offered at both the Hill County and Johnson County Campuses. For more information, call 254-659-7650.