Health Assisting
Program Overview:
The Health Assisting pathway is a Department of Public Health approved program that gives
students an opportunity to explore the world of employment in the field of health care. In
addition, the program provides the training for students to take the Massachusetts State Certified
Nursing Assistant (CNA) exam, allowing them to work and gain experience in healthcare. It is a
great stepping stone for those interested in Nursing, Physical and Occupational Therapy,
Radiology and much more. Both the Junior and Senior year of Health Assisting is taken as an
Honor Level class that is a challenging but rewarding experience for the students. Additional
certifications acquired through this program are Home Health Aide, American Red Cross First
Aid and Basic Life Support, and OSHA.
Instructors:
Bethany Gosson
Contact Instructor: bgosson@fallriverschools.org
Elisabeth Peixoto
Contact Instructor: epeixoto@fallriverschools.org
Laura Cabucio Bard
Contact Instructor: lcabucio@fallriverschools.org
Lea Watts
Contact Instructor: lwatts@fallriverschools.org
Career Options:Use the Career Tree Graphic below to see all of the exciting career pathways students have access to when they complete the Health Assistant Program.
Program Sequence:
Health Assisting: Discovery
This course will give students an introduction to the fundamentals of Health Assisting. They will
be given the opportunity to begin the hands-on skills that they will use out in the healthcare field.
This course will give students an introduction to the fundamentals of Health Assisting. They will
be given the opportunity to begin the hands-on skills that they will use out in the healthcare field.
Health Assisting II: 10th Grade
The Health Assisting II program is an introductory course that begins in tenth grade for one
period and is a year in length. This program is a standard based approved program designed to
give students an opportunity to explore career pathways in the area of health care. During this
course students will also begin the preparatory work to attain a Nursing Assistant Certification.
Students who maintain an average of seventy or above are eligible to return for the Health
Assisting III program.
The Health Assisting II program is an introductory course that begins in tenth grade for one
period and is a year in length. This program is a standard based approved program designed to
give students an opportunity to explore career pathways in the area of health care. During this
course students will also begin the preparatory work to attain a Nursing Assistant Certification.
Students who maintain an average of seventy or above are eligible to return for the Health
Assisting III program.
Health Assisting III: 11th Grade (Honors)
Health Assisting III is an honors level course that utilizes two periods per day for a full year.
Students need to master information regarding human anatomy, disease processes, the human
aging process, and acquire the nursing care skills needed to become eligible to participate in the
clinical area at a long-term care facility senior year. Students will also learn to adapt their
acquired nursing skills in the home health environment. Students who maintain an average of
seventy or above are eligible to return for the Health Assisting IV program.
Health Assisting III is an honors level course that utilizes two periods per day for a full year.
Students need to master information regarding human anatomy, disease processes, the human
aging process, and acquire the nursing care skills needed to become eligible to participate in the
clinical area at a long-term care facility senior year. Students will also learn to adapt their
acquired nursing skills in the home health environment. Students who maintain an average of
seventy or above are eligible to return for the Health Assisting IV program.
Health Assisting IV: 12th Grade (Honors)
Health Assisting IV is an honors level course that is three periods per day and is a year in length.
Students must maintain a seventy average throughout the course. After becoming First Aid and
BLS Certified, students apply their knowledge and skills in the long-term and acute care settings
with elderly residents and acutely ill patients. Students will acquire clinical skills and explore
health related fields in the ancillary departments. Students are responsible for purchasing
uniforms, have a yearly physical exam, Tuberculin test, proof of health insurance, and
transportation to the clinical site for their clinical experience. Transportation from the clinical
site to B.M.C. Durfee High School will be provided. Note: Students will be required to have a uniform as determined by the instructor. Students may also be required to follow any Department
of Public Health mandates as it applies to vaccinations.
Health Assisting CO-OP:
Once students complete their coursework and their state certification testing, they become
eligible for co-op opportunities that allow them to gain real-world experience in healthcare
settings. These placements typically occur in local hospitals, long-term care facilities, clinics, or
rehabilitation centers, where students apply their classroom knowledge and develop hands-on
skills under the supervision of licensed professionals. Co-op experiences not only strengthen
clinical competence but also help students build confidence, explore career interests, and make
valuable connections in the healthcare field.
Industry Links:For more information on the career outlook for the Nursing industry visit: