Pathways: VESL Health Care

The purpose of this 14-week training is to introduce non-native English speakers to employment opportunities in the health care industry. Participants must have a minimum of basic speaking, reading and writing skills sufficient for communicating in a health care environment. The course will focus on a cluster of entry-level jobs and introduce students to the skills, communication, safety issues and career paths related to each job. The following jobs will be explored: sterile processing, lab assisting, medical records clerk, physical therapy aide, and other assorted entry-level jobs. Students ultimately will select a potential job path based on skill level, language level and interest.

The class will also cover customer service, medical terminology, hospital culture, basic computer instruction and job readiness issues. Field trips to local health care facilities will be included. All students will participate in internships at local medical providers in order to get hands-on health care experience. Additionally, there will be an intensive job development component to assist participants with their individual employment needs. There is no employment obligation on the part of the health care facilities or the program but students will be encouraged to apply for any open positions upon completion of the training

Following classroom training and the internship, students who are not yet employed continue to meet in small groups for assistance in job search. Based on past graduates of the training, average starting wages are from $9 to $12 per hour.

Conveniently located:
PCC / MHCC
Classes start soon:
View our upcoming training schedules.
Learn more:
Download a printable flyer. OR Download the Course Syllabus

Features

  • ESL Vocational Health Care is listed on the State of Oregon Eligible Training Provider list.
  • This non-credit course is approved as a State of Oregon Occupational Preparatory course.
  • The training includes classroom instruction, internships, job search and placement services.

Cost of Training: Health Care Cost Sheet FY 07-08

Totals for Tuition and Books: 
PCC-DWP and One Stop participants in Multnomah and Washington Counties  $ 2,363
Non-PCC affiliated and 3rd party students  $ 2,368

Classroom: 15 hours per week

  • Keyboarding and 10-key skills
  • MS Word Excel and Internet
  • Hospital and clinic culture
  • Medical terminology
  • Customer service
  • Workplace communication
  • Safety procedures
  • Career Planning:
    • Job applications
    • Resumes
    • Cover letters
    • Interview practice
    • Videotaped mock interviews

Internship: 8-12 hours per week

  • Unpaid work experience
  • Various work environments:
    • Sterile processing
    • Medical records clerk
    • Admissions clerk
    • Patient services
    • Hospital Material Services

Job Search: 6 hours per week

  • Job search strategies and techniques
  • Individualized one-on-one assistance in job search
  • Customized cover letters and resumes for each position

What should I do next to get into the training?

  • For program information, contact Sara Nelson , Education Coordinator, 503-788-6284