Health Careers at Porterville College include: vocational nursing, psychiatric technology, emergency medical technology, and human services.
The licensed vocational nursing program is designed to prepare students to work in hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, doctor’s offices, clinics, public health agencies, industrial establishments, and on private duty.
Psychiatric technicians can provide care for the mentally or developmentally disabled. There are also jobs available in convalescent hospitals, correctional facilities and in emergency rooms.
Certification as an emergency medical technician in primarily for ambulance personnel and those involved in fire, forestry and law enforcement duties. Students learn emergency care from the very basics to advance.
The human services program will give students classroom and field counseling experience with contemporary social problems: unemployment, poverty and welfare, mental health, disability and death, child abuse, battered women, rape, alcohol and drug abuse.
Students who complete programs in any of these health careers programs at Porterville College are among those who score quite high on state licensing exams. There are facilities in this area and throughout the state that have a constant need for people trained in these fields.
Porterville College has a financial aid office to benefit all students. If you need funds to attend school some advice, visit the financial aid office. The college staff are qualified to help you.
The teachers in the health careers fields all have practical knowledge and skills to share with students. Classes are small and there are often waiting lists to get into the individual programs.
Persons 18 years of age or older may be admitted to Porterville College whether or not they possess a high school diploma. Those not yet 18 must possess a high school diploma or its equivalent. High school juniors and seniors may attend with the permission of the principal. Transfer students are also welcome. All necessary forms for admission are available at the Admissions and Records Office at 100 East College Avenue, Porterville, California, 93257.
The goal of the advising program at Porterville College is to assist individuals in identifying and developing their academic strengths and to help them establish both immediate and long-range goals. Students meet with an advisor prior to registration to discuss career options and to plan a program. All new students are required to take math and English placement tests to assist the advisors and students to accurately select appropriate courses. Appointments can be made by calling 559/791-2200 or in person at the Student Services Office. “Drop-in” counseling is available except during busy periods.
To enhance the quality of instruction programs and to better assist students in achieving their academic goals, the following student services are provided: Bookstore, Career Planning and Placement, Advising, Disabled Services, EOPS, Financial Aid, Health Services, Re-entry Center, Campus Activities, Child Care, Job Placement, Learning Skills Center, and Tutoring.
The Financial Aid Office at Porterville College administers financial assistance programs in accordance with state and federal regulations to all qualified students. Since securing aid is a lengthy process, applicants are advised to file as early as possible.
Porterville College is fully accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges and is recognized by licensing authorities of the State of California, the U.S. Office of Immigration and Naturalization, and the Veteran’s Administration.
The Kern Community College District does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, creed, color, nationality, sex, age or handicap in admission or access to, treatment of, or employment in, its programs and activities.