Are you looking at a career in the medical field? Attleboro High School is starting a new medical program for students in September.

This program will give students who are interested in the medical field a chance to learn and see what it's really about.

Freshmen will be able to explore the program during their first semester of Technical Exploratory, then take it the following year.

"Students are going to see the broad range of opportunities that are available to them in the health care industry," said director of Career and Technical Education Terry Gayton. "The community realized that there is a growing need for people in the medical field and we need more people to take care of us all."

The class will develop students' skills and will help them have better career experiences. "First of all (the program) is going to help them make decisions as to what their career options will be. This will make them aware of what educational requirements they will need," said Gayton.

The purpose of the program is to train students to have a better understanding of what they need to become a nurse, doctor or another position in the medical field.

"The program is three years of high school, but students will receive credentials in first-aid and CPR. They will also have skills that will get them jobs in health care facilities," said Gayton.

The program will prepare students to learn about lab work, bedside patient care, and the different areas of health care.

All of the programs will offer students the Certificate of Occupation Proficiency, which is recognized by the State Department of Education and the Professional Medical Assisting Community.

"The certificate means the student has attained the competencies outlined in the program's curriculum framework. It means they completed the career plan and passed two state tests during their three years; one a writing test and the other a practical of performance. They also attain a safety credential from Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)," said Gayton.

"At the end of the three-year program, students have to complete a portfolio and submit a resume of their school or any employment experiences," explained Gayton.

"(The program) will get them ready for an entry-level medical career," said Medical Assisting Instructor Joyce Campellone.

Campellone earned her associate degree as a medical assistant at Community College of Rhode Island then went to Rhode Island College in Providence for her bachelor's degree in Career Technical Education.

"Students who graduate from AHS could have an edge in getting a job (in the medical field)," said Campellone. For more information about this program, contact Gayton at tgayton@attleboroschools.com or call 508-222-5150 ext. 301. Joyce Campellone can be reached at jcampellone@attleboroschools.com or call 508-222-5150 ext. 236.