Mountwest · Building and Occupational Trades AAS construction management and contracting $53,430 – $92,350 Business Administration AAS business management, sales, project planning

ITC Kabel

Winter 2011| Issue 7

Mountwest: Success in Times of Change

Medical Assistants

Where Quality Meets Compassion

Paramedics:Fools Rush in Where Angels Fear to Tread

Health Information Technology

Mountwest offers over 50 programs that lead to an associate

degree. For full-time students, associate degrees usually can

be earned in four semesters, excluding any developmental

or prerequisite requirements. Certificate programs are also

available, and designed to provide competence in a focused area

and require significantly fewer credit hours to complete.

Flexible Scheduling

caring Faculty

ScholarShipS available

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1 (866) N-Rolled | 1 (866) 676-5533

www.mctc.eduA State Community and Technical College of West VirginiaAn Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer

allied healthbuSineSS technology

culinary artS and hoSpitalityinForMation technology

liberal artSoccupational developMent

technical StudieSWorkForce developMent

1.866.676.5533 | www.mctc.edu CareerFocus | Winter 2011 | 1

Features 4 Mountwest: Success in Times of Change

6 Health Information Technology

7 Paramedics: Fools Rush in Where Angels Fear to Tread

8 Medical Assistants Where Quality Meets Compassion

13 Physical Therapist Assistants

In Every Issue 2 President’s Page

9 Mountwest A-Z Guide Find the right degree or certificate program for you

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On the cover: Haylee Elisabeth Adkins and Bebe Meadows, Mountwest Students

Questions about Mountwest Community & Technical College programs and services described in this publication should be directed to Office of Student Services at 304.696.6282. Comments or questions about the publication itself can be directed to Mountwest Marketing Director, Shirley Dyer, at 304.696.3783.

To advertise in Career Focus, call 304.696.3783.

Publisher . . . . . . . Dr. Keith J. Cotroneo, President, MountwestEditor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Shirley DyerContributing Writers . . . . . . . . . . . . Bulldog Creative Services, . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Mountwest, RTIGraphic Design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Bulldog Creative Services

Visit Mountwest on the web at www.mctc.edu

Mountwest Institutional Board of GovernorsBob Bailey

Mark BugherRuth L. Cline

Rachael FrickeMark George

Jim HaleMike HerronJason Moses

Jeff PorterSue Richardson

Christopher StevensLinda Vinson

CareerFocus is published two times per year by Mountwest. P.O. Box 5500, Huntington, WV 25703.

All rights reserved. No part of the material printed may be reproduced or used in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording or by any information storage retrieval system without the permission of the publisher.

A State Community and Technical College of West Virginia.An Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.

© 2011 Mountwest

On the cover:

Haylee Elisabeth Adkins Division of Allied Health and Life Sciences | Medical AssistantHaylee Adkins is a 2009 graduate of Spring Valley High School. She attended Marshall University where she majored in Elementary Education but was not satisfied with her major so she transferred to Mountwest in 2010 and started in the Medical Assistant program. After completing three semesters she is excited to start her career in the medical field. Haylee hopes to graduate in 2012 and work as a Medical Assistant in the Huntington area.

Bebe Meadows Division of Allied Health | Health Information Technology (HIT)Bebe Meadows recently retired from her job as a pediatric nurse for the past 23 years at Cabell Huntington Hospital. She received her associate degree in Nursing from Marshall University. Bebe finds being back in school exciting and hopes to start her new career as an inpatient coder following graduation in the summer of 2012. She has two children who attended Mountwest and obtained degree’s in health information and both now work as medical coders. Their enthusiasm with the program and the profession made her want to come to Mountwest for the RHIT program.

ITC Kabel

Winter 2011| Issue 7

Mountwest: Success in Times of Change

Medical Assistants

Where Quality Meets Compassion


Health Information Technology

2 | CareerFocus | Winter 2011

At Mountwest, we are always striving to provide the postsecondary education and training that is in highest demand within the region. This is most certainly true of the health science field. In this issue of Career Focus, we feature the many occupational opportunities that exist in the dynamic field of allied health services.

The tremendous demand for qualified technicians and service providers in allied health is driven by national demographics. The seventy-six million “baby boomers” that were born after World War II are now becoming senior adults. As they age, the need for health services expands. Consequently, hospitals and health services agencies will be seeking well trained employees for decades to come.

As they do, these employers consistently look to Mountwest to fulfill their workforce needs. Our ability to provide educated, talented and professional graduates in high demand fields is a consistent goal here at Mountwest. When a student receives training, a certificate or an associate’s degree from our institution, employers know that they are hiring an individual that is prepared to make an immediate impact.

Consequently, the employment opportunities for Mountwest health science graduates are very strong. Earnings and advancement are equally positive. I personally encourage you to review all the information that this issue of Career Focus has to offer and then look to Mountwest to either grow in your current career or begin anew in the field of Allied Health.

Starting in the Fall of 2012, you will have the opportunity to learn at our new campus location. On Wednesday, October 5th we held a ceremonial “wall breaking” at our new campus located atop 5th Street Hill in Huntington, West Virginia. Numerous dignitaries, community leaders, students and staff members joined me for this momentous occasion. The new campus will provide our students and faculty a state-of-the-art learning environment in a setting second to none within the region.

At Mountwest, we look forward to providing you, our potential student, what you need to advance in your career. Through our ever-expanding and innovative career offerings and personal guidance we work to help you make career choices that will put you on your right track.

I personally appreciate your interest in Mountwest Community & Technical College and look forward to providing you with a quality, career-focused education.

Dr. Keith J. CotroneoPresident, Mountwest Community & Technical College

“Our ability to provide the nation’s workforce with educated, talented and professional graduates, in the fields that are in demand, is a consistent goal here at Mountwest.”

President’s Page

“I signed up for and so glad I did - it helped me feel secure about

the process of getting started.”


Erik WeingardtMountwest Student | Massage Therapy Program

After much research and reflecting on what career would be best for me, I decided that Mountwest Community Technical College had everything I desired to kick start me into my third, and hopefully final, career.

After obtaining my Private Pilots License and achieving my Bachelor’s Degree in Aviation Management and Systems Management from Metropolitan State College Denver, I proceeded into the Navy as a Naval Flight Officer. While flying all around the world as a Navigator, I obtained a Master’s Degree in Management from Troy State University. I recently completed 20 years in the Navy. Aware that being a Navigator is not a long term career, I changed careers into the Information Technology (IT) field and became an IT Manager in The Department of Defense, followed by Homeland Security. Three years ago, I understood that technical success within the Federal Government was not it was all made out to be, I ended up marrying a wonderful woman from Huntington West Virginia.

We moved to Huntington three years ago and have been managing the three family businesses, Christmas tree farm, greenhouses, and cemetery, while I determine what I want to do in the future. After years of getting massages while traveling, I deciding that massage therapy is a thriving career with positive clients, a low stress environment, and a career that will allow me to help others relax, feel less pain, and possible even heal their issues. I conducted a full year’s worth of research into what massage programs offer the best education, offer classes that would allow me to work while in class, and provide the most qualified professors. I have, without a doubt, determined that the Massage Therapy Program at Mountwest has all those things to offer and more.

The Massage Therapy Program, although only in its second year, is a full two year Associate’s Degree as opposed to all other programs in the region offering only certifications. It may take a little longer to complete, but I would guarantee that the education I am getting right now with the qualified professors guiding us through the program will set me above any other massage graduate. Other programs are good and will also teach student the basics, but the Massage Therapy program at Mountwest goes in depth. It teaches not only the basics, but why and how the body works. They don’t only prepare you to take the certification exam, but they teach you how to help people heal themselves and reduce pain for issues normally only found in a doctor’s office.

I look forward to class every day and can’t wait to graduate and put my knowledge and skills to the test. I intend to offer my service in house, delivered to your home, and hopefully being mentored under a highly skilled doctor to enhance my skills even further.

The massage program at Mountwest Community Technical College has my 100% recommendation as the best massage program in the region if not the nation. I would be happy to talk to anyone about Mountwest and the Massage Therapy Program anytime.

studentSpotlightsKaren ParrettMountwest Student | Physical Therapist Assistance (PTA) Program

I am an adult who was looking at going to college a bit late, twenty years to be exact. I had a substitute teacher in high school that reminded all of us that going back to school at forty is not too late. I kept this in the

back of my mind for years. I had always talked about going back to school. My husband heard about the E-ZStart program at Mountwest and picked up some literature for me to look at. This was what I needed. I was apprehensive about all the paperwork and process to getting enrolled along with financial aid. I signed up for the E-ZStart class and am so glad I did. The class helped me to feel secure about the process. One of the important things said, that I carry with me, is that a support system needs to be in place to help you achieve your success in school. I had my support in place, my husband, kids, friends, and even my employers, what I didn’t expect was the support I would receive from my professors.

I am currently applying to the Physical Therapist Assistance (PTA) program here at Mountwest. It is a rigorous program to get into. There are only so many seats in the program and it can be intimidating to know how many applicants are applying. I am having faith that whatever happens, happens for a reason. I am currently taking twelve hours of classes along with working two jobs, approximately 45-50 hours per week. Along with this big load I have managed to keep a high GPA. Some people tell me I am a super mom. I can surely say I don’t feel like a super mom. I am a very dedicated student with plenty of support to back me up. I never thought it would have been possible to achieve all that I have achieved. I have surprised myself. You truly can do anything, if what is needed is in place. I couldn’t have been better prepared for this journey without the E-ZStart class and the helpful teachers along the way. I am so glad that I chose Mountwest as my school.

“...a support system needs to be in place to help you achieve your success in school.

I had my support in place, my husband, kids, friends, and even my employers, what

I didn’t expect was the support I would receive from my professors.”

Mountwest: SucceSS in a time of change


Over one hundred years ago when community colleges first entered onto the scene of the American education system, the American economy was changing. Increased globalization and domestic industrialization led key leaders to realize that a more highly-skilled workforce was critical to a successful and competitive United States. The emergence of community colleges was seen as a way to meet these needs while offering high school graduates an opportunity to further their education close to home. Community-grown colleges offered quality-driven programs at an affordable price. As businesses and industries in communities grew and required trained employees, academic programs at the community colleges were developed to support new industries. As a bonus, graduates stayed close to home building community infrastructure through economic growth and civic pride.

Fast forward 100 plus years; how much different are we now in Huntington, WV in the 21st century? The community college concept has been adopted in other countries as the means to rapidly develop a trained workforce. In our globalized world, the advancements in technology have created a critical shortage of highly-skilled workers in fields only dreamed of in the America of the 1900s. Careers in biotechnology, biomedical technology, intermodal transportation technologies, and 3-D modeling for manufacturing are far from what could have been envisioned. However, the structure of community colleges, such as Mountwest Community and Technical College, are designed for flexibility. We are ready for the challenge of creating programs to meet these new industry demands.

In fact, it is this responsiveness that makes us stand out among other higher education institutions. Community colleges have less administration, greater faculty to student ratio, and lower tuition and fees than typical 4-year institutions. Administrative and academic policies are designed to quickly develop and implement new degree programs, academic courses, and customized business classes. This combination enables us to turn quickly in the face of changing economic winds.

However, the development of current workforce training programs doesn’t happen in a vacuum. Partnerships with local business, chambers of commerce and civic leaders are vital to our ability to anticipate and respond to the changing needs of the community. Through these relationships, we have our “ears to the ground” listening for the next opportunity. And as before, it will be through these partnerships that the dedicated faculty at our college will know which classes and programs are required in order to prepare the next generation of graduates for the changing economic landscape.

Leaders in change theory are quick to point out that in order for change to be successful in any system, it must be evolutionary and not revolutionary. The progress seen in community colleges, specifically West Virginia’s, demonstrates an evolution in the American education system. As we continue to see progress in science, medicine and social programs, we will continue to need affordable, accessible educational programs focused on training skilled workers in these

By Jean ChappellDean Allied Health and Life Sciences

Mountwest: SucceSS in a time of change


areas. This is not a revolutionary idea. This is what the community college system has been doing for over 100 years across our nation.

What is seen in these states, where strong community colleges reside, is that economic prosperity is not far behind. This is also not a revolutionary idea. Accessible and affordable education means all members of the community have the opportunity to advance in knowledge and skills in order to work in industries in their neighborhoods. These are people whose first choice would be to stay in their communities with their families. Keeping people close to home means increased support for local businesses and local civic community building. This combination creates a strong community and a strong workforce.

At Mountwest Community and Technical College, we take pride in our ability to work closely with our community partners. Developing and implementing quality, value-added programs that have the potential to enhance the economic prosperity of the Tri-state area is central to our mission. As we continue to see progress in our nation and in our community, it will be more important than ever to build on these relationships and continue to listen to the voice of our neighbors, if we are to remain competitive. By doing so we continue to work together to create new educational opportunities for all members of our community and be prepared for the progress to come.

If you would like more information on Mountwest Community and Technical College and the many programs we offer, please feel free to contact me at [email protected] or call 304-696-4645.

“At Mountwest Community and Technical College, we take pride in our ability to work closely with our

community partners. Developing and implementing quality, value-added programs that have the potential to

enhance the economic prosperity of the Tri-state area is central to our mission.”

Health Information Technology is a great field for students who want to pursue a career in the healthcare environment but may not want direct patient contact. Students who complete the two-year associate program are eligible to take a national exam and obtain the Registered Health Information Technician (RHIT) credential.

In the Health Information Technology program students will learn to ensure the quality of documentation by verifying that a patient’s health information is complete, accurate and maintained in a proper format. They use computer applications to assemble and analyze data for the purpose of improving patient care and controlling costs. They may specialize in coding diagnosis and procedures for all patients which effects the reimbursement to the facility. With the ICD-9-CM coding system changing to ICD-10 CM/PCS on October 1, 2013 students and graduates will have the knowledge to assist facilities in transitioning into a new, more complex reimbursement system. It is expected that this change will create many more positions for coders and RHIT.

Although some RHIT’s work in hospitals, they are also found in healthcare settings including office-based physician practices, nursing homes, home health agencies, mental health facilities and public health agencies. In fact, RHIT’s may be employed in any organization that uses patient data or health information such as pharmaceutical companies, law and insurance vendors, and other health product vendors.

Employment is expected to grow much faster than the average. Job prospects should be very good; technicians with a strong understanding of technology and computer software will be in particularly high demand.

Employment changes: Employment of medical records and health information technicians is expected to increase by 20 percent, much faster than the average for all occupations through 2018. Employment growth will result from the increase in the number of medical tests, treatments, and procedures that will be performed. As the population continues to age, the occurrence of health related problems will increase.

In addition, with the increasing use of electronic medical records, more technicians will be needed to complete the new responsibilities associated with electronic data management. The recent American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) of 2009 addressed the need for the electronic medical record and provides reimbursement incentive to healthcare providers to accelerate the electronic medical record technology. The focus is on “meaningful use” so that the technology will provide better healthcare for all Americans.

“There has never been a better time to obtain a degree in health information” stated the program coordinator, Janet Smith. “With the changes in the coding systems for reimbursement and the electronic record, it is very exciting for the profession,” she added.

The RHIT program at Mountwest is fully accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Health Informatics and Information Management Education. For further information please contact the Division of Allied Health and Life Sciences at (304) 696-6270.

“There will never be a better time to obtain a degree in health information,

with the changes in the coding systems for reimbursement and the electronic record,

it is very exciting for the profession.” Health Information Technology


“Fools rush in where Angels fear to tread” is an often quoted line taken from Alexander Pope’s An Essay on Criticism (1711). However, when speaking of Paramedics and the dramatic rescues these healthcare professionals often provide in crisis situations, it could be said “Angels rush in where all others fear to tread”. At car accident, traumas, and other health emergencies one will see these fearless professionals calmly handling emergency situations, their training and skills guiding their decisions.

As part of a healthcare team, Paramedics work closely with firefighters and police in an emergency. Following the fateful 911 call, Paramedics assess the nature of the patient’s condition, while trying to determine whether the patient has any pre-existing medical conditions. Knowledge of protocols and guidelines are instrumental in the program curriculum for these first responders need to act quickly and correctly to provide proper care as they transport their patient to the medical facility. Beyond these general duties, the specific responsibilities of EMTs and paramedics depend on their level of qualification and training. The National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) certifies

emergency medical service providers at five levels: First Responder; EMT-Basic; EMT-Intermediate (which has two levels called 1985 and 1999) and Paramedic.

According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics (www.bsl.gov), the need for Paramedics and Emergency Medical Technicians is good through 2018. At Mountwest Community and Technical College, the Paramedic Science AAS program is part of a career ladder beginning with the EMT Skill set (1 semester), followed by the Paramedic Science Certificate Degree (1 year), and finally the Paramedic Science AAS (2 years). Graduates at each level of instruction can find gainful employment in the field and still continue to complete the rest of their education, should they chose.

The Division of Allied Health and Life Sciences at Mountwest Community and Technical College is dedicated to serving the allied health career needs of our community. If you would like more information concerning the field of Paramedic Science or other allied health careers, you may contact me in the Allied Health and Life Sciences Division at 304-696-3353, or you may email me at [email protected].


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Let us help you through the E-ZStart program!

E-ZStart is a scholarship for first-time adult students that guides you through the entire college process step-by-step, focusing on financial aid and registration tutorials. Best of all, this introductory college course is provided at no cost to you.

For more information, contact us today or check the E-ZStart box on the attached reply card.

For more information, contact us today:

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By: Jean Chappell, Dean Allied Health and Life Sciences

Mountwest Community & Technical College

Few careers leave as lasting as an impression as those in healthcare fields.

Healthcare professionals must possess excellent communication skills,

excellent clinical specialty skills, and a true concern for helping others if they are

to survive in these demanding careers. There is one Allied Health professional

that is truly a master of all three: the Medical Assistant.

Medical assistants perform both administrative and clinical duties that keep

medical offices running smoothly. Although the duties vary depending on the

specialty and size of the doctor’s office, general tasks may include greeting

patients, handling correspondences, scheduling appointments and billing/

bookkeeping. Employees with clinical responsibilities may take a patient’s

vital signs, explain treatment or procedures, prepare patients for examinations

and perform basic laboratory evaluations. Additional training in the Medical

Assistant program also prepares graduates to work in specialized areas, such

as ophthalmology, podiatry and geriatrics.

At Mountwest Community & Technical College, the Medical Assistant AAS

program is fully accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health

Programs (CAAHEP). This national certification validates the commitment

of the faculty and the institution to deliver the highest quality of educational

programming in the area of medical assisting. Upon successful completion

from the program, graduates have the opportunity to sit for national certification

through the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA). This certification

indicates that the medical assistant meets the required standards of knowledge

and performance within the field: truly a high honor.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics (2010), the number of

medical assistants needed through 2018 is projected to grow faster than

average. The population of the older Americans is increasing and the demand

will increase for individuals trained in this medical field. An additional concern,

which affects many area of the healthcare, is that just as the American patient

population is aging so is the allied health workforce. This means that many

medical assistants will retire in the upcoming years leaving vacant positions.

(www.dol.gov)

The Division of Allied Health and Life Sciences at Mountwest is dedicated to

serving the allied health career needs of our community. If you would like

more information concerning the field of Medical Assisting or other allied health

careers, you may contact Jean Chappell at (304) 696-3353, or email jean.

[email protected].

Where Quality Meets Compassion Medical Assistant:

Healthcare professionals must

possess excellent communication

skills, excellent clinical specialty

skills, and a true concern for helping

others if they are to survive in these

demanding careers.



Area of Study Degree Prepares You For SalaryAccounting AAS, Certificate entry level accounting, auditing clerk, bookkeeper $22,330 – $30,350

Administrative Assistant, Executive AAS business offices, problem solving, computer software $31,600 – $41,570

Administrative Assistant, Legal AAS legal offices, problem solving, computer software $36,990 – $66,720

Administrative Assistant, Medical AAS medical offices, problem solving, computer software $26,630 – $37,110

Agricultural Science AAS, Certificate agricultural work, inspecting, animal breeding, equipment operating

$16,530 – $38,188

Air Conditioning/Refrigeration AAS heating, air conditioning, refrigeration mechanics $34,819 – $42,702

American Sign Language, Deaf Studies AAS, Certificate interpreter training program, effective communication with deaf persons, translator

$20,550 – $64,292

Animation and Game Developer AAS design software, programming, modeling and animation, designing and developing games

$31,500 – $43,500

Automotive Technology AAS automotive service technicians $29,910 – $39,665

Aviation Technology AAS aircraft pilots and flight engineers $25,380 – $114,400

Banking and Finance AAS bank and finance terminology, computer software for financial institutions

$23,316 – $64,521

Biomedical/Instrumentation Technology AAS maintaining, troubleshooting, and repairing medical equipment

$27,680 – $45,750

Bioscience Technician AAS basic research, development, and testing $20,800 – $31,200

Board of Governors AAS adult learners to meet occupational goals N/A

Building and Occupational Trades AAS construction management and contracting $53,430 – $92,350

Business Administration AAS business management, sales, project planning $31,880 – $58,630

Mountwest A-Z Listing of programs offered by Mountwest – Call 1.800.676.5533 for more information, or visit www.mctc.edu.

moving forward >>> toward your goalsMountwest Community & Technical College has classes and degree programs to move you toward your new goals. Choose part-time or full-time, day or evening classes. Start small with a certificate or jump right into an associate degree and transfer to a four-year institution.

Mountwest’s small classes, comprehensive services and caring teachers are here to help you learn – and change. Not sure what’s next? Take a look at this A-Z listing of Mountwest programs. You never know, something unexpected might catch your eye. And change your life.


Area of Study Degree Prepares You For SalaryCall Center Supervisor AAS entry level positions that lead to supervisory and

management positions$38,118 – $66,764

Certified Coding Specialist Certificate becoming familiar with coding systems, medical terminology and medical background of anatomy and diseases; prepares student for National American Health Information Association exam

$20,650 – $32,990

Child Development Specialist AAS assisting those already in child development field to obtain credentials and degree

$15,267 – $20,092

Clinical Assistant AAS, Certificate multi-faceted role within a clinical laboratory $21,840 – $31,200

Culinary Arts AAS, Certificate a variety of culinary establishments as a sous chef, garde manager, kitchen supervisor, and restaurant manager

$29,097 – $106,930

Dental Assistant AAS preparing patients for treatments, assisting dentist with procedures, taking x-rays, developing film, and preparingadministrative office duties

$24,835 – $36,275

Dental Laboratory Technology AAS, Certificate making and repairing dental appliances such as dentures, crowns, and braces

$24,254 – $40,997

Early Childhood Education AAS childcare work, child daycare services, and preschool employment

$16,765 – $20,821

Electronics Technology AAS installation technician, electronics technician, electronic sales, biomedical technician

$27,680 – $45,750

Firefighter AAS firefighter, firefighter supervision $20,197 – $60,757

General Building Construction AAS general building construction $30,000 – $43,000

General Studies AA transferring to a four-year institution N/A

Geospatial Studies AAS technical skills with image and image-processing software products, working in business, communications, defense, education, engineering, government, health and human services, natural resources, transportation, and utilities industries

$28,610 – $46,080

Graphic Design/Graphic Communication AAS, Certificate graphic design work for print shops, computer design firms, publishers, and advertising agencies

$30,600 – $53,310

Health Information Technology AAS technical knowledge and skills necessary to handle medical, administrative, ethical, legal accreditation, and regulatory requirements of the health care delivery system

$20,650 – $32,990

Health Science AAS allows those with allied health experience to pursue a degree in their field

$21,970 – $49,010

Hotel/Lodging Management AAS hotel and resort management, tourism and travel services, and recreation services industry

$28,640 – $51,030

Industrial Management AAS position of supervisory leadership such as assembly supervisor, machine shop supervisor, operations supervisor

$28,282 – $71,010

Interior Design

AAS employment with architectural firms, interior design firms, kitchen design firms, department stores, and furniture stores

$30,890 – $53,790

moving forward >>> toward your goals


Area of Study Degree Prepares You For SalaryLaw Enforcement Specialty

AAS deputy sheriff and city police positions $34,410 – $56,360

Machinist Technology AAS, Certificate rigorous demands of the manufacturing sector, manual machinist, CNC machinist, industrial sales, auto plant worker, machinist shop, and fabricator

$23,067 – $35,484

Manufacturing Engineering Technology AAS reading and creating blueprints, generating CNC programs, and assisting or leading a design team

$35,000 – $47,000

Maritime Training AAS, Certificate rigging barges, maintaining barges once underway, and performing routine maintenance on towboats and barges

$25,000 – $90,000

Massage Therapy AAS employment in doctors’ offices, chiropractors’ offices, hospitals, physical therapy offices, medical clinics, and massage therapy practices

$20,342 – $49,545

Medical Assistant AAS administrative duties and clinical duties in physicians’ offices, clinics, and hospitals

$21,970 – $36,210

Medical Transcription

AAS, Certificate administrative and transcription office tasks $25,313 – $35,484

Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer Certificate analyzing business requirements, designing and implementing the infrastructure for business solutions, based on the Microsoft Windows platform and Microsoft Enterprise Server software

$43,828 – $81,494

Mine Inspection

AAS mine safety inspection $32,593 – $47,652

Network Systems Administration AAS network administrator, network engineer, systems support technician, network designer, and network security systems designer positions

$43,828 – $81,494

Network Systems Development AAS network administrator, network engineer, systems support technician, network designer, network security systems designer

$43,800 – $81,400

Network Systems Security AAS network administrator, web designer, systems support technician, network designer, security solutions designer, help desk technician, hardware technician, software technician, and software applications

$43,800 – $81,400

Painting and Allied Trades AAS earning a degree and credentials for individuals already working in the field

$24,100 – $39,600

Paramedic Science AAS, Certificate providing emergency medical treatment and stabilization, rescuing of persons entrapped in life-threatening situations, transporting critical patients, supporting and assisting law enforcement agencies, and public education and training

$21,290 – $35,210

Paralegal Studies AAS interviewing, case investigation, preparation of pleadings, and legal research

$34,910 – $59,370

Pharmacy Technician AAS routine tasks to help prepare prescribed medication, count-ing tablets, labeling bottles, administrative duties, stocking shelves, and operating cash registers

$21,970 – $41,800

Physical Therapist Assistant AAS home health care, rehabilitation hospitals, nursing homes, acute care hospitals, skilled nursing skills, outpatient depart-ments, private practice offices, and school systems positions

$33,840 – $49,100

what’s your goal?

Area of Study Degree Prepares You For SalaryPolice Science AAS West Virginia State Police, Federal Bureau of Investigation,

and federal marshal positions$28,100 – $56,000

Program Developer AAS network administrator, web designer, systems support technician, and network designer positions

$43,800 – $81,400

Public Library Technology AAS, Certificate employment as a library assistant, library technician $20,200 – $34,200

Public Safety AAS law enforcement or security work $34,410 – $56,360

Radiologic Therapy AAS employment in hospitals, clinics, commercial radiological laboratories, physicians’ offices, mobile radiological services

$36,100 – $52,400

Respiratory Therapy AAS employment in nursing homes, nursing units, outpatient centers, rehabilitation hospitals, acute care hospitals, home health, and physician’s offices

$37,650 – $50,800

Surgical Technology AAS working in hospitals, physicians’ offices, dentist offices, outpatient care centers, and ambulatory surgical centers

$31,400 – $45,250

Web Development AAS network administration, web designer, systems support technician, network designer, security solutions designer, help desk technician, and hardware technician positions

$43,800 – $81,400

Welding AAS building equipment contractor, school maintenance, repair shop, self-employment, manufacturing industry, construction industry, and utilities industry positions

$30,326 – $47,754



Sam MillerMountwest Student | Paramedic Program

The emergency medical field has always interested me – that’s why I chose to enroll in the Mountwest Paramedic Program. I like the idea of not knowing what you may encounter through the course of a work day, and most importantly, that I’d be helping people when they need it most.

I initially heard about the paramedic program offered at Mountwest from a previous instructor at a different school, and ultimately chose Mountwest because of the instructors who are experienced paramedics. The teaching methods they use help students understand the challenging material, and they were always available whenever I might be having issues with anything going on in classes. My classmates make the class a fun environment, which in turn makes the learning process easier. It’s also encouraging to know that we are all in this journey together.

Upon graduating from Mountwest, I plan to use the skills I’ve learned and begin my career as a paramedic – hopefully with a high call volume – so I can put the knowledge gained from my experience to good use.

Lindsey AdkinsFormer Mountwest StudentPharmacy Technician AAS

As a former student and graduate of Mountwest with my AAS in Pharmacy Technician, I use the skills I learned in my everyday life. I am currently a technician in a retail pharmacy and in a hospital pharmacy setting, and daily my studies

at Mountwest have helped me in both jobs. Because of my experiences and the preparation I received, I passed my Board of Pharmacy National Certification and also received my West Virginia State Board of Pharmacy License. With flexible scheduling and instructors who are willing to help students get through their respective programs, anyone can further their education. Mountwest gave me the tools I need to succeed in the field of pharmacy.

studentSpotlights

“My classmates make the class a fun environment, which in turn makes the learning

process easier. It’s also encouraging to know that we are all in this journey together.”

Physical Therapist Assistants

Physical Therapist Assistants (PTA) are

educated, skilled healthcare workers

who work under the supervision of

a Physical Therapist (PT). PTA’s assist in implementing physical therapy

interventions in accordance with an established plan of care. The program

at Mountwest is designed to facilitate problem solving, critical thinking, and

group interaction. The first year’s general education prerequisite courses total

34 credits, followed by the second year of the programs technical and clinical

education courses.

The criteria considered for admission include the cumulative, basic science, gen

ed and prerequisite only GPA’s, observation hours, personal recommendations,

Health Science Aptitude Exam, writing sample, and interview score (if warranted).

The following represents the GPA performance level averages, which were

necessary for the successful applicant in 2011. It should be noted that each

year’s applicant pool varies. This information is presented to provide you the

opportunity to self-evaluate your position and potential for success.

Cumulative GPA: 3.39 (all college coursework completed)

Basic Science GPA: 3.62 (Kinesiology, Exercise Physiology, Physics,

Anatomy, Physiology)

General Education GPA: 3.64 (Written Communication, Speech, Computer,

Algebra, Social Studies elective)

Prerequisite GPA: 3.63 (overall, prerequisite specific)

Employment is expected to grow much faster than average because of the

increasing consumer demand and the aging population. The growing elderly

population is particularly vulnerable to chronic and debilitating conditions that

require therapeutic services. Median annual earnings of Physical Therapist

Assistants was $46,140 as of May 2008 (Occupational Outlook Handbook

2010-11).

Admission to the PTA program is selective. Application packets are available

after October 15th from the Allied Health and Life Sciences Division in Cabell

Hall, Room 304. Students seeking admission into the PTA Program may arrange for an appointment with the program faculty by sending an email to [email protected] or [email protected]. The next application deadline is February 15, 2012.

The Physical Therapist Assistant Program is accredited by the Commission on

Accreditation in Physical Therapy Education of the American Physical Therapy

Association. Graduates from an accredited program are eligible to sit for the

NPTE for licensure. For additional information, contact the American Physical

Therapy Association at 1 (800) 999-APTA or www.apta.org.

ITC Kabel

neighborhood inveStMent prograM tax credits are currently available.

Documents

Mountwest · Building and Occupational Trades AAS construction management and contracting $53,430 – $92,350 Business Administration AAS business management, sales, project planning