Engage in off-site medical career explorations at local health facilities.- Explore specific professional programs, such as occupational therapy, physical therapy, respiratory therapy, massage therapy, and alternative therapies.
- Learn and demonstrate basic surgical, pharmacology, and medical office procedures.
Job Titles – Career Pathways
29-2052 Pharmacy Technicians
29-2054 Respiratory Therapy Technicians
29-2055 Surgical Technologists
31-2012 Occupational Therapist Aides
31-2022 Physical Therapist Aides
31-9011 Massage Therapists
31-9099 Healthcare Support Workers, All Other
CTC knowledge transfers to college credits at:
Berks Technical Institute
Central Pennsylvania Institute of Science and Technology
Commonwealth Technical Institute
Harcum College
Johnson College
Keystone Technical Institute
Lincoln Technical Institute
McCann’s School of Business
Mount Aloysius College
Pennsylvania College of Technology
Student Certifications
NOCTI – National Occupational Competency Testing Institute Certification
* Health Assisting
BLS Healthcare Provider
OSHA – Healthcare
➤ For more detailed information about this program, including the grading policy, task list, etc., please refer to the course syllabus.
Instructor – Mrs. Norma Tamayo, MSN, RN, LMTBiography
I was born and raised in New York City. Although I was born in the United States, my background is of Puerto Rican descent. I speak Spanish and English fluently. As a child, my dream was to work in the medical field. I pursued my nursing career while working as a nursing assistant at The Reading Hospital and Medical Center. I enrolled in the RN nursing program at Reading Area Community College and graduated in 1986. Upon graduation, I continued to work at the hospital for a total of 20 years.
Education
Master of Science in Nursing Education
RN, Reading Area Community College
Vocational Education II Certification, Temple University
Licensed Massage Therapist, Academy of Massage Therapy and Body Works
Certifications and Awards
Registered Nurse
Teach the Educator
CPR
Nationally certified and licensed Massage Therapist
Advisor of the HOSA Freedom Chapter
Co-writer of Pennsylvania’s Nurse Aide Curriculum
Nominated for Disney’s American Teacher Awards
Nominated for Who’s Who among America’s Teachers
Outstanding HOSA advisor, state and national levels, 2008
Award Winning Author; Common Read Author
Work Experience
My diverse nursing experience includes 20 years of working at the Reading Hospital and Medical Center in various departments, including the intensive care unit, and delivery and operating rooms.I attained a managerial position while employed in the hospital’s Outpatient Department. I also worked at St. Joseph Hospital’s drug and alcohol rehabilitation center and mental health unit. I continue to work part time for a home health agency.
I have been a teacher for more than 10 years. In addition to teaching the Health Medical Professions program, I also serve as the advisor for the HOSA Freedom Chapter. I taught the Nurse Aide Training and Competency Evaluation Program for five years and co-wrote the Pennsylvania Nurse Aide Curriculum for the Department of Education. I serve as a subject matter expert for NOCTI. I also serve as an advisory member of Penn State Berks’ Practical Nursing program.
Hire Date: 1997
Community Service
I participate in many health-related events throughout the city of Reading.
SOAR programs of study prepare today’s student for tomorrow’s high demand and high wage careers.
English 
Spanish