The purpose of the Practical Nursing program is to prepare a student for employment as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN). LPNs work in hospitals, nursing homes, doctors’ offices, and other settings where health care is delivered. The work week is usually 40 or more hours and may include 8, 10, or 12 hour shifts, weekends, nights, and holidays. The LPN must have the ability to respond calmly under pressure in emergency situations. The work can be physically demanding requiring the ability to bend, stoop, and lift. This program has been approved by the Florida State Board of Nursing so that qualified graduates may take the examination to practice as a Licensed Practical Nurse in the state of Florida.

The content includes theoretical instruction and clinical experience in medical, surgical, obstetric, pediatric, and geriatric nursing; theoretical instruction and clinical experience in acute care, long-term care, and community settings; application of vocational role and function; personal, family, and community health concepts; nutrition; human growth and development over the life span; body structure and function; interpersonal relationship skills, mental health concepts; pharmacology and administration of medications; legal aspects of practice; and current issues in nursing. Additional information may be found in the Practical Nursing Student Handbook.

The Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) certification course offered by Fort Myers Technical College (FMTC) in Florida is a great opportunity for those interested in pursuing a career in the health care field. This certification course provides students with the skills and knowledge needed to become a successful CNA, including patient care, communication, and basic nursing skills. Upon successful completion of the program, students will receive their CNA certification, which is needed to obtain employment in the health care industry.

If you’re caring and compassionate and want a career that can be both personally and professionally gratifying, medical assisting could be just what you’re looking for! As a Medical Assistant, you form a crucial link between the patient and the physician. The Medical Assisting program will train you in the knowledge and skills required to be a successful healthcare team member. Students learn communication techniques; medical terminology; infections control; anatomy and physiology, legal and ethical responsibilities, clerical/medical office duties such as maintaining filing systems, use of Electronic Medical Records, professional telephone techniques, scheduling appointments, and patient care. Training includes, but not limited to, administering injections/medication administration, phlebotomy, performing electrocardiograms (EKGs), assisting patients in preparing for examination, diagnostic laboratory procedures, cleaning and sterilizing equipment, collecting specimens, and assisting physicians in minor treatments and basic X-ray procedures.

The content includes patient assessment, airway management, cardiac arrest, external and internal bleeding and shock, traumatic injuries, fractures, dislocations, sprains, poisoning, heart attack, stroke, the unconscious state, emergency childbirth, burns, environmental hazards, communications, reporting, and extrication and transportation of patient. The student must be proficient in patient assessment and evaluation, sphygmomanometer and stethoscope, splints of all types, extrication tools, dressings and bandages, stretchers and patient carrying devices.This program prepares students for employment as emergency medical technicians to function at the basic pre-hospital emergency medical technician level and treat various medical/trauma conditions using appropriate equipment and materials.

This program prepares students for certification as EMT’s in accordance with Chapter 64J of the Florida Administrative Code.

The Emergency Medical Technician program is offered at the Southwest Florida Public Service Academy. Please visit their website or call (239) 334-3897 for enrollment information.

Classroom and shop experiences in the Heating, Ventilation, Air-Conditioning/Refrigeration (HVAC/R) program enable the student to become proficient in the installation, repair, and maintenance of commercial and domestic air conditioning and refrigeration systems. Included in instruction is the theory and application of the basic principles involved in the conditioning of air. The operating characteristics of various cooling and heating units and parts are also studied. Blueprint reading and the use of technical reference manuals are included. The student will learn to troubleshoot and repair pumps, compressors, valves, electromechanical controls, and digital control systems.

Laboratory activities are an integral part of this program. The tools, test equipment, materials, and processes used in this laboratory are similar to those used in industry and include tools that utilize bluetooth and other wireless technology.

The program is accredited through The Partnership for Air-Conditioning, Heating, Refrigeration Accreditation (PAHRA) in the following areas: Residential Heating and Air-Conditioning, Light Commercial Heating and Air-Conditioning, and Commercial Refrigeration.