Adult Programs

GACTC celebrates graduates from postsecondary diploma programs with ceremony on June 17, 2025

View All Photos On June 17, 2025, the GACTC celebrated the accomplishments of 70 adult students that successfully completed several postsecondary career-training diploma programs with a ceremony at the Altoona Area High School auditorium. Graduates, GACTC administration, staff, faculty, Joint Operating Committee members, families, and friends attended to recognize the graduates' accomplishments. Mrs. Nicole Zernick, Executive Director, provided congratulatory remarks to the graduates. Several graduates shared messages to the graduates and attendees, including: Hunter Knisely, Collision Repair & Refinishing Technology program Shelby Hunter, Dental Assistant program Kenneth Jones, Heating, Ventilation, & Air Conditioning with Related Plumbing & Electrical program DorieSue [...]

GACTC celebrates graduates from postsecondary diploma programs with ceremony on June 17, 20252025-06-25T09:11:09-04:00

Healthcare career fair held for postsecondary health sciences students and alumni

On June 12th, a healthcare career fair was held at the GACTC for current adult health sciences students and alumni, including students and alumni from our practical nursing, medical assistant, and phlebotomy programs. Twenty eight employers attended to promote their organization’s open positions. GACTC students have been preparing references, resumes, cover letters, and growing their professionalism skills, which they were able to put to good use at the career fair. Employers that attended represented area hospitals, long-term care facilities, home health agencies, and rehabilitation centers.   They were eager to share their opportunities with our locally trained workforce, and students [...]

Healthcare career fair held for postsecondary health sciences students and alumni2025-06-17T13:46:18-04:00

McLanahan Corporation Named 2025 Business Partner of the Year

The Greater Altoona Career and Technology Center (GACTC) is proud to announce McLanahan Corporation as its 2025 Business Partner of the Year. This distinguished award recognizes an area business that has shown exceptional dedication and support for the GACTC, its cutting-edge education programs, and its talented student body. McLanahan Corporation, known for designing and manufacturing equipment for diverse industries, is being honored for its deep commitment to the GACTC's mission. Their partnership has gone "above and beyond," providing invaluable support that directly enriches student learning and prepares them for successful careers. "We thank McLanahan Corporation—not just for what they [...]

McLanahan Corporation Named 2025 Business Partner of the Year2025-05-21T11:53:27-04:00

New program length for Medical Assistant program!

Medical Assistant Diploma Program Learn More The Greater Altoona Career & Technology Center (GACTC) Medical Assistant diploma program offers a comprehensive blend of theory coursework and simulation and clinical experiences, including an 8-week externship at a medical facility. An exciting change is coming to our Medical Assistant diploma program; beginning with the 2025-2026 school year, the duration of the program has reduced to 9 months (1,140 hours). Our comprehensive and rigorous career program provides training in all essential competencies and duties of a medical assistant through simulation, hands-on learning, and theory coursework. We’ll continue to offer [...]

New program length for Medical Assistant program!2025-03-19T12:30:52-04:00

GACTC celebrates graduates from Medical Assistant diploma program

The GACTC celebrated the accomplishments of seven postsecondary students that will complete the medical assistant diploma program at the end of November with a graduation ceremony on November 7th.  After completion of the 240-hour clinical externship with a local medical facility, they will complete all program requirements. Many have already passed the American Association of Medical Assistants Certified Medical Assistant exam and the Certified Phlebotomy Technician exam! View Photos This is the inaugural class of the hybrid medical assistant diploma program. Students in the hybrid program attend class sessions two evenings per week and complete coursework online. Students had [...]

GACTC celebrates graduates from Medical Assistant diploma program2024-11-20T14:23:26-05:00

Success in Licensure: GACTC Practical Nursing Program Graduates Achieve 100% NCLEX-PN Pass Rate

The GACTC Practical Nursing program achieved a 100% pass rate of its August 2024 graduates. Thirty-six graduates completed the national licensure exam (NCLEX-PN) after graduation on August 15, 2024, and all passed the licensure exam. Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) are in-demand in our region and can work in a variety of healthcare delivery settings. The GACTC Practical Nursing program is approved by the State Board of Nursing. The current NCLEX-PN pass rate of the GACTC Practical Nursing program is well above the required pass rate for practical nursing programs in Pennsylvania per state law, which requires an 80% NCLEX-PN pass rate. [...]

Success in Licensure: GACTC Practical Nursing Program Graduates Achieve 100% NCLEX-PN Pass Rate2024-11-07T12:10:46-05:00

Celebrating the 2024 Practical Nursing Graduates

The GACTC graduated 36 students from the full- and part-time Practical Nursing programs on August 15, 2024. Graduation activities included a pinning ceremony on August 13th and commencement, held on August 15th, at the Altoona Area High School. The “pinning ceremony,” a symbolic welcoming of new nurses into the profession, can be dated as far back as the 12th century, and became standard in the United States by 1916. During the ceremony, students are pinned by nursing faculty. View Photos The commencement ceremony on August 15th honored the practical nursing students through conferral of diplomas, awards, and honors. The [...]

Celebrating the 2024 Practical Nursing Graduates2024-09-18T11:46:50-04:00
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