The GACTC graduated 26 students from the full-time Practical Nursing program on August 17, 2023. Graduation activities included a pinning ceremony on August 15th and commencement, held on August 17th 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. The commencement ceremony on August 17th honored the practical nursing students through conferral of diplomas, awards, and honors. The evening included remarks from [...]

On August 10, 2023, the GACTC celebrated the accomplishments of nine postsecondary students that successfully completed the Expanded Function Dental Assistant or Medical Assistant diploma programs. Collectively, our nine graduates completed more than 11,112 training hours in these programs; our Expanded Function Dental Assistant (EFDA) students participated in 480 hours of clinical experiences with local dental offices, and our Medical Assistant students end their coursework with a 240-hour clinical externship with a local medical facility. Students had the opportunity to gain industry-valued certifications as part of these career-training programs including: From the EFDA program: CPR & First Aid Occupational Safety [...]

On June 29th, a health 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. More than 30 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 [...]

In June 2023, the GACTC celebrated the accomplishments of 22 postsecondary students that successfully completed career-training diploma programs ranging from automotive/diesel technology to welding. The GACTC recognized students graduating from the following diploma programs: Automotive/Diesel Technology Cabinetmaking/Finished Carpentry Electrical Trades Heating, Ventilation, & Air Conditioning Welding with Print Reading Collectively, our 22 graduates: Completed more than 19,200 training hours in these programs! Earned over $190,221 in grant funding towards tuition! Several students participated in an internship experience during the last term of the program. Students had the opportunity to gain industry-valued certifications including: American Welding Society GMAW 2W, FCAW 3G, [...]