View All Photos The GACTC graduated 30 students from the full-time Practical Nursing program on August 14, 2025. Graduation activities included a pinning ceremony on August 12th and commencement, held on August 14th, 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 14th honored the practical nursing students through conferral of diplomas, awards, and honors. The evening [...]

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 [...]

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 [...]

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 [...]

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 [...]