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 [...]
Faculty Spotlight: Jamie Hershey, Dental Assistant & Expanded Function Dental Assistant Postsecondary Programs Coordinator/Instructor
The demand for skilled dental professionals is on the rise. For students seeking a fast-paced, rewarding career in healthcare, the Dental Assistant diploma program offers an excellent pathway. With a strong emphasis on hands-on learning and a focus on patient care, our program equips students with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in this dynamic field. Since 2011, the GACTC has been fortunate to have Jamie Hershey lead our postsecondary Dental Assistant [...]
Welcome Back — 2024
Students, parents and families! Welcome to the 2024-2025 school year at the Greater Altoona Career & Technology Center (GACTC)! As we open the school year, we anticipate welcoming approximately 1,140 students to the GACTC. Each year provides the opportunity to begin anew and take advantage of the learning and experiences before us. Our world is begging for talented, skilled professionals to fill critical roles in the workforce. YOU, are the future workforce, and learning a [...]
Graduates from adult Welding program earn American Welding Society certifications
Graduates of the 2023-2024 adult Welding with Print Reading diploma program at the Greater Altoona Career & Technology Center (GACTC) completed testing in May 2024 for several American Welding Society (AWS) certifications. Graduates had the opportunity to achieve up to three certifications from AWS including GMAW 2G, SMAW 3G, and FCAW 3G. The GACTC is an Accredited Test Facility through AWS. These certifications are valued by regional employers. Fifteen adult students participated in the AWS [...]
GACTC celebrates graduates from postsecondary diploma programs
View All Photos On June 18, 2024, the GACTC celebrated the accomplishments of 50 adult students that successfully completed several postsecondary career-training diploma programs with a ceremony at the GACTC. Graduates, GACTC administration, staff, faculty, Joint Operating Committee members, families, and friends attended to recognize the graduates' accomplishments. Mr. Eric Palmer, Executive Director, provided congratulatory remarks to the graduates. Several graduates shared messages to the graduates and attendees, including: Aaron Cassidy, Heating, Ventilation, and [...]
Health Career Fair held for postsecondary health sciences students and alumni
On June 13th, 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 [...]
