Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center congratulated recent graduates of its School of Nursing and Allied Health programs. In total, 122 students will have graduated in 2019 from the six education programs.
Dr. Bonnie Mazurak-Riga DNP, MBA, RN has been named Director of the Conemaugh School of Nursing and Allied Health Schools.
Conemaugh School of Nursing welcomes incoming students will newly renovated building and education space.
GRADUATES
Conemaugh School of Nursing
Conemaugh School of Nursing offers a two-year accredited program with 990 hours of clinical practicum, including experience in a level one trauma center, level 3 intensive care nursery, and advanced primary stroke center. The program also offers RN to BSN eligibility.
In June 2019, 59 nursing students graduated from Conemaugh School of Nursing.
Conemaugh School of Emergency Medical Services
Conemaugh School of EMS offers certification for Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) and Paramedic. The EMT program prepares students for basic emergency medical care and transportation for critical and emergent patients. Paramedics have more advanced training and can provide basic and complex care. These first responders work closely with hospitals, police, and fire stations to provide emergency care for patients.
In 2019, 10 EMT’s graduated in May, 19 EMT’s in August, and four paramedic students graduated in August from Conemaugh School of EMS.
Conemaugh School of Histotechnology
Conemaugh School of Histotechnology teaches students about structure of cells and formation of tissues and organs. The education specializes in detection and treatment of tissue abnormalities. Histotechnologists are critical to the diagnosis of disease for patients.
In 2019, two students graduated from Conemaugh School of Histotechnology.
Conemaugh School of Medical Technology
Conemaugh School of Medical Technology provides education for medical technologists who perform scientific tests that analyzes and tests body fluids and tissues to diagnose disease.
In 2019, seven students graduated in June from Conemaugh School of Medical Technology.
Conemaugh School of Radiologic Technology
Radiologic technologists perform diagnostic imaging examinations through x-ray, MRI, CT, and other imaging technology. Conemaugh School of Radiologic Technology offers over 1,000 hours of clinical practicum. Education specializes in anatomy, patient positioning, examination techniques, equipment protocols, and patient care.
In 2019, 13 students graduated in May from Conemaugh School of Radiologic Technology.
Conemaugh School of Surgical Technology
Conemaugh School of Surgical Technology provides education for students interested in a career in surgical care. Surgical technologists assist surgeons during procedures and operations and are found in hospitals and other medical fields.
In 2019, eight student graduated in August from Conemaugh School of Surgical Technology.
NEW DIRECTOR
Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center congratulates Dr. Bonnie Mazurak-Riga DNP, MBA, RN, who has assumed the role of Director of the School of Nursing and Allied Health Programs. Bonnie has been the director of medical specialties at Conemaugh Memorial Medical service line for over 20 years. She has a Bachelors in Nursing and Master’s degree in Nursing Education from Indiana University of Pennsylvania (IUP). She also has an MBA from IUP. In 2014, Bonnie earned her Doctorate in Nursing Practice from Chatham University in Pittsburgh.
“I feel very honored to be a part of such a historic nursing program. The legacy of nursing in Johnstown is a long one and can be traced back to 1896 when the Conemaugh School of Nursing began. It continues to this day having graduated 4071 nursing students.”
RENOVATED FACILITY
Conemaugh School of Nursing and Allied Health, located at the campus of Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center, has opened its renovated building after 11 months of construction, welcoming incoming students beginning August 26. An official ribbon cutting will be held in October.
“The building is 51 years old and was in need of an update to meet the needs of our student population,” said Dr. Susan Williams, Chief Medical Officer. “We pride ourselves on adequately training the next generation of healthcare professionals. Now they’ll have a fresh space to learn, grow, and enhance their skills.”
The building is now equipped with smart classrooms with interactive displays, and an enlarged skills lab which replicates ten hospital rooms. A new computer lab and redesigned library will provide work space for students to study. Other enhancements include updated office space for administration and faculty, and student meeting areas.
Conemaugh School of Nursing has been in existence since 1896. Conemaugh’s Allied Health programs include Emergency Medical Services, Histotechnology, Medical Technology, Radiological Technology, and Surgical Technology.
“Our schools have been training healthcare professionals for 123 years,” said Dr. Bonnie Riga, Director of Conemaugh School of Nursing and Allied Health. “We have a strong history of developing healthcare professionals who stay at our facility to provide patient care after graduation. During education, they complete clinical rotations on our nursing floors, work in a variety of settings, understand the organization’s structure and processes, and develop relationships with established healthcare providers. Having experience at Conemaugh helps them transition easily upon hiring in our facility.”
Conemaugh Health System, a member of Duke LifePoint Healthcare, is the largest healthcare provider in west central Pennsylvania, serving over a half-million patients each year through the Conemaugh Physician Group and Medical Staff, a network of hospitals, specialty clinics and patient focused programs. Conemaugh’s 3,500+ employees and 350+ physicians are committed to excellence and repeatedly earn state and national recognition for exceptional clinical outcomes. Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center, the system’s flagship hospital, provides sophisticated technology, the highest levels of trauma and neonatal intensive care and a committed history of training tomorrow’s physician, nurses and allied health providers. For more information on Conemaugh, visit us at www.conemaugh.org or follow us on Facebook.
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