Service

The Service cluster is comprised of six majors - Cosmetology, Culinary Arts, Early Education and Care, Health Occupations, Hospitality Management, and Marketing Education.

COSMETOLOGY

Students in the Cosmetology program learn the techniques necessary for a career in the beauty industry with a focus on how to develop a self-confident and professional attitude crucial for success in the trade. Students learn the principle steps of performing facials, manicures, scalp treatments, hair cuts, foil frosting, and acrylic nails. Chemical services such as hair coloring, hair bleaching, permanent waving and hair straightening are demonstrated throughout the program. 

Upon completion of one thousand (1,000) hours, students are prepared to take the Massachusetts State Board exam, and may obtain a Class I Cosmetology license. 

Upon graduation, job opportunities may include: salon stylist, hair stylist, nail technician, skin care specialist, platform artist, product educator, salon manager or owner, hair color specialist, texture service specialist, wig/extensions specialist, and make-up artist. 

CULINARY ARTS

The Culinary Arts program combines hands on training with classroom instruction. Students learn the principles of breakfast cookery, garde manager, food preparation, food service production, baking and pastry arts, food service and restaurant management, and banquet and meeting planning.

A study of sanitation, health and safety, first aid/CPR, food service math, and computer/POS skills are included in the curriculum. 

Students have the opportunity to participate in SkillsUSA and the Massachusetts Restaurant Association competitions, earning them scholarships for post-graduate certificate or degree programs. 

Upon graduation, job opportunities include: prep cook, industrial cook, assistant chef, assistant pastry chef, server, dining room manager, and fast food manager. 

EARLY EDUCATION AND CARE

The Early Education and Care program is designed to prepare students for professional careers of caring and teaching with an emphasis placed on the development of young children. Through their practical experience at various child care facilities, students observe and participate under the supervision of certified teachers and child care professionals. Students gain experience of a variety of “ages and stages” as well as different teaching styles. 

The curriculum in child growth and development is designed to prepare students to apply for certification as infant/toddler and/or preschool teachers, by the Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care, as well as certification as a paraprofessional in the state of Massachusetts. 

Graduates will possess the necessary skills to be employed as workers in the early childhood field or may choose to continue in their education at the post-secondary level. 

Health Occupations

The Health Occupations department at Whittier Regional is designed to provide students with an opportunity to learn and experience the fundamentals of the health care industry. Students will learn the basic foundations of the health care professions during their freshman and sophomore years, including having the opportunity to job shadow/explore various career paths within the health care industry. 

Sophomore year all students will complete certification in: CPR – Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation, AED – Automated External Defibrillator, and First Aid. 

Upon completion of the sophomore year students will choose between earning a certificate in Dental Assisting, Health Assisting or Medical Assisting. 

Dental Assisting: Students will be prepared for the Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) exam for Infection Control. Curriculum progresses for students to learn; patient care, dental charting, instrument and equipment practices, chair-side procedures, clinical records, dental practice management, laboratory procedures, as well as, the use of dental x-ray equipment and x-ray procedures.

Health Assisting: Junior year, students will have the opportunity to learn direct patient care as they pursue certification as a State Certified Nursing Assistant – (CNA). Whittier Tech is an approved Massachusetts Department of Public Health Care and Quality Program. Students are prepared both academically and clinically to successfully pass the Massachusetts Nurse Aide Competency Exam. 

Medical Assisting: Medical Assistants perform administrative and clinical tasks necessary to keep medical offices running smoothly. Duties of Medical Assistants include but are not limited to: registering patients, updating medical records, taking medical history and vital signs, drawing blood, performing EKGs, overseeing routine laboratory testing, and assisting medical professionals as needed.

HOSPITALITY MANAGEMENT

The Hospitality Management Program at Whittier will explore the fundamentals of Hospitality and Tourism, including: front desk personnel, food and beverage service, housekeeping operations, facility personnel, banquet and catering service, meeting and event planning, hospitality marketing and sales. 

Students have the opportunity to earn ServSafe Food Certification, ServSafe Alcohol Certification, Chokesaver/CPR Certification, Allergen Training Program Certification, and an OSHA 10- Hour General Industry Certification. 

Students may participate in SkillsUSA and Massachusetts Restaurant competitions, earning them scholarships for post-graduate programs. 

MARKETING EDUCATION/BUSINESS MANAGEMENT

Business Technology and Marketing have joined forces to provide a comprehensive and well-rounded program to prepare students for the business world. Curriculum will integrate marketing concepts, accounting, QuickBooks, computer applications, and of office practices and procedures which will provide students with a strong foundation in business. Students will also be introduced to legal issues and develop knowledge in personal finance. They will learn proper time management, organizational skills, and goal setting strategies. Students will select which program they want to earn their trade certificate credential at the end of sophomore year. 

Students are also prepared to take Microsoft Office Specialist (MOS) certification exams in Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Access. These credentials are recognized worldwide. Certification builds individual distinction and ensures employers that students are prepared for an increasingly competitive workforce. Whittier Tech is an authorized Microsoft Office (MOS) testing center. 

Possible career pathways: Business, Finance, Management, Marketing, Advertising, Banking, Accounting, Administrative Assistant, Public Relations, Office Manager, Salesperson, Payroll Clerk, Executive Assistant, as well as Retail Operations.