Amanda Koch was always interested in the health care field. Her mother is a nurse, and she always understood the importance of nursing and knew it was a great way to help people.

Amanda, a Hatboro-Horsham High School senior, is receiving hands-on clinical experience - and earning college credit to boot - Eastern Center for Arts and Technology.

An Allied Health student, Amanda is using Eastern's dual enrollment program with Montgomery County Community College to earn three credits for Medical Terminology. She will be able to transfer her credits to Holy Family University, where she intends to pursue a Bachelor's degree in nursing. 

This one-year, half-day, senior-only program is designed for high school seniors who plan to continue their education in college to prepare for a career in the health field. Students receive extensive clinical experiences partnering with health professionals at Abington Memorial Hospital.

“By taking Allied Health, you are doing specifically what you want in terms of your career,” said Amanda. “It gives you a head start on your future. After completing my degree, I plan to move around and explore the U.S. - and nursing is a career that gives me that opportunity.”