- BCTHS - Paramus Campus
- Program Highlights
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About Bergen Tech Paramus
The Bergen County Technical High School, Paramus has a secondary program to create a learning environment that develops, encourages and supports its students. It has a full-time option for special needs students and a shared-time option for students from local sending districts.
Bergen County Technical High School, Paramus Campus is looking for motivated students who are interested in pursuing technical and academic studies leading to a technical career or college placement. Candidates should be in good academic standing with a history of appropriate behavior, acceptable attendance and good relations with teachers and peers.
The Admissions Committee for the Paramus Campus examines the strengths and talents of all applicants. The interest and aptitude of prospective students are carefully considered during the admissions and placement process. Students who are deemed eligible for special eduation are placed in the least restrictive educational environment, according to each student's educational needs and the requirements set forth in state and federal law.
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Automotive Collision Repair
The Automotive Collision Repair program follows a curriculum recommended by the Automotive Service Excellence (ASE).
The school tracks student development through a series of competencies and projects that supports the ASE course of study.
Studies in Automotive Collision Repair include both theory and hands-on work. Students learn how to maintain acceptable working conditions, interpret work orders, and use both hand and power tools. Students become experienced in working with auto body fillers, modern automotive paints and primers, as well as rust proofing materials.
Through hands-on, students learn how to replace body panels, trim, and glass; use welding equipment and straighten damaged areas of vehicles. In the painting portion, refinishing small and large areas of an automobile with the most modern paints will be covered. By the end of the program, our students become adept in meeting the demands of today’s sophisticated collision repair industry. ASE and NOCTI examinations are administered upon completion of the program.
Students are prepared to be placed with advanced standing in the field of collision repair or to continue their technical education in a college or post-secondary technical school.
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Automotive Technology
The Automotive Technology program is an Automotive Service Excellence (ASE)–National Automotive Technicians Education Foundation (NATEF) program. The uniqueness of our program is that it goes against conventional wisdom regarding the field of automotive technology.
Paramus students are trained to be proactive diagnosticians rather than reactive mechanics.
The program combines classroom instruction with specified instruction in our fully equipped automotive lab.
Throughout their technical studies of the NATEF Maintenance and Light Repair(MLR) curriculum, students are required to frequently take assessments that mirror the ASE exam, conduct research, and utilize online programs such as CDX.
Students in the program are tracked through competencies and proficiencies in all eight ASE areas: Engine Repair, Engine Performance, Electrical/Electronic Systems, Brakes, Heating and Air Conditioning, Suspension and Steering, Manual Drive Train and Axles, and Automatic Transmission.
Upon completion of their studies, students are required to sit for all eight of the ASE-based exams.
Our dedicated faculty recognizes the need for our students to continue along as “life-long learners.”
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Computer Networking & Telecommunications
The field of Computer Networking & Telecommunications is rapidly growing and changing, and continues to offer many opportunities for high-paying jobs.
The ideal candidate for this program is a student who is a good problem solver and who has demonstrated a clear aptitude for academics. This program requires technical reading.
Computer Networking & Telecommunications provides students with the skills and knowledge needed to sit for the CompTIA A+ certification exams.
CompTIA A+ certification is a vendor-neutral international industry credential that validates the knowledge of computer service technicians.
The ability to attain this certification proves that a candidate has a broad base of knowledge and competency in core hardware and operating system technologies including installation, configuration, diagnostics, preventive maintenance, and basic networking.
The ideal candidate for this program is a problem solver who has demonstrated a clear aptitude in academics.
This is a challenging, rapidly growing field that offers tremendous opportunity for a student to pursue further education or employment.
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Cosmetology
Cosmetology is both an art and a science involving studies of the skin, hair, scalp, and nails. Our curriculum is designed to meet the examination requirements of the New Jersey State Board of Cosmetology. This specialized program provides 1,000 hours of training in shaping, styling, coloring, perming, hair treatments, and scalp treatments; business management; facials; manicures; and retail services. Students learn how to select hair styles to suit the physical features of patrons by adapting current styling trends for the individual.
Specialized classroom training is provided through the use of manikins, demonstrations, and live models in clinic service. Professional ethics of Cosmetology, chemistry related to Cosmetology, anatomy, physiology, sanitation, sterilization, manicuring, pedicuring, and barbering - State Rules and Regulations are also included in the curriculum.
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Culinary arts
The Culinary Arts program at Bergen County Technical High School in Paramus alternates students between two areas of study: Culinary Arts and Pastry Arts.
During the Pastry Arts portion, students are introduced to the field of commercial baking through the direct application of skills in practical situations. They learn to read and work with commercial recipes, including resizing recipe quantities proportionally, measuring ingredients accurately, and employing mixing techniques for batters, dough, fillings, and icings. Through a combination of classroom work and hands-on practice, students gain expertise in mixing, molding, shaping, designing, and baking a variety of breads, pastries, and other baked items.
In the Culinary Arts portion, students have the opportunity to learn a variety of culinary and food preparation and presentation techniques using foods commonly found in restaurants, cafeterias, and commercial settings. Additionally, they acquire knowledge in table service, dining room protocol, and business operations for an overall introduction to the culinary arts field.
Regardless of their personal preference, whether Pastry or Culinary, each student will be exposed to both areas and receive instruction in safety and sanitation. Proper guidance in the use of tools, ovens, and food handling and storage, provides students with a solid foundation for their classroom work and future endeavors. Furthermore, an introduction to business operations enables students to connect their kitchen and baking skills to real-world work environments.
Upon completion of the Culinary Arts Program, students may have the opportunity to earn certification in Foundations of Restaurant Management (Level 1 & 2) and Servsafe. Graduates, having completed a college preparatory academic program, have the option to pursue postsecondary education in culinary arts or traditional two- to four-year studies.
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Environmental Design
Students in the Environmental Design Program gain experience and knowledge in plant materials; deciduous, evergreen, and ornamental plants.
Students will also get seat time in our Bobcat Skid steer, Mini excavator, zero-turn lawn mower, and backhoe. When we’re in the classroom students will work on Dynascape Plan View, color rendering, and SketchUp 3D Landscape Designs.
Students during their time with us will become certified in OSHA 10.
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Media Production
The Media Production program develops creative talents in students through graphic design, visual storytelling and digital content creation. Students learn about exposure, lenses and shot composition utilizing DSLR cameras. In addition, students produce podcasts, documentary and narrative films using digital cinema cameras and professional audio equipment.
The overall goal of the Media Production program is to nurture students’ imaginations, market their portfolios and develop their skills by providing hands-on opportunities with industry-standard equipment.
Students learn color theory, typography, storyboarding, and digital imagery with Apple, Canon and Panasonic hardware and Adobe software (Premiere Pro, Photoshop and Illustrator).
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Healthcare Occupations
Students who enroll in the Healthcare Occupations Program will be well prepared for further education and careers in the healthcare industry.
Instruction in the clinical facets of healthcare includes but is not limited to vital signs, height, weight, eye examinations, color blindness testing, medication measurement and administration, patient positioning, patient transfers, infection control practices, basic radiology and diagnostic testing, and documentation for and laws related to the practice of healthcare. Students will also learn about various aspects of caring for a patient who is ill or injured outside of the hospital.
Students who successfully complete the course of study earn certification in CPR, First Aid, Control the Bleed, Bloodborne Pathogen, OSHA 10 Hour General Industry (Healthcare), and hours towards their EKG Certification and Phlebotomy Certification through the National Healthcareer Association.
Additionally, students will receive their Emergency Medical Responder (EMR)Certification and various Emergency Management certifications in Incident Command. Courses include Fundamentals of Health Care, Medical Terminology, Anatomy and Clinical 1, Anatomy and Clinical 2, and EMR 1, EMR 2, EMR 3. Students participate in field trips to enhance their knowledge of the healthcare industry.
Guest speakers are invited to broaden students’ exposure and knowledge of healthcare careers and post-secondary educational opportunities. Senior-level students participate in an internship program at a healthcare-related facility. Graduates may directly enter the workforce or further their education in fields such as nursing, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, respiratory therapy, EKG technician, pharmacy technician, dental, EMT, Paramedic, and related career choices.
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Skin Care & Esthetics
Skin Care & Esthetics - This program involves studies of all facets of skin care and make-up artistry, the hair, scalp, skin and nails. Students work to become well prepared to meet the examination requirements of the New Jersey State Board of Cosmetology. Students specializing in Bergen Tech's Esthetician (Skin Care) Program will receive instruction in all facets of skin care and make-up artistry, including numerous methods of spa facials, hair removal, make-up application, color coordination, facial shapes, skin conditions, corrective procedures for problem skin, use of galvanic current machines, body scrubs and polishes, and entrepreneurial science associated with opening and managing a day spa. The program will feature intensive studies of the skin, hair, scalp, and nails, emphasizing preventative care and treatment for skin to keep it healthy and attractive. In a unique spa setting, specialized classroom training will be provided through demonstrations, videos, and live models in clinical service. Training will consist of skin analysis and study in the physical and chemical effects of skin care products. Correct selection of the products for different skin types and the use of procedures for facials, with and without the use of machines, will also be emphasized. Units of study will include nutrition, facials, cosmetics, hair removal and business management. The curriculum is designed to meet the examination requirements of the New Jersey State Board of Cosmetology. Classroom theory includes chemistry, anatomy and physiology related to the field of cosmetology, ethics of cosmetology, sanitation and sterilization and small business management.
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Green Building Trades
Green Building Trades prepares students with the background knowledge and skill sets recognized by professionals in the fields of carpentry, plumbing, electrical, and masonry. Hands-on projects reinforce classroom theory and help students acquire the problem-solving skills and technical expertise required for working in this evolving field. The Green Buildings Trade Program incorporates the latest sustainability practices in general contracting, including carpentry, electrical construction, plumbing, and masonry. This program provides students with the opportunities to work with the latest technology and take residential construction courses accredited by the Home Builders Institute and the National Association of Home Builders.
During the course of this four-year program, students will be certified in multiple industries to prepare them for post-secondary opportunities including advanced entry into a skilled trades career.Certifications, Competitions, and Assessments
* OSHA - Occupational Safety and Health Administration
* HBI - Home Builders Institute Certification
* S/P2 - Safety and Pollution Prevention Training Certification
* SkillsUSA - State and National Competitions
* NOCTI - National Occupational Competency Testing Institute
* C-TECH - Industry-recognized certifications
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Animal Care / Veterinary Assistant
Students in the dual Veterinary Assistant/Animal Care program learn grooming techniques for all popular breeds of dogs and cats. Students are exposed to a variety of animal care topics which include basic husbandry of various species, grooming specific breeds, and competitive grooming. During a student’s junior and senior year, they become more exposed to core Veterinary Assistant classes, a track of study that may lead to a career in the veterinary industry. Students can prepare for entry into the field as a veterinary assistant and/or further their industry training in a post-secondary veterinary technology program.
Upon successful completion of the Veterinary Assistant and Animal Care program, students are prepared to work in local veterinary hospitals, grooming salons/shops, animal care boarding facilities, as well as large retail pet stores.
The Veterinary Assistant program focuses on preparing students for careers working with diverse animal species in different settings. The program is recognized by NAVTA (National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America) as an Approved Veterinary Assistant Program. Upon graduation and successful completion of the training program, students are eligible to take the Approved Veterinary Assistant National Exam and earn the credentials of AVA or they may pursue post-secondary education and training as a veterinary technician.