Healthcare

The Health Science pathway offers a comprehensive sequence of courses designed to prepare students for diverse careers in the rapidly evolving healthcare sector. Beginning with the foundational Introduction to Healthcare Science course, students are immersed in the basics of healthcare systems, medical terminology, and fundamental healthcare skills. This initial course serves to introduce students to various healthcare career options, setting the stage for more specialized study.

Building on this foundation, the Essentials of Healthcare course delves deeper into anatomy and physiology, covering all major body systems and their functions, as well as common diseases and disorders. This course combines theoretical knowledge with practical skills, allowing students to apply their understanding through technical skills practice related to each body system. The pathway then progresses to more specialized courses such as Allied Health and Medicine, which offers advanced study in various allied health fields and includes clinical or simulated experiences in areas like respiratory care, imaging services, surgical services, and emergency medicine.

For students interested in direct patient care, the Patient Care Fundamentals course prepares them for entry-level skills as a Nursing Assistant, potentially leading to Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA) certification. This course covers essential patient care skills, communication techniques, infection control practices, and legal and ethical issues in healthcare. The Sports Medicine course focuses on the musculoskeletal system, injury assessment, prevention, and rehabilitation, catering to students interested in athletic healthcare. For those drawn to laboratory work, the Diagnostics Phlebotomy course prepares students for phlebotomy technician certification, covering blood collection techniques and safety procedures.

Throughout the pathway, students develop a robust set of technical skills including patient care procedures, medical terminology usage, anatomy and physiology knowledge, infection control practices, and basic life support techniques. These skills are complemented by a strong emphasis on professional development, including employability skills, effective communication in healthcare settings, understanding of ethical and legal considerations, and the ability to work as part of a healthcare team.

A key strength of the pathway is its focus on hands-on learning and clinical experiences, allowing students to apply their knowledge in simulated or real healthcare settings. This practical approach is balanced with a thorough grounding in safety regulations and patient rights, ensuring students understand the importance of OSHA, CDC, and HIPAA guidelines in healthcare practice.

The Health Science pathway also recognizes the crucial role of technology in modern healthcare, incorporating training in electronic health records and medical equipment operation. By integrating these technological aspects with traditional healthcare knowledge, the pathway prepares students for the increasingly digital nature of healthcare delivery.

By combining technical expertise with an understanding of healthcare systems and patient care, the Health Science pathway equips students with a solid foundation for further education or entry-level positions in various healthcare fields. The emphasis on lifelong learning and adaptability throughout the pathway ensures that students are well-prepared to navigate the diverse and dynamic landscape of healthcare careers, ready to embrace future advancements and challenges in this critical sector.