Health Science

Note: Health Science courses are electives and do not meet the graduation requirement for “science.”

Health Science 1 - CP 555001CW

Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12

Health Science 1 is the first of four courses offered to students interested in pursuing a career in the healthcare field. In this first course students are provided an overview of healthcare history, cultural diversity, medical terminology, medical math, infection control, basics of the organization of healthcare facilities, and personal health and lifestyle choices. A major focus is placed on introduction to health careers, professionalism and employability skills. Students achieve an understanding of where healthcare has been, where it is going and how professionalism and personal characteristics impact their success. As students are guided through healthcare career exploration, they will discuss education levels, and requirements needed to be successful. Students will participate in a career project, and will learn from guest speakers in the healthcare field. The skills and knowledge that students learn in Health Science 1 serve to prepare them for future clinical experiences as they advance through the Health Science courses.

Health Science 2 - CP 555102CW

Grades: 10, 11, 12

Prerequisite: Health Science 1 and Teacher Recommendation.

Health Science 2 applies the knowledge and skills that were learned in Health Science 1 while further challenging the students to learn more about the healthcare field. Health Science 2 will continue teaching, in more detail, the units of study that include advanced study of infection control. Students in Health Science 2 will learn how to take vital signs, record them and learn what the data means.  This course will introduce students to basic patient care skills. Students will have the opportunity to become certified in First Aid and CPR which is a requirement for Health Science 4 (H).  Career pathways and scenarios are introduced through each section.

 Health Science 3 - H   555203HW

Grades: 11, 12

Prerequisite: C average in Health Science 2 and Teacher Recommendation

Health Science 3 focuses on basic anatomy and physiology of the human body. Students learn how the human body is structured and the function of each of the 12 body systems. Students will study the relationship that body systems have with disease from the healthcare point of view. Students will learn through projects and activities in the classroom. Students are recommended to be First Aid and CPR certified prior to this course. Medical terminology is incorporated into each unit of study.

C average in Health Science 3 and teacher recommendation is required before advancing to Health Science 4H.

Health Science 4 - Clinical Studies - H     556004HW

Grade: 12

Prerequisite: C average in Health Science 3 required and teacher recommendation

Health Science Clinical Studies (H) is a course that guides students to make connections from the classroom to the healthcare industry through clinical experiences/activities. This course is designed to provide for further development and application of knowledge and skills common to a wide variety of healthcare professions. The students in this course will build on all information and skills presented in the previous required course foundation standards. The students will relay these skills into real life experiences. Students must demonstrate advanced knowledge of anatomy, physiology, and pathophysiology in order to be successful in this course.   

Students will have the option of focusing on one of two tracks:

Pharmacology for Medical Careers (Pharmacy Technician Training Program): This is a program designed to inform senior level students about pharmacology in the medical field and to train future pharmacy technicians for success in this career. At the high school level, students are exposed to pharmacy careers and benefit from pharmacology, math, and science standards included in this course. Students must be a three-unit completer in Health Science to enroll in this course. Students may choose the clinical rotation OR the pharmacology option for field experiences. There may be a cost associated with the pharmacology option.

SC Certified Nurse Aide (CNA) Program: The students will relate skills into real-life experiences to become SC Certified Nurse Aide.  This is a program designed to inform senior level students and train future CNA's for success in this career. At the high school level, students are prepared to perform nursing-related services to patients and residents in hospitals or long-term care facilities. For nurse -aide programs, students will review all foundation standards in the clinical study program as well as the addition of the South Carolina Nurse Aide Curriculum.  Students must be a three-unit completer in Health Science to enroll in this course. This course includes 20 hours of documented skill practicum and 40 hours of clinical experience in a long-term care (LTC) facility.