Foundations of Health Science

Class Letter

Course Description:

Topics in this course include medical terminology and math, history and trends of healthcare, legal and ethical issues surrounding medicine, review healthcare systems, qualities of a healthcare provider, healthcare careers and diverse cultural views of health and medicine.

I am available every morning from 8:00- 8:25 as well as after school on Tuesday and Thursday until 5:00. I ask students to make arrangements with me the day before to ensure I do not have any meetings or prior appointments scheduled. My email address is melessia.gomez@nhcs.net

My schedule:

  • 1st block planning

  • 2nd block Biomedical Technology I

  • 3rd block Foundations of Health Science

  • 4th block Foundations of Health Science


Course Description:

This course introduces students to different health care professions. Topics include medical terminology and math, the history of healthcare, health care agencies, medical ethics and legal responsibilities, careers, cultural diversity, communication,leadership and teamwork.


Grading is as Follows:

1st quarter- Tests 40%

Classwork 20%

Quizzes- 20%

Midterm exam 20%

2nd quarter- Tests 60%

Classwork 20%

Quizzes- 20%


Because Biomedical Technology and Foundations of Health Science are CTE courses, there will be a state issued final exam for each class that is worth 20% of your final grade.


Any assigned essays, projects or presentations will be a test grade. Test days are on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Late work will receive a 5 point deduction each day it is late. I will not accept any late work after 1 week. If you are absent, you will have one week to make up any missed work or tests. It is your responsibility to turn in missed work. A zero will be placed in the grade book for any work that is not and will remain until the work is turned in.

Class expectations:

Tardiness- If you are not physically in the classroom when the tardy bell rings, you are tardy. You will receive a referral to the dean’s office after 3 tardies. If you are tardy for class, you will not be allowed to leave the class during that class period.

Come to class prepared- please come to class prepared to take notes and work on assignments every day. This means having a pen/pencil, paper and any completed assignments that are due.

Materials needed:

  • 2” binder or notebook

  • Notebook paper

  • pens/pencils

Electronic devices- cell phones, head phones and other electronic devices are not allowed in class at any time. You are not allowed to text, make/receive phone calls, listen to music or any other activity during instructional time. Cell phones are to be put away and turned off during class.If you are seen with your phone, you will be asked to hand it over until the end of the class period. You will receive an office referral if you refuse to hand over your phone or if it becomes a continuous problem.

Class dismissal- The teacher dismisses the class. You are to remain seated and not line up at the door prior to the bell.

Respect- Inappropriate language or behavior is not tolerated. You are to be respectful to all classmates, teachers and anyone else who enters the classroom. This is to include talking when someone is addressing the class.

Eating in class- not allowed. Do not bring food into class. Water bottles are OK.

Bathroom pass- You are to ask before leaving class for anything including the bathroom. You need to sign out and sign in. We will practice the 15/15 school policy. Bathroom time should not take more than 5 minutes.

objectives


MEDICAL TERMINOLOGY

Use medical abbreviations and terminology.

Identify abbreviations commonly used in a health care setting.

Define prefixes, suffixes and root words.

Combine word parts to form commonly used medical terms.

HISTORY AND TRENDS OF HEALTH CARE

Evaluate historical contributions in the development of health care.

Discuss medical treatments and beliefs from ancient civilizations through the Renaissance.

Describe medical advances made in 16th- 20th century health care.

Research men and women who made historical contributions to health care.

Explore current trends in health care.

HEALTH CARE SYSTEMS

Analyze services provided in the health care delivery system.

Investigate the services of health care facilities.

Describe government and nonprofit agencies.

Discuss the basic principles of different health insurance plans.

PERSONAL QUALITIES OF A HEALTH CARE WORKER

Demonstrate the personal and professional standards of health care workers.

Demonstrate personal and professional appearance and characteristics.

Utilize elements of effective communication.

Apply principles of leadership and teamwork.

Analyze stressors and stress management skills.

Practice time management skills.

CAREERS IN HEALTH CARE

Analyze medical and health care careers.

Investigate educational requirements and levels of training.

Analyze dental, diagnostic, emergency, and health information services.

Analyze careers in health care facility services, medical services and mental health and social services.

Analyze mortuary, nursing, nutrition and dietary careers.

Analyze therapeutic services, veterinary medicine, and vision services.

Apply self-assessment for career planning and revise an individual career development plan.

LEGAL AND ETHICAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Analyze legal and ethical responsibilities in health care.

Analyze the legal responsibilities that apply to torts.

Analyze contracts, privileged communications, and HIPAA.

Evaluate ethical and professional standards in a health care setting.

CULTURAL DIVERSITY

Analyze cultural diversity in the delivery of health care.

Discuss concepts of culture, ethnicity and race.

Analyze behaviors and their cultural significance.

Evaluate cultural and spiritual beliefs regarding health care.

MEDICAL MATH

Analyze the use of medical mathematics in the health care system.

Identify and use household and metric units.

Convert among metric and standard measurements.

Use Roman numerals and the 24-hour clock.