Health Science Course Descriptions

Principles of Health Science      170111 

Principles of Health Science is an orientation and foundation for occupations and functions in any health care profession. The course includes broad health care core standards that specify the knowledge and skills needed by the vast majority of health care workers. The course focuses on exploring health career options, history of health care, ethical and legal responsibilities, leadership development, safety concepts, health care systems and processes, and basic health care industry skills. This introductory course may be a prerequisite for additional courses in the Health Science program. 


Emergency Procedures/ CPR      170141      ½ Credit 

This course will focus on potential emergency situations. It is designed to promote an understanding of standard precautions necessary for personal and professional health maintenance and infection control. Upon successful completion of the course, the student will demonstrate the necessary skills in First Aid and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and will be given the opportunity to take the completion examination as outlined by the sponsoring agency. 


Medical Terminology      170131      ½ Credit 

Medical Terminology is designed to develop a working knowledge of language in all health science major areas. Students acquire word-building skills by learning prefixes, suffixes, roots and abbreviations. Students will learn correct pronunciation, spelling, and application rules. By relating terms to body systems, students identify proper use of words in a medical environment. Knowledge of medical terminology enhances the student’s ability to successfully secure employment or pursue advanced education in health care. 


Medicaid Nurse Aide      170631      1 Credit 

This course is an instructional program that prepares individuals to perform routine nursing related services to patients in long-term care facilities under the training and supervision of an approved registered nurse. State Registry is available upon successful completion of state written and performance examination. Prior to offering this course, the instructor and health science program must be approved for meeting state requirements set by the Cabinet for Health and Family Services. 


Body Structures and Functions      170167      1 Credit 

Body Structures and Functions is designed to provide knowledge of the structure and function of the human body with an emphasis on normalcy. The interactions of all body systems in maintaining homeostasis will promote an understanding of the basic human needs necessary for health maintenance. Academic knowledge from life science core content as it relates to the human body will be included. Laboratory activities should be a part of the course when appropriate. 


Medical Math      170169      1 Credit 

This course is designed for students who have completed courses containing all the required high school Kentucky Academic Standards (KAS) for Mathematics. If students have not completed courses containing all the required KAS for Mathematics, a Medical Math course should attend to standards students still need. This course is designed to focus, utilize and build on mathematical skills commonly used in all health occupations. Students will use applied techniques, problem-solving and critical thinking to perform mathematical operations such as computations, ratio and proportion, weights and measurements and conversions, beyond what was addressed in the student’s foundational courses. A Medical Math course may include, but is not limited to, topics found in the (+) standards of the KAS for Mathematics. This course is strongly recommended for all Health Science majors. Successful completion of Algebra I is suggested prior to enrolling in this course. Leadership development will be provided through the HOSA student organization. 


Allied Health Core Skills       170501      1 Credit

Allied Health Core Skills is designed to provide knowledge, concepts and psychomotor skills necessary for gainful employment as an entry-level health care worker. Assisting students in selecting a career major, classroom instruction and educational objectives are combined with learning experiences, observations, and a work-based learning opportunity such as internship, shadowing, or clinical rotation. This course is designed for students not enrolled in the Medicaid Nurse Aide program or the Patient Care Technician program. 


Medical Office Procedures      170920 

This course provides a working knowledge of the duties required in a medical office. It includes professional and career responsibilities, interpersonal communication, administrative responsibilities, and financial administration. 


Internship: Medical Administrative Assistant      170922 

Internship for CTE (Career and Technical Education) courses provides supervised work site experience for high school students who have completed courses leading to a career pathway. Internship experiences consist of a combination of classroom instruction and field experiences. Students receiving pay for intern experience are those participating in an experience that is a semester or longer and have an established employee-employer relationship. A non-paid internship affects those students who participate on a short-term basis. 

Prerequisites: Principles of Health Science AND Medical Terminology  AND Emergency Procedures