Health science

411 - MEDICAL INTERVENTIONS, (PLTW-ARTICULATED-STEM): 2 Terms / 2 Credits, Grades 11-12

Prerequisite: Biomedical Biology or AP Biology

In this course, students will investigate the variety of interventions involved in the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of disease as they follow the lives of a fictitious family. The course will explore how to prevent and fight infection, how to screen and evaluate the code in our DNA, how to prevent, diagnose and treat cancer, and how to prevail when the organs of the body begin to fail. Through these scenarios, students will be exposed to a wide range of interventions related to Immunology, DNA Analysis, Surgery, Genetics, Pharmacology, Medical Devices, and Diagnostics. These interventions will be showcased across the generations of the family and will provide a look at the past, present and future of biomedical science. The course emphasizes the important role scientific thinking and engineering design play in the development of interventions of the future. The course has frequent collaboration and hands-on laboratory activities.

412 - CERTIFIED NURSE AIDE (CNA) (STEM): 2 Terms / 2 Credits, Grades 11-12

The Certified Nurse Aide (CNA) Training Course is designed to prepare individuals for a rewarding career in the healthcare industry. This comprehensive course equips students with the essential knowledge, skills, and attitudes required to provide high-quality care to patients in various healthcare settings. Develop effective communication and interpersonal skills to interact compassionately and professionally with patients and their families. Acquire an understanding of ethical considerations and maintain patient confidentiality in accordance with healthcare regulations.

Learn through: lecture, hands-on activities, theoretical learning, skills practice in WHS CNA lab and hands-on off-site clinical experiences in nursing homes

Topics: understand the role and responsibilities of a Certified Nurse Aide within the healthcare team; anatomy, physiology, infection control, medical terminology, and basic nursing skills

Skills: effective communication and interpersonal skills, demonstrate proficiency in basic nursing skills, including vital sign measurement, patient hygiene, and mobility assistance; gain knowledge of common medical conditions, infection control practices, and emergency procedures

Perfect for: students considering a career in health care; prepare for the state CNA certification exam through comprehensive review sessions and practice assessments.

This program follows Minnesota's state-required curriculum to prepare students for the CNA exam, which includes both a written test and a skills assessment. The course includes over 75 hours of classroom instruction, skills testing sessions with a registered nurse (usually on Thursdays), and 16 hours of clinical experience at an off-campus facility, typically a long-term care center. The clinical site will be assigned by the instructor. We are confident that this course will provide students with the essential skills, hands-on experience, and a strong foundation to pursue a rewarding healthcare career. 

Click here to review the specific requirements.

413 - MEDICAL TERMINOLOGY (STEM): 1 Term / 1 Credit, Grades 10-12  [Watch Course Video] 

The Medical Terminology course introduces students to the language of medicine and healthcare. Any student interested in pursuing a health-related career will find value in building a foundation of this understanding.  Students will learn about the structure of medical terms, including prefixes, suffixes, word roots, combining forms, and singular and plural forms, plus medical abbreviations and acronyms. This understanding can then be applied to future studies related to pharmacology, medical procedures, human anatomy, and physiology.

Learn through: Hands-on activities, games, medical case reports, application to real life diseases and therapies, quizzes, and test-taking

Topics: prefixes, suffixes, word roots, singular and plural forms, medical acronyms, and directional terms of the body

Skills: construction and deconstruction of medical terms using word parts, analysis of unfamiliar medical terms, comprehension of medical texts, teamwork, creativity, and communication

Perfect for: students with any interest in medical careers, medical literacy, or strengthening their vocabulary.

Student Testimonial:

• "This Medical Terminology course focuses on the memorization of various prefixes, combining forms, suffixes, and abbreviations that are commonly seen in healthcare. Daily assignments and fun games help students become familiar with the terms, and I personally feel that the more effort and participation put in, the more useful these activities are. Tests are periodically given, and the homework load is relatively small. Overall, this course is beneficial for students who have an interest in gaining exposure to some of the language used in the medical field."

414 - EXPLORING HEALTH CAREERS (STEM): 1 Term / 1 Credit, Grades 9-12

Gain insight into what it would be like to have a career in a healthcare profession.

Learn through: Hands-on activities, guest speakers, site visits, research, and reflection

Topics: Bedside manner, diagnostic serves, therapeutic services, support services, health informatics, and biotechnology research and development

Skills: Communication, relationship building, teamwork, leadership, First Aid/CPR/AED, bloodborne pathogens safety, familiarity with HIPAA privacy laws, and introductory experience with EKG, phlebotomy, cytology, urinalysis, radiology, vital signs, surgical gowning and gloving, dressing and bandaging, tourniquet use, splinting, suturing, and engineering medical devices

Perfect for: anyone who knows or wants to know if they have an interest in healthcare.

415 - BIOMEDICAL BIOLOGY, (PLTW-ARTICULATED-STEM): 2 Terms / 2 Credits, Grade 10 [Watch Course Video] 

Prerequisite: Earth Science or Physical Science or Enriched Physical Science

In this course, students explore concepts of biology and medicine as they take on the roles of different medical professionals to solve real-world problems. Over the course of the semester, students are challenged in various scenarios including investigating a crime scene, diagnosing and proposing treatment to patients in a family medical practice, tracking down and containing a medical outbreak at a local hospital, stabilizing a patient during an emergency, and collaborating with others to design solutions to local and global medical problems.

In order to meet the Biology requirement for graduation, students taking Biomedical Biology will be automatically registered for the 1 term class Ecology and Evolution in order to address the ecology and evolution standards. Students may arrange with their counselor to substitute Ecology and Evolution with any of these courses: Wildlife Science (2-terms); Environmental Science (2-terms); AP Environmental Science (2-terms); AP Biology (3-terms)

9981 - CTE INTERNSHIP/APPRENTICESHIP: 2 Terms / 2 Credits, Grades 11-12 [Work Based Learning Experiences Comparison]

Prerequisite: Introductory level related course

This capstone course is for juniors and seniors in CTE programs that are looking to further their education and skills. Students will gain valuable PAID work experience with a local company after they complete an in-person employability training. Successful participants may be eligible for college credit or be invited to become a full-time employee. Students will need to provide their own transportation, apply to the program, and be willing to interview with participating companies. Internship/apprenticeship areas include: manufacturing, construction, information technology, health science, and engineering. Students who are accepted into this program will have release within their school day to participate in the internship.