Health Science Academy
Course Information
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Students participating in health science programs will engage in clinical settings (possible examples are the Winchester Medical Center and the Winchester Fire & Rescue Department). As a result, students will be taught how to safely manage situations that deal with actual patients and be privy to patient information requiring maturity, confidentiality, and important safety protocols. All of these are skills students will learn through the programs and be able to implement in the live setting.
Students in the Nurse Aide, EMT and Medical Laboratory Technologies, Physical/Occupational Therapy courses will be required to have updated immunization records and are subject to a criminal background check and drug testing. Students must have a clean criminal background check and must provide a non-positive drug test.
Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) I
Course Code:
Recommended: Introduction to Health and Medical
Grades 11-12
Elective
1 Credit
This course includes tasks from the National Emergency Medical Services Educational Standards. Students explore and apply the fundamentals of emergency medical services, anatomy, physiology, and medical terminology while demonstrating skills in assessing and managing patient care, including assessing the scene and understanding shock, resuscitation, and trauma. Supervised field experience outside of school hours is required.
Note: Students must be at least 16 years old by the first day of the course offering.
The following classes fulfill the requirements for students to achieve CTE Completer status with Introduction to Emergency Medical Technician I:
Emergency Medical Technician II
Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) II
Course Code:
Prerequisite: Emergency Medical Technician I
Grades 11-12
Elective
1 Credit
This course includes tasks from the National and Virginia Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Educational Standards. Students build on their knowledge and skills for providing basic life support by focusing on the areas of EMS operations, medical emergencies, and management of special patient populations. Supervised field experience that includes at least 10 patient contacts outside of school hours is required. Successful completion of all course requirements and instructor endorsement may lead to eligibility to take the Virginia State Psychomotor Exam and the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technicians (NREMT) cognitive exam. Students must meet the requirements of the Functional Position Description for the Basic Life Support Provider (refer to EMS.TR.14B and 12VAC5-31-1501 in the Code of Virginia). Students must complete a minimum of 85 percent of the didactic and lab aspects of the course, per 12VAC5-31-1501 in the Code of Virginia.
Note: Students must be at least 16 years old by the first day of the course offering.
Firefighting I
Course Code:
Prerequisite: Physical Fitness
Grades 11-12
Elective
1 Credit
Firefighting requires discipline and attention to academic and professional standards to successfully fight live fires, address hazardous-materials (HAZMAT) incidents, and conduct search-and-rescue operations. Students will become familiar with the procedures, equipment, and technologies used by fire departments. This course challenges students academically, mentally, and physically and meets the standards of National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) 1001-2013 leading to the opportunity to obtain a Firefighter I certification. Contextual instruction and student participation in co-curricular career and technical student organization (CTSO) activities will develop leadership, interpersonal, and career skills. High-quality work-based learning (HQWBL) will provide experiential learning opportunities related to student's career goals and/or interests, integrated with instruction, and performed in partnership with local businesses and organizations.
Students must be at least 16 years old (Code of Virginia 40-1.79.1) by the first day of the course offering. Enrollment also requires parental consent. Additional requirements, including CPR, HAZMAT operations, and Mayday Awareness, are stipulated for those students seeking NFPA 1001-2013 Firefighter I certification.
The following classes fulfill the requirements for students to achieve CTE Completer status with Introduction to Firefighting I:
Firefighting II
Firefighting II
Course Code:
Prerequisite: Firefighting I
Grades 11-12
Elective
1 Credit
This course builds on the professional knowledge and skills gained in Firefighting I. Students respond to situations caused by simulated terrorism, accidents, and natural disasters by managing resources such as medevac helicopters, emergency medical personnel, technical rescue teams, and community-based organizations. Students will become familiar with the procedures, equipment, and technologies used by current fire departments. This course challenges students academically, mentally, and physically and meets the standards of the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) leading to the opportunity to obtain Firefighter II certification. Contextual instruction and student participation in co-curricular career and technical student organization (CTSO) activities will develop leadership, interpersonal, and career skills. High-quality work-based learning (HQWBL) will provide experiential learning opportunities related to student's career goals and/or interests, integrated with instruction, and performed in partnership with local businesses and organizations.
Students must be at least 16 years old (Code of Virginia 40-1.79.1) by the first day of the course offering. Enrollment also requires parental consent. Additional requirements, including CPR, HAZMAT operations, and Mayday Awareness, are stipulated for those students seeking NFPA 1001-2013 Firefighter I certification.
Introduction to Health & Medical Sciences
Course Code:
Prerequisite: None
Recommended: Algebra 1 and Biology
Grades 9-12
Elective
1 Credit
This course introduces the student to a variety of healthcare careers and develops basic skills required in all health and medical sciences. It is designed to help students understand the key elements of the U.S. healthcare system and to learn basic healthcare terminology, anatomy, and physiology for each body system, pathologies, diagnostic and clinical procedures, therapeutic interventions, and the fundamentals of traumatic and medical emergency care. Throughout the course, instruction emphasizes safety, cleanliness, asepsis, professionalism, accountability, and efficiency within the healthcare environment. Students also begin gaining job-seeking skills for entry into the health and medical sciences field. In addition, instruction may include the basics of medical laboratory procedures, pharmacology fundamentals, biotechnology concepts, and communication skills essential for providing quality patient care.
The following classes fulfill the requirements for students to achieve CTE Completer status with Introduction to Health and Medical Sciences:
Medical Administration
Medical Laboratory I
Nurse Aide I
Physical/Occupational Therapy I
Medical Laboratory Technology I
Course Code:
Recommended: Introduction to Health Science
Grades 11-12
Elective
1 Credit
This course gives students an overview of the clinical lab, hematology, urinalysis, and clinical chemistry. Students gain foundational knowledge and skills appropriate for a variety of medical-related career paths in the field of medical laboratory technology. They are introduced to diagnostic and therapeutic laboratory procedures that support medical practice and research, and investigate safety, quality assurance, and ethical concerns associated with the field of medical laboratory technology.
The following classes fulfill the requirements for students to achieve CTE Completer status with Introduction to Medical Laboratory Technology I:
Medical Laboratory Technology II
Medical Laboratory Technology II
The appropriate course code (Academic or DE) will be used based on availability.
Academic Course Code:
DE Course Code:
Prerequisite: Medical Laboratory Technology I
Grades 11-12
Elective
1 Credit
In this hands-on course, students perform tests normally seen in the clinical setting as they build on the foundational knowledge and skills obtained in Medical Laboratory Technology I. The students will use the basic principles necessary to perform competently in the areas of clinical microbiology, immunohematology, and immunology/serology, coagulation/hemostasis, and molecular diagnostics. Competency includes performing the technique correctly, understanding the theory of the procedures, and interpreting the results.
This course may be dual-enrolled. A final grade and/or credit for this course will be earned at the end of the year. Students may have the opportunity to earn three college credits through Laurel Ridge Community College (MDL 101), pending eligibility and meeting enrollment criteria. Additional fees may apply for college credit.
Mental Health Assisting Careers
Course Code:
Recommended: Introduction to Health and Medical Sciences
Grades 11-12
Elective
2 Credits
Students experience classroom instruction and hands-on learning in preparation for a career as a mental health technician or in the mental health field. Students gain an understanding of routine care and therapeutic procedures, responding to emergencies, patient rehabilitation, and patient recreational activities. Students prepare to assist physicians, therapists, and other mental health professionals in hospitals, outpatient clinics, and community mental health facilities. Contextual instruction and student participation in co-curricular career and technical student organization (CTSO) activities will develop leadership, interpersonal, and career skills. High-quality work-based learning (HQWBL) will provide experiential learning opportunities related to student's career goals and/or interests, integrated with instruction, and performed in partnership with local businesses and organizations.
Nurse Aide I
Course Code:
Prerequisite: Application and Instructor Approval
Recommended: Introduction to Health Science
Grades 11-12
Elective
1 Credit
This course is offered as an occupational preparation course which emphasizes the study of nursing occupations as related to the health care system. Students study normal growth and development, simple body structure and function, and medical terminology and are introduced to microbes and disease. They receive elementary skill training in patient-nursing assistant relationships; taking and recording of vital signs; cardiopulmonary resuscitation; and bathing, feeding, dressing, and transporting of patients in hospitals and nursing homes. Limited on-the-job instruction in nursing homes and hospitals is part of the course. This course can be used as an introduction to practical nursing or to prepare the student for Nurse Aide II so that all competencies for a certified nursing assistant are met. Students should complete Nurse Aide I before progressing to Nurse Aide II within the same school year.
The following classes fulfill the requirements for students to achieve CTE Completer status with Introduction to Nurse Aide I:
Nurse Aide II
Introduction to Health and Medical Sciences
Nurse Aide II
Course Code:
Prerequisite: Nurse Aide I
Grades 11-12
Elective
1 Credit
This course is an occupational preparation course, emphasizing advanced skill training in areas such as catheter care, range of motion, bowel and bladder training, care of the dying, selected procedures for maternal and infant care, and admission and discharge procedures. Students learn diseases and body systems as related to advanced clinical care of the acute medical-surgical patient, the chronically ill, and the elderly. On-the-job instruction in a licensed nursing home is part of the course. Upon completion of the nurse aide program, the student is eligible to take the nurse aide certification exam that leads to employment as a certified nurse aide in hospitals and nursing homes. Upon completion of the course, students will sit for the Nurse Aide Exam given by the Board of Nursing.
The following classes fulfill the requirements for students to achieve CTE Completer status with Nurse Aide II:
Patient Care Technician
Patient Care Technician
Course Code:
Prerequisite: Nurse Aide II and CNA Credential
Recommended: Nurse Aide Cooperative Education
Grades 12
Elective
1 Credit
This course emphasizes the study of nursing occupations as related to the healthcare system. Students study normal growth and development, simple body structure and function, and medical terminology and are introduced to microbes and diseases. Upon completion of the course, students will master skills in performing ECGs, basic medical, lab, and exam procedures, drawing blood, and providing basic patient care. Students may be eligible to take the National Certification exams to become a Certified Phlebotomy Technician, Certified EKG Technician, and Certified Patient Care Technician.
Physical / Occupational Therapy I
Course Code:
Recommended: Introduction to Health Sciences and Anatomy and Physiology
Grades 11-12
Elective
2 Credits
The course is designed to provide an introduction to the professions of physical and occupational therapy. Students explore the principles and practices of therapists in the healthcare industry and participate in clinical observation under the direct supervision of a licensed physical and/or occupational therapist. Clinical skills in the areas of physical therapy and occupational therapy enable students to gain an understanding of rehabilitative care, which is practiced throughout the continuum of care and across the life span of individuals. After successful completion of this course, students may seek higher education for specific degrees/licensure in a variety of fields such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, sports medicine, athletic training, chiropractic medicine, biology, or exercise science.
The following classes fulfill the requirements for students to achieve CTE Completer status with Physical / Occupational Therapy I:
Introduction to Health and Medical Sciences
Physical / Occupational Therapy II
Physical / Occupational Therapy II
Course Code:
Prerequisite: Physical / Occupational Therapy I
Grades 11-12
Elective
2 Credits
The course is designed to provide an introduction to the professions of physical and occupational therapy. Students explore the principles and practices of therapists in the healthcare industry and participate in clinical observation under the direct supervision of a licensed physical and/or occupational therapist. Clinical skills in the areas of physical therapy and occupational therapy enable students to gain understanding of rehabilitative care, which is practiced throughout the continuum of care and across the life span of individuals. After successful completion of this course, students may seek higher education for specific degrees/licensure in a variety of fields such as physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, sports medicine, athletic training, chiropractic medicine, biology, or exercise science.
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