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Prepare for a career in Patient Care or Biotechnology.

“They are learning alongside our nurses, alongside our teachers about how to support students with medical fragility and a host of other needs including occupational therapy, physical therapy, and other therapies here.”

Dr. Tess Reid
Principal, Addicott Elementary School

Overview

Pathways in the Health Science and Medical Technology sector prepare graduates to work in health care as nurses, physical therapists, pharmacists, administrators, and more.

Students may have the opportunity to receive college credit and industry recognized certifications as well as participate in paid and unpaid internships.

Health Science and Medical Technology

Sample Health Science Courses

In this course students will explore the anatomy and physiology of the human body and related careers. This course examines organ system structures and functions, diseases and disorders, and the promotion of a healthy lifestyle beginning with life on the microscopic level to the study of the entire organism. Students engage in inquiry-based learning by performing scholarly research in genetics, neurology, cardiology, immunology, nutrition, physiology, and sexual health in order to make predictions, collect and analyze data, and formulate conclusions. Students integrate their knowledge of anatomy and physiology with related careers within the health science and medical technology industry.

Applied Medical Sciences is a comprehensive study of healthcare occupations and supplemental skills. This course explores the healthcare occupations that include an overview of prevention, treatment, and management of illness and the preservation of mental and physical well-being through the services offered by the medical and allied health professions. Additionally, this course provides students with the knowledge, skill, and application to provide immediate care to individuals experiencing an acute medical emergency. Students will learn, practice, and be certified in basic assessment, breathing, and heart rescue and first aid procedures until transport or additional health professionals arrive.

In this CTE and science standards-based course, students will learn about the theories and methods of prevention, evaluation, management, and rehabilitation of sports and exercise-related injuries. The body’s physiological response to disease, injury, and stress will be addressed. Students will use scientific methods of observation, investigation, experimentation, data collection, and data analysis. Laboratory and practicum work is performed both in and outside of the classroom. Students are provided substantial opportunities to practice and apply learned theories and techniques working with school athletes, athletic trainers, physical therapists, strength and conditioning specialists, orthopedic surgeons, and other practicing professionals on the field after school hours. This course will incorporate a learner-centered approach to the profession of athletic training. Collaborative learning, creativity, critical thinking, and hands-on experience will be emphasized. Students will demonstrate how to combine academic and clinical learning, and integrate it into practical performances and presentations to improve long-term learning retention.

This course is the capstone in the Biomedical Sciences Pathway. In the final course students build on the knowledge and skills gained from previous courses to design innovative solutions for the most pressing health challenges of the 21st century. They have the opportunity to work on an independent design project with a mentor or advisor from a university, medical facility, or research institution.

This course is a capstone course designed to produce employable graduates with those competencies necessary to move on to post-secondary education and/or an entry-level medical office position. Students will practice and perform clinical duties that include taking and recording vital signs and medical histories, preparing patients for examination, and administering medications as directed by physician. This course is also designed to teach necessary administrative skills for initial point of contact patient care in clinical, medical office, and hospital settings. Through integrated and core academic curriculum, students will learn the competencies and necessary skills of currently accepted practices and technological standards for medical assisting. Students will research and discuss ethical, legal, and professional behavior in a medical office and will adhere to those findings throughout the year. The community classroom internship provides the student with actual supervised experience in a medical office, or clinic, to enhance those competencies acquired during classroom theory and laboratory training.

Students follow the life of a fictitious family as they investigate how to prevent, diagnose, and treat disease. Students explore how to detect and fight infection; screen and evaluate the code in human DNA; evaluate cancer treatment options; and prevail when the organs of the body begin to fail. Through real-world cases, students are exposed to a range of interventions related to immunology, surgery, genetics, pharmacology, medical devices, and diagnostics.

The Nursing Services course provides the student with specific skills training to obtain employment as a nursing assistant, patient care partner, handicapped children’s aide, school health aide, etc. Following successful completion of the core curriculum, the student may test for Certification as a Nursing Assistant. The program, while exposing students to nursing and related medical careers, prepares the student for application to Licensed Vocational Nursing programs or to begin the college level requirements for Registered Nursing and other health care fields. The course content includes nursing assistant (meets the requirement of Department of Health Services), and an option of Anatomy, Physiology, Medical Math, Medical Terminology, and Study Skills. By end of year, all senior students will complete the linked learning Senior Capstone, which consists of a paper, a project, portfolio, and presentation.

Pharmacy Technology serves as a foundation to a career as a pharmacy technician. Students will be introduced to the roles, responsibilities, and educational requirements for various careers in pharmacology. Students will acquire knowledge in pharmacy regulations, drug research and development, drug classifications, administration routes, dosage forms, and outpatient prescription requirements. Course instruction will also emphasize career ready behaviors in communication, ethics, interpersonal skills, critical thinking, and safety skills.

The Rehabilitation Therapy Services course provides students with specific skills training while exposing students to rehabilitation therapy careers and preparing them to begin the college level requirements for registered physical, occupational, or rehabilitation therapy programs. The course will provide specific instruction on the supervision, roles, responsibilities, and competencies necessary in the field of Rehabilitation Therapy. Students will have a foundation in the areas of anatomy, physiology, kinesiology, and movement science through the student of basic principles of patient care and management.

This course provides entry-level, upgrade, and/or preparation for the Sports Medicine profession. Instruction includes the following areas: career opportunities, communication skills, ethical and legal responsibilities, medical terminology, injury recognition and prevention, anatomy and physiology, biomechanics, psychology, research, nutrition, tissue response to injury, physical therapy exercises and modalities, professional practice, and sports medicine procedures. Students participate in lab activities involving basic life support training, evaluation of injuries, prophylactic modalities and taping, and case study problem solving.

This Exploratory Health Science and Medical Technology course provides students with the awareness of a variety of career options examining careers that work diagnostic, supportive, and therapeutic services and the requirements to achieve their career goals. Exploratory courses provide the foundational concepts in which students can begin to form future career choices that meet their individual career interest. Students are exposed to the general requirements for various careers in the healthcare field. This course provides the basic experiences and activities that will set a foundation for entry into any one of the Health Science and Medical Technology pathways at introductory level courses.

This course will expose students to the career readiness skills needed for a successful internship and prepare them for the world of work. An internship is a work-based learning experience that provides students the opportunity to apply their technical and academic skills in a professional setting. Students will develop and practice an understanding of the duties and responsibilities of high-skilled career areas, including terminology, climate, protocol, and other information that will enable them to analyze and revise their meaningful future plans. This course will expose students to the career readiness skills needed for a successful internship and prepare them for the world of work. The internship is supported with activities and assignments to deepen and enhance the experience. The structure of the internship aligns with local policy and program expectations for internships.

This course will expose students to the career readiness skills needed for a successful internship and prepare them for the world of work. An internship is a work-based learning experience that provides students the opportunity to apply their technical and academic skills in a professional setting. Students will develop and practice an understanding of the duties and responsibilities of high-skilled career areas, including terminology, climate, protocol, and other information that will enable them to analyze and revise their meaningful future plans. This course will expose students to the career readiness skills needed for a successful internship and prepare them for the world of work. The internship is supported with activities and assignments to deepen and enhance the experience. The structure of the internship aligns with local policy and program expectations for internships.

Note: Course availability varies by school and program.

CART Labs

CART is a college and career prep, half-day program for juniors and seniors in Clovis and Fresno Unified School Districts. Labs offer hands-on and industry standard methods for students to investigate and acquire a variety of skills. CART offers two labs in the Health sector.

Biomedicine Lab

Students explore issues in medical science and human anatomy/physiology through their involvement in dissections, medical case studies and research projects. Students investigate how a healthy body functions and how it reacts to disease. Students collaborate with medical professionals at various hospitals and clinics in the Fresno/Clovis area as they research a variety of medical topics.

Biotechnology Lab

Students explore biotechnology, an exploding science field that leads to high-paying jobs in medicine, biology, chemistry, agriculture, and environmental science. Students apply DNA technology to genetically engineer bacteria, solve medical mysteries, clone tissues, diagnose genetic disease, and explore drug development and testing. Students wrestle with difficult ethical issues that arise as a result of using biotechnology to solve problems.

Junior Doctors Academy

The Junior Doctors Academy (JDA) is a special academic enrichment program for students attending Kings Canyon, Sequoia, and Terronez Middle Schools who are interested in a career in medicine or another health profession. The primary goal of the JDA is to support students who aspire to be health professionals by introducing them to a series of medical topics, college and health workshops, guest speakers, and various other components that will support them in their medical career. With early introductions to health careers, STEM activities, and academic counseling and support, the goal is for students to develop a heart for healthcare and continue into the Doctors Academy at Sunnyside High School.

Examples of Health Careers

OccupationEducation LevelMedian Annual Earnings in CA
AnesthesiologistDoctoral or professional degree$445,300
Athletic TrainerBachelor's degree$57,990
Family Medicine PhysicianDoctoral or professional degree$235,869
Licensed Practical/Vocational NursePostsecondary certificate$62,410
Obstetrician and GynecologistDoctoral or professional degree$327,850
PharmacistDoctoral or professional degree$149,700
Physical Therapist AssistantAssociate's degree$72,890
PsychiatristDoctoral or professional degree$261,539
Registered NurseBachelor's degree$118,400

Source: US Dept of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics for California

Health Science Pathways and Programs

Click here for an accessible list of the programs on the map, including links to school site pathway pages.

Pathway Certifications and Recognition

Linked Learning Silver Certification

Linked Learning Silver Certification is a standard of excellence for college and career preparation. We have achieved Silver Certification by demonstrating that our pathways have integrated academics with career-themed coursework, feature meaningful work-based learning, and include effective supports for students.

Linked Learning Silver Seal

Duncan Medical Academy of Science and Health (MASH)

Edison Biomedicine

McLane Medical Education and Research Academy (MERA)

Roosevelt Health Academy

Sunnyside Health Sciences

PLTW Distinguished School

PLTW Distinguished Program Recognition celebrates districts and schools committed to helping students own their education by increasing student access, engagement, and achievement in their PLTW programs.

PLTW Distinguished School

Bullard Biomedicine

Edison Biomedicine

NAF Certified

NAF academies are structured as small, focused learning communities that fit within and enhance high school systems.

NAF Logo

Bullard Biomedicine

Edison Biomedicine

Roosevelt Health Academy

Sunnyside Health Sciences

NAF Distinguished Academy

NAF’s Katherine Blasik Distinguished Academy recognition is NAF’s highest level of achievement. This designation is given to a select few who have reached Model level on NAF’s annual assessment, exhibiting strong fidelity to a design that prepares students for success in college and careers.

NAF Distinguished Academy

Duncan Medical Academy of Science and Health (MASH)

McLane Medical Education and Research Academy (MERA)

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