High School Credits one (per semester)
Course Description
This is part one (fall semester) of a two-part, full year course. Students must also register for part two, Exploring the Language of Medicine, for the spring semester. The course introduces students to all health care careers and develops basic skills common to all health and medical sciences. This course focuses on exploring health careers, communication skills, safety, first aid, and CPR.
Curriculum
CPR and First Aid Certification • Characteristics of the Health
Care Worker • Controlling Infection • Health Care Issues • Legal
and Ethical Issues • Health Care Specialties and Educational
Requirements for Careers • Health Care Systems • Health
Regulatory Boards • Medical Math • Safety • Vital Signs
Prerequisites
Prerequisites: None
Corequisties: Exploring the Language of Medicine is strongly
recommended.
Certifications
Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)
Health Care Provider Certification and First Aid accredited by the
American Heart Association.
Field Trips: Students may visit a variety of local health care
agencies for observational experiences.
Colleges/ Universities
Students completing Exploring Health Sciences may pursue
more specific career pathways in high school such as emergency
medical technician, dental careers, medical assisting, practical
nursing, pharmacy technician, physical/occupational therapy,
and sports medicine. Graduates may continue their studies at
schools including: George Mason University • George Washington
University • James Madison University • Longwood University
Lord Fairfax Community College • Lynchburg College
Marymount University • Northern Virginia Community College
Shenandoah University • University of Virginia
Virginia Commonwealth University • West Virginia University
Careers
Exploring Health Sciences may lead to these careers:
Athletic Trainer • Dental Hygienist • Dentist • Emergency
Medical Technician/Paramedic • Medical Assistant • Nurse/ RN,
LPN • Pharmacist • Pharmacy Technician • Physician • Physician’s
Assistant • Physical Therapist/Occupation Therapist • Radiology
Technician • Respiratory Therapist • Speech Therapist
X-Ray Technician |
