High School Credits one (per semester)

Course Description
This is part two (spring semester) of a year long course. Students must register for part one, Exploring Health Sciences, for the fall semester. This course builds on the foundations of the Exploring Health Sciences course. Exploring the Language of Medicine enables students to learn medical terminology, concepts, terms and abbreviations. Course content includes anatomy and physiology, pathology, diagnostic procedures, therapeutic interventions, and pharmacology.

Curriculum
Anatomy and Physiology
Development of medical terms, prefixes, suffixes,
and combining forms
Growth and Development
Pharmacology drug classification

Prerequisites
Exploring Health Sciences is strongly recommended.
Field Trips:
Students may visit a variety of local health care agencies for
observational experiences.

Colleges/ Universities
Students completing Exploring the Language of Medicine 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 a wide variety of 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 the Language of Medicine 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 TechnicianRespiratory Therapist • Speech Therapist
X-Ray Technician