Description:
The Biomedical and Health Science program provides students with the opportunity to explore three different tracks: nursing, dental or veterinary. The first year will introduce students to different careers in health sciences. Students will study anatomy, physiology, nutrition, diet therapy, and complete a medical research project through field trips, demonstrations, and classroom instruction. The second year prepares students in basic health science skills, body mechanics, aseptic techniques, and medical terminology. Students are placed in a clinical experience of their choice during the second semester to gain valuable hands-on experience in the industry. Clinicals are held twice a week in the evening after school from 3:30 - 6:30 pm and 3:30 - 9:30 pm. This program follows a Project Lead the Way College Board Advanced Placement curriculum. Students who complete the program can further their education or enter into the workforce as a Certified Nursing Assistant, Dental Aide, Veterinary Aide and more.
Curriculum:
Year I:
Principles of Biomedical Science (first semester)
In the introductory course of the PLTW Biomedical Science program, students explore concepts of biology and medicine to determine the factors that led to the death of a fictional person. While investigating the case, students examine autopsy reports, investigate medical history, and explore medical treatments that might have prolonged the person’s life. The activities and projects introduce students to human physiology, basic biology, medicine, and research processes while allowing them to design their own experiments to solve problems.
Human Body Systems (second semester)
Students examine the interactions of human body systems as they explore identity, power, movement, protection, and homeostasis in the body. Exploring science in action, students build organs and tissues on a skeletal Maniken®; use data acquisition software to monitor body functions such as muscle movement, reflex and voluntary action, and respiration; and take on the roles of biomedical professionals to solve real-world medical cases
Year II:
Program of Study Nursing Assistant, Dental Assistant or Veterinary Assistant (first semester)
Students learn about their desired course of study. They go through the curriculum and learn the skills needed to work in the field. Once they have practiced their hands on materials students then attend on the job training.
Medical Interventions and basic Math (second semester)
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.
National Standards:
Project Lead The Way
CNA: Certified Nursing Assistant
DANB: Dental Assisting National Board
Certifications:
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
Certified Residential Medication Aide (CRMA)
Dental X-ray/Infection Control
First Aid & CPR
Dual Enrollment:
Central Maine Community College
Southern Maine Community College
Suggested Integrated Academic Credit:
Career Prep
English Language Arts
Science
Prerequisites:
Academic:
Familiarity with the basic principles of biology.
Ability to use and perform basic arithmetic skills without a calculator including: fractions, decimals, percentages, ratios, multiplication and division.
Effective verbal and written communication to support collaborative professional relationships with patients and colleagues.
Ability to compose essays and other written communication.
Ability to interact with text at a 10th grade reading and writing level.
Technical:
Actively participate in daily classroom routine, including but not limited to sustained periods of sitting or standing, and participating in and facilitating gross motor activities (including the ability to sufficiently bend, reach and lift 30- 50lbs.).
Ability to use fine motor skills for the use of dissection tools and also take blood pressure etc.
Ability to work independently and in groups.
Ability to follow multi-step written and verbal instructions with limited supervision.