Health and Biosciences
Advances in medical knowledge, biosciences, technology is leading to innovation in patient care and biomedical research. The growing public awareness of health issues and their treatment or prevention and promotion of wellness is opening the doors to creating new career opportunities in the health care and biotechnology fields. In addition, research in agriculture, forensic services, manufacturing, and health care are continuously working on new innovations to improve the quality of life.
Students who are interested in pursuing a biotechnology or health care career in either a clinical or research area may enroll in one of the academies offered in this cluster area.
Allied Health
Academy Information - PDF file
The Allied Health Academy introduces students to career opportunities in health care including clinical, education, administrative, and emergency settings. Emphasis is placed on having students see the health care system as an integrated network in which professionals work as a team, have compassion and flexibility, and demonstrate effective people skills.
Using knowledge of human anatomy, physiology, growth and development, medical terminology, psychology, and human behavior, students learn and practice basic health care skills including client safety, vital signs, standard precautions and infection control, first aid, assisting with lab tests and patient’s activities of daily living in the hospital or nursing care setting, and assisting with non-clinical office tasks such as appointments, billing, and phone calls.
Biotechnology
Academy Information - PDF file
The study of molecular biology is one of the fastest growing and expanding fields in today’s scientific community. Students will learn the skills and techniques used in molecular biology and prepare for careers in medicine, pharmacology, ecology, forensic science, agriculture science, and the biotechnology industry. Emphasis will be placed on applications of techniques in genetic engineering and DNA fingerprinting, and the use of microbes and proteins in research and industry. Students will also be trained in basic laboratory skills so they will be able to use research grade equipment, complete complex laboratory protocols, and analyze laboratory results. Students will also focus on researching and discussing advances in genetics, current events in biotechnology, and bio-ethical issues.
Certified Nursing Assistant
Academy Information - PDF file
The Certified Nursing Assistant Academy is a one-year program during the senior year. Students learn nursing skills and provide care to adult patients which includes bathing, changing briefs (adult diapers), feeding, assessing blood pressure and other vital signs. There are six days during the weekend that are mandatory clinical days. The clinical days are eight-hour shifts worked in a local nursing center and students must provide their own transportation. Upon successful completion of program requirements students will receive CNA certification, CPR, and first aid certifications. These certifications will enable the student to work in healthcare environments.
Emergency Medical Technician
Academy Information - PDF file
he Emergency Medical Technician - Basic (EMT-B) course prepares students to have the emergency skills to assess and manage a multitude of healthcare emergencies to include but not limited to: respiratory emergencies, cardiac emergencies, childbirth, trauma and many other pre-hospital emergencies. The EMT-B class provides classroom and clinical experiences including emergency responses on Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Service ambulances. This academy can lead students toward a paramedic degree in the Emergency Medical Services Program at Howard Community College.