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Health Science Occupations

The Health Science Occupations Department (HSO) offers electives in which students explore interests ranging from Introduction to Health Careers, Emergency Medical Services (EMR), CPR, First Aid and Emergency Medical Technician (EMT). Students have the opportunity to earn college credit through Pine Technical and Community College. Students completing the EMS courses are eligible to be certified through the National Registry for EMS. Students completing the Introduction to Health Care Careers program are eligible to take the State test to become a Registered Nursing Assistance (NAR) through the State of Minnesota.

Courses Shown Below

Click title to see course description and prerequisites 

Exploring Medical Careers (9-12)

Medical Dosages (11-12)

Medical Terminology (10-12)

Pharmacology (11-12)

Nursing Assistant Comprehensive (11-12) (two class periods)

Emergency Medical Responder (11-12)
Emergency Medical Technician A (12) (two class periods)
Emergency Medical Technician B (12) (two class periods) 

 

Students Practicing EMT Skills

 

Exploring Medical Careers Course: 2430 Grade: 9-12 This course will provide information about health care careers for the purpose of assisting the student in the career decision-making process. The healthcare system will be described and the characteristics and responsibilities of health care providers will be discussed. Students will also have hands-on experiences that allow them to acquire entry level skills and knowledge for all health careers. 
 

Medical Dosages Course: 2431 Grade: 11-12
 

Prerequisite: Successful completion of Algebra 9. PTCC requires seniors to be in the top 1/2 of their graduating class or score a above the 50th percentile on a nationally standardized test or meet course placement requirements determined by assessment score. Juniors to be in the top 1/3 of their graduating class or score at or above the 70th percentile on a nationally standarized test or meet course placement requirements determined by assessment score.
This course will focus on introducing students to medical dosages and the terminology associated with medication orders.  Students will learn theory and skills related to calculating medication dosages.
Successful completion of this course may enable students to earn 1 semester credit through Pine Technical and Community College. 
 

Medical Terminology Course: 2432 Grade: 10-12
 

Prerequisite:  PTCC requires seniors to be in the top 1/2 of their graduating class or score above the 50th percentile on a nationally standardized test or meet course placement requirements determined by assessment score. Juniors to be in the top 1/3 of their graduating class or score at or above the 70th percentile on a nationally standardized test or meet course placement requirements determined by assessment score.

This course will focus on reinforcing correct word definitions, pronunciation, and spelling as studied in Medical Terminology.  Students will be introduced to additional terminology specific to all body systems as well as abbreviations and common drug names. Medical terminology as it relates to basic anatomy and functions of the body systems will be further explored.

Successful completion of this course may enable students to earn 1 semester credit through Pine Technical and Community College. 

 

Pharmacology Course: 2433 Grade: 11-12
 

Prerequisite:  PTCC requires seniors to be in the top 1/2 of their graduating class or score a above the 50th percentile on a nationally standardized test or meet course placement requirements determined by assessment score. Juniors to be in the top 1/3 of their graduating class or score at or above the 70th percentile on a nationally standarized test or meet course placement requirements determined by assessment score.
This course will provide the student with an introduction to basic pharmacology. Students will be presented with the major drug classifications as they relate to body systems. Successful completion of this course may enable students to earn 1 semester credit through Pine Technical and Community College.
 

Nursing Assistant Comprehensive (meets two class periods) Course: 2440 Grade: 11-12
 

Certification Logo

Prerequisite:  PTCC requires seniors to be in the top 1/2 of their graduating class or score a above the 50th percentile on a nationally standardized test or meet course placement requirements determined by assessment score. Juniors to be in the top 1/3 of their graduating class or score at or above the 70th percentile on a nationally standarized test or meet course placement requirements determined by assessment score.
This course is designed for students interested in a healthcare career and is a great way to explore whether a health care career may be right for them. Providing hands-on experience learning through classroom labs, lectures, including basic  medical terminology incorporated throughout the course and 24 hours of supervised patient care experience at area long term care facilities,, students have the tools to help make a decision if a healthcare career is right for them.  After successful completion of the course, students meet the requirements needed to take the MN Nursing Assistant Competency Exam and the student is eligible to become a Registered  Nursing Assistant (CNA, RNA) in the State of MN.  The course also fulfills entry requirement for many nursing programs.  Before completing the clinical component of the course, students must undergo a background check and provide medical proof that they do not have Tuberculosis. Students must provide their own transportation for clinicals. The course also includes BLS certification for Healthcare Providers through the American Heart Association. Upon completion of the course, students will be BLS certified. This course is worth 1 credit.
Successful completion of this course may enable students to earn 3 semester credits through Pine Technical and Community College. Nursing assistant Exam Prep (HEOP 1510)


Emergency Medical Responder Course: 2450 Grade: 11-12
 

Certification Logo

Prerequisite: Successful completion Phy Ed 10 PTCC requires seniors to be in the top 1/2 of their graduating class or score a above the 50th percentile on a nationally standardized test or meet course placement requirements determined by assessment score. Juniors to be in the top 1/3 of their graduating class or score at or above the 70th percentile on a nationally standarized test or meet course placement requirements determined by assessment score.
This course enables students with or without previous emergency care course experience to become a Minnesota State registered Emergency Medical Responder (EMR). This course is designed to provide the EMR at the scene of a medical or trauma emergency the necessary knowledge and skill to manage patient care until the arrival of ambulance personnel. The course will cover the following topics: body substance isolation, anatomy/physiology, patient assessment, vital signs, bleeding and shock control, spinal immobilization, splinting, bandaging, use of oxygen adjunctive equipment, water safety and life-saving techniques, working with ambulance stretchers and CPR. Ten hours of lab/community volunteer time are required. Opportunities to apply knowledge and skills will be provided. Successful completion of this course may enable students to earn 2 semester credits through Pine Technical and Community College. *Students taking this course will have the opportunity to earn an Emergency Medical Responder Certification. There is a student fee for this certification. Certification preparation is part of the high school course, however, Forest Lake Area Schools is not a testing location. Please talk to the teacher for additional information.  


Emergency Medical Technician A/B (each section meets 2 class periods) Course: 2451/2452 Grade: 12
 

Certification Logo

Prerequisite:  PTCC requires seniors to be in the top 1/2 of their graduating class or score a above the 50th percentile on a nationally standardized test or meet course placement requirements determined by assessment score. Juniors to be in the top 1/3 of their graduating class or score at or above the 70th percentile on a nationally standarized test or meet course placement requirements determined by assessment score.  This Emergency Medical Technician class meets or exceeds the United States Department of Transportation 2009 National EMS Education Standards for the Emergency Medical Technician. At the successful completion of the class the student who has reached their 18th birthday, will be eligible to take the National Registry EMT written and practical examinations. Students may have the opportunity to work with simulation equipment and may participate in additional off campus experiences. The course will be taught by certified secondary Health Occupations Instructors licensed by the Minnesota Board of Teaching, nurses, paramedics, physicians and other health care professionals. Students must register for both Emergency Medical Technician A and B. Students earn 1 credit for each course. Successful completion of these courses may enable students to earn 9 semester credits through Pine Technical and Community College. *Students taking this course will have the opportunity to earn an Emergency Medical Technician Certification. There is a student fee for this certification. Certification preparation is part of the high school course, however, Forest Lake Area Schools is not a testing location. Please talk to the teacher for additional information.