Academy of Health Professions

Location:

Junior and senior-level academy courses are taught at the ARL.

Summary

Students will focus on the broad spectrum of health careers by identifying and demonstrating the necessary skills and behaviors needed to succeed in the technologically advanced world of medicine. Students will explore various career opportunities through hands-on training in basic medical skills, medical equipment use, and patient contact and communication. Areas of study include:

  • Professional behaviors of healthcare workers

  • Ethical and legal considerations of healthcare providers

  • Human body structure and function

  • Human development and basic needs

Students will rotate through various health sites and sample specialized health fields to help choose a specific direction in a health-related career.

Recommended Science Courses and Electives

Chemistry (grade 11) and Anatomy and Physiology (grade 12) are highly recommended. Additionally, Advanced Placement Biology is beneficial as a science elective in grade 12 for students in this academy.

Prerequisites

  • Biology and Common Core Algebra I

Note: Students interested in Certified Nursing Assistant must have a C average or higher in both Biology and Common Core Algebra I.

Successful Academy Students

  • Maintain a C average in all academy coursework.
  • Complete senior level coursework through a work-site or clinical experience (students must provide their own transportation)

Courses

Shaded areas designate completer coursework.

  • Foundations of Medicine and Health – Honors 840 M (1) (11th, 1 period)

  • Structure and Functions of the Human Body – Honors 842 M (1) (11th, 1 period)

  • Clinical Research in Allied Health (3) 875 M (11th, 3 periods)

- OR -

  • Certified Nursing Assistant: Theory and Clinical (3) 6896 (11th, 3 periods)

- OR -

  • Emergency Medical Technician: Basic and Clinical (2) 6888 (11th, 3 periods)*

* Students in the Emergency Medical Technician pathway must select one additional elective.

Senior Level Coursework Options

After completion of junior level academy courses students have the option of enrolling in one of three pathways:

Clinical Research in Allied Health

Offers students a clinical worksite experience in an allied health field of their interest. Students will have the opportunity to work with an allied health professional in their chosen field while completing a real world research project and presentation to a panel of experts. Students also have the option of completing advanced skills training at the Applications and Research Laboratory

Successful Academy Students:

  • Maintain a C average in all academy coursework.

  • Complete at least 6–8 hours of work-site experience per week OR daily attendance at the Applications and Research Lab.

  • Attend weekly senior seminars at the Applications and Research Lab.

  • Choose a “real world” problem to research.

  • Write and submit a research proposal, abstract, and reflection paper based on research.

  • Maintain and submit a journal and portfolio of senior work.

  • Present a culminating multimedia presentation for the final grade

Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)

Will prepare students to function as a nursing assistant in a variety of health care settings. This academy has been approved by the Maryland Board of Nursing and provides training in life span development, vital signs, basic patient care skills, etc. All coursework must be successfully completed to receive a Howard County Community College Certificate of Completion. Upon successful completion of the theory and clinical coursework, students are eligible to take the State Geriatric Examination to become a CNA with a specialty in geriatrics (GNA). The knowledge and competencies learned in this academy are valuable in pursuing any health care career. Immunizations, literacy screening, and criminal investigation are required prior to clinical placement.

Successful Academy Students:

  • Maintain a C average in all academy coursework. Only students who have successfully completed classroom goals and objectives will be recommended for clinical experience.

  • Complete state-mandated attendance and performance standards during the program.

  • Attend an orientation session during May of the junior year.

  • Complete 60 hours of clinical experience during the school year. Clinical hours will be completed on weekends.

  • Are 16 years or older prior to participation in clinical experiences.

  • Complete criminal background check prior to participation in clinical experiences.

  • Maintain up-to-date immunizations before participation.

  • Provide own transportation to all clinical experiences.

  • Successfully complete HCC Literacy screening assessment.

Emergency Medical Technician

Will prepare students to have the emergency skills to assess a patient’s condition and manage respiratory, cardiac and trauma emergencies. The classes provide classroom and clinical experiences. The Emergency Medical Technician Academy is the result of a three-way partnership between Howard County Public Schools, Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Services, and Howard Community College (HCC). This academy serves as a prerequisite for coursework in the Emergency Medical Services Program at Howard Community College.

Prior to admission to the academy, students must complete an application to the EMT academy and interview by Fire and Rescue staff. A physical examination must also be completed prior to acceptance. (Note: EMT is limited to 25 students per year/class.)

Successful Academy Students:

  • Complete state-mandated attendance and performance standards during the program. To meet the 165 hours of required content level classwork, students will need to participate in additional scheduled class sessions.

  • Are 16 years or older prior to participation in clinical experiences.

  • Complete criminal background check prior to participation in clinical experiences.

  • Maintain up-to-date immunizations prior to participation in clinical experiences.

  • Complete a minimum of 10 clinical hours and 5 pre-hospital calls after school and on weekends.

  • Provide own transportation to all clinical experiences.

Industry Certifications

All Academy of Health Professions students will become certified in First Aid, Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and Blood and Airborne Pathogens by the end of their junior year.

Students in the Emergency Medical Technician Academy earn Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) Infection Control certification.

Upon completion of CNA coursework and clinical experiences with a grade of 70 or better, students can receive a CNA certificate. Students seeking GNA certification will be required to complete a state examination for a fee.

College Credit

Students who successfully complete the Clinical Research in Allied Health program sequence, with a grade of B or higher in academy courses, may be eligible for credits at Howard Community College.

Upon graduation and successful completion of EMT-B certification requirements, students will begin college level coursework at HCC.  The Emergency Medical Services Program at HCC is a two-year, Associates of Applied Science – Paramedic curriculum.

Sample Career Options

< 4-Year Degree

  • Home Health Care Provider

  • EKG Technician/EEG Tech.

  • Medical Assistant

  • Medical Lab Technician

  • Medical Office Manager

  • Personal Trainer

  • Pharmacy Technician

  • Physical Therapy Assistant

  • Radiographer

  • Surgical Technologist

  • Certified Nursing Assistant

  • Geriatric Nursing Assistant

  • Emergency Medical Technician

  • Flight Medic

  • Firefighter

  • Paramedic

4-year Degree

  • Dietician/Nutritionist

  • Health Educator

  • Occupational Therapist

  • Physician Assistant

  • Licensed Practical Nurse

  • Registered Nurse

  • Tactical Paramedic (Law)

  • Disaster Preparedness and Management

  • Social Worker

  • MS Educator

  • Occupational Safety and Health

< 4-year Degree

  • Audiologist

  • Chiropractor

  • Dentist

  • Genetic Counselor

  • Health Administrator

  • Nurse Practitioner

  • Pharmacist

  • Physical Therapist

  • Physician

  • Speech and Language Pathologist

  • Nurse Practitioner