HEALTH TECHNOLOGY
COURSE DESCRIPTIONS

EXPLORATORY AND INTRODUCTION TO HEALTH TECHNOLOGY (3 credits)
All Grade 9 students go through the Exploratory Program.  Students deciding to enter the field of Health Technology will be exposed to the basics of safety and infection control practices including personal and patient hygiene.  The Health Technology program provides a broad-based exposure to a variety of health occupations.  Instruction involves hands-on training in providing personal care for patients combined with theoretical instruction in the fundamental subjects of the health care industry including nutrition, growth and development, medical-legal issues, human behavior, medical terminology, health care safety and professional communication.  Technology-related mathematics, reading, writing, vocabulary and science are integrated throughout the curriculum.

EXPLORATION OF HEALTH CARE CAREER CLUSTERS (3 Credits)
In Grade 10, students are introduced to the five Health Science Career Clusters:  Therapeutic Services, Diagnostic Services, Health Information, Support Services and Biotechnology Research and Development.  Instruction is provided in the areas of anatomy and physiology, fundamental health care skills, professional communication skills for health care, the relationship of human behavior through out the life span and basic medical terminology.  Qualities and attributes necessary to work in health care settings are emphasized. Theory and hands-on learning will focus on safety and infection control. Field trips to health care facilities to observe the Health Science Career Clusters will also be included as appropriate. Technology-related mathematics, reading, writing, vocabulary and science are integrated also. Instruction in Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and First Aid leading to certification will be provided.

NURSING ASSISTANT CERTIFICATION (3 credits)
In Grade 11, the students receive instruction that involves hands-on training and theory lessons in the fundamental subjects of the health care industry with the goal of providing quality health care to long term patients.  These subjects include safety standards, infection control, professionalism, medical-ethical issues, oral and written communication, medical terminology, medical math, human behavior, nutrition, anatomy and physiology and common diseases.  Nursing assistant skills are applied through clinical experience at various long term care facilities.  The skills that students will be learning and applying at long term care facilities includes but are not limited to: bathing, dressing, feeding, toileting, ambulating patients, vital signs, and making beds.  Upon completion of the theoretical and clinical hours required of the nursing assistant student, the students are eligible to take the State of Connecticut Registry Examination to become a Certified Nursing Assistant.  The State examination consists of two parts that evaluate the knowledge as well as the skills required to provide quality patient care.  The first part of the test is written and assesses content knowledge: the second part is a practical demonstration.  Both parts of the State test must be successfully completed in order to gain certification.  Students are introduced to the clinical and administrative Medical Assistant career areas in order to prepare for entry-level positions in a medical office or clinic setting.  Students reaching an acceptable level of proficiency may be eligible for Work Based Learning (WBL).  Technology-related mathematics, reading, writing, vocabulary and science are integrated throughout the curriculum. 

MEDICAL ASSISTANT AND ADVANCED CAREER EXPLORATION (3 Credits)
In Grade 12, students will finish skill development for the administrative and clinical medical assistant career areas.  They will then have the option of focusing on other careers from the Health Science Career clusters through job shadowing.  The Medical Assistant preparation provides training in medical office practices required for an entry level position in a medical office.  The clinical medical assistant training prepares the student for employment opportunities in a variety of clinical settings such as physician practice or outpatient clinics. The Health Science Careers shadowing is a portion of the senior year that exposes a student to particular health careers and allows the student to gain valuable knowledge about that career.  This information and experience is extremely beneficial in making informed decisions regarding post-secondary education and career mobility.  As a senior Health Technology student, they will continue to be exposed to the basics of safety, sanitation and personal hygiene.  Students will demonstrate the ability to complete a job application, produce a resume and cover letter, participate successfully in an interview and to perform entry-level job readiness skills. Students reaching an acceptable level of proficiency may be eligible for Work Based Learning (WBL).  Technology-related mathematics, reading, writing, vocabulary and science are integrated throughout the curriculum.

Students successfully completing this course of study will be able to pursue a two or four year degree at colleges and universities or other private postgraduate private institutions in the health care field for training as a Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), Registered Nurse (RN) or other health related fields, i.e., radiology or physical therapy. Students not wishing to pursue higher education opportunities are able to obtain immediate employment in the health care field.  Jobs include employment as certified nursing assistants in long-term care or hospitals or medical assistants in medical offices or clinics.

* College Career Pathways – Students successfully completing this program can receive advanced college credit.