Academy of Health Sciences

Therapeutic Services is designed to prepare students to pursue careers in fields of dentistry, pharmacology, nutrition, or rehabilitation. Upon completion of this program, a proficient student will be able to identify careers in therapeutic clinical services; assess, monitor, evaluate, and report patient/client health status; and identify the purpose and components of treatments. Students have the opportunity to take part in a clinical internship at the end of this program of study along with optional testing for either the Certified Pharmacy Technician or Certified Clinical Medical Assistant industry certification.

Year 1:  Health Science Education

Health Science Education is an introductory course designed to prepare students to pursue careers in the fields of public health, therapeutics, health services administration, diagnostics, and support services. Upon completion of this course, a proficient student will be able to identify careers in these fields, compare and contrast the features of healthcare systems, explain the legal and ethical ramifications of the healthcare setting, and begin to perform foundational health care skills. This course will serve as a strong foundation for all of the Health Science programs of study as well as the Health Services Administration program of study. 

Year 2:  Anatomy and Physiology and/or Medical Therapeutics

Anatomy and Physiology is designed to develop an understanding of the structures and functions of the human body, while relating those to knowledge and skills associated with pathophysiology. Upon completion of this course, proficient students will be able to (1) apply the gross anatomy from earlier courses to a deeper understanding of all body systems, (2) identify the organs and structures of the support and movement systems, (3) relate the structure and function of the communication, control, and integration system, and (4) demonstrate a professional, working understanding of the transportation, respiration, excretory, and reproduction systems.

Medical Therapeutics is an applied course designed to prepare students to pursue careers in therapeutic and nursing services. Upon completion of this course, a proficient student will be able to identify careers in therapeutics services; assess, monitor, evaluate, and report patient/client health status; and identify the purpose and components of treatments. 

Year 3 Clinical Internship or Career Based Learning

Clinical Internship is a capstone course and work-based learning experience designed to provide students with real-world application of skills and knowledge obtained in a pre-requisite Health Science course. Upon completion of this course, proficient students will be able to pursue certification in the pre-requisite course of Cardiovascular Services, Exercise Physiology, Medical Therapeutics or Pharmacological Science. Prior to beginning work at a clinical site, students must be certified in Basic Life Support (BLS) Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), and deemed competent in basic first aid, body mechanics, Standard Precaution guidelines, and confidentiality.

Career Based Learning is a capstone course intended to provide students with opportunities to apply the skills and knowledge learned in previous CTE and general education courses within a professional work environment. The course allows students to earn high school credit for select models of work-based learning, which allow students to interact with industry professionals in order to extend and deepen classroom work and support the development of postsecondary and career readiness knowledge and skills

Diagnostic Services is designed to prepare students to pursue careers in the fields of radiology, medical laboratory, optometry, and other patient diagnostic procedures. Upon completion of this course, proficient students will be able to describe new and evolving diagnostic technologies, compare and contrast the features of healthcare systems, explain the legal and ethical ramifications of the healthcare setting, and begin to perform foundational healthcare skills. In addition, students will have the option to complete a clinical internship.

Year 1:  Health Science Education

Health Science Education is an introductory course designed to prepare students to pursue careers in the fields of public health, therapeutics, health services administration, diagnostics, and support services. Upon completion of this course, a proficient student will be able to identify careers in these fields, compare and contrast the features of healthcare systems, explain the legal and ethical ramifications of the healthcare setting, and begin to perform foundational health care skills. This course will serve as a strong foundation for all of the Health Science programs of study as well as the Health Services Administration program of study. 

Year 2:  Anatomy and Physiology and/or Diagnostic Medicine

Anatomy and Physiology is designed to develop an understanding of the structures and functions of the human body, while relating those to knowledge and skills associated with pathophysiology. Upon completion of this course, proficient students will be able to (1) apply the gross anatomy from earlier courses to a deeper understanding of all body systems, (2) identify the organs and structures of the support and movement systems, (3) relate the structure and function of the communication, control, and integration system, and (4) demonstrate a professional, working understanding of the transportation, respiration, excretory, and reproduction systems.

Diagnostic Medicine is a second or third level course designed to prepare students to pursue careers in the fields of diagnostic medical imaging, medical laboratory testing, optometry, and other patient diagnostic procedures. Upon completion of this course, proficient students will be able to describe new and evolving diagnostic technologies, compare and contrast the features of healthcare systems, explain the legal and ethical ramifications of the healthcare setting, and begin to perform foundational healthcare skills. In addition, students will continue to add artifacts to a portfolio, which they will continue to build throughout the program of study.

Year 3: Cardiovascular Services and/or Clinical Internship or Career Based Learning

Cardiovascular Services is an applied course in the Diagnostic Services program of study intended to prepare students with an understanding of the roles and responsibilities of those seeking employment in the cardiovascular field of healthcare. Upon completion of this course, proficient students will have a thorough understanding of the anatomy and physiology of the heart and be knowledgeable about both invasive and non-invasive cardiovascular procedures. Students will incorporate communication, goal setting, and information collection skills to be successful in the workplace.

Clinical Internship is a capstone course and work-based learning experience designed to provide students with real-world application of skills and knowledge obtained in a pre-requisite Health Science course. Upon completion of this course, proficient students will be able to pursue certification in the pre-requisite course of Cardiovascular Services, Exercise Physiology, Medical Therapeutics or Pharmacological Science. Prior to beginning work at a clinical site, students must be certified in Basic Life Support (BLS) Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), and deemed competent in basic first aid, body mechanics, Standard Precaution guidelines, and confidentiality.

Work-Based Learning: Career Practicum is a capstone course intended to provide students with opportunities to apply the skills and knowledge learned in previous CTE and general education courses within a professional work environment. The course allows students to earn high school credit for select models of work-based learning, which allow students to interact with industry professionals in order to extend and deepen classroom work and support the development of postsecondary and career readiness knowledge and skills

Students in the Academy of Health Sciences have an opportunity to earn early post secondary opportunities in the following areas:

Dual Enrollment in Anatomy and Physiology and Medical Terminology through Nashville State Community College

Industry Certifications in OSHA 10, CPR, Patient Care Tech, Certified Medical Assistant, EKG Technician