STEM Academy: Pre-Nursing Pathway

5500: Introduction to Health Services (0.5 credit PAR, Gr. 9-12) 

The purpose of the course is to provide students with a realistic exposure to health careers and a look at the educational requirements for various healthcare related professions. This course will provide experiences in nursing, the role of the physician, careers in rehabilitation, respiratory therapy, emergency medical services, diagnostic imaging, medical laboratory technology, health information technology, dietetics, and biomedical engineering.

8710: Principles of Biomedical Science (1 credit SCI, Gr. 9-12, weighted)

Prerequisite: Teacher recommendation from 8th grade science

In the introductory course of the PLTW Biomedical Science program, students explore concepts of biology and medicine to determine factors that led to the death of a fictional person. While investigating the case, students examine autopsy reports, investigate medical history, and explore medical treatments that might have prolonged the person’s life. The activities and projects introduce students to human physiology, basic biology, medicine, and research processes while allowing them to design their own experiments to solve problems.

8514: Foundations of Nursing I - 4 credits (3 credits PAR and 1 credit SCI, Gr. 11-12)

Prerequisite: Minimum 2.0 GPA; 90% attendance; grade of C or better in Biology; reading, writing, and math at minimum 10th grade level

Recommended: Introduction to Health Services, Chemistry, and Psychology.

This program at Herndon Career Center is designed for students to explore a career in nursing and related health careers. Students will participate in both classroom and hands on/clinical experiences. Classroom instruction includes anatomy, physiology, medical terminology and entry level nursing topics. Classroom instruction also includes American Heart Associate CPR and First Aid certification. Students will learn and practice clinical skills in a controlled simulation lab. Students will then spend 100 hours at various long-term care facilities perfecting their clinical skills. Students will have opportunities to observe other health care professionals. Students who complete the program will have met the requirements to take the final examination to become a Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA).

The student must provide his/her own transportation to the clinical sites. A background check will be required for clinical experiences. Uniforms will be required for clinical experiences, paid directly by the student to the uniform company. Student contribution to course expenses could be up to $240 (for registration, equipment, etc.).

8529: Foundations of Nursing II - 4 credits (3 credits PAR and 1 credit SCI, Gr. 12)

Prerequisite: Foundations of Nursing I

This second level course in the nursing program at Herndon Career Center includes both classroom and hands on/clinical experiences. The course builds upon content and experiences from Foundations of Nursing I. Students who complete the program will have met the requirements to take the final examination to become a Certified Medical Assistant (CMA).

The student must provide his/her own transportation to the clinical sites. A background check will be required for clinical experiences. Uniforms will be required for clinical experiences, paid directly by the student to the uniform company. Student contribution to course expenses could be up to $240 (for registration, equipment, etc.).

8613: Pre-Allied Health - 4 credits (3 credits PAR and 1 credit MTH or SCI, Gr. 11-12)

Prerequisite: Minimum 2.5 GPA; 90% attendance; a grade of C or better in Algebra I and a grade of C or better in Biology or Chemistry

This program at Summit Technology Academy is for students interested in learning more about Allied Health careers or who would like to enter college healthcare programs after graduation. Students will be engaged in hands-on skills, lab work, and projects related to dental assisting; health information technology; occupational therapy/occupational therapy assistant; paramedic/EMT; physical therapy/physical therapy assistant; radiologic technology and respiratory care, surgical technology, nursing, polysomnography, chiropractic, athletic training, laboratory, pharmacy, and other allied health careers. This program allows internship and shadowing opportunities in allied health career fields. In addition, students will have opportunities to gain industry credentials such as Basic Life Saver CPR training and HIPPA credentials. Students will have to provide transportation periodically in order to accommodate outside lab experiences and internships.

8601: Pre-Professional Nursing - 4 credits (3 credits PAR and 1 credit SCI, Gr. 12, weighted) College Credit Available

Prerequisite: Minimum 2.5 GPA; 90% attendance; a grade of C or better in Algebra I, Biology, and Chemistry; reading and writing at minimum 10th grade level

This course at Summit Technology Academy is designed to prepare senior students, who have identified nursing as a clear career goal, for a collegiate registered nursing program. Students will learn through classroom instruction and practice in a clinical skills lab. Major units of study include nursing history and career exploration, pharmaceutical math, CPR/First Aid, nursing skills, and medical terminology. The course will introduce students to the nursing process, nursing documentation, effective communication skills, and medical ethics. Students will learn and use APA style in the production of a research paper. Dual college credit options are subject to change based on instructor qualifications and college requirements. Students must provide their own transportation for clinical experiences.

8621: Internship in STEM Careers - Cerner Scholars (2 credits PAR, Gr. 12)

Cerner is a leading company in the Kansas City area that provides health information solutions to improve the well-being of individuals and communities. Cerner creates leading-edge health information technology through strategies that empower organizations to know, manage and engage their populations. The Cerner Scholars program at Summit Technology Academy provides students with an opportunity to gain a deeper learning experience related to their interest in computing and technology.