STEM Academy: Pre-Physical Therapy

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.

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.

8712: Human Body Systems (1 credit SCI, Gr. 10-12, weighted)

Prerequisite: Principles of Biomedical Science

In this course, students examine the interactions of human body systems as they explore identity, power, movement, protection, and homeostasis. Exploring science in action, students build organs and tissues on a skeletal Maniken®; use data acquisition software to monitor body functions such as muscle movement, reflex and voluntary action, and respiration; and take on the roles of biomedical professionals to solve real-world medical cases.

8604: Medical Interventions (1 credit SCI, Gr. 11-12, weighted)

Prerequisite: Human Body Systems

In this course, students follow the life of a fictitious family as they investigate how to prevent, diagnose, and treat disease. Students explore how to detect and fight infection; screen and evaluate the code in human DNA; evaluate cancer treatment options; and prevail when the organs of the body begin to fail. Through real-world cases, students are exposed to a range of interventions related to immunology, surgery, genetics, pharmacology, medical devices, and diagnostics.

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.