Spotlight on: Health Science and Technology

HOSA Students working the blood drive

Post by: Instructor Sharon Bean sbean@concordnhschools.net

Program basics: Health Science and Technology (HST) is a program for students interested in being future healthcare professionals. The first year introduces students to the core material needed by most health care workers. The curriculum is based upon the New Hampshire Health Science standards. Emphasis is focused on body functions, medical terminology, and safety principles. During the second year,  tudents are able to receive college credit for Medical Terminology and Exercise Science, and upon successful completion are able to become certified Licensed Nursing Assistants (LNA). Upon successful completion of the two year program students potentially leave with: Certification in First Aid and CPR, LNA certificate, and six college credits.

Where it started and where it is now: Health Science and Technology (HST) has been a program in CRTC since 1978. It originally was a program for training as a hospital housekeeper and LNA. In 1995 when CHS was renovated significant changes took place to include a classroom and lab area and the implementation of a statewide curriculum for Health Science. Today HST is a robust program that is at full student capacity (in fact over-enrolled). It is a great stepping stone opportunity for future healthcare professionals or as career path right out of high school.

Economic Outlook: According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, Nursing is the occupation with highest job growth projections thru 2020. Also in the top 10 are: Home Health Aides, Personal Care Aides. Among other fastest growing occupations is Veterinarian Technicians, Physical Therapists, Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy Assistants, Physicians, Medical Secretaries and Medical Assistants.

Facility/Equipment: Health Science Lab is in the process of expansion to include; SIM manikins, state of the art hospital and medical office equipment and supplies.

Successful graduate: Over the past two years, 100% of the students have gone to post secondary schools. Schools of acceptance are: Colby-Sawyer, Endicott College, Great Bay Community College, Hobart and Smith, Keene State, Massachusetts School of Pharmacy and Health Science, Montclair State University, Oral Roberts, Palm Beach Atlantic University, Mount Ida, Plymouth State, Queens University of Charlotte, Quinnipiac, Rivier, St. Anselm's, St. Josephs, St. Michaels, UNH, and University of New England. Primary majors are Nursing, but also include, PA, Pre Med and Veterinary Science.

HST student Grace Hannon donating her
blood during the HOSA blood drive on 10/31

Curriculum: Human structure and function and its effect on wellness, diseases disorders and therapies. Fundamentals of Wellness and Prevention, understanding the healthcare system, multidisciplinary team members, health care policy, regulations and laws, ethics, employment opportunities, communication, leadership, general safety and infection control.


Work-based experiences offered: Throughout the program guest speakers of a multitude of healthcare professionals come into speak to include, Neurosurgeon, family practice MD, Dietician, Radiology Tech, Anesthesiologist, Nurse Anesthetist, RN, Mortician, OT, PT, Blind Association, Audiologist, Opthomologist, Vet Tech, Central Sterile Supply , Hospital Security, Respiratory Therapist, Hospital CEO, Speech Pathologist, and Pharmacist. The choice of speakers is based on student interest and curriculum. We also collaborate with the residents at Presidential Oaks on a monthly basis. Students with specific interests are able to do job shadows (as allowed). We have also had the opportunity to do small group tours of various departments at Concord Hospital and Health South Rehabilitation Hospital.

Affiliated industry partners: Presidential Oaks, Red Cross, Concord Hospital, NHTI, Home Instead Senior Care, and The Prescription Center.

HOSA students at their recent mac &
cheese drive rasieing funds to go to
Cystic Fibrosis.

Highlights:
Certificates- LNA
Dual enrollment- NHTI, MCC
Trips - HOSA- State competition in Manchester, annually, HOSA Nationals either, Anaheim, CA, Orlando, FL or Nashville TN annually.
Special Events: Blood Drives, Manchester Marathon, St. Judes Walk, Cystic Fibrosis events, Presidential Oaks events, Health Fairs, Community fundraising walks.

Future of Program: The Health Science and Technology Program continues to explore growth. Our program works with other similar programs in CTE Centers throughout New Hampshire. We continue to explore adding elements to the program to enhance the experience for students. Our present focus is upon Physical Therapy and Sport Medicine, both of which are very high interest to students. In each case, we need to establish local partnerships to leverage and enhance these investments.