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Health Science Theory
Course Description: The Health Science Theory course is designed to provide for the development of advanced knowledge and skills related to a wide variety of health careers. Students will employ hands-on experiences for continued knowledge and skill development.
Course Credit: One Credit
Course Requirements: This course is recommended for students in Grades 10-12. requirements/recommendations.
Prerequisites: Principles of Health Science and Biology. Recommended corequisite: Health Science Clinical.
Unit 1: Meeting Employer Expectations in Health Science
- This unit is designed to inform future Health Science students about industry expectations for employability skills and professional standards. Students also examine the specific requisites for employment in the Health Sciences along with the specific steps necessary to become employed in Health Science.
Unit 2: Appling Academic Standards in Health Science
- In this unit students learn how to apply other academic areas such as mathematics, science, English language arts, and social studies in health science. Using these skills to interpret, summarize and explain complex and technical material is the goal. The global impact of disease prevention and cost containment is also researched. Students are expected to communicate using correct medical terminology and have the ability to do mathematical calculations appropriate to a health-related environment.
Unit 3: Health Science Communication Skills
- Students in this unit will analyze the importance of good communication skills, not only in the workplace but their personal life as well. Verbal, non-verbal, and electronic communications will be explored along with potential barriers to communication. Students will demonstrate the effectiveness of conflict resolution techniques in various simulated situations. The importance of communication skills in maintaining healthy relationships throughout life is emphasized.
Unit 4: Health Science Documents and Records
- This unit teaches students how to compile and record health related data according to industry-based standards. Students will also research document formats and learn how to access and process information in the permanent record of the health informatics system. Students will simulate the proper reporting of information to proper authorities according to facility policy.
Unit 5: Decision Making and Problem Solving in Health Science
- Students in this unit learn the skills necessary for effective problem solving and decision making. Students have the opportunity to identify a problem and walk thru the steps to effectively solve it. Time is also spent on analyzing the outcomes and modifying future decisions based on those outcomes.
Unit 6: Appling Knowledge and Skills
- Students have the chance to apply the skills they have learned in the past as they role play simulated situations in health care. Students also demonstrate skills in first aid, CPR, vital signs, and the use of an AED in a cardiac emergency. Students will demonstrate skills related to admissions, discharge, and transfer functions. Depending on the situations students may also perform skills associated with medical assistant, dental assistant, emergency medical technician-basic, phlebotomy technician, and pharmacy technician. Students are expected to model industry expectations of professional conduct such as attendance, punctuality, personal appearance, hygiene, and time management.
Unit 7: Leadership and Ethical Behavior
- In this unit students identify the leadership skills expected by health care professionals. Students will demonstrate integrated consensus building techniques and participate in group dynamics. Students will evaluate behavioral and legal responsibilities of a health care professional by researching and describing the role of professional associations and regulatory agencies. The Patient Bill of Rights, Advanced Directives, and the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act will be explored and the legal and ethical ramifications of unacceptable behavior will be explained.
Unit 8: Maintaining a Safe Environment
- Students are expected to explain protocol related to hazardous materials and situations and have the ability to observe and report unsafe condition they might encounter. Regulation from the World Health Organization, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Occupational Safety and Health Administration, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Joint Commission, and National Institute of Health will be explained. The benefits of recycling and waste management for cost containment and environmental protection will be analyzed.
Unit 9: Wellness Strategies and Disease Prevention
- In this unit student will analyze the strategies used to prevent disease. The effects, both positive and negative, of relationships on health are examined. The possible effectiveness of alternative health practices and therapies are explored. The overall benefits of access to quality health care along with the benefits of positive relationships among community health professionals in promoting a healthy community are demonstrated.
