Health Science Technology
The Health Science Technology program integrates academics and specific health science technology courses. The program also includes a variety of work-based learning activities. Essential knowledge and skills that are needed by healthcare providers are provided in the class offerings. Individual needs of health science students and postsecondary education requirements are included: leadership, community service, community resources and industry partnerships. The healthcare industry employs more than 11 million workers, or about 17 percent of the workforce, in over 300 different health careers. Articulation credit and dual credit is available for Medical Terminology and Introduction to Health Care at Spartanburg Community College.
Job Opportunities Include:
- Athletic Trainer
- Anesthesiologist
- Biomedical Engineer
- Chiropractor
- Dental Assistant
- Dental Hygienist
- Dietician
- Health Educator
- Lab Technician
- Nursing Assistant
Curriculum
Introduction to Health Science Technology
Grades: 10-12
Prerequisite: None
This class includes an overview of therapeutic, diagnostic, health informatics, support services, and biotechnology research and development pathways in health science careers. The course focuses on health careers exploration, healthcare system roles, leadership, employability, and communication skills. Students will develop a concept of health maintenance practices, safety, teamwork, and legal and ethical practices.
Health Science Technology I
Grades: 10-12
Prerequisite: A class in Biology or Anatomy or concurrent enrollment
This course is designed to develop health care specific knowledge and skills, both academic and technical, necessary for transition to clinical or work-based experiences in healthcare. The foundational standards incorporate anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, communication, healthcare systems and teams, health science career research, legal and ethical practices, safety, health and wellness, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, and first aid.
Health Science Technology II (Honors Credit)
Grades: 11-12
Prerequisite: Health Science Technology I; Completion or present enrollment in Biology or Anatomy.
The course is designed to provide for the development of multi-occupational knowledge and skills foundational to a wide variety of healthcare professionals. The standards incorporate anatomy and physiology, diseases, therapies and care rehabilitation, prevention, systems theory, legal and ethical practices, safety standards, advanced technical skills, and information technology applications. Hands-on experiences allow students to make connections between the classroom and the healthcare industry. This course offers dual credit Spartanburg Community College for AHS 102.
Certified Nursing Assistant
Grade: 12
Prerequisites: Intro to Health Science and/or Health Science Technology courses, Anatomy or Biology; C average or above in English; Tuberculosis test (TB test).
The Certified Nursing Assistant course builds on information covered in Introduction to Health Science and Health Science Technology courses. This class is recommended for students who choose to stay in the healthcare field. Students can work in healthcare with this certification and gain valuable experience. Students complete class work and labs during which they learn how to provide basic nursing care to geriatrics. After check off on skills, students participate in 40 hours of clinical time in a local nursing home facility. Uniforms are required for clinical and students are responsible for providing their own transportation to and from the designated nursing home facility.
A TB test will be administered before any clinical activity. Hepatitis B vaccines are strongly recommended. Nursing Assistant is a semester course offered to high school seniors. After completion of the classroom content and the clinical, the student will take the CNA exam to become certified. This course offers dual credit to Spartanburg Community College for AHS 101.