Exploring Health Sciences/The Language of Medicine

Grades: 10, 11, 12

Students may take either the two-credit option of Exploring Health Sciences and the Language of Medicine or may take the one-credit option of just the Language of Medicine. Both the one and two credit courses have a dual enrollment option for qualifying students.

Credit: one or two/weighted +1 for Dual Enrollment, unweighted for non-Dual Enrollment

Course Code: 838326 for non-Dual Enrollment, 8383DU for Dual Enrollment

Exploring Health Sciences Course Description:

Students must also register for part two, Exploring the Language of Medicine (838326) for the spring semester. This course introduces the student to health care careers and develops basic skills common to all health and medical sciences. It is recommended as the first course for other health and medical sciences courses. This course focuses on exploring health careers, communication skills, safety, first aid, and Healthcare Provider CPR. This course is part of the Claude Moore Scholars, a healthcare education program. HOSA, the co-curricular student organization, offers opportunities in leadership, community, and competitive events.

Language of Medicine Course Description:

Exploring the Language of Medicine is designed to help students learn common medical terms essential for safe patient care. It is presented in logical order, beginning with each body system anatomy and physiology and progressing through pathology, diagnostic procedures, therapeutic interventions, and pharmacology. Concepts, terms, and abbreviations are also presented to the students. This course is part of the Claude Moore Foundation grant supporting the HMS program. HOSA, the co-curricular student organization, offers opportunities in leadership, community, and competitive events.

• Industry certification may be available as part of this course. This course requires a student materials fee as listed in FCPS Notice 5922.

Course Topics:

• Characteristics of the Health Care Worker
• Controlling Infection
• Health Care Issues
• Legal and Ethical Issues
• Health Care Specialties and Educational Requirements for Careers
• Health Care Systems
• Health Regulatory Boards
• Medical Math
• Safety
• Vital Signs

Career Pathways:

Students completing Exploring Health Sciences and/or the Language of Medicine may pursue more specific career pathways such as: 

• Emergency Medical Technician
• Dental Careers
• Medical Assistant
• Nursing
• Pharmacy Technician
• Physical/Occupational Therapy
• Sports Medicine
• Medical Scientist
• Physician
• Physician’s Assistant
• Radiology Technician
• Respiratory Therapist
• Speech Therapist
• X-Ray Technician

VIDEO:  Exploring Health Sciences / Language of Medicine