Health & Medical Sciences

This required ninth-grade course provides students with a foundation in health and medical science and introduces a variety of careers and pathways within the health care field. Students explore the U.S. health care system while developing foundational knowledge of medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, common diseases and disorders, diagnostic procedures, clinical practices, therapeutic interventions, and emergency care. Emphasis is placed on safety, infection control and aseptic practices, professionalism, communication, accountability, teamwork, and ethical behavior in health care settings. Students develop fundamental skills and competencies that support success in subsequent GHSA pathway courses and future health science careers.

This required tenth-grade course builds upon the foundational knowledge developed in Intro to Health and Medical Science and prepares students for advanced study in their selected health science pathway. Students develop proficiency in the language of health care through the systematic study of medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, and the terminology associated with common diseases and disorders. Instruction progresses through diagnostic procedures, therapeutic interventions, and pharmacology while emphasizing the accurate use, pronunciation, spelling, and interpretation of medical terms and abbreviations. Students learn to analyze and construct medical terms using prefixes, suffixes, word roots, and combining forms and apply this knowledge to authentic health care contexts. The course strengthens the communication skills and medical vocabulary essential for success in clinical, laboratory, and other health care settings.

This required tenth-grade course in the Biotechnology Research & Development pathway introduces students to the foundational concepts and practices of biomedical science. Through hands-on investigations and problem-based learning, students explore human physiology, biology, medicine, disease, and health care. Students analyze medical histories, laboratory and autopsy reports, and other evidence to investigate biomedical problems and develop evidence-based conclusions. They learn to apply the scientific method, design and conduct experiments, collect and analyze data, and communicate scientific findings. The course develops critical thinking, research, laboratory, and problem-solving skills while providing a foundation for advanced study in biotechnology, biomedical research, and related health science fields.

This required eleventh-grade course in the Biotechnology Research & Development pathway builds upon the foundational concepts of biomedical science and explores the structure, function, and interactions of the human body. Students investigate major body systems, including the nervous, muscular, respiratory, circulatory, and immune systems, and examine how these systems work together to maintain homeostasis and overall health. Through hands-on investigations, students construct models of organs and tissues, collect and analyze physiological data using technology, and investigate real-world medical cases from the perspective of biomedical professionals. Emphasis is placed on scientific inquiry, data analysis, critical thinking, and problem-solving as students apply principles of human physiology to biomedical challenges. The course prepares students for advanced study and careers in biotechnology, biomedical research, health sciences, and related fields.

This required twelfth-grade course serves as an advanced application of biomedical science within the Biotechnology Research & Development pathway. Students explore how biomedical professionals prevent, diagnose, and treat disease through the study of infection, immunology, genetics, cancer, pharmacology, medical devices, surgery, and diagnostic technologies. Through hands-on investigations and real-world biomedical cases, students analyze disease processes, evaluate treatment options, interpret scientific and medical data, and consider the effectiveness and implications of various medical interventions. Emphasis is placed on scientific inquiry, research, problem-solving, and evidence-based decision-making as students apply their knowledge of human biology and biomedical science to complex health challenges. The course prepares students for postsecondary study and careers in biotechnology, biomedical research, health sciences, and related fields.

This required eleventh-grade course in the Therapeutic pathway provides students with foundational knowledge and skills for careers in patient care and serves as a prerequisite for Nurse Aid and Patient Care Technician coursework. Students explore health care careers while developing essential skills related to patient care, safety, infection prevention and control, communication, professionalism, and teamwork. Instruction includes the study of human body structure and function, principles of health and wellness, microorganisms and disease, and the health care delivery system. Through classroom instruction, laboratory practice, and supervised work-based learning experiences when available, students begin developing the competencies needed to provide safe, compassionate, and effective care in health care settings. The course prepares students for advanced clinical training and continued study in therapeutic health science careers.

This required twelfth-grade course provides advanced preparation for students pursuing careers in nursing and patient care and serves as a culminating course in the Therapeutic pathway. Students develop knowledge and clinical skills related to patient care, including human growth and development, anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, infection prevention and control, vital signs, cardiopulmonary resuscitation, personal care, nutrition, mobility, and patient safety. Through classroom instruction, laboratory practice, and supervised clinical experiences at Riverside Hospital, students apply their skills in authentic health care settings while developing professionalism, communication, accountability, and compassionate patient care. Students who successfully complete the required coursework and clinical hours and meet the Virginia Board of Nursing assessment requirements have the opportunity to earn their Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) credential. The course provides a strong foundation for employment in health care and further education in nursing and other patient care professions.

This required twelfth-grade course provides advanced preparation for students pursuing careers in nursing and patient care and serves as a culminating course in the Therapeutic pathway. The course emphasizes the study of nursing occupations as related to the healthcare system. Students study normal growth and development, simple body structure and function, medical terminology, and are introduced to microbes and disease. Upon completion of the course, students will have mastered the skills needed to perform electrocardiograms (ECGs); execute basic medical, lab, and exam procedures; draw blood; and provide basic patient/client care. Students will be eligible to take a national certification exam to become certified phlebotomy technicians, certified ECG technicians, and certified patient care technicians. Contextual instruction and student participation in co-curricular career and technical student organization (CTSO) activities will develop leadership, interpersonal, and career skills. High-quality work-based learning (HQWBL) will provide experiential learning opportunities related to students' career goals and/or interests, integrated with instruction, and performed in partnership with local businesses and organizations.

This required eleventh-grade course in the Diagnostic pathway provides foundational knowledge and laboratory skills for students pursuing careers in medical laboratory science and other diagnostic health care fields. Students explore the role of the medical laboratory in the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease and develop an understanding of laboratory safety, quality assurance, infection control, and professional and ethical practices. Through hands-on laboratory investigations, students are introduced to specimen collection and handling, laboratory equipment and techniques, and diagnostic and therapeutic testing procedures. Students develop skills in scientific observation, data collection, analysis, and documentation while applying concepts of biology, chemistry, anatomy, and physiology to clinical laboratory settings. The course prepares students for advanced study in Medical Laboratory Technology II and further education and careers in medical laboratory science and related diagnostic fields.

 This required twelfth-grade course in the Diagnostic pathway builds upon the foundational knowledge and laboratory skills developed in Medical Laboratory Technology I and provides advanced preparation for careers and postsecondary study in medical laboratory science. Students develop competency in the major areas of the clinical laboratory, including hematology, clinical chemistry, clinical microbiology, immunohematology, and immunology and serology. Through extensive hands-on laboratory experiences, students perform routine clinical testing, demonstrate proper laboratory techniques, apply underlying scientific principles, and interpret and evaluate laboratory results. Emphasis is placed on accuracy, quality control, laboratory safety, professional standards, and the appropriate documentation and communication of test results. Students apply critical-thinking and problem-solving skills to authentic clinical laboratory situations while developing the technical competencies necessary for success in further education and careers in medical laboratory technology and related diagnostic fields.