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Academy of Health Professions

Would you like to work in a career field that could have a positive influence on someone's life? Do you like working in dynamic, fast-paced environments?

The Academy of Health Professions offers students the opportunity to learn about the world of medicine, engage in clinical experiences, and interact with professionals in the medical community. Students will explore various career opportunities through hands-on training in basic medical skills, medical equipment use, and patient contact and communication. Areas of study include professional behaviors of health care workers, ethical and legal considerations of health care providers, human body structure and function, human development and basic needs. Students will learn about specialized health fields to help them choose a senior level pathway: Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA), Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) and Physical Rehabilitation - each with its own clinical skills training, internship experiences, and certifications.

Location

Applications and Research Laboratory (ARL)
10920 Clarksville Pike
Ellicott City, MD 21042

Grades

11-12

Related Academies

Electives

Chemistry, Anatomy and Physiology and AP Biology are highly recommended.

Prerequisites

Biology and Algebra I. Students interested in Certified Nursing Assistant must have a C average or higher in both Biology and Algebra I.

Certifications

All Academy of Health Professions students will become certified in first aid, cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) and blood and airborne pathogens by the end of their senior year.

Additional certifications are based on coursework. See senior level coursework options.

Pathway Options

After completion of junior level academy courses students have the option of enrolling in one of four pathways:

 Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA)

Students are prepared for medical assisting in a clinical setting with a focus on the specific knowledge, skills and abilities such as medical terminology, basic patient communication, assessment skills, procedures and measurements, medical office administrative procedures and patient records management.

Industry Recognized Credential

Students are prepared to take the National Health Careers Association (NHA) Certified Clinical Medical Assistant certification.

Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) / Patient Care Technician (PCT)

Prepares students to function as a nursing assistant in a variety of health care settings. This program has been approved by the Maryland Board of Nursing (MBON) and provides training in life span development, vital signs, basic patient care skills, disease processes, and communication skills. After completing the CNA certification, students will learn Patient Care Technician skills for higher level technical skills needed in a hospital setting.

Industry Recognized Credential

Upon completion of course work with a grade of 70% or better and clinical experiences, students can earn a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) certification and be eligible to register with the Maryland Board of Nursing.

Note: Incoming CNA students and a parent/guardian will need to attend a mandatory information session in the spring of junior year.

Emergency Medical Technician

The Emergency Medical Technician pathway is a partnership with Howard County Department of Fire and Rescue Services. This EMT course aims to provide students with the knowledge, skills, and abilities necessary to perform emergency medical care in a pre-hospital environment at the basic life support level.

Industry Recognized Credential

Students will prepare and sit for the National Registry Emergency Medical Technician (NREMT) exams.

College Credit

Upon graduation and successful completion of the EMTcertification students are eligible to begin the Emergency Medical Services Program at HCC, a two-year, Associates of Applied Science – Paramedic curriculum.

Physical Rehabilitation

The Physical Rehabilitation course is designed to expose students to varied careers related to the physical and occupational therapy field. This course integrates concepts of physical therapy, occupational therapy, kinesiology, and athletic training.

Industry Recognized Credential

Students are prepared to sit for a nationally recognized personal trainer and/or sports medicine certification.

Successful Academy Students:

  • Maintain a C average in all academy coursework.

Academy Sequences

Completion of any of these academy sequences fulfills the “Program Choice” requirement for graduation. After completion of junior level academy courses students have the option of enrolling in one of four pathways.
Academy First Course (2 Credits) Second Course (3 Credits)
Academy of Health Professions Foundations of Health Care - Honors CT-760-2 Certified Clinical Medical Assistant - Honors CT-763-3
Certified Nursing Assistant/Patient Care Technician: Theory and Clinical – Honors CT-765-3
Emergency Medical Technician: Basic and Clinical CT-766-3
Physical Rehabilitation - Honors CT-768-3