ACADEMY OF HEALTH PROFESSIONS
Location: Junior and senior-level academy courses are taught at the ARL.
Summary
Students will focus on the broad spectrum of health careers by identifying and demonstrating the
necessary skills and behaviors needed to succeed in the technologically advanced world of medicine.
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 healthcare workers
• Ethical and legal considerations of healthcare providers
• Human body structure and function
• Human development and basic needs
Students will rotate through various health sites and sample specialized health fields to help choose a
specific direction in a health-related career.
Recommended Electives
Anatomy and Physiology is highly recommended as a concurrent science. Additionally, Advanced
Placement Biology is beneficial as a science elective in 12th grade for students in this academy.
Prerequisites
• Biology and Algebra I
Corequisite
• Chemistry
Successful Academy Students:
• Maintain a C average in all academy coursework.
• Maintain a C average in mathematics and science coursework.
• Complete senior level coursework through a work-site or clinical experience (students must provide their
own transportation)
9th Grade
English 9
Algebra I/DA or
Above
Science
Requirement
US History
10th Grade
English 10
Geometry
or Above
Biology*
11th Grade
English 11
Algebra II
12th Grade
English 12
Elective
Chemistry
Elective
World History
Elective
Tech. Ed.
Requirement
American
Government
Fine Arts
Requirement
Life Fitness/Health
Elective
Elective
Elective
Foundations of
Medicine and Health
Science
Structure and
Functions of the
Human Body
Clinical Research in
Allied Health (3) 874M
Or
Certified Nursing
Assistant: Theory and
Clinical (3) 6894
Or
Emergency Medical
Technician: Basic (2)
and Clinical (2) 6892
* Some students may take Biology G/T in 9th Grade.
Shaded areas designate academy coursework.
Senior Level Coursework Options:
After completion of junior level academy courses students have the option of enrolling in one of
three pathways:
Clinical Research in Allied Health offers students a clinical worksite experience in an allied health
field of their interest. Students will have the opportunity to work with an allied health professional in
their chosen field while completing a real world research project and presentation to a panel of
experts. Students also have the option of completing advanced skills training at the Applications and
Research Laboratory.
Successful Academy Students:
 Complete at least 6-8 hours of work-site experience per week OR daily attendance at the
Applications and Research Lab.
 Attend weekly senior seminars at the Applications and Research Lab.
 Choose a “real world” problem to research.
 Write and submit a research proposal, abstract, and reflection paper based on research.
 Maintain and submit a journal and portfolio of senior work.
 Present a culminating multimedia presentation for the final grade.
Certified Nursing Assistant (C N A) will prepare students to function as a nursing assistant in a
variety of health care settings. This academy has been approved by the Maryland Board of Nursing
and provides training in life span development, vital signs, basic patient care skills, etc. All
coursework must be successfully completed to receive a Howard Community College Certificate of
Completion. Upon successful completion of the theory and clinical coursework, students are eligible
to take the State Geriatric Examination to become a CNA with an option to sit for Geriatrics Nursing
Assistant (GNA). The knowledge and competencies learned in this academy are valuable in pursuing
any health care career. Immunizations, literacy screening, and criminal investigation are required prior
to clinical placement.
Successful Academy Students:
 Maintain a C average in all academy coursework. Only students who have successfully
completed classroom goals and objectives will be recommended for clinical experience.
 Complete state-mandated attendance and performance standards during the program.
 Attend an orientation session during May of the junior year.
 Complete 60 hours of clinical experience during the school year. Clinical hours will be
completed on weekends. Students receive 1 credit for clinicals.
 Are 16 years or older prior to participation in clinical experiences.
 Complete criminal background check prior to participation in clinical experiences.
 Maintain up-to-date immunizations before participation.
 Provide own transportation to all clinical experiences.
 Successfully complete HCC Literacy screening assessment.
Emergency Medical Technician will prepare students to have the emergency skills to assess a
patient’s condition and manage respiratory, cardiac and trauma emergencies. The classes provide
classroom and clinical experiences. The Emergency Medical Technician Academy is the result of a
three-way partnership between Howard County Public Schools, Howard County Department of Fire
and Rescue Services, and Howard Community College (HCC). This academy serves as a prerequisite
for coursework in the Emergency Medical Services Program at Howard Community College.
Successful Academy Students:
 Complete state-mandated attendance and performance standards during the program.
 Are 16 years or older prior to participation in clinical experiences.
 Complete criminal background check prior to participation in clinical experiences.
 Maintain up-to-date immunizations prior to participation in clinical experiences.
 Complete a minimum of 10 clinical hours and 5 pre-hospital calls after school and on
weekends. Students receive 2 credits for clinicals.
 Provide own transportation to all clinical experiences.
Industry Certifications
All academy 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 junior year.
Upon completion of CNA/GNA coursework and clinical experiences with a grade of 70 or better, students
can receive a CNA certificate. Students seeking GNA certification will be required to complete a state
examination for a fee.
College Articulation
Students who successfully complete the Clinical Research in Allied Health program sequence, with a
grade of B or higher in academy courses, may be eligible for up to 3 credits at Howard Community
College.
Upon graduation and successful completion of EMT-B certification requirements, students will begin
college level coursework at HCC. Upon graduation, students will have completed 7 credits at HCC. The
Emergency Medical Services Program is a two-year, Associates of Applied Science -- Paramedic
curriculum.
< 4 Year Degree
Home Health Care Provider EKG
Technician/EEG Tech.
Medical Assistant
Medical Lab Technician
Medical Office Manager
Personal Trainer
Pharmacy Technician
Physical Therapy Assistant
Radiographer
Surgical Technologist
Sample Career Options
4 Year Degree
Dietician/Nutritionist
Health Educator
Occupational Therapist
Physician Assistant
Licensed Practical Nurse
Registered Nurse
Tactical Paramedic (Law)
Disaster Preparedness and
Management
Social Worker
> 4 Year Degree
Audiologist
Chiropractor
Dentist
Genetic Counselor
Health Administrator
Nurse Practitioner
Pharmacist
Physical Therapist
Physician
Speech and Language Pathologist
Certified Nursing Assistant
Geriatric Nursing Assistant
Emergency Medical Technician
Flight Medic
Firefighter
Paramedic
MS Educator
Occupational Safety and Health
Nurse Practitioner