Healthcare Education Programs at Plano West Senior High School #1 in Plano, TX
Plano West Senior High School #1 in Plano, TX offers a range of healthcare education programs designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge required for careers in the healthcare industry. Below is an overview of the healthcare-related programs available at the institution.
Health Science Program
Overview
The Health Science Program at Plano West provides students with a comprehensive introduction to the field of healthcare. The program is structured to offer both theoretical knowledge and practical experience, preparing students for various healthcare professions.
Curriculum
The curriculum covers a wide range of topics including human anatomy, medical terminology, health information technology, patient care skills, and basic nursing concepts. The coursework is designed to not only provide academic knowledge but also develop hands-on skills through lab practices and simulated environments.
Certifications
Students have the opportunity to earn certifications such as Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) and CPR certification, which are highly valued in the healthcare industry and enhance employability immediately after graduation.
Biomedical Science Program
Overview
The Biomedical Science Program is part of the Project Lead The Way (PLTW) initiative, a nationwide program that focuses on providing innovative STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) education.
Curriculum
The curriculum in this program spans four years and includes courses such as Principles of Biomedical Science, Human Body Systems, Medical Interventions, and Biomedical Innovation. Each course provides a combination of classroom instruction, lab work, and projects, which allow students to apply their knowledge to real-world medical challenges.
Hands-On Experience
Students engage in activities like simulating biomedical engineering tasks, analyzing genetic diseases, and developing innovative healthcare solutions. These hands-on experiences are designed to build critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
Medical Terminology and Health Informatics
Overview
In addition to the broader programs, Plano West Senior High School also offers specialized courses in Medical Terminology and Health Informatics.
Curriculum
- Medical Terminology: This course dives deep into the language used in the medical field, providing students with the terminology necessary to understand and communicate effectively in healthcare settings.
- Health Informatics: Students learn about the systems and software used in managing healthcare information. This course covers topics like electronic health records (EHR), data management, and the ethical considerations involved in handling patient data.
Extracurricular Activities
HOSA – Future Health Professionals
Plano West Senior High School supports a chapter of HOSA (Health Occupations Students of America), which is an international student organization endorsed by the U.S. Department of Education and the Health Science Technology Education Division of ACTE. HOSA offers students extracurricular activities such as science fairs, leadership conferences, and competitive events that complement their academic learning and professional growth.
Get Started Today
Plano West Senior High School #1 offers these robust healthcare education programs to provide students with a solid foundation for pursuing careers in the rapidly growing healthcare industry. Interested students and parents are encouraged to contact the school’s counseling office for more information on enrollment and program specifics.