Healthcare Education Programs at Westminster High School Health Studies in Westminster, CO

Westminster High School Health Studies in Westminster, CO, offers comprehensive healthcare education programs designed to provide students with essential knowledge and skills for pursuing careers in the medical and health fields. The programs integrate academic rigor with practical experience, preparing students for various pathways within the healthcare industry.

Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Program

The Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) program is one of the primary offerings at Westminster High School Health Studies. This program equips students with basic nursing skills and an understanding of patient care in various settings. Key components of the CNA program include:

• Clinical Skills Training: Hands-on experience in performing clinical tasks such as taking vital signs, assisting with activities of daily living, and providing basic patient care.
• Classroom Instruction: Coursework covers nursing fundamentals, anatomy and physiology, infection control, and medical terminology.
• Certification Preparation: The program prepares students to take the state CNA certification exam, which upon passing, enables them to work in healthcare facilities such as hospitals, nursing homes, and home health agencies.

Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA)

HOSA is a vital component of the healthcare education programs at Westminster High School. This organization provides students with additional opportunities for professional development and leadership in health sciences. Through HOSA, students can:

• Participate in Competitions: Engage in state and national competitions that test their knowledge and skills in health-related areas.
• Access Networking Opportunities: Connect with healthcare professionals and peers who share similar interests.
• Develop Leadership Skills: Take on leadership roles within the organization, enhancing their personal and professional growth.

Sports Medicine Program

Westminster High School Health Studies also offers a Sports Medicine program, which focuses on the prevention, assessment, and rehabilitation of sports-related injuries. This program covers:

• Injury Prevention and Care: Education on how to prevent injuries through strength training, conditioning, and protective equipment.
• Rehabilitation Techniques: Training on various rehabilitation modalities and techniques to help athletes recover from injuries.
• Internships and Practical Experience: Opportunities to work with school athletic teams, providing real-world experience alongside certified athletic trainers.

Medical Career Pathways

The school’s Medical Career Pathways program is designed to give students a broad overview of various medical careers and the educational requirements needed to pursue them. This pathway includes:

• Exploration of Medical Careers: In-depth look at different professions within the healthcare field, such as medicine, nursing, pharmacy, and allied health professions.
• College and Career Readiness: Guidance on selecting suitable post-secondary education options and preparing for college entrance requirements.
• Hands-On Learning: Laboratory experiences and job shadowing opportunities to gain practical insight into the medical field.

Health Science Foundations

The Health Science Foundations course serves as an introductory class for students interested in healthcare careers. This course covers:

• Basic Health Concepts: Introduction to the healthcare system, ethics, legal responsibilities, and safety practices.
• Medical Terminology: Understanding and usage of medical terminology crucial for all healthcare professions.
• Pathway Selection: Helping students to determine which healthcare pathway best aligns with their interests and career goals.

Get Started Today

Westminster High School Health Studies provides a robust selection of programs for students interested in healthcare careers. Whether through the CNA program, participation in HOSA, the Sports Medicine program, Medical Career Pathways, or foundational health science courses, students receive the education and training necessary to succeed in the ever-evolving healthcare industry. Interested students and parents are encouraged to reach out to the school’s administration to learn more about these opportunities and begin planning for a future in healthcare today.