These courses introduce students to the health and medical fields through an inclusive, hands-on approach that honors diverse experiences and pathways into healthcare.
Students begin by exploring the five major health science pathways while building a foundation in safety, communication, ethics, cultural responsiveness, and the roles of health professionals. They develop an understanding of body systems, medical terminology, and the expectations of healthcare environments. Anatomy & Physiology adds a college-level study of the structure and function of the human body, including cells, tissues, disease, and major body systems, taught through both lecture and lab experiences. Students also complete enrichment projects that encourage connection to their communities, cultures, and future healthcare goals.
Together, these courses prepare students for advanced study and certifications—such as Basic Life Support for Healthcare Providers—while helping them see themselves as capable contributors to a diverse and evolving healthcare workforce.
Skills Developed
Through these courses, students develop a broad range of technical, scientific, and professional skills that prepare them for further study and careers in healthcare. They gain foundational healthcare skills such as patient safety, infection control, emergency response, CPR, first aid, and proper medical documentation. Scientific and analytical skills are strengthened through study of body systems, medical terminology, lab procedures, dissection, and data analysis. Students also build human-centered abilities including effective communication, collaboration, empathy, cultural humility, and awareness of how culture and community impact health. Additionally, they cultivate professional habits such as ethics, problem-solving, teamwork, reliability, and understanding healthcare pathways. College-ready skills—including note-taking, study strategies, academic vocabulary, and project-based learning through enrichment work and lab experiences—further support their success in postsecondary education and healthcare careers.
Careers
Patient Care Technician Average Salary $38K
Medical Assistant Average Salary $39K
EKG Technician Average Salary $67K
Phlebotomy Technician Average Salary $48K
"Success isn't about the money you make, it is about the difference you make in people's lives" - Michelle Obama
These foundational courses introduce students to the healthcare pathway through hands-on learning and real-world applications. Students will explore a wide range of medical and health-related careers, including patient care, research, technology, and support services. They’ll build essential skills in teamwork, communication, and professionalism while learning about healthcare systems, ethics, and legal responsibilities. In addition, students will have the opportunity to earn a Basic Life Support (BLS) for Healthcare Providers certification, preparing them for future roles in medical and emergency settings.
Students will also learn how to understand and use medical terminology, anatomy, and physiology by studying the structure of words related to body systems, diseases, and treatments.
They’ll explore the importance of nutrition and how it impacts overall wellness, disease prevention, and lifelong health. Together, these courses form the essential starting point for students interested in pursuing advanced studies or careers in the healthcare field.
Grades: 10-12
Length: 1 Year
Credits: 1.0 CTE/1.0 A&P Science
Concurrent Enrollment: Introduction to Health Science (HPR 1000, 3 Credits), Comprehensive Medical Terminology (HPR 1040, 3 Credits), Human Nutrition (HWE 1050, 3 Credits), Anatomy and Physiology (BIO 1006, 4 Credits)
Related Higher Education in Colorado
Arapahoe Community College: AAS in Allied Health
Community College of Denver: AAS degree programs in Medical Assisting, Phlebotomy, Sterile Processing, & Surgical Technology
Aims Community College: Allied Health Professional associate degree
