GHS Health Science Program

GHS HEALTHSCIENCE CEProgram

The Health Science pathway at Gainesville High School involves four courses that Terminology course. This new testing opportunity gained students begin their Freshman year and an additional 23 certifications for GHS students. finish with a double-block their Senior year. The courses offered are Principles of Health Science, Health Science Theory, Medical Terminology, and Practicum of Health Science. In 2022, there were 179 students in grades 9-12 enrolled in the Health Science pathway. This program is made possible with instruction from Brandi Dunn, BSN-RN, who is a full-time teacher at GHS and Jane Bohac, BSN-RN. The pathway produced a record 43 healthcare certifications during the 2021-2022 school year.

Throughout these courses, students build their knowledge of patient assessment, vital signs, first aid, CPR, EKGs, anatomy of the human body, medication administration, injections, phlebotomy, the disease process and complications, healthcare careers and much more! The classroom is much like a “clinical setting” with five manikins and four hospital beds, allowing students to utilize real medical equipment in the classroom setting. Students have access in the classroom to a patient lift, wheelchair, canes, crutches, stethoscopes, blood OBTAINING CPCT ARE: Sarai Samos, Ariadna Ramos, Edith Mesta, Adriana pressure cuffs, thermometers, an EKG Galano, Bradyen Mackey, Caitlyn Gomez, Yajaira Cerda, Dillon Reasor, Ashlyn machine, bandaging supplies, medication Garrison, Debora Castillo, Gabriel Martinez, Celine Alzubi, Bryce Martin, administration kits, and much more. Zyla Alonso

The 2021-2022 school year was the first year that the Patient Care Technician Certification (CPCT) was offered to Juniors taking the Medical

Upon completion of the pathway their senior year, students are able to test to become a Certified Medical Assistant (CMA). Since testing began in 2019, the program has produced 43 CMAs, and 21 of those certifications were earned this year alone. This occupation offers excellent job opportunities right out of high school and also helps build students’ resumes for future Health Science careers. Students also have the

opportunity to obtain their CPR and First Aid certification through the American Heart Association.

“Being in the Health Science pathway, obtaining my certification, and going to clinicals has given me a glance of what my future would be.” – Benny Rodriguez-Gutierrez, HOSA President

Another new change this year was the acceptance of GHS into a chapter of HOSA, Future Health Professionals. HOSA members participated in their first competition and were involved in community activities throughout the year, which included a blood drive, GHS sports physicals, and the Annual Wellness Event. HOSA members also traveled to healthcare facilities such as North Texas Medical Center, Midwestern State University, North Central Texas College, Pecan Tree, and Peak Physical Therapy. There are currently 65 members of HOSA.

OBTAINING CMA AS SENIORS ARE: Christy Landeros, Paty Gonzalez, Edith Mesta, Ana Rodriguez, Maria Perez, Janet Lopez, Chloe McNamara, Katie Malavar, Keila Gonzalez, Kayleigh Gregory-Watts, Marlyn Gonzalez Cortez, Brayden Mackey, Debora Castillo, Makenna Lewis, Gabriel Martinez, Alexander Puente, Cynova Laney, Chloe Holsinger, Caden Myers, Benny Rodriguez-Gutierrez; not pictured: Audrey Juarez

“HOSA has opened up doors of opportunities for me & everyone in the club. I was able to obtain two certifications due to this program.” – Edith Mesta, HOSA Secretary