Elective Highlight: Foundations of Health Science

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The Foundations of Health Science course, taught by Dr. Farnham and Mr. Hudson, gives students an insider's look at the medical world while helping them find future career directions within the healthcare field. Students are college- and life-ready through a blend of classroom learning, hands-on training, and guest speakers in all areas of medicine.

Throughout the semester, students have learned various subjects like human anatomy, safe medical practice, and infection control. In Dr. Farnham's class, the students learned how to put on and take off personal protective equipment (PPE) like gloves, gowns, and caps safely, which are important skills for working safely in healthcare. They also studied the quadrants and regions of the human body, which gave them a comprehensive understanding of anatomy and medical terminology. These classes have provided a very strong foundation to students who are interested in a science or medical field.

Dr. Farnham also brings what is studied in class to life by inviting guest speakers into the classroom. For example, psychologist Leslie Rodrigues spoke to the class about her job and experiences working in the health field. The classes give students a chance to pose questions and discover how many various kinds of professions there are out there in medicine.

In Mr. Hudson's class, the students learned further about researching careers in health and public health. They researched different professions, such as doctors, nurses, medical technicians, and educators, as well as the skills needed in each. The class talked about required topics such as bloodborne pathogens, such as HIV/AIDS, and how not to spread them. Even handwashing was done by the students, and why there is such an emphasis on public health.

At the end of the course, students will have a greater understanding of human biology and the safety of healthcare. Far more importantly, they'll be able to tell with greater accuracy what careers they might possibly want to seek out as their future profession. Thanks to Dr. Farnham and Mr. Hudson, the Foundations of Health Science course is helping students in their very first major step toward their healthcare future.