Program Description:


The Applied Medical Sciences program is a two-year course for juniors and seniors interested in pursuing a career in health care.

The AMS program provides core skills and knowledge necessary for entry-level employment in the healthcare field.

During the course, students are introduced to anatomy and physiology, medical vocabulary, and nursing fundamentals. Students earn their Healthcare Provider CPR and First Aid cards through the American Heart Association and Certification for the 7 hr. WA State Blood-borne Pathogen training as well as a Certificate of Completion for Applied Medical Sciences program. Students who qualify may apply to take the Washington State Nursing Assistant Certification examination.

The second-year AMS program will focus on Medical Assisting. At the completion of this course, students will be well on their way to sit for the Medical Assisting certification examination.

Students completing the course and earning a grade of “B” or higher in related course areas, are eligible for credits from local community colleges.

All students enrolled in the Applied Medical Sciences program will learn:

Year 1
  • Safety skills
  • Basic patient care skills for nursing assisting
  • Professionalism
  • Leadership development
  • Therapeutic communication
  • Human anatomy and physiology
  • Medical terminology
  • AIDS education and infection control
  • Trends in healthcare
  • HIPAA education
  • Health and wellness practices
  • Post-secondary opportunities
  • Career opportunities and job search skills
  • Professional portfolio development
  • Writing and literacy skills practices

Year 2

  • Psychology
  • Medical law/Regulatory guidelines
  • Medical ethics
  • Risk management, quality assurance, and safety
  • Infection control
  • Advanced medical terminology
  • Advanced human anatomy and physiology
  • Patient intake and documentation of care (patient exam)
  • Patient preparation and assisting the provider
  • Health maintenance practices
  • Collecting and processing specimens
  • Apply anatomy and physiology concepts when positioning, examining, assisting or performing basic diagnostic tests with patients
  • Demonstrate knowledge of pulmonary function testing and procedures to use electrocardiograph machine
  • Demonstrate knowledge of vision tests, audiometric/hearing tests, allergy tests, respiratory tests
  • Distinguish between normal and abnormal laboratory and diagnostic test results
  • Pharmacology
  • Scheduling guidelines
  • Practice finances

Program Benefits:

  • 3 High School credits per year
  • Opportunity to earn college credits
  • May qualify for health, science, or language arts credits in some districts. Check your district's offerings by going to our website’s programs page and clicking on "Credit Equivalency".
  • Opportunity to qualify for a certificate of completion for Nursing Assistant Certified training
  • Leadership opportunities through ASB, HOSA, class activities, and community service projects
  • Entry level job skills
  • Preparation for post-secondary education
  • Opportunities for healthcare scholarships
  • Exploration of the healthcare field which will assist students in making career choices as well as informing them about their own health and wellness

Industry Certification:

  • Nursing Assistant-Certified (NA-C) if qualified
  • Healthcare Provider CPR and First Aid Cards
  • 21st Century Skills Certification
  • 7 hours HIV/AIDS Certification

Prerequisites:

Applied Medical Sciences I & II
  • Reading proficiency at 11th grade level
  • Must have successfully completed Algebra 1 or Integrated Math 1
  • Completed biology with a “C” or higher
  • Must have proof of immunizations including MMR, Hepatitis B series, and an updated Tdap
  • Proof of negative TB test
  • Influenza vaccine
  • Excellent high school attendance record
  • Must provide own health insurance to participate in clinical rotation
  • Must provide own transportation and current car insurance to participate in clinicals

Applied Medical Sciences II
  • Must pass 1st year program with a B grade or better to qualify for 2nd year and must have instructor recommendation; limited space available.
  • Excellent attendance during 1st year program

Note:
  • Ability to pass a Washington State Patrol background check and having a valid Social Security number are required to attend the clinical rotation for certification
  • Upon acceptance into the program, student and parent/guardian are required to attend an orientation at Cascadia Technical Academy each year
  • Students may choose to participate in HOSA (Health Occupations Student Association)

Recommendations:
Course in Health Occupations is recommended.

Lab Time/Theory Time:
Approximately 70 percent of class time will be devoted to theory and professionalism and 30 percent devoted to practicing in the skills lab. To qualify for state Nursing Assistant Certification, clinical hours providing patient care in a long term care facility are required. Clinical rotations will be scheduled on weekends for eight hour shifts, times to be determined.

Career Opportunities:
  • Nursing Assistant-Certified
  • Entry-level positions in health/medical industry
  • Medical Assistant
  • Registered Nurse
  • Athletic Trainer
  • Emergency Medical Technician
  • Occupational Therapist
  • Pharmacy Technician
  • Physical Therapist
  • Pre-Med
  • Respiratory Technician
  • Social Worker
  • Speech Therapist
  • Ultrasound Technician
  • Veterinarian
  • X-ray Technician

Credit Equivalencies and College Credit:

Click here to learn more about credit equivalencies.
Click here to learn more about the articulation agreements and college credits available for each program.

Program Supply List /Student Costs:
CTA programs require that uniforms, supplies, and other program specific related items be purchased prior to the first day of school. To access the list of this program's uniform, supply and other program-related cost please click here.

Note: Family medical insurance or student accident insurance is a mandatory requirement to participate in clinical rotation. Student accident insurance is available through the sending high school.

If you have concerns regarding program expenses, please see Melissa Downing. There are funds available for qualifying students. Ms. Downing can be reached at 360-604-1062 or at Melissa.Downing@evergreenps.org.  Ms. Downing is available during the school year when school is in session.