Course Descriptions
Health Science
Listed alphabetically. + Prerequisite required
- Anatomy & Physiology (Semester) +
- Certified Nursing Aid (Semester) +
- Dental Anatomy & Physiology (Semester)
- EKG/ECG
- Emergency Medical Technician (Year) +
- Health Science Theory (Semester) +
- Introduction to Dental Science (Semester)
- Medical Assistant (Year)
- Medical Microbiology (Semester) +
- Medical Terminology (Semester)
- Pathophysiology (Semester) +
- Pharmacy Technician (Year) +
- Phlebotomy (Semester)
- Practicum in Health Science (Year)
- World Health Research (Semester) +
Anatomy & Physiology (Semester) +
- Level 4 Course (11-12)
- Prerequisite: Biology AND 1 other science credit AND Principles of Health Science
- Course: 0810CT or 8100A/B; Credit: 1
- Length: 18 weeks at Ben Barber (1 semester) or 36 weeks on home campus (2 semesters)
- Description: Students will study the structures and functions of the human body systems. Students will do a comparative study of mammals with an in depth mammalian dissection. Human development, maintenance of homeostasis, transport systems and energy processes will also be topics of study. As part of the laboratory investigative process, students will be active in the dissection of prepared specimens. Note: Course can be used as an additional science credit for graduation.
Certified Nursing Aid (Semester) +
- Level 4 Course (12)
- Prerequisite: Health Science Theory AND any Level 3 Healthcare Therapeutic Course AND selection process
- Course: 1471CT; Credit: 1
- Length: 18 weeks at Ben Barber
- Description: This course, approved by the Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services, is designed to prepare students for a nursing-related career in healthcare facilities. Students must have an original Social Security card, successfully complete this course and pass the state written and skills performance exams to be listed in the Texas Registry. The classroom portion of the course will be taught at the Ben Barber campus and the clinical experience will be held off campus in a healthcare facility.
Students will be provided transportation to the clinical site. All students will be required to utilize this transportation. Students should be prepared to submit to a criminal background check, drug screening, TB testing, and to present proof of current
immunizations including current flu shot. All candidates must provide a valid Social Security card.
Course Fee: A $25.00 activity fee to help cover cost of Liability Insurance, TB test, Urine drug screening, background checks and patch.
Possible Certification: +Certified Nursing Assistant* Student must be 16 to take certification exam
Dental Anatomy & Physiology (Semester)
- Level 2 Course (10-12)
- Prerequisite: Introduction to Dental Science
- Course: 1461CT; Credit: 1
- Length: 18 weeks at Ben Barber (1 semester)
- Description: Students in this course will explore the structures and functions of the bones, muscles, nerves, and blood vessels of the head and neck. Students will also describe conditions and pathologies that can occur in the head, mouth, and neck. This course is designed for all students interested in pursuing a career as a dentist, dental assistant, or dental hygienist.
EKG/ECG
- Level 3 Course (11-12)
- Prerequisite: Principles of Health Science AND another Level 3 course AND Selection Process
- Course: 1426CT; Credit: 1
- Length: 18 weeks at Ben Barber (1 semesters)
- Description: This course introduces the basic principles of electrocardiographic devices and their use in testing electrical impulses from the heart. Students learn how to record EKGs, vital signs, cardiac rhythms and stress. Also, individuals learn how EKG changes and myocardial infarctions are associated.
Possible Certification: +EKG/ECG Technician*
Students cannot take EKG/ECG and Phlebotomy.
Emergency Medical Technician (Year) +
- Level 4 Course (12)
- Prerequisite: Health Science Theory AND any Level 3 health science course AND selection process.
- Course: 1451CA/CB; Credit: 2
- Length: 36 weeks at Ben Barber (2 semesters)
- Description: This course is designed to prepare the student to perform minimum entry-level emergency care in the out of hospital environment. At the end of this course, successful students will be eligible to sit for National certification testing as an
Emergency Medical Technician-Basic. Emphasis includes recognizing the nature and seriousness of the patient’s condition, administering appropriate emergency medical care, lifting, moving and positioning the patient to minimize discomfort and
prevent further injury, and to perform these duties safely and effectively. Students will complete clinical hours in the hospital and ambulance ride outs with the MFD post-graduation to be eligible for the exam. Students should be prepared to submit to a
criminal background check, drug screening, TB testing, and to present proof of current immunizations including current flu shot and valid Social Security card. The classroom portion of this course will be taught at the Ben Barber campus. Students will
be required to provide their own transportation to clinical sites.
Students cannot take EMT and Clinical Internship.
Course Fee: A $100.00 activity fee to help cover cost of Liability Insurance and TB test AND security background check and drug screening through MedStar. A uniform is required for this course. Students are required to buy pants, shoes, undershirt, watch and belt.
Possible Certification: +Emergency Medical Technician* Student must be 18 & HS Graduate to take certification exam
Health Science Theory (Semester) +
- Level 3 Course (10-12)
- Prerequisite: Biology AND Principles of Health Science
- Course: 1411CT; Credit: 1
- Length: 18 weeks at Ben Barber (1 semester)
- Description: variety of health careers. Students will employ hands-on experiences for continued knowledge and skill development. To pursue a career in the health science industry, students should recognize, learn to reason, think critically, make decisions, solve problems, and communicate effectively. Students should recognize that quality health care depends on the ability to work well
with others. This course is a prerequisite for ALL Health Science Practicum courses.
Possible Certification: CPR*
Introduction to Dental Science (Semester)
- Level 1 Course (9-12)
- Course: 1465CT; Credit: 1
- Length: 18 weeks at Ben Barber (1 semester)
- Description: Introduction to Dental Science is a introductory health science course designed to initiate secondary students to the field of dentistry and related topics. At the end of the course, students will be able to discuss the history of dentistry; identify dental related career pathways; explain dental legal and ethical responsibilities; recognize professional healthcare behavior and demeanor; and perform basic routine dental office procedures.
Medical Assistant (Year)
- Level 4 Course (12)
- Prerequisite: Health Science Theory AND Phlebotomy OR EKG/ECG AND Selection Process
- Course: 1413CA/CB; Credit: 2
- Length: 36 weeks at Ben Barber (2 semesters)
- Description: In this course, students will have the opportunity to earn a certification as a Certified Medical Assistant (CMA). Medical assistants are responsible for preparing patient rooms, maintaining patient records, and assisting physicians during examinations. They work in a variety of healthcare settings including physician’s offices, hospitals, and clinics. Students cannot take Medical Assistant and EMT.
- Course Fee: A $25.00 activity fee to help cover the cost of Liability Insurance, TB test, Urine drug screening, background checks and patch.
Possible Certification: Certified Medical Assistant
Medical Microbiology (Semester) +
- Level 3 Course (10-12)
- Prerequisite: Biology and Chemistry AND Principles of Health Science
- Course: 8120CT; Credit: 1
- Length: 18 weeks at Ben Barber (1 semester)
- Students will study the relationships of microorganisms to wellness and disease. Students will develop knowledge and skills related to disease prevention by learning the chain of infection, asepsis and standard precautions. Pathogenic and
nonpathogenic organisms will be identified to assist in the understanding of specific diseases, causative agents and treatment options. Note: Course can be used as an additional science credit for graduation.
Medical Terminology (Semester)
- Level 2 Course (9-12)
- Course: 1443CT; Credit: 1
- Length: 18 weeks at Ben Barber (1 semester)
- Description: Students are introduced to the language of medicine while learning possible lifesaving techniques of CPR and First Aid. Students
will learn the structure of medical terms and will build upon this foundation through each body system unit of study. Special focus will be on the application and use of medical language and terminology as it pertains to body systems related to
cardiopulmonary emergencies as well as caring for sudden illness and injuries.
Pathophysiology (Semester) +
- Level 4 Course (11-12)
- Prerequisite: Biology and Chemistry AND Principles of Health Science
- Course: 8125CT; Credit: 1
- Length: 18 weeks at Ben Barber (1 semester)
- Description: Students will study disease processes and how human systems are affected. Emphasis is placed on prevention and treatment of diseases. Students will differentiate between normal and abnormal physiology. Note: Course can be used as an additional science credit for graduation.
Pharmacy Technician (Year) +
- Level 4 Course (12)
- Prerequisite: Health Science Theory AND any Level 3 Healthcare Therapeutic Course AND Selection Process
- Course: 1421CA/CB; Credit: 2
- Length: 36 weeks at Ben Barber (2 semesters)
- Description: The curriculum will place emphasis on the pharmaceutical knowledge and laboratory skills required of health care workers while offering students the opportunity to add an industry certification to their professional portfolio. Those who successfully complete this course will be expected to take the National Pharmacy Technician Certification exam upon graduation. Students who enroll in this course will be required to participate in the clinical externship portion of the class and must meet the requirements of the Texas State Board of Pharmacy to be approved as a Pharmacy Technician Trainee. Students will be responsible for their own transportation to the approved clinical externship sites during after school hours. Twenty (20) externship hours will be required of each participant. Students will be required to pay for their own uniform. Students should be prepared to submit to a criminal background check, drug screening, TB testing, and to present proof of current immunizations including current flu shot and valid Social Security card.
Students cannot take Pharmacy Technician and Patient Care Technician.
Course Fees: a $25 activity fee to help cover the cost of Liability Insurance, TB test, urine drug screening, back ground checks and patch. Students must obtain a Pharmacy Technician Trainee certificate (approximate cost ($107).
Possible Certification: +Certified Pharmacy Technician * Student must be 17 & HS Graduate to take certification exam
Phlebotomy (Semester)
- Level 3 Course (11-12)
- Prerequisite: Principles of Health Science AND another Level 3 course AND Selection Process
- Course: 1424CT; Credit: 1
- Length: 18 weeks at Ben Barber (1 semester)
- Description: This course is designed to teach the knowledge in technical and procedural aspects of basic phlebotomy, including collection of blood specimens and venipuncture required to become a Phlebotomy technician. The Phlebotomy Technician program includes theory and hands-on instruction and prepares students to take the Phlebotomy Technician certification exam.
Possible Certification: +Phlebotomy Technician*
Students cannot take Phlebotomy and EKG/ECG.
Practicum in Health Science (Year)
- Level 4 Course (12)
- Prerequisite: Health Science Theory AND any Level 3 Healthcare Therapeutic Course AND Selection process
- Course: 1431CA/CB; Credit: 2
- Length: 36 weeks at Ben Barber (2 semesters)
- Description: This is an internship program for specific health professions. It is designed for those students who desire further study in a specific health specialty. Students are responsible for individualized study supervised by coordinator and clinical supervisor(s). Students are encouraged to participate in Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA), a co-curricular youth organization.
Students are directed regarding participation in community service and in HOSA competition/activities. Students will learn multiple advanced practice skills as well as completing multiple research-based projects dealing with various topics related to
healthcare. Students will be expected to provide their own transportation to and from the internship sites . Students should be prepared to submit to a criminal background check, drug screening, TB testing, and to present proof of current
immunizations including current flu shot and valid Social Security card. The classroom portion of this course will be taught at the Ben Barber campus.
Course Fee: A $25.00 activity fee to help cover cost of Liability Insurance, TB test, Urine drug screening, background checks and patch.
Possible Certification: OSHA 10 Hours*
Students cannot take Practicum in Health Science AND Pharmacy Tech.
World Health Research (Semester) +
- Level 4 Course (11-12)
- Prerequisite: Biology & Chemistry
- Course: 1442CT; Credit: 1
- Length: 18 weeks at Ben Barber (1 semester)
- Description: This is a research-based course that examines major world health problems and emerging technologies as solutions to current
medical problems. This course is designed to improve the student’s understanding of the cultural, infrastructural, political, educational, and technological constraints that affect how health care is administered in the United States and in other parts of
the world. World Health Research will inspire ideas for appropriate technological solutions to global health care issues. This class will also provide students with the opportunity to delve deep in the developing world as they research the culture,
economy, politics, and specific health concerns that people in developing countries face. Units covered in World Health Research include: the history of disease and technology; health care systems around the world; global health and economic data;
globalization of health care; public health and epidemiology; chronic and age-related diseases; infectious diseases; mental health and illnesses; maternal and perinatal conditions; immunity and disease; and cutting-edge medical technology. A major portion of this course revolves around a lengthy research project that allows students the opportunity to work in groups to explore health issues that affect a least-developed country.