GHS Health Science Program

HEALTH SCIENCEGHS Program

The Health Science Pathway at Gainesville High School involves four courses that students begin their freshman year and finish with a double-block their senior year. GHS offers this pathway with instruction from Brandi Dunn, BSN-RN, who is a full-time teacher at GHS.

The courses offered are as follows:

• Principles of Health Science • Health Science Theory • Medical Terminology • Practicum of Health Science

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, and healthcare careers. The classroom is much like a “clinical setting” with five manikins and four hospital beds for them to apply their skills each day. Students get to utilize real medical equipment in the classroom setting to practice their clinical skills. Students have access in the classroom to a patient lift, wheelchair, canes, crutches, stethoscopes, blood pressure cuffs, thermometers, an EKG machine, bandaging supplies, medication administration kits, and much more!

Upon completion of the pathway, students are able to test to become a Certified Medical Assistant their senior year. The program has produced eight Certified Medical Assistants so far and has only tested since 2019. This occupation offers excellent job opportunities right out of high school and helps build their resume for future Health Science careers. Students also have the opportunity to obtain their CPR and First Aid certification through the American Heart Association when in the Health Science pathway.

There are currently 92 students enrolled in the Health Science pathway:

• 9th Grade - 30, • 10th Grade -24, • 11th Grade - 21, • 12th Grade -17

The Health Science program also offers the Health Career Club to students interested in a future career in the Health Science field. The Health Career Club assists with the GHS blood drive, GHS Sports Physicals, and the GHS Annual Wellness Event. The club travels to healthcare facilities such as North Texas Medical Center, Pecan Tree, and Peak Physical Therapy. We also invite community health partners to the school to educate the students on their specialties. Examples include dermatology, women’s health, emergency services, and nursing. There are currently 42 members of the Health Career Club.

“Being in the Health Careers Club has provided me with so much information and resources about what I want to do in the healthcare field. Mrs. Dunn has been such a big role model to me, and she goes above and beyond to help us. I will always be grateful that I have had the opportunity to be a part of such an amazing program,” said Jayden Pickett, Senior, Health Careers Club President.

“I’ve been in the Health Careers Club and pathway for four years, and I am so glad that I got to be a part of it. Not only did I watch it grow, but it helped me grow. My plan after high school is to get a job as a CMA with the program GHS has enabled us to pursue. The CMA program, along with the Health Careers club, has given me an opportunity that I will forever be grateful for. I am honored to be a part of it,” said Angel Sainz, Senior, Health Careers Club Vice President. “I am so happy that I am getting to work with the Health Science Club and class this year as only a freshman! I have learned a lot from Nurse Dunn and my upper classmen peers, and I’m excited to spend my next four years working with this group” said Ava Blaskovich, Freshman, Secretary of Health Careers Club.