ABOUT THE PROGRAM

About the Program

Program History

Spring 1994- Madison County Regional Vocation Education System was awarded one of thirteen grants funded by the Illinois State Board of Education. This grant was awarded to provide progressive school to work programs within the Technical Preparation framework. This school to work transition program was part of the Illinois State Technical Preparation Initiative. Much of the 1994-95 school year was spent researching materials, designing curricula, and attending quarterly meetings with school representatives.

Fall 1995- The orientation class, Health and Medical Careers, was piloted with 70 students enrolled in three sections of the course.

1996-97 School Year- Health and Medical Careers class enrollment was 95 students, the second year of the program, Medical Occupations 1, began with 30 students

1997-98 School Year- Introduction of the third year of the program Medical

Occupations 2

Current

Health and Medical Careers average enrollment per year- 120 students

Medical Occupations 1 average enrollment per year- 65 students

Medical Occupations 2 average enrollment per year- 25 students

Goal

The goal is to provide a comprehensive scheme for provision of effective career training, providing students with a smooth transition from school to work in the area of healthcare.

Course Descriptions

About the Instructor

My name is Jennifer Weller. I began teaching in August of 2001 for Alton High School. Where I taught Health and Physical Education before starting the Health Sciences Program and becoming the District Wellness Coordinator.

I am an Edwardsville resident and I was hired by the school district in August of 2009. I continue to grow in my knowledge by taking classes and obtaining additional certifications. I am a certified Basic Life Support Instructor and a Wellness Coach. I have also taken master's classes in Exercise Physiology and have earned a master's degree in education. I enjoy working with the wonderful students at EHS as we continue to work hard to grow and improve the program.

All courses in the program are one year (1.0 credit).

Health and Medical Careers (orientation class):

Prerequisite: None

Grades: 9, 10, 11, 12

This course provides core knowledge related to occupations in the health and medical field. A large part of this course includes presentations from medical professionals on their personal career paths. Content includes the history of health and medical events, career exploration, patient and employee wellness/safety standards, body systems, disease and infection control, human development, and medical terminology.

J102 & J103

Medical Occupations 1 (year 2 class; non-shadowing and shadowing semesters)

Prerequisite: Completion of Health and Medical Careers with a B.

The application process includes evaluation of grade point average and discipline record.

The purpose of this course is to continue to assist students in choosing an allied health career by providing more opportunities in job-shadowing. Activities are also included to help students develop study and work related skills. Students gain CPR and First Aid certification as part of this course.

J317 & J318 (dual credit for Medical Terminology (HLTH 120) with Lewis and Clark)

Medical Occupations 2 (year 3 class):

Prerequisite: B in Medical Occupations 1

This two semester course allows students to participate in an internship with a healthcare professional in their field of interest. Students receive advanced certification in CPR, First Aid, and AED, as well more in-depth study of anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, and development of job skills. Students will develop a job portfolio as part of this course.

J317 & J318