Taking vital signs, measuring heart rhythms, and now drawing blood and charting medical information. 

Sitting at 10 health science courses, Frisco ISD is expanding its health science program even more with an additional three classes being offered starting with the 2021-2022 school year. Similar to Health Science 2 Clinicals, Medical Scribe, Practicum in Health Science, and Rehabilitation Aid will be taught through Collin College.

“I think that they are trying to widen the scope to give more opportunities to more career choices,” Health Science 2 Clinicals instructor Amy Parker said. “I do think that Frisco is so large that we have a great amount of students that are interested in the same types of high interest fields, but due to the limitations of Collin and their capacity in the classes, we have a slight disadvantage because they limit how many can take a class. Therefore, they try to offer more variety of classes.”

Students in these classes will receive certifications that will grant them an entry into the medical world. 

“Practicum in Health Science is a more inclusive “Assistant type position ” this is in response to giving more skill training (EKG and Phlebotomy) so a tech that is hired can be multi talented,” Parker said. “Rehab Aide is to meet the needs of those individuals looking into career choices like PT, sports medicine, OT, or possibly an individual wanting more of a rehabilitation career. Medical Scribe is to help give students considering a Medical School an opportunity to work with MD, but not requiring more psychomotor skills.”

Students that have taken Health Science 2 and are Certified Nursing Aids have the special opportunity to apply to PCT, Practicum in Health Science, where they will be taught skills to gain exposure to medicine before even attending college. 

“I am applying for PCT because I feel that the license will help me jump start my trauma career in a way. I also like the experience that a class like PCT offers,” junior Ashley Shaw said. “I just want to gain more experience in handling different medical situations. I also love the idea of being able to read EKG monitors and being able to draw blood for CBCs.”

Juniors like Kelly Vuong believe participating in these courses particularly look forward to working closely with medical staff to learn directly from experts.  

“I think Frisco ISD is helping us as health science students so much because they’re providing us with many opportunities and fields to learn about,” Vuong said. “I’m looking into Medical Scribe where I will be able to learn to document from doctors and hopefully being with the medical staff learn other information for my future career in medicine.”