HEALTH SCIENCE TECHNOLOGY

EXPLORE

THE

OPPORTUNITIES

Health Care…a Dynamic and Exciting Career!

Welcome to the World of Health Care!

FIRST--Consider your area of interest.Therapeutic, Diagnostic, Informational, and

Environmental Services Clusters

NEXT--Make an informed career choice by enrolling a Health Science Technology program in high

school

What is a Health Science Technology

program?

What Can You Expect to Learn in a Health Science Technology

program?Health Science Technology students have a

knowledge of• Health Careers, Work-based learning• Patient assessment, vital signs• Diseases, diagnostics, and treatments• Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and

first aid• Medical assisting skills• Medical terminology• Anatomy and physiology

What Does a Career in Health Care Mean For Me?

• A rewarding job

• Job satisfaction

• Position availability

• Work with all ages• Specialty variety• Excellent salaries• Advancement • Mobility

What Kinds of Patients Do Health Care Workers Treat?

• Lung disease patients• Heart and cancer patients• Neuromuscular patients• Accident victims• Premature babies• Children• Adults/Elderly• Dead people• Athletes• Animals

Successful Health Care Professionals Have What It Takes in

the Workplace!Personal Qualities of a Health Care Worker

• Professional appearance

• Competence

• Team Player

• Willingness to learn

• Communication

• Enthusiasm

Health Care Professionals have these Positive Traits:

• Dependability

• Empathy

• Attitude

• Respect

• Patience

• Responsibility

• Honesty

• Self-motivation

• Tact

IF...• You enjoy working with people• You are looking for a career

with job security

• You are interested in earning an above-average starting salary

and in job THEN…• A career in health care might be

right for you!

Health Care Professionals are Everywhere!

What Do

Health Care Professionals Do?

In summary:

Health care professionals contribute to our health, help us when we are sick, troubled, or injured,

and work to protect our environment.

Where Do Health Care Professionals Work?

• Acute care hospitals• Diagnostic laboratories• Rehabilitation and skilled nursing

facilities• Patients’ homes• Patient transport services• Physician offices• Assisted living and retirement centers• Educational institutions, including

colleges and universities• Industry• Athletic teams: HS, college and

professional

How Does the Job Market Look for Health Care Professionals?

• The health care industry in experiencing the fastest growing period ever.

• Skills That Work 2000, a workforce study lists 9 of the top 20 fastest growing occupations in South Carolina in health care.

• Major shortages are predicted for all health care workers in rural and urban areas.

How Much Do Health Care Professionals Earn?

• Starting salaries are above average.

• The salary range for health care workers is from $15,000 to $200,000+ depending on job responsibilities, education, and location.

Preparing to Become a Health Care Professional!

• Certification--3 to 18 months

• Associate Degree--2 year college

• Bachelor of Science--4 year college or university

• Master of Science--1 to 2 years past college

• And beyond….

Bachelor of

Science Degree

Health Science Technology Program

Requirements for Admission

• Prerequisite coursework in general education.

• Students should have a strong background in Math and Science.

• Regular attendance, clean discipline record

Health Science Technology ProgramTeachers and Course Offerings

• Teachers are Registered Nurses or other Health Care Professionals

• Available courses:– Introduction to Health Science

Technology– Health Science Technology 1, 2,

3, and 4– Emergency Medical Services 1and

2– Gerontology– Medical Terminology– Sports Medicine 1 and 2

Learning By Performing

• HST students gain experience in a variety of areas:– Medical and surgical areas of the hospital– Intensive care units (adult, pediatric, neonatal)– Emergency room– Patient transport– School settings– Outpatient clinics and physicians’ offices– Home care– Long-term care facilities– Therapy departments– Dental offices– Nurseries/daycare centers

• Health Science Technology students join a unique student organization--Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA)– Community and school service projects– Recognition through the competitive events program– Travel opportunities– Leadership development– Scholarship awards– Networking statewide and nationwide

• This organization is recognized nationally. The mission is to enhance the delivery of compassionate, quality health care providing opportunities for knowledge, skills, and leadership development of Health Science Technology students.

Did you ever wonder what you would be when you grew up?

As a Health Care Professional:– You can make a difference in peoples

lives

– Your work is interesting and meaningful

– You are in a high-tech and exciting career

– You are in a high touch, people-oriented profession

Health Science Technology’s Mission:Quality Health Care WorkersPersonal Career Satisfaction

Health Science Technology Office of Career and Technology

EducationSouth Carolina Department of

Education

Phone: 803-734-0372

Fax: 803-734-3545

E-mail: nallen@sde.state.sc.us

Website: www.state.sc.us/sde