Health and wellness are essential parts of our daily lives, and there is a continued and growing need for dedicated health care professionals. Unfortunately, many students are turned off by the sheer length of demanding medical programs, but the Health Sciences Academy at Williams High School and Plano East Senior High offer students a valuable opportunity to get a head start, save time, and be better prepared for their future careers.
Located in Plano, the Health Sciences Academy is a comprehensive four-year program designed specifically for students interested in pursuing a career in healthcare. Through this program, students can work towards various medical roles such as registered nurse, radiologic technologist, physical therapist assistant, biomedical researcher, biotechnology researcher or specialist, and health informatics or health services manager and gain hands-on experience, setting them on the path to making a meaningful difference in people’s lives.
The program begins as early as ninth grade at Williams High School, where students have the opportunity to take college-credit foundational courses. In eleventh and twelfth grades, students enroll in additional courses and participate in clinical training at the Plano East Senior High School campus.
Students have the option to choose between two tracks: the Collin College dual credit track or the Biomedical Science track. The Collin College track offers classes such as Medical Terminology, Pathophysiology, and Health Care Communications, providing a solid foundation in healthcare basics. The Biomedical Science track follows the nationally recognized Project Lead The Way curriculum, which focuses on biological and medical sciences. Regardless of which track they choose, students are equipped with the proper skills and knowledge to propel themselves into a successful future.
Health Science Coordinator Kim Chandler explains what sets the program apart from other similar programs: "Unlike traditional high school programs, the HSA allows students to start exploring and preparing for medical and health-related careers as early as ninth grade."
Imagine stepping into the world of health care while still in high school, gaining firsthand experience, building confidence, and discovering your passion. Students not only get a head start on their careers but also have the rare opportunity to graduate with college credits and industry recognized certifications, such as Patient Care Technician, Electrocardiograph Technician, Medical Assistant, Rehabilitation Aide, and Certified Nurse Assistant.
“By the time they graduate, many students have completed up to forty to sixty hours of dual credit coursework and earned valuable professional certification,” she adds.
Moreover, the program’s integration of clinical rotations means that by their senior year, students are already working in hospitals, clinics, or rehabilitation centers. In other words, they are immersing themselves in the halls of health care facilities before even entering college.
This program strikes a perfect balance; it provides intensive medical training while maintaining the vibrant, well-rounded high school experience, complete with athletics, fine arts, clubs, and social activities. Every moment spent in this program is purposeful, equipping students with confidence and a competitive edge that prepares them for future success.
Accolades students earn through this program include dual credit hours and college credits accumulated while still in high school. Students on the workforce track have exciting opportunities to achieve industry-specific certifications in healthcare fields, opening doors to real-world experience and career readiness. Many students from the Health Care Science Academy have been accepted into prestigious medical schools across the country, showcasing the program’s excellence.