People
considering careers in health sciences typically tend to
think primarily of doctors and nurses. There is also the sonographer,
the nutritionist, the cytotechnologist, the mental health counselor,
and the health information manager, among dozens of other health
professionals, who provide diagnostic and therapeutic services. All of
these specialized and highly skilled professionals are an essential part
of any health care team.
To encourage high
school students to investigate specialties in the health field, Rutgers
School of Health Professionals has partnered with New Jersey high
schools to offer exploratory programs in health sciences and health
care for junior and seniors. At the same time, they can earn up to 34 college credits.
Not only does
the program familiarize students with the abundance of careers in
health fields, it serves as a pipeline to meet New Jersey’s need for
professionals in the fast-growing health care field. According to the
United States Department of Labor, employment in health care is
projected to grow 19 percent from 2014 to 2024 due to an aging
population and increased access to health insurance. Heath care is
expected to add more jobs than any other group of occupations.
Midland Park currently offers 2 Rutgers courses:
MEDICAL TERMINOLOGY - 3 Credits
Medical
Terminology is the study of words that pertain to body systems,
anatomy, physiology, medical processes and procedures and a variety of
diseases. It provides specialized language for the health care team,
enabling health care workers to communicate in an accurate, articulate
and concise manner. This course is designed to give the students a
comprehensive knowledge of word construction, definition and use of
terms to all areas of medical science. The course includes but is not
limited to terms to anatomy of the human body, functions of health and
disease, and the use of language in processing medical/dental records
and claim forms.
DYNAMICS OF HEALTHCARE - 3 Credits
Dynamics
of Health Care in Society is an orientation to health care and
delivery, from an interdisciplinary perspective, with a focus on process
skills to include critical thinking, ethical reasoning,
effective communication, and self‐directed learning abilities. The
professional competencies stress application to general issues and
topics common to all health care providers. Emphasis is placed on the
role of the health care practitioner as both provider and consumer of
health care services.
Students must pass the course exam administered by Rutgers and pay a fee
of $80 for each course. Exams are taken online at Midland Park. The
course passing rate is 70%