Health and Biosciences
AT-A-GLANCE
GRADES SERVED:
- Project Lead the Way Biomedical Science: Grades 9-12
- Academy of Health Professions: Grades 10-12
LOCATIONS:
Project Lead the Way Biomedical Science: Bladensburg, Dr. Henry A. Wise, Jr.
Academy of Health Professions:
- Nursing Assistant: Bladensburg, Crossland, Laurel, Suitland
- Medical Assistant: Dr. Henry A. Wise, Jr., Friendly, Largo
- Pharmacy Technician: Bladensburg
PROGRAM INFO:
Career and Technical Education
WEBSITE: Health and Biosciences
SOCIAL MEDIA: @PGCPSCTE
TRANSPORTATION:
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION
Project Lead the Way Biomedical Science
In the PLTW Biomedical Science pathway students will study the concepts of human medicine, physiology, genetics, microbiology, and public health. They will examine the structures and interactions of human body systems while working collaboratively to understand and design solutions to society’s most pressing health challenges. Students participate in a capstone project. This pathway offers college credits.
Academy of Health Professions
The Academy of Health Professions program offers the opportunity to explore various career opportunities through hands-on training in basic medical skills, patient care, patient rights and safety, medical equipment use, and patient contact and communication. Students may specialize their studies to become Medical Assistants, Pharmacy Technicians, or Nursing Assistants. After graduation from high school, students may use the knowledge and skills they learn to prepare them for further studies in healthcare.This pathway offers internships, industry certification, and college credits.
- Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA): Three-year program that prepares students with the knowledge, skills, and practical experience needed to become a Nursing Assistant in long-term care facilities, hospitals, home health care, and hospice settings. Upon successful completion of the program, students earn a CNA certification and may take the GNA certification exam issued by the Maryland Board of Nursing.
- Certified Clinical Medical Assistant: Three-year program that trains students to assist physicians by performing functions related to the clinical responsibilities of a medical office. Upon completion, students will take the Certified Clinical Medical Assisting (CCMA) licensure exam through the National HealthCareer Association (NHA).
- Pharmacy Technician: Three-year program that prepares students to become critical members of the healthcare team providing patients with safe and effective medication therapy. Upon completion of the program, students take a national certification exam (ExCPT) in order to become a Certified Pharmacy Technician.
Program Features
Project Lead the Way Biomedical Science
PLTW Biomedical Science students take on the same real-world challenges as biomedical science professionals--and they are doing it before they even graduate from high school. Students work with the same tools used by professionals in hospitals and labs; they engage in compelling hands-on activities and work together to find solutions to problems. Throughout the PLTW Biomedical Science program, students build knowledge and skills in biomedical science, as well as in-demand, transportable skills such as problem-solving, critical and creative thinking, teamwork, communication, and collaboration. This is an excellent program for students who plan to pursue post-secondary education and careers in biomedical science and health professions. PLTW Biomedical Science students may receive recognition from the partnership between the national Project Lead the Way organization and the College Board.
Academy of Health Professions
The demand for healthcare professionals is on the rise. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, healthcare is the second-fastest-growing career field. PGCPS’ close proximity to major healthcare institutions in the area offers excellent clinical training in all areas of specialization. Health programs lead to certification or licensure appropriate to the particular career. These programs also provide students with the requisite skills to pursue post-secondary opportunities.
Choose this program if your child...
Project Lead the Way Biomedical Science
Any student with interest and effort can find a home in the growing and exciting biomedical science field. To be successful in the PLTW Biomedical Science program, the following student characteristics are beneficial.
- Curious and inquisitive
- Objective, unbiased and open-minded
- Attentive to detail
- Knowledgeable about scientific principles and methods
- Analytical and good at solving problems
- Able to communicate clearly
- Flexible and willing to adopt (or develop!) new technologies
Academy of Health Professions
To be successful in health care, the following characteristics may be beneficial:
- Compassion and a desire to help people
- Good interpersonal (“people”) skills attention to detail
- The ability to analyze problems
- To communicate clearly
- To be flexible and adapt to change
APPLICATION INFO
Who can apply
Project Lead the Way Biomedical Science
- Resident of school boundary
- Rising 9th grader
- High interest in the health and biomedical sciences
Academy of Health Professions
- Biology and algebra 1 with “C” or better grade, an overall 2.0 GPA or better, and 94% attendance
- Must pass a criminal background check
- Have work permit
- Provide documentation of immunizations