A class that spends time watching E.R. may not seem extremely stressful, but Kathryn Edwards Health Care classes are using anything they can to learn as much as possible about the medical field.
The course is designed to teach students the skills necessary to pursue a career in the medical field. The students in the health care class take a test to become certified nurses aides at the end of the semester.
“Former students are now working in the community making $7-$9 an hour,” said Edwards. “It seems to be a good option for some kids who would otherwise fall through the cracks. The course gives students vocational skills needed to obtain a job.”
Students have demonstrated new-found skills on classmates, practicing feeding ailing patients, brushing each other’s teeth, and changing bedpans. Students even stripped down to their bathing suits to practice bathing patients.
“I think it’s a good way to learn because it’s hands-on,” said junior Amber Schnur. “It’s better than just watching other people do it on a video.”
Students receive hands-on experience while working at Immanuel Lutheran Home for four hours one evening a week.
“I want to go into psychology, so it’s helpful to work in Bratsburg [a wing] and see how stuff works,” said Schnur.
“The Introduction to Medical Science course is designed for kids headed to college,” said Edwards. “It’s more of an upper-level class and it’s harder academically.”
The course covers everything from ethics to medical math and abbreviations to Latin and Greek roots.
“Learning the roots is really quite helpful,” said Edwards.
Edwards’ proposal for the course was approved last spring, and implemented this year. She sees this semester as a “trial run” and has been open to student suggestions on improving the course. She will be expanding it to a year-long class next year, simply because there is not enough time in one semester to cover all the necessary material.
“The course is designed definitely as a stepping stone to cover bases and give them a head start,” said Edwards. “We’re doing a lot of career shadowing with guest speakers.”
Speakers have included a respiratory therapist, a chiropractor, and a physical therapist. Speaker discussed educational requirements and earning potential for their occupations.
Said junior Erika Rauk: “The speakers were very interesting.”
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