Healthcare and Human Services Cluster
Health Technology Cluster
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(This course is only offered at Norwich Technical High School)
Grade 9 Grade 10 Grade 11 Grade 12 3 credits 3 credits 3 credits 3 credits Exploratory and Introduction to Biotechnology Basic Techniques and Skills in Biotechnology Advanced Techniques and Skills in Biotechnology Independent Research Projects -
Exploratory and Introduction to Biotechnology (BI110)
Grade 9 · 3 Credits
All Grade 9 students participate in the Exploratory Program. In Grade 9, biotechnology students will be introduced to laboratory safety and basic techniques in biotechnology.
Activities used to support learning will be modeled based on the day-to-day operations of a research laboratory. Students will obtain foundational knowledge in chemistry and biology to support the laboratory skills they acquire, including the topics of solutions, biological macromolecules (DNA, RNA, protein), basic cellular processes, and introductory microbiology.
Students will also develop their communication skills. Field trips to industrial and academic laboratories and guest speakers will be used to introduce students to different career pathways.
Laboratory safety, bioethics, and personal ethics will be woven throughout the curriculum. The Common Core for language arts and mathematics, as well as science skills, are integrated.
Basic Techniques and Skills in Biotechnology (BI210)
Grade 10 · 3 Credits
In Grade 10, students will expand upon their foundational knowledge of basic techniques in biotechnology in a year-long research project, Tiny Earth.
In this project, students will conduct research addressing real-world challenges in areas such as antibiotic discovery, biofuels, and food science.
Students will further develop their communication skills through oral and written presentations and will design and implement a personal career development plan.
Field trips to industrial and academic laboratories and guest speakers will continue to be used to explore career pathways.
Laboratory safety, bioethics, and personal ethics will be woven throughout the curriculum. Emphasis is placed on protocols, procedures, and teamwork to encourage college preparedness and mirror workplace requirements.
The Common Core for language arts and mathematics, as well as science skills, are integrated.
Advanced Techniques and Skills in Biotechnology (BI310)
Grade 11 · 3 Credits
In Grade 11, students will continue their class research project from the previous year in the shop laboratory and through Work-Based Learning (WBL) and internships.
In this project, they will learn and apply advanced concepts in molecular biology, biochemistry, and microbiology.
Students will learn to perform searches of scientific literature, read scientific journal articles, and present their results using the common formats of scientific posters and abstracts.
Students will enter their research projects in the Connecticut Science and Engineering Fair. Students will participate in field trips to industrial and academic laboratories. Guest speakers will be utilized to help students explore career pathways.
Laboratory safety, bioethics, and personal ethics will be woven throughout the curriculum.
The Common Core for language arts and mathematics, as well as science skills, are integrated.
Independent Research Projects (BI410)
Grade 12 · 3 Credits
In Grade 12, students will design, manage, and perform an independent research project of their choosing through work in the shop laboratory, Work-Based Learning (WBL), and internships.
Students will be responsible for generating hypotheses, designing and planning experiments, collecting and evaluating data, drawing conclusions, and making major decisions regarding their projects.
Students will also further develop their communication skills through learning to write a grant proposal and their final paper, presenting their results, and mentoring Grade 9 students.
Laboratory safety, bioethics, and personal ethics will be woven throughout the curriculum.
The Common Core for language arts and mathematics, as well as science skills, are integrated.
Industry Credentials & Career Pathways
Students will explore the fundamental principles of biotechnology, career pathways, and biotechnology business applications (medical, pharmaceutical, and agricultural, as well as green energy).
Topics of study include DNA, RNA, and protein technologies; microbiology; genetic diagnostics; health care and pharmaceuticals; food processing (GMOs); fermentation technology; energy and environmental management; plant tissue culturing; forensic science; cloning; stem cells; and bioethics.
Laboratory activities reinforce concepts and principles presented. Students will also become proficient in nontechnical skills required for careers in biotechnology, including formulating hypotheses, experimental design, interpreting data, discussing and communicating scientific results, and record keeping.
Students successfully completing this course of study will be able to pursue a two- or four-year degree at colleges and universities or other private postgraduate institutions in the field of Biotechnology.
The Biotechnology program is designed as a pathway to postgraduate programs; however, careers are available to graduates, including, but not limited to, lab assistant, veterinary assistant, animal technician, greenhouse management, field technician, retail management, and research associate.
Upon completing a two- or four-year program, career possibilities include all areas of medical, clinical research, data analysis, environmental studies, pharmacology, and manufacturing.
UConn ECE (Early College Experience) credits are made available to all students enrolled in the Biotechnology program. Upon graduation, students could earn fourteen ECE credits in Biology I and II, ECE Biotechnology (Scientific, Legal, and Ethical Aspects of Biotechnology), and ECE Plant Breeding and Biotechnology.
In addition, an articulation agreement has been created with Capital Community College to earn credit prior to graduation.
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12 credits required for graduation
Grade 9 Grade 10 Grade 11 Grade 12 3 credits 3 credits 3 credits 3 credits Exploratory and Introduction to Health Technology Exploration of Health Care Career Pathways Certified Nursing Assistant Advanced Career Exploration -
Exploratory and Introduction to Health Technology (HT110)
Grade 9 · 3 Credits
All Grade 9 students participate in the Exploratory Program. All Grade 9 students deciding to enter the field of Health Technology will be introduced to the basics of safety and infection control practices, including personal and patient hygiene.
The Health Technology program provides a broad-based exposure to various health occupations. Instruction involves hands-on training in providing personal care for patients combined with theoretical instruction in the fundamental subjects of the health care industry.
This includes nutrition, growth and development, medical-legal issues, human behavior, medical terminology, health care safety, introduction to public health, and professional communication.
Technology-related mathematics, reading, writing, vocabulary, and science are integrated throughout the curriculum.
Exploration of Health Care Career Pathways (HT210)
Grade 10 · 3 Credits
In Grade 10, students are introduced to the Health Science Career Cluster and five pathways: Therapeutic Services, Diagnostic Services, Health Information, Support Services, and Biotechnology Research and Development.
Instruction is provided in anatomy and physiology, fundamental health care skills, professional communication skills for health care, the relationship of human behavior throughout the life span, and basic medical terminology.
Qualities and attributes necessary to work in health care settings are emphasized, including 21st century health care skills such as critical thinking, problem solving, and social/cultural competencies.
Theory and hands-on learning focus on safety and infection control. Guest speakers in various health care professions speak to students about their careers.
Technology-related mathematics, reading, writing, vocabulary, and science are integrated throughout the curriculum.
Students will be introduced to medication administration (certification in senior year).
Certified Nursing Assistant (HT310)
Grade 11 · 3 Credits
In Grade 11, students receive instruction that involves hands-on training and theory lessons in the fundamental subjects of the health care industry to provide quality health care to long-term patients.
These subjects include safety standards, infection control, professionalism, medical-ethical issues, oral and written communication, medical terminology, medical math, human behavior, nutrition, anatomy and physiology, and common diseases.
Nursing assistant skills are applied through clinical experience at various long-term care facilities. The skills that students learn and apply include, but are not limited to, bathing, dressing, feeding, toileting, ambulating patients, taking vital signs, and making beds.
Upon completing the nursing assistant theoretical component and clinical training hours, students may be eligible to take the State of Connecticut Registry Examination to become a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA).
The State examination consists of two parts that evaluate the knowledge and skills required to provide quality patient care. The first part assesses content knowledge, while the second part is a practical demonstration. Both parts must be successfully completed to gain certification.
Technology-related mathematics, reading, writing, vocabulary, and science are integrated throughout the curriculum.
Advanced Career Exploration (HT410)
Grade 12 · 3 Credits
In Grade 12, students continue developing skills for entering the health care field. Students then have the option of focusing on other careers within the Health Science Career Pathways through job shadowing.
Health Science career shadowing exposes students to specific health careers and allows them to gain valuable knowledge and experience. This information is beneficial in making informed decisions regarding post-secondary education and career mobility.
The State of Connecticut implemented the Medication Administration Certification program regulations in 1988. The statute allows for the use of unlicensed certified personnel to pour and pass medications in specific licensed or funded facilities under the supervision of a registered nurse. Personnel must complete the initial certification process and maintain biennial recertification.
Students are also introduced to additional career pathways and certifications, including:
- Medication Administration Certification
- EKG Technician Training
- Phlebotomy Technical Skills
- Mental Health First Aid
- Medical Administrative Assisting
The EKG technician checks the electrical activity of a patient’s heart for abnormalities and symptoms of heart disease. EKG technicians operate and monitor EKG equipment during diagnostic tests and surgical procedures and report findings to nurses and physicians.
Phlebotomy technical skills focus on safe blood-drawing procedures and patient interactions.
The Mental Health First Aid program teaches students how to assist someone developing a mental health problem or experiencing a mental health crisis.
Medical Administrative Assistants play a crucial role in helping medical facilities operate smoothly. Entry into this career pathway requires additional training at a community college.
As senior Health Technology students, they demonstrate the ability to complete a job application, produce a resume and cover letter, participate successfully in an interview, and perform entry-level job readiness skills.
Technology-related mathematics, reading, writing, vocabulary, and science are integrated throughout the curriculum.
Industry Credentials & Career Pathways
Students have the opportunity to earn college credits while enrolled in the program through UConn and the Connecticut Community Colleges.
Students successfully completing this course of study will be able to pursue a two-year or four-year degree at colleges, universities, or other post-secondary institutions in the health care field. These programs provide training for careers such as Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN), Registered Nurse (RN), radiology technician, physical therapist, occupational therapist, social worker, psychologist, dental assistant, and dental hygienist.
Students not wishing to pursue higher education opportunities are able to obtain immediate employment in the health care field. Employment opportunities include, but are not limited to, Certified Nursing Assistant positions in long-term care facilities or hospitals and Medical Assistant positions in medical offices and clinics.
Please note that future pathways may include Physical Therapy Aide and Phlebotomy during the senior year.
Introduction to Allied Health Professions – UConn ECE
1 Credit
An overview of allied health professions. A variety of allied health professions are highlighted. Speakers representing each profession are invited to describe their work, general duties, work environment, educational requirements, and employment trends.
Introduction to Allied Health – Southern Connecticut State University
1 Credit
Inquiry into the preparation, credentials, scopes of practice, roles, and responsibilities of various clinical and non-clinical medical and health care professionals. Includes an introduction to the interprofessional nature of health care.
Students who enroll in and successfully complete this course are eligible to earn three (3) college credits.
Certified Nursing Assistant – Southern Connecticut State University
1 Credit
This course prepares students to provide basic patient care under the supervision of a licensed nurse.
The content meets Connecticut State Department of Public Health guidelines for Certified Nurse’s Aide training programs and includes an overview of health care agencies, the professional role of nursing assistants, communication, body structures and diseases, patient rights, long-term care, dementia and cognitive impairment, and end-of-life care.
The course provides theory, hands-on training, and clinical experience, including 24 hours of clinical training in a long-term care setting. Students also receive psychomotor skills training, including taking measurements and vital signs, safety and emergency care, daily hygiene, and wound care.
Employment opportunities for CNAs include hospitals, home care agencies, and long-term care facilities.
Upon completion of the course and required hours, students may take the State of Connecticut CNA examination and become eligible for placement on the Connecticut CNA Registry.
Students who enroll in and successfully complete this course are eligible to earn five (5) college credits.
Medical Terminology – Southern Connecticut State University
1 Credit
Provides an in-depth exploration of body systems and structures, illnesses and diseases, and associated medical terminology.
Introduces etiology, risk factors, and disease conditions related to body systems. Enables students to establish mastery of prefixes, roots, and suffixes related to body organization and systems, anatomical structures, and common medical conditions.
Terminology is discussed in the context of illnesses and diseases, including causes, symptoms, diagnostic procedures, and treatments.
Students who enroll in and successfully complete this course are eligible to earn three (3) college credits.
Introduction to Nutrition – Southern Connecticut State University
½ Credit
Study of the basics of nutrition and the significance of nutrition to the quality and length of human life.
Students who enroll in and successfully complete this course are eligible to earn three (3) college credits.
Introduction to Wellness – Southern Connecticut State University
½ Credit
This course provides an introduction to basic personal health and wellness. Emphasis is placed on mental health and how stress affects wellness.
Upon completion, students should be able to demonstrate an understanding of the factors necessary for maintaining health and wellness.
Students who enroll in and successfully complete this course are eligible to earn three (3) college credits.
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12 credits required for graduation
Grade 9 Grade 10 Grade 11 Grade 12 3 credits 3 credits 3 credits 3 credits Hairdressing and Cosmetology I Hairdressing and Cosmetology II Hairdressing and Cosmetology III Hairdressing and Cosmetology IV -
Hairdressing and Cosmetology I (HC110) (3 Credits)
Grade 9All Grade 9 students participate in the Exploratory Program. Students deciding to enter the field of Hairdressing and Cosmetology are introduced to the basics of safety, sanitation, personal hygiene, equipment identification, and proper equipment use.
Students are introduced to professional image, sterilization and sanitation methods, draping, product knowledge, hair design and styling, nail structure, skin care, and permanent waving.
Technology-related mathematics, reading, writing, vocabulary, and science are integrated throughout the curriculum.
Hairdressing and Cosmetology II (HC210) (3 Credits)
Grade 10
Prerequisite: Hairdressing and Cosmetology IIn Grade 10, students receive instruction in professional image, sterilization and sanitation, draping techniques, shampooing, rinsing, conditioning, haircutting, hair design, permanent waving, hair coloring, chemical hair relaxing and soft curl perms, artificial hair techniques, nail care, skin care, temporary hair removal, electric current and light therapy techniques, styling enhancers, and salon business and management.
Instruction emphasizes the fundamentals of haircutting, including sectioning, club cuts, basic layering, and angle cuts, along with mock applications of hair coloring, chemical hair relaxing, and soft curl perms.
Grade 10 students perform services for in-school student customers only.
Students continue to receive instruction in safety, sanitation, and personal hygiene while demonstrating sound safety practices.
Technology-related mathematics, reading, writing, vocabulary, and science are integrated throughout the curriculum.
Hairdressing and Cosmetology III (HC310) (3 Credits)
Grade 11In Grade 11, topics introduced during Grade 10 are explored in greater depth. Students begin providing hairdressing and cosmetology services to outside customers in the school salon, with a primary focus on developing hands-on technical skills.
Students continue to receive instruction in safety, sanitation, and personal hygiene while demonstrating sound safety practices.
Students who demonstrate an acceptable level of proficiency may be eligible to participate in Work-Based Learning (WBL).
Technology-related mathematics, reading, writing, vocabulary, and science are integrated throughout the curriculum.
Hairdressing and Cosmetology IV (HC410) (3 Credits)
Grade 12In Grade 12, students continue refining their skills in all areas of hairdressing and cosmetology. Students spend increased time providing services to customers in the school salon while completing the theory and clinical hour requirements for Connecticut licensure (200 theory hours and 1,300 clinical hours).
Instruction also focuses on preparation for the Connecticut state licensure examination.
Students continue to receive instruction in safety, sanitation, and personal hygiene while demonstrating sound safety practices.
Students develop job readiness skills by completing job applications, participating in interviews, and demonstrating entry-level trade competencies.
Students who demonstrate an acceptable level of proficiency may be eligible to participate in Work-Based Learning (WBL).
Technology-related mathematics, reading, writing, vocabulary, and science are integrated throughout the curriculum.
INDUSTRY CREDENTIALS & CAREER PATHWAYS
Students may continue their education at colleges and universities across the country to pursue two-year or four-year degree programs related to the beauty and wellness industry.
Upon graduation, students are prepared to work in salons and spas as Connecticut-licensed cosmetologists. Connecticut state licensure examinations are offered prior to graduation.
Additional career opportunities include retail cosmetology sales and related positions within the beauty industry.