The 2009-2010 school year has been very successful for the Health Career Academy. Our annual events this year were very successful. This year the health academy participated in a new event, The Susan G. Komen: Race for the Cure. As an academy we raised money to donate to the Susan G. Komen foundation for the cure, students along with our instructors, Ms. Foley and Mr. Grump, participated on November 1^st, the day of the walk. All of the students completed the 5k walk down in Balboa Park and had an exciting time interacting with the community that is so devoted to saving women’s lives. As always the health academy sponsored our three blood drives. Our most recent drive in May resulted in the collection of 104 pints of blood! It is obvious that as the year progresses our numbers increase mainly because many of the students reach the age that enables them to donate. It is the students that make a difference in life and we would like to thank all the students and staff that come out and donate.
 

 

                All of the activities and information that are provided and gained through the health academy validate the student’s interest in the health field. During the three year program students explore the many areas of the health field. Through internships at Vista Community Clinic, Palomar Pomerado Hospital, Health and Human Services Agency, and the Mission Animal and Bird Hospital, students have the opportunity of seeing the various aspects of the health industry and can make informed decisions on which field is right for them. There are also a variety of guest speakers that come in during class to explain to students what they do and what courses are needed to pursue that certain career. Speakers such as midwives, nurses, health educators, physical trainers, firefighter/paramedics, and lifeguards share their professions with the students. The clinic tours give the students an idea of how a medical office functions and looks like as opposed to practicing in class. There are also many hands on activities provided in our courses such as injections, electrocardiograms (EKG), venipuncture, ride-alongs with the fire department, splinting, bleeding control, and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) that also reinforce what the medical field is composed of.

 

              In June, many of the seniors will receive certificates for future careers. Some will receive a Medical Assistant certificate, some a Family Planning Health Educator certificate, and others will receive a First Responder certificate. The Health Career Academy students will leave high school with all the necessary tools to excel in any health career they choose and to begin their career. As for further education, many of our seniors will attend community college and then transfer to a four year university; others will attend schools such as California State University San Marcos, San Diego State University, University of California San Diego, University Of California Berkeley, and the University of South Florida. Also various students will join a branch in the military, but whichever path they decide to take each student will continue to pursue their health career and altogether become the future health leaders of America. All of this is possible because of the Regional Occupational Program, our incredible teachers Ms. Kim Roy and Ms. Debbie Foley, as well as our other Health Academy teachers.