Athens Drive High School provides students with many unique opportunities; one is the STEM-focused Health Science Academy. The Academy has graduated members since 1990 interested in health science careers.  Some of the college majors graduates are pursuing this year are pre-medicine, biology, bio engineering, nursing and pharmacy.  In addition to core subjects, members take CTE Health Science courses and engage in developing leadership skills, participate in worked-based learning experiences, and complete a 135 hour internship between their junior and senior year.

During their senior year, members choose one of three industry certificate courses to complete: Pharmacy Technician (CPhT), Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), or Advanced Studies.

 “Obtaining an industry certificate has distinct   advantages when applying to college. Having concrete career accomplishments while in high school can be a factor that distinguishes you from other students when applying to college,” said Elizabeth Laffan, Academy Coordinator.

Students in the academy get exposure to the health science career of interest to them. During the 135 hour internship students are exposed to the real world of working in health care.  Internships placements have included the NC Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, The NC State Laboratory, hospitals, private medical and dental offices, physical therapy offices, continuing care facilities, and international internships.  This year senior Asha Reddy completed her internship in India. Reddy participated in vaccination programs in rural India.

“I learned a lot from my internship and it helped me decided I want to be a doctor and opened my eyes to medical and water quality issues in other countries,” said Reddy.

One of the goals of the Health Science Academy is to help students develop leadership and communication skill that are needed in the health science and medical fields. To help develop these skills the Health Science Academy members participated in a leadership and team building course at North Carolina State University, Recreation Department last Oct. The outdoor High/Low ropes course will be annual event for Academy students.

“Academy students learn how to work together as a team.  Good communication skills; how to speak clearly and think critically, leadership skills, as well as the importance of dress for success are all important in the business world,” said Laffan.

Are you interested in a career in the health science? It’s not too late to join the academy for next year, contact Elizabeth Laffan at elaffan@wcpss.net today. For more information go to room 2080 and talk to Elizabeth Laffan or Janet Packett.