Do you enjoy watching House or Grey’s Anatomy? Then you just might want to do your own pair of scrubs for Health Science Technology, a new program that teaches students about the medical field.

“It gives me really good preparation for a career in a medical field,” junior Josh Bush said. “I love the class because it’s really fun and challenging.”

 Karla Barth, who has been a registered nurse for 23 years, teaches the HST class along with a Medical Terminology/Pharmacology.  

“I teach Health Science so when I’m old I have good nurses and doctors taking care of me,” Barth said. “I truly love the field of health care and I hope I am imparting that to my students.”

The HST class has given students knowledge about the medical profession and hands-on experience with tools and equipment. Students learn medical terminology, how to recognize different ailments and diseases, and how to treat those problems. They also practice taking blood pressure, administering immunizations shots on a mannequin and practice dealing with ethical situations.

“Pharmacology is a really fun class,” junior Malia Faitala said. “I like that we learned how to give people shots and learn about different medicines.”

Next year, Barth is planning to teach Health Science practicum, a class where students will travel to the local hospital for six week rotations. The experience will allow students to work with many different licensed health care providers including nurses, pharmacists and technicians. Students will be able to shadow the employees and receive certifications in CPR and phlebotomy.

“I’m excited to have the opportunity to have a hands-on experience in a hospital before making a real decision about going into the medical field,” junior Emily Chabert said. “I’m excited about being CPR certified and having my CNA license.”