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Health Science
Health Science
About the Program
The healthcare industry is one of the top three sectors in both New Hampshire and globally, offering a wide range of employment opportunities across diverse specialties. Our exceptional program is designed to equip you with the skills and knowledge needed for various healthcare careers. Graduates of our program are highly successful and often pursue careers as nurses, EMTs, physicians, occupational and physical therapists, pharmacists, physician assistants, and more. Whether you're interested in direct patient care or other vital healthcare roles, our program will set you on a path to success in this rewarding field.
Instructors
Tom Welsh
As the EMT instructor at Salem CTC, I bring experience from my six years as a paramedic in Sydney, Australia, before relocating to the U.S. in 2014. My passion for teaching began with wilderness medicine in the White Mountains, where I instructed outdoor courses, and I later transitioned to teaching adult EMT courses. In 2018, I found my way into high school education, joining the Dover, NH community to teach future first responders.
Outside the classroom, I’m an avid outdoor enthusiast who loves camping, hiking, and rock climbing with my three young daughters. I am excited to work alongside Ms. Barrett and Ms. Nugent to develop dynamic, hands-on learning experiences that spark students’ interest in Health Sciences and guide them toward careers they’re passionate about.
Laura Barrett, BSN, RN
I am a proud graduate of Salem High School and the Health Science Technology program. I went on to earn my Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Saint Anselm College in 2004. My nursing career began at Lahey Clinic, where I worked on the orthopedic/neurology floor, before transitioning to pediatric primary care- a field I've been dedicated to for the past 19 years. During this time, I began teaching a class for expectant parents at the pediatric office, which sparked a passion for teaching. I'm thrilled to have returned to my hometown to teach at the program that first inspired my own career in healthcare.
Jajaira Overton, BSN, RN
I started my career as a certified nurse assistant/ home health aide (CNA/HHA) out of high school. I joined the Army at 17 years old once I graduated from Lawrence high School. I was a combat medic and served our country for 10 years! I was deployed as a medic during Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2003. I became an LPN in 2006 and after 13 years I returned to school for my BSN. I have been a nurse for 19 years with experience working in trauma, acute care, primary care and specialized in pediatric nursing. My most recent job was as the Preschool nurse at Salem Haigh preschool where I worked for 6 years. As a mom of three who attend the salem school district I love having the same schedule as them and have recently discovered a passion for teaching when I was education parents on various things as a nurse. I am very excited for my first year of teaching health science tech in our Salem CTE program!
Courses
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Grades 10-11, 2 Credits (EC), Year, Every day
Health Science Technology 1 is the first year of a two-year program for primarily juniors who are interested in pursuing a career in the healthcare field. During the first year, the concentration is on establishing a strong foundation in anatomy and physiology, safety protocols, infection control and career exploration. Classroom activities include: lecture, poster presentations, internet projects, competitive games, anatomy labs and audio-visual learning related to diagnosis, treatment and prevention of disease. Skills component includes: vision and hearing testing, height and weight, vital signs (temperature, pulse, respiration and blood pressure), personal protective equipment and hand-washing techniques as well as training in taking EKGs. Students interested in pursuing any career in healthcare would benefit greatly from this course.
Students are eligible to receive 3 college credits in medical terminology from Manchester Community College.
Prerequisite: Current grade of B- or better in Biology or Biomedical Science 1 or teacher recommendation. -
Health Science Technology 2 - EMT
Course #832, Grades 11-12, 2 credits, Year, Every dayHealth Science Technology 2 - NA
Course #830, Grades 11-12, 2 Credits, Year, Every dayHealth Science Technology 2 - MA
Course #831, Grades 11-12, 2 Credits, Year, Every dayHealth Science Technology 2 (HST 2) is the second and culminating course in our Health Science and Technology pathway. The curriculum places a strong emphasis on advanced medical concepts, including anatomy and physiology, pathophysiology (the study of disease processes), infectious diseases, and essential safety training. A key component of this course is the practical application of life-saving skills, with all students earning American Heart Association CPR certification. In HST2 students choose to participate in one of three clinical areas: Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), Licensed Nursing Assistant (NA), or Allied Health Community Internship (MA).
The EMT and NA programs require both classroom instruction and clinical rotations conducted at sites such as the Salem Fire Department or Northeast Rehabilitation Hospital. Students should note that these rotations may require commitment outside of the normal school day, including weekend and evening clinical hours. Successful completion of the EMT or NA program, followed by passing the corresponding state licensing exam, leads directly to professional licensure. Students participating in LNA and EMT are eligible for Early College credit upon completion of the program.
The Allied Health Community Internship (MA) is designed for students seeking exposure to specialized fields. This track requires classroom hours and a four-month clinical rotation in the community with a preceptor of the student’s choice. Our staff provides assistance to help students secure their placement. Potential community sites may include agencies specializing in radiology, pharmacology, internal medicine, dental health, physical or occupational therapy, and veterinary medicine. A clinical interview with the preceptor may be required before placement. Regardless of the chosen path, students will have gained approximately 60 clinical hours of experience by the end of the semester. This entire program promotes the development of critical professional attributes: responsibility, leadership, maturity, communication skills, and professionalism.
Note: The prerequisite for enrollment in HST 2 is a grade of B- or better in HST 1 or a teacher recommendation. Successful completion of both HST 1 and HST 2 satisfies the high school graduation requirement for health. Because much of this course involves practical experience within various community healthcare facilities, students are required to meet all mandates set by the host facility. These mandates are not determined by the Salem School District or the Salem Career and Technical Education Center, and they include, but are not limited to, drug testing and vaccinations. Students can expect some modest incidental costs for licenses, uniforms and materials. Financial assistance is always available if needed.