SECTION 127.414. Practicum in Health Science (Two Credits), Adopted 2015

(a) General requirements. This course is recommended for students in Grades 11 and 12. Prerequisites: Health Science Theory and Biology. Students shall be awarded two credits for successful completion of this course. A student may repeat this course once for credit provided that the student is experiencing different aspects of the industry and demonstrating proficiency in additional and more advanced knowledge and skills.

(b) Introduction.

(1) Career and technical education instruction provides content aligned with challenging academic standards and relevant technical knowledge and skills for students to further their education and succeed in current or emerging professions.

(2) The Health Science Career Cluster focuses on planning, managing, and providing therapeutic services, diagnostic services, health informatics, support services, and biotechnology research and development.

(3) The Practicum in Health Science course is designed to give students practical application of previously studied knowledge and skills. Practicum experiences can occur in a variety of locations appropriate to the nature and level of experience.

(4) To pursue a career in the health care industry, students should learn to reason, think critically, make decisions, solve problems, and communicate effectively. Students should recognize that quality health care depends on the ability to work well with others.

(5) The health care industry is comprised of diagnostic, therapeutic, health informatics, support services, and biotechnology research and development systems that function individually and collaboratively to provide comprehensive health care. Students recognize the employment opportunities, technology, and safety requirements of each system. Students are expected to apply the knowledge and skills necessary to pursue a health science certification or licensure through further education and employment.

(6) Professional integrity in the health care industry is dependent on acceptance of ethical and legal responsibilities. Students are expected to employ their ethical and legal responsibilities, recognize limitations, and understand the implications of their actions.

(7) Students are encouraged to participate in extended learning experiences such as career and technical student organizations and other leadership or extracurricular organizations.

(8) Statements that contain the word "including" reference content that must be mastered, while those containing the phrase "such as" are intended as possible illustrative examples.

(c) Knowledge and skills.

(1) The student demonstrates professional standards/employability skills as required by business and industry. The student is expected to:

(A) demonstrate verbal and non-verbal communication in a clear, concise, and effective manner; and

(B) exhibit the ability to cooperate, contribute, and collaborate as a member of a team.

(2) The student applies mathematics, science, English language arts, and social sciences in health science. The student is expected to:

(A) interpret data from various sources in formulating conclusions;

(B) compile information from a variety of sources to create a technical report;

(C) plan, prepare, and deliver a presentation;

(D) examine the environmental factors that affect homeostasis;

(E) relate anatomical structure to physiological functions; and

(F) distinguish atypical anatomy and physiology in the human body systems.

(3) The student uses verbal and non-verbal communication skills. The student is expected to:

(A) accurately report information according to facility policies and procedures;

(B) demonstrate therapeutic communication skills to provide quality care; and

(C) employ therapeutic measures to minimize communication barriers.

(4) The student implements the knowledge and skills of a health care professional necessary to acquire and retain employment. The student is expected to:

(A) demonstrate proficiency in medical terminology and skills related to the health care of an individual;

(B) develop new problem-solving strategies based on previous knowledge and skills; and

(C) evaluate performance for continuous improvement and advancement in health care.

(5) The student employs ethical behavior standards and legal responsibilities. The student is expected to:

(A) identify individual ethical and legal behavior standards according to professional regulatory agencies; and

(B) research case studies related to unethical behavior in the health care industry.

(6) The student employs a safe environment to prevent hazardous situations. The student is expected to:

(A) integrate regulatory standards such as standard precautions and safe patient handling;

(B) evaluate hazardous materials according to the material safety data sheets; and

(C) apply principles of infection control and body mechanics in all aspects of the health care industry.

(7) The student explores the knowledge and skill levels necessary for advancing in the health science professions. The student is expected to:

(A) identify knowledge and skills that are transferable among health science professions; and

(B) research career pathways pertaining to the health care industry.

(8) The student implements skills in monitoring individual health status during therapeutic or diagnostic procedures. The student is expected to:

(A) identify care indicators of health status; and

(B) record health status according to facility protocol.

(9) The student recognizes the importance of participation in extended learning experiences. The student is expected to:

(A) participate in extended learning experiences such as community service, career and technical student organizations, and professional organizations; and

(B) create a plan of action targeting the career and technical student organization's community service goal.

Source Note: The provisions of this §127.414 adopted to be effective April 7, 2022, 47 TexReg 1677