Huntley High provides focus on medicine

Growing up, many youngsters aspire to become a doctor or a nurse.

Starting in the fall, Huntley High School will give students a headstart in embarking on a career in the medical field through a medical careers academy.

The Huntley Unit District 158 school board unanimously approved the program at Thursday’s board meeting.

The academy would immerse students in electives related to the healthcare field, as well as their regular courses, said Mary Olson, the district’s chief academic officer.

“We talked about how this is one of the fastest growing fields in terms of need and where jobs will be available,” Olson said. “We want to prepare students for the future.”

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health says the health care industry, which employs more than 12 million people, is the second-fastest growing sector of the U.S. economy. Those numbers will contnue to grow as the population ages and medical care improves, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics says.

District 158 board member Kim Skaja said the program makes sense.

“There are so many opportunities for employment in the medical field,” Skaja said. “That’s why we’re here: to help students develop into independent adults who will continue to live, learn and grow.”

When fully implemented, the program will offer students two pathways beginning their freshmen year. The medical professional pathway is designed for those students who plan on completing four or more years of post-secondary studies. Students will be concurrently enrolled in honors and advanced placement course in high school.

Meanwhile, the certified allied health pathway will prepare students for a field requiring an associate’s degree or similar certification.

For the 2011-2012 school year, the district will offer an introductory course titled, “Medical Skills and Services,” which will include topics on health care professions, medical terminology, basic anatomy and basic medical skills. The course will be open to about 70 students in grade 10 through 12.

Basic instructional materials are estimated to cost the district $6,000.

Olson said the district is developing a partnership with Centegra Health Care Systems, and is seeking to work with McHenry County College and Northern Illinois University.