In the CAL Health Science Medical program students gain the skills, technical knowledge, academic foundation, and real-world experiences they need to prepare for high-demand, high-wage careers in healthcare. Some of the careers we explore involve working directly with people, while others involve research. Industry experiences for students are varied and may be in hospitals or medical offices. Students receive education and training opportunities within the world of Health Sciences using state-of-the-art, industry-grade equipment in our HIVE medical lab.
Medical Course Descriptions
First Year
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This course explores the biological foundations of human and animal medicine. This course will explore many topics, including cellular biology, laboratory science, how medicinal drugs work, genetics, and disease pathology. Students will engage in hands-on labs, including clinical pathology, urine analysis, microbioloby and more. This course is designed to be fun, engaging, and informative with a blend of theory and practical knowledge.
1 High School Science Credit
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This course focuses on the study of medical terminology by body systems with related word elements, disease processes, diagnostic tests, procedures, and labs. Basic elements of medical words and abbreviations are studied so the student is familiar, and able to analyze, define, and build medical terms that are commonly used within a clinic/hospital environment.
1 High School CTE Elective Credit
4 MHCC Credits for MO111
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This course is designed to connect classroom instruction with clinical skills. Students will engage in a variety of experiences in which they apply knowledge acquired through classroom lecture, hands-on lab, scholarly research, and presentation symposium formats. Content will include basic patient care: vital signs, infection control, safety, etc.
1 High School CTE Elective Credit
Second Year
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Students have the option to take one of two different levels of Anatomy and Physiology, each related to a different college course.
BI121 covers basic human anatomy and physiology, including body organization, cell structure, tissues and membranes, and the integumentary, skeletal, muscular, nervous (with special senses), and endocrine systems.
1 High School CTE Elective Credit
4 MHCC Credits
BI100 is an introduction to human anatomy and physiology to fulfill the requirements for Health Professions programs, and as a survey for students interests in building a foundation for higher levels of study in the 11 major body systems.
1 High School CTE Elective Credit
4 MHCC Credits
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This course focuses in healthcare specific to post-seconday education options and career exploration opportunities. Topics include HIPAA compliance, professionalism, and cultural competencies. Students participate in work-based learning related to various clinical settings. Students have the opportunity to obtain certifications in Blood Borne Pathogens and BLS level CPR.
1 High School CTE Elective Credit
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This advanced course expands on skills and knowledge introduced the previous year. Diverse educational methods are utilized to apply and extend medical and health science concepts and basic patient care. Students will engage in a variety of experiences in which they apply knowledge acquired through class, including lecture, hands-on labs, research, community outreach, and presentations.
1 High School CTE Elective Credit
Meet the Team
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Shalina Ayles
I was one of the first students to go through the health science program at CAL for my junior and senior year of high school and was lucky enough to have the opportunity to come back this year as a teacher! It’s so special being able to come full circle into a program that helped contribute to the person I am.
After graduating from CAL and Barlow I went on to earn my Bachelor's in Biology (pre-med) at Concordia University Portland. I worked as a lead Andrology Tech for 10.5 years prior to going into teaching. I love being able to combine my love of science and health care with teaching students.
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Zeke Cecilio-Santos
After graduating CAL and Gresham (Go Gophers!), I went to pursue my Bachelors of Science from Eastern Oregon University (Go Mounties!) in Physical Activity and Public Health. Then pursued a Masters of Science from Washington State University (Go Cougs!) in dietetics.
My professional journey has come full circle, and I am grateful to be back at CAL, this time as an instructor. I love sharing my passion for nutrition with my students and helping them navigate their own high school experience. CAL has played a tremendous part in who I am, and am excited to do the same for the next generation.
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Joseph McNeal
I’ve taught Anatomy & Physiology or related subjects for more than 30 years in Oregon in the K-12 system, community college and university levels. I enjoy seeing students have their “Ah ha moments” when they learn something about the body that makes them understand how their body works or why something happened to a friend or family member.
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Scott Nance
I have been a teacher here at CAL since 2019. After spending over 25 years in the medical and environmental fields, I became a teacher to share my knowledge and experience in order to help students accomplish career and academic goals.
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Kelsey Shields
I began my career as a registered nurse right out of high school. As I spent time with my patients, they relayed how they wished they'd known more about health earlier in their lives. In this time, I developed a passion for education and went back to school earning a masters in teaching.
I am deeply inspired by the positive impact my students are making in the world. Helping them grow and succeed has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my career.