New Program Prepares Next Generation of Health Science Professionals
Regina Allen
The Governor’s Health Science Academy is a new program at TC that allows students to explore the medical field and be on a fast-track to a medical education.
The main goals of the academy are to increase program completion, graduation rates, college readiness and transition to post-secondary education and to reduce the proportion of students requiring remediation in college.
There are seven pathways available to students in the program, which include biomedical informatics, medical laboratory sciences, sports medicine, pharmacy, emergency medical services, nursing, and surgical technology.
The Governor’s Health Sciences Academy course is designed for students to graduate with an advanced diploma. The classes of the academy are all considered dual enrollment (DE) classes, meaning that the students in the course is technically a student at both TC and a college; while most other DE classes are through Northern Virginia Community (NOVA), the Governor’s Health Sciences Academy is a part of George Mason University. The college level classes are altered to be more appropriate for high school students. For example, in college, professors might ask for a ten-page paper, but in these classes, a student will be asked for two five-page papers.
Sophomore Virginia Arnold said, “Just because it’s at a college level doesn’t mean you’ll be stressing yourself out too much… When I started this class, I didn’t want to be burnt out, but I also didn’t want to not be challenged and I think that this class presents a really good balance of both.”
Freshman enrolled in the course will get a head-start on the higher level classes required for advanced diploma. DE Classes can possibly reduce the time and money needed in college and these rigorous courses can demonstrate college-readiness to perspective colleges.
Rising freshmen and sophomores are eligible to apply for the program. Applicants should have an interest in health sciences and a minimum GPA of 2.5. Because of the lower GPA requirement, the program is not only designed for 4.0 students, but anyone who is determined to learn about health. Electronic applications are composed of a statement of interest, applicant’s transcript, and three recommendations (from math teacher, science teacher, and a teacher of choice); all of which are due on March 27th, 2020. Students will be notified in June 2020 and there will be an official commitment ceremony later in June.
Accepted students must attend a summer bridge course. It will take place from July 6-18 and there will be a morning and afternoon session. There is an online option for rising freshmen who cannot attend the summer course. Rising sophomores must attend the summer bridge program, as well as another course over the summer to make up for the class they would have taken the previous year. The summer course is designed so it can be taken along with other summer courses, like Summer PE.
Overall, the Governor’s Health Sciences Academy is an amazing new opportunity for all rising Titans who are interested in health and medical sciences. This program sets up students to be successful medical professionals and important members of their communities. “This program is a really great way to start your high school experience because you are in an environment where everyone wants you to succeed,” said Arnold, “[Teachers in the academy] really want everyone to succeed at whatever level that means, and that’s probably the best thing you can get from a class.”
