Academics

SFIS UNM Health Careers Program

Overview

The SFIS/UNM Health Careers Program began with a grant from the University of New Mexico Health Sciences Center (UNMHSC) and the BA/MD Combined Degree Program in 2008. The purpose of the SFIS/UNM Health Careers Program is to engage SFIS students, grades 9-12, in community based, action-oriented, contextual education experiences that encourage students to enter into the health professions that will ultimately improve the health and well-being of their communities. The goal is to graduate students from SFIS who are both interested in and capable of pursuing careers in health science fields at the post-secondary level.

Medical Preparation Program Course Offerings:

• Introduction to Health Careers:  This class is designed to engage students in community-based, action-oriented, contextual education experiences that develop their academic skills, especially in science and math, which they ultimately will use to improve the health and well-being of their communities.  (Dual Credit SFCC Course #HLCR 111)
• Medical Law and Ethics:  This course will explore the major ethical issues confronting the practices of medicine and biomedical science. We will become familiar with legal and institutional positions, consider and debate opposing arguments on the various topics, and examine relevant case studies. The general ethical and legal principles and responsibilities involved in the medical field are presented. Legal responsibilities, professional liability, licensing, contracts, confidentiality, HIPAA, risk management, and other applications of law in medicine are included.
• Medical Terminology :  A study of the terminology used in the medical discipline, anatomy, physiology, pathology, surgery and pharmacology. (Dual Credit SFCC Course #HLCR 113)
• Stress Management:  Introduces students to the pathophysiology of stress. Emphasis will be placed on the detrimental effects of stress on the body, as well as on the impact of stress-eating on the body. A variety of stress management techniques will be explored to promote enhanced well-being. (Dual Credit SFCC Course #HLED113)
• Certificate in Nurse Aide Training:  This program prepares students to enter the nursing profession as an entry-level nursing assistant. Upon successful completion of this certificate, the student will meet all federal certification standards for a nursing assistant and be prepared to sit for the New Mexico Nurse Aide Registry exams.  (Dual Credit SFCC Course #HLCR 125)
• Certificate in Community Health Worker Training:  This two-semester program prepares students to enter the health care profession as an entry-level community health worker (CHW). CHWs are also known as community health representatives (CHRs), patient navigators or patient service representatives (PSRs). They function as patient advocates and educators in clinics, hospitals and managed care organizations (MCOs). This certificate program includes the 11 established competencies required for state certification. CHWs are trained to have a basic understanding of medical terminology as well as knowledge regarding maternal-child health issues, chronic disease and illness. Program completion enables students to qualify for the New Mexico state certification for CHWs. (Dual Credit SFCC Course #HLCR 115 and HLCR 116)