Medical & Sports Sciences Instructors: Wendy D. King, PT, M.Ed. and Betsy McLane, MT (ASCP) E-mail: wking@bsdvt.org and bmclane@bsdvt.org Phone: (802) 864-2155 and (802) 864-8522		Length: 1 or 2 years Credits: 3 per year (Anatomy & Physiology Credit after the second year) Prerequisite: Biology I or Instructor Approval
The Medical and Sports Sciences Program is a two-year college preparatory program that meets for just over two hours per day, five days per week. The rigorous curriculum which prepares students to pursue further education towards a career in either the medical or sports sciences areas. The two years of the program correlate with a complete Anatomy and Physiology (A & P) course (i.e. year 1 covers A & P 1, year 2 covers A & P 2). As we progress through Anatomy and Physiology we cover the associated medical terminology, associated diseases (pathologies) as well as evaluation and treatment procedures specific to the body system being covered. Students participate in laboratory experiences including microscopic analysis, dissection, phlebotomy (blood drawing), massage, microbiology and wound care. Students are also introduced to medical instruments such as reflex hammers, hot and cold packs, blood pressure cuffs, EKG's and inspirometers. Life-like computerized manikins are used to simulate patients and introduce students to normal and abnormal patient findings. The first year curriculum also includes the study of Human Growth and Development (exploring physical, cognitive and social-emotional development through the life span). Study strategies are taught in the early part of the first year and reinforced throughout the duration of the program.
Students spend time during the first year exploring various medical and sports related fields in order to fully understand each of these professions. Students then have the opportunity to observe different medical professionals through clinical observations, in order to identify their own area of interest. In the second year the curriculum also includes an in-depth study of nutrition, including nutritional considerations for the athlete. Students are placed in career work experiences in their identified area of interest, allowing them to acquire valuable hands on experience with patients as well as the chance to interact with medical/sports professionals. Qualified students may earn up to fourteen transcripted college credits through a dual enrollment program at Vermont Technical College and articulation agreements with Community College of Vermont. Previous students have successfully transferred these credits to highly esteemed colleges and universities. The career areas introduced in this program are considered to be “Priority Occupations” that provide high wages, require high level skills, have a growing job market, have a limited supply of qualified workers, and have a strong social need.