Kennedy HS

Healthcare Professions Academy

Healthcare Professions is a Career Readiness program of study that provides clinical experiences, as well as classroom and lab instruction, to support college and career readiness in healthcare fields. Students must take and pass Foundations of Medicine and Structures and Functions of the Human Body. We offer three specialty pathways:

• Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) upon successful completion students receive Certification as a Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA)
• Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) upon successful completion students receive Certification as a Nursing Assistant (CNA) with the Maryland Board of Nursing
• Physical Rehabilitation upon successful completion students receive Certification as a Personal Trainer

Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA)

This course enables students to gain a specialized skill-set related to facilitating the high demands of a healthcare facility. Students learn to administer medications, assist with minor procedures, obtain laboratory specimens, perform electrocardiograms, provide patient education, and much more. Students also complete a state-mandated curriculum sequence that addresses HIPAA and patient privacy. Students have the opportunity to earn and receive national certification as a Certified Clinical Medical Assistant, as well as two college credits, through assessments provided by the National HealthCareer Association. During Senior year, students in the CCMA pathway complete an internship or complete a course at Montgomery College.

Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)

This course enables students to gain a specialized skill-set related to facilitating the high demands of a healthcare facility. Students develop an understanding of patient needs and the healthcare setting. Students also complete a state-mandated curriculum sequence that addresses HIPAA and patient privacy. Students have the opportunity to earn and receive state certification as a Certified Nursing Assistant, through an assessment developed by MCPS (and approved by the Maryland Board of Nursing). Students complete clinical hours within the double period CNA course. Students can gain more experience during their senior year by completing an internship.

Physical Rehabilitation Science (Certification as a Personal Trainer)

This course introduces students to the world of rehabilitation and therapeutic services. The majority of this course is spent in a lab-based classroom setting for hands-on, relevant training. The curriculum includes new content to provide students the opportunity to earn and receive certification as a Physical Trainer. During senior year, students in the Physical Rehabilitation Science pathway complete an internship or complete a course at Montgomery College.

Recommended Academy
Pathway Courses

The following download is an example of a plan that may be modified to meet a student’s individual needs. All students must take prescribed English, math, science, social studies, and other courses required for a Maryland high school diploma. The academy electives courses are part of each academy pathway. See High School Program Overview for more information.

• Download a sample schedule of academy courses.

Healthcare Careers Photos

All of our pathways provide hands-on experiences that prepare students for the healthcare field. Students engage in different trainings like CPR and First Aid for Severe Trauma (F.A.S.T.).

Students engaging in CPR courses and practicing how to administer shots.

Students participate in a training (left); learning CPR skills (right).
Students work together to practice suture removal.
Students learn about phlebotomy/drawing blood and practice drawing blood.
Students gear up to engage in a lab (left), and practice their clinical skills (right).
Students in class (left) and administering blood pressure readings (right).