A Class Where Futures Come into Focus

For students curious about the medical world, Principles of Biomedical Science offers something few high schoolers ever get: a hands-on glimpse into 40-50 different careers in the healthcare field.

Case in point: walk into Melinda Ames’ class at Lakota East Freshman School and one day students might be culturing bacteria; the next, they’re developing treatment plans for fictional patients with chronic diseases or diagnosing chromosomal abnormality through close examination of genetic data.

“By the end of the course, students have a really good understanding of what it is like to work in the medical field,” Ames explains. “Throughout the year they learn direct patient care, gather medical histories and explore the work of geneticists behind the scenes. East Freshman student Kawthar concurs: “This class is great for kids who want to do something in the medical field or want to learn more about it.”

After taking the Principles of Biomedical Science course as freshmen, students have the option to continue in a Sports Medicine pathway or continue in the Biomedical track.

Butler Tech and Lakota started the Biomedical program 2013-2014 school year; it was the first in Butler County. Jim Williams was the first hire to teach the intro class at East and West Freshman campuses. After two years the class became so popular that multiple teachers were hired so the pathway could grow into a four-year program. Additional classes in the track are Human Body Systems, Medical Interventions, and Biomedical Innovations. 

Dan Prochaska teaches biomedical classes at Lakota West and is proud of how the program continues to evolve. “Healthcare technologies are constantly improving, and these advances are updated in the latest curriculum rewrites through Project Lead the Way. In addition, new skill sets are identified that give students novel experiences. One example of this is PCR or polymerase chain reaction that allows students to copy gene sequences that can be used in disease detection.” Alumni are even part of the evolution of the program by serving on an advisory committee to provide feedback on how the curriculum can best prepare students for what’s next.

Current students can’t say enough about the class. Students all agree that their favorite parts of the class are hands-on labs and getting to work in groups. East Freshman Madison loves helping people and loves science and has wanted to be a dermatologist since seventh grade. “The best part of Principles of Biomedical Science is all the new things we are learning. We learn some of these topics in our science classes, but here you get to go deeper.”

Ultimately, the Biomed pathway is about more than science labs and medical terminology—it’s about helping students discover their futures. The pathway reveals the vast landscape of healthcare careers, far beyond the typical roles of doctor or nurse, and opens doors to job shadowing experiences and meaningful connections with local healthcare professionals. Most seniors who complete the pathway go on to the college of their choice, equipped with confidence, experience and a clear sense of direction.

Williams agrees. “The biggest highlight of the program for me personally is when I hear from former students that they are so thankful that they participated in the Biomed pathway because it set them ahead and apart from their peers once they got to college.  I love hearing the successes of these students that are now health care professionals, and honestly it is like a proud parent moment.”