Scottsboro High School students who enroll in Kathy Potter's Health Sciences program can earn a number of certifications before graduation. This gives these students a head start in post-secondary medical career programs. Many of her former students are now working as licensed professionals.
Today we're highlighting this program as part of Alabama Career Tech Awareness Month. Potter is an RN with her 28 years of teaching experience in the Scottsboro City School System.
Ms. Potter was drawn to the CTE field because of her experience as a nursing assistant as a teenager. “I appreciated the investment my mentors made in my future career,” Potter says. “This made me want to ‘pay it forward’ and help teenagers make practical decisions about their future medical careers. I love helping people get a head start on achieving their dreams. ”
Students in the Health Sciences program are exposed to a variety of options in health care and medicine. Dual enrollment courses allow students to earn state and national medical certifications such as AHA BLS, CNA, EKG Technician, Patient Care Technician, Lifeguard, and BLS CPR Instructor. A certified pharmacist course is scheduled to begin next year.
“We have a special interest in working with current students and many former students who are now in the licensed profession and mentoring today's future health care professionals. I'm especially proud when I see them,” Potter said.
Many students can actually get a part-time job in the medical field while still in high school if they obtain the qualification. This allows for a more realistic experience in the field.
Potter is grateful to the health care workers who serve as community partners. They play a huge role in making the health science program a success at Scottsboro High School.
These community partners include Kids First Pediatrics, HH Highlands Medical Center, Highlands Pediatrics, Highlands Health & Rehabilitation, Northeast Alabama Community College, Complete Care, Advanced Physical Therapy, TOC Physical Therapy and Sports Therapy of Scottsboro, and Scottsboro Urgent Care. /Occupational Medicine, Mud Creek Veterinary Services, Scottsboro Pet Care, Bradford Family Medicine, High Point Primary Care, Scottsboro Pediatrics, Kids First Pediatrics, Mellor Chiropractic Clinic, Dr. Thomas Higginbotham, Scottsboro Family and General Dentistry, Precise Family Dental, Scottsboro Family Pharmacy, and Dutch Family Dentistry.
Our community partners demonstrate the wide range of opportunities available to students in our health sciences program. Beyond the hospital medical field, opportunities include exploring opportunities in dentistry, chiropractic, and pharmacy. If a student is interested in veterinary medicine, there are local veterinarians who would be happy to work with the student. We also have the opportunity to interact with patients of a wide range of age groups, from small children to the elderly.
