About
Health Science
The health care industry is one of the top 3 industries in New Hampshire and abroad. The employment opportunity is vast in this diverse field of study. This outstanding program will prepare you for a variety of healthcare jobs. Our program completers are highly successful and typically go on to be nurses, EMT’s, physicians, occupational and physical therapists, pharmacists and physicians assistants to name a few.
Tom Welsh
My name is Tom Welsh. I am the new Health Science Technology and EMT teacher at Salem CTC. I worked as a paramedic in Sydney Australia for six years before moving here in 2014. I was a wilderness medicine instructor in the White Mountains and began teaching adult level EMT courses before moving into high school teaching in Dover NH in 2018.
I love everything in the outdoors and try to get out camping, hiking, and rock climbing with my three young daughters whenever I get a chance. I look forward to working with Ms. Barrett and Ms. Cook to come up with fun and creative ways to excite and engage students in Health Sciences and find a career that motivates them.
MaryBeth Cook RN, BSN
I started my nursing career as a License Nursing Assistant (LNA) and earned my LPN and then graduated from UNH with a BSN in 1997. I started my career at Salem High in 2014 and have enjoyed teaching these future healthcare professionals ever since. I have over 25 years experience working in the nursing field. I worked for 19 years at NRH in Salem NH, where I was a supervisor, staff nurse, preceptor, home health nurse and worked in the pain clinic. I have have been a regional manager of home care and also worked in the PACU that was once known as the Salem Surgery Center. I currently work in Emergency Medicine at Holy Family Hospital and feel bringing real life experiences to the classroom provides students with a way to understand, learn and retain the HST curriculum. I have a teaching background in LPN and LNA course instruction as well as a clinical instructor. I am an active Co-Advisor in the HOSA organization and serve on the HOSA Board Of Directors. I have a husband of 22 years, 3 children, 2 dogs and an over sized rabbit, Chester. I enjoy scrapbooking, snowmobiling, and other outdoor activities. I welcome the opportunity to educate your children in the many different kinds of opportunities of the healthcare industry.
Laura Barrett
I am a graduate of Salem High School and the Health Science Technology program. I studied nursing at Saint Anselm College and graduated in 2004 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Nursing. I worked at Lahey Clinic as an orthopedic/neurology floor nurse before making the change to pediatric primary care where I have spent the last 19 years. I teach a class for expectant parents at the pediatric office which sparked my love of teaching. I am excited to have returned to my hometown to teach a program I love, and that inspired my career choice.
Health Science
Healthcare is currently one of the fastest growing industries currently and students who take an early career path in this field can benefit from amazing growth potential.
2.0 credits, Grade 10-12
Health Science Technology is a two-year program for juniors and seniors who are interested in pursuing a career in the healthcare field. During the first, year we will concentrate on establishing a strong foundation in anatomy and physiology, safety issues, infection control and career exploration. Students are eligible to receive 3 college credits in medical terminology from Manchester Community College. Classroom activities include: lecture, poster presentations, internet projects, competitive games, anatomy labs and audio-visual learning related to diagnosis, treatment and prevention of disease. Skills component include: vision and hearing testing, vital signs, (temperature, pulse, respiration and blood pressure), gown, glove and hand washing techniques as well as training in taking EKGs. The clinical experience for first year students includes vision and hearing testing at local elementary schools and Salem High School. Students also have the opportunity to assist in the annual “sport physicals” offered through the Athletic Department. Students interested in pursuing any career in healthcare would benefit greatly from this course.
Prerequisite(s): Grade of B- or better in Biology
2.0 credits, Grade 11-12
Health Science Technology 2 continues with the completion of studies in anatomy and physiology, pathophysiology, infectious disease, and safety training. American Heart Association CPR certification is provided to all level two students. During second semester, students choose to participate in one of three clinical rotations: Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), Nursing Assistant (NA), or Allied Health Community Internship (MA). The EMT and NA program require both classroom and clinical rotations at the Salem Fire Department or the Northeast Rehabilitation Hospital. These rotations will require some weekend and evening clinical hours. Upon successful completion of the EMT or NA program, and the corresponding state licensing exam, licensing will occur. Students in the NA program are responsible for coordinating and assisting with an annual blood drive. Students enrolled in the Allied Health Community Internship program (NA) require both classroom hours and a four-month clinical rotation in the community with a preceptor of their choice. A clinical interview with the clinical preceptor is required for all students. At the end of the semester, students will have approximately 60 clinical hours of experience. Available community sites include agencies specializing in radiology, pharmacology, internal medicine, dental health, physical or occupational therapy and veterinarian medicine. Health Science Technology promotes responsibility, leadership, maturity, communication skills and professional behavior. Requirements: EMT course: EMT book and uniform approximate cost $150.00 – NA course: book and uniform approximate cost $100.00 – financial aid is available. NA and EMT students are required to have a covid-19 and influenza vaccine. Nametag and immunization records with updated PPD within the year are also required.
Prerequisite(s): Grade of B- or better in HST I and teacher recommendation
