(a) General requirements. This course is recommended for students in Grades 11 and 12. The practicum course is a paid or unpaid capstone experience for students participating in a coherent sequence of career and technical education courses in the Health Science Career Cluster. Prerequisites: Health Science Theory and Biology. Corequisite: Practicum in Health Science. This course must be taken concurrently with Practicum in Health Science and may not be taken as a stand-alone course. Students shall be awarded one credit for successful completion of this course. A student may repeat this course once for credit provided that the student is experiencing different aspects of the industry and demonstrating proficiency in additional and more advanced knowledge and skills.
(b) Introduction.
  (1) Career and technical education instruction provides content aligned with challenging academic standards and relevant technical knowledge and skills for students to further their education and succeed in current or emerging professions.
  (2) The Health Science Career Cluster focuses on planning, managing, and providing therapeutic services, diagnostic services, health informatics, support services, and biotechnology research and development.
  (3) The Extended Practicum in Health Science course is designed to give students practical application of previously studied knowledge and skills. Practicum experiences can occur in a variety of locations appropriate to the nature and level of experience.
  (4) To pursue a career in the health science industry, students should learn to reason, think critically, make decisions, solve problems, and communicate effectively. Students should recognize that quality health care depends on the ability to work well with others.
  (5) The health science industry is comprised of diagnostic, therapeutic, health informatics, support services, and biotechnology research and development systems that function individually and collaboratively to provide comprehensive health care. Students should identify the employment opportunities, technology, and safety requirements of each system. Students are expected to apply the knowledge and skills necessary to pursue a health science career through further education and employment.
  (6) Professional integrity in the health science industry is dependent on acceptance of ethical and legal responsibilities. Students are expected to employ their ethical and legal responsibilities, recognize limitations, and understand the implications of their actions.
  (7) Students are encouraged to participate in extended learning experiences such as career and technical student organizations and other leadership or extracurricular organizations.
  (8) Statements that contain the word "including" reference content that must be mastered, while those containing the phrase "such as" are intended as possible illustrative examples.
(c) Knowledge and skills.
  (1) The student demonstrates professional standards/employability skills as required by business and industry. The student is expected to:
    (A) participate in a paid or unpaid, laboratory- or work-based application of previously studied knowledge and skills related to health science;
    (B) participate in training, education, or preparation for licensure, certification, or other relevant credentials to prepare for employment;
    (C) demonstrate professional standards and personal qualities needed to be employable such as self-discipline, positive attitude, integrity, commitment, leadership, appreciation for diversity, customer service, and adaptability with increased fluency;
    (D) employ teamwork and conflict-management skills with increased fluency to achieve collective goals; and
    (E) employ planning and time-management skills and tools with increased fluency to enhance results and complete work tasks.
  (2) The student applies professional communications strategies. The student is expected to:
    (A) demonstrate verbal and non-verbal communication consistently in a clear, concise, and effective manner;
    (B) report information according to facility policies and procedures accurately;
    (C) demonstrate therapeutic communication skills with increased fluency to provide quality care;
    (D) analyze, interpret, and effectively communicate information, data, and observations;
    (E) apply active listening skills to obtain and clarify information; and
    (F) observe and interpret verbal and nonverbal cues and behaviors to enhance communication.
  (3) The student implements advanced problem-solving methods. The student is expected to employ critical-thinking skills with increased fluency both independently and in groups to solve problems and make decisions.
  (4) The student understands and applies proper safety techniques in the workplace to prevent hazardous situations. The student is expected to:
    (A) demonstrate an understanding of and follow workplace safety rules and regulations;
    (B) implement regulatory standards such as standard precautions and safe patient handling with increased fluency;
    (C) evaluate hazardous materials according to the material safety data sheets in a consistent manner; and
    (D) apply principles of infection control and body mechanics in all aspects of the health care industry.
  (5) The student understands the professional, ethical, and legal responsibilities in health science. The student is expected to:
    (A) demonstrate a positive, productive work ethic by performing assigned tasks as directed;
    (B) implement individual ethical and legal behavior standards according to professional regulatory agencies;
    (C) show integrity by choosing the ethical course of action when making decisions; and
    (D) comply with all applicable rules, laws, and regulations in a consistent manner.
  (6) The student implements the knowledge and skills of a health care professional necessary to acquire and retain employment. The student is expected to demonstrate proficiency in medical terminology and skills related to the health care of an individual.
  (7) The student participates in a supervised health science experience. The student is expected to:
    (A) conduct, document, and evaluate learning activities in a supervised health science experience;
    (B) develop advanced technical knowledge and skills related to a personal occupational objective;
    (C) evaluate strengths and weaknesses in technical skill proficiency; and
    (D) collect representative work samples.

Source Note: The provisions of this §127.415 adopted to be effective April 7, 2022, 47 TexReg 1677