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    Athena Blair

    Email: athena.blair@slps.org

    Room Number: 425

    Health Occupations Instructor

    Building Phone: 314-776-3300

     

    My name is Athena Blair. I am a Registered Nurse and have been in Health care since 2001. I began teaching at Gateway STEM in 2013. I have 5 children, 3 of whom are Gateway graduates from CTE programs.  I am excited to work with your son/daughter and share my experiences in the health care field. Prior to Gateway, I worked at St. Louis Children’s Hospital, Barnes Jewish Hospital, and Pediatric Home Health. Beginning in 2019 as summer employment, I took a position with the BSA as the Medical Director of one of the premier Scouting facilities in America, S bar F Scout Ranch in KnobLick, Missouri. 

    The Health Science Program here at Gateway STEM gives students an excellent opportunity to learn about the options in health care careers. Health care students/workers are expected to have excellent work ethics, be able to work as a team player, and demonstrate an empathetic attitude towards their patients. It is also expected that students demonstrate enthusiasm for learning and accept constructive criticism by their supervisors. In the classroom, it is essential that students take responsibility for their learning.

     

    10th Grade

    Course Title: Introduction to Health Science: The History of Health Care

    Course Description: This course provides a comprehensive overview of the history of health care, from ancient practices to modern medicine. Students will explore the evolution of medical practices, the development of healthcare systems, and the impact of historical events on the advancement of health science. The course aims to provide a solid foundation in understanding how past developments shape contemporary health care.

     

    11th and 12th Grades

    Course Title: Medical Assistant (MA)

    The MA Program is a two-year program. Students must pass year one in order to move on to year two.

    The purpose of this course is to provide related instruction and community training for students preparing for a job in the healthcare industry as a Medical Assistant. Students will receive heavy academic instruction in Medical Assisting Clinical and Administrative Competencies. This course will provide students with a fundamental understanding of the MA and their role in health-related fields.
    Students will acquire skills through hands-on learning experiences in the areas of vital signs, blood pressure, instrument identification and sterilization, and EKG machines. Students will be instructed in anatomy, physiology, nutrition, patient care, and preparation of patient space for examination. Students will become familiar with medical billing and coding, medical terminology and preventive health, affording them the ability to make informed decisions about the medical profession. The curriculum is presented through classroom instruction, computer-based learning, and hands-on lab activities.

    Course Description

    This competency-based course prepares students for a career in the healthcare industry. Included in the course are Medical Ethics, Medicine & Law including HIPAA Regulations, Appointment Scheduling, Telephone Techniques, and Filing Methods & Record Keeping, Aseptic Concepts, Infection Control, CPR, Blood-borne Pathogens, Excessive Bleeding, OSHA Training, Vital Signs, Assisting in Various Specialties & Surgical Preparations, Administering Medications, and Medical Terminology. Students will practice these skills in a lab setting.

    Year 2 (Senior year), after successfully completing the first semester of classroom work with a B 80% or better and a recommendation from the instructor, students may be placed in a healthcare-related office or clinic for hands-on experience.

    Year 1 Medical Assisting Foundations is two semesters junior year.

                Certifications:

    1. American Heart Association Basic Life Support AHA BLS for the Health Care Provider CPR
    2. EKG Technician (CET)
    3. Occupational Safety and Health Association (OSHA)

    You Must Complete and Pass the Final Assessment for OSHA and CPR in Order to Advance to Year 2

    Year 2 Clinical Medical Assisting is two semesters senior year with internships 2nd semester

                Certifications:

    1. Phlebotomy Technician (CPT)
    2. Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA)

    Selection Criteria 

    • GPA of 2.5 or above
    • 90%Attendance
    • Have a B or better in English class
    • Have had Anatomy or taking it concurrently
    • Have taken the Microsoft class
    • No disciplinary referrals for:
      • Drug use
      • Fighting    
      • Theft