Students at 26 high schools across the state, from Montclair to Weequahic to Cherry Hill, have an opportunity to take college-level science courses – for college credit, no less. The Health Science Careers program, offered by UMDNJ’s School of Health Related Professions (SHRP), offers students a selection of specialized science courses not normally available on the high school level – everything from hands-on anatomy and physiology to basic EMT skills. It can also provide those who are interested in science with a "head start" toward a career goal.

The program, which began in 1992, offers a total of 14 college credits in a variety of courses. A student may enter the program as a freshman, sophomore or junior, after successfully completing high school algebra, biology, and a basic computer course. They can take individual courses or sign up for the entire program.

Courses are geared to all academic levels. For those who are freshmen and sophomores, "Dynamics of Health Care in Society," a three-credit course, gives an overview of health care and delivery. Anatomy and Physiology One and Two, worth four credits each, are the most challenging courses. They are offered over a two year period, usually the junior and senior years. "Many students take this course who are interested in going to medical school," says program director Suzanne D’Anna, RDH, MS. Other courses are Emergency and Clinical Care, (2 credits) and Medical Terminology (1 credit). To receive college credit, students must take a standardized exam. If they choose not to take the exam, or don’t receive high enough grades for the course and test, they get credit for a high school-level course, but no college credit is given.

The curriculum for each course is written by UMDNJ faculty. High schools offering the Anatomy and Physiology course are given a CD-ROM containing the entire curriculum, including lectures. Materials for the Emergency and Clinical Care course are prepared by the Red Cross.

This year, more than 700 high school students are enrolled in the program. Each March, they attend a Health Careers Fair on the Scotch Plains campus.

"Many kids think working in health care means becoming either a physician or a nurse," says D’Anna. "The program helps them find out about the wide range of careers available to them. "