Student Testimonials

“I am currently a freshman enrolled in the Biomedical Science PLTW. I am taking the first year class which is “Principles of Biomedical Science”. In this course, I have not only learned about intriguing topics such as DNA Fingerprinting and Forensics, but also made connections with friends and stellar teachers involved in this program. The PLTW Biomedical Science allows you to collaborate on interesting labs and various projects, which is different from the other core classes you take at Haverhill High School. I assure you, applying to this program is definitely worth it.” 

  • DeShawn Standard JR, Class of 2025

“In eighth grade, back in early 2019, I was introduced to the brand new PLTW Biomedical program at Haverhill High and as soon as I heard about it I decided to apply. Now after three years I am a junior taking “Medical Interventions” and I am so glad that I chose to take this course. It has expanded my love of science further than I knew was possible and it has helped me find a path for my future. I have been supported the entire time by my teachers and peers . Because of this program I have had the opportunity to complete an internship by the age of 15 and I will be pursuing a major in Biology as I go into college. PLTW Biomedical has truly shaped my life and I hope that by joining this program it can do the same for you!”

  • Carrigan MacLeod, Class of 2023

Program Overview

 

Project Lead The Way (PLTW) is a nationally recognized provider of rigorous curriculum in Biomedical Science, Engineering, and Computer Science.

In the HHS PLTW Biomedical Science Program students use professional lab equipment, expert guidance from teachers and their own curiosity to explore aspects of the human body, solve medical mysteries, and prepare for college and careers in biotechnology, lab sciences, and medicine. Along the way, students engage in career awareness & exploration, interact with guest presenters from local companies and organizations, and earn industry-recognized credentials.  Students complete a specific four-year sequence of PLTW courses in parallel with HHS science courses (see sample schedules below).

Admission to the HHS PLTW Biomedical Science Program occurs through  an application process (see the tab above) in students’ eighth grade.  By accepting admission to this Program, students agree to making a four year commitment to completing this course of study. HHS students not enrolled in the Haverhill Public Schools in the eighth grade should contact Program leaders to review options for enrolling in Biomedical Science courses.

Skills Development

HHS Biomedical Science students develop biochemical, genetic, microbiological and histological lab skills that include:

  • Fingerprint Analysis
  • Chromatography
  • Genetic (karyotype) Analysis
  • Gel Electrophoresis
  • Bacteria Cultivation and Transformation
  • Tissue & Blood Testing

Clinical skills focusing on patient care and relevant data that HHS Biomedical Science students develop include:

  • Testing Results Analysis
  • Vital Sign Measurement & Analysis
  • Clinical Empathy
  • Patient Questioning

Program Course Progressions

Over the span of four school years, Biomedical Science Program students advance through a series of five courses:

  • Principles of Biomedical Science (9th grade) – From design and data analysis to outbreaks, clinical empathy, health promotion, and more, students explore the vast range of careers in biomedical sciences. They develop not just technical skills, but also in-demand, transportable skills that they need to thrive in life and career.
  • Human Body Systems (10th grade) – Through projects such as determining the identity of a skeleton using both forensic anthropology and DNA analysis, students examine the interactions of human body systems and apply what they know to solve real-world medical cases.
  • Medical Interventions (11th grade) – Students delve into activities like designing a prosthetic arm as they follow the life of a fictitious family and investigate how to prevent, diagnose, and treat disease.
  • Industry Credential Acquisition (12th grade) – Students deepen existing knowledge and skill sets in order to earn the Biotechnician Assistant Credential, CPR, and First Aid certifications.
  • Capstone (12th grade) – In the Capstone course students complete a project on a real-world biomedical science topic that incorporates much of the content that they have learned over the previous three school years.

Sample Four-Year Student Schedule

Click this link for a PDF version of the PLTW Biomedical Science Pathway Four-Year Schedule

Industry Connections

Industry-Recognized Credentials Students Earn:

  • OSHA 10-hour training
  • CPR/ First Aid

Local, State, and Industry Partnerships:

  • MassHire
  • Haverhill Chamber of Commerce
  • Novartis

Comparative Salary Data (April – June 2023)

Data below are for the Essex County area which includes cities like Andover, Haverhill, Lawrence, Lynn, Peabody and Salem, Massachusetts.

Entry level full-time jobs in these fields typically start at $20-$25 per hour and include benefits like health and dental insurance, retirement funding, paid sick leave and vacation time.

Medical Diagnostic Laboratories industry (blood and tissue testing as well as disease screening) employed 436 people (on average) and their average annual salary was $79,800.
General Medical and Surgical Hospitals (All job roles) employed 9,615 people (on average) and their average annual salary was $71,400.
Scientific Research and Development Services industry (gene and protein research) employed 3,657 people (on average) and the average annual salary was $134,200.
Pharmaceutical and Medicine Manufacturing industry (prescription drugs and vaccines) employed 1,070 people (on average) and the average annual salary was $86,650.
For comparison, Retail businesses such as supermarkets and department stores (like Target) employed (on average) 35,234 people and the average annual salary = $39,100.

College & Career Trajectories – Training and Jobs after High School

Click this link for a PDF version of the HHS Biomedical Science College & Career Trajectories

 

Massachusetts State College & University Two-Year and Four-Year Degree Programs in Life Sciences

Northern Essex Community College (Haverhill & Lawrence, MA)

One-Year Certificate and Two-Year Degree Programs

  • Biology (A2B)
  • Chemistry (A2B)
  • Laboratory Science
  • Dental Assisting
  • Exercise Science
  • Healthcare Technician
  • Medical Assistant
  • Nursing (A2B)
  • Paramedic Technology
  • Public Health
  • Radiologic Technology
  • Respiratory Care

 

Bridgewater State University

Four-Year Degree Programs

  • Biology (A2B)
    • Biochemistry (minor)
  • Chemistry (A2B)
  • Health Science
    • Pre-Athletic Training
    • Pre-Occupational Therapy
    • Pre-Physical Therapy
  • Health Studies
  • Public Health

 

Fitchburg State University

Four-Year Degree Programs

  • Biology (A2B)
    • Biotechnology concentration
    • Neuroscience concentration
  • Chemistry (A2B)
    • Biochemistry concentration
  • Exercise Science
  • Nursing (A2B)
  • Early Acceptance
    • Doctor of Dental Medicine
    • Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine
    • Doctor of Pharmacy

 

Framingham State University

Four-Year Degree Programs

  •  Biology (A2B)
    • with Public Health minor
  • Chemistry & Food Science (A2B)
  • Nursing (A2B Linked Only)

 

Salem State University

Four-Year Degree Programs

  • Biology (A2B)
  • Biochemistry
  • Chemistry (A2B)
  • Nursing
  • Sport & Movement Science

 

Worcester State University

Four-Year Degree Programs

  • Biology (A2B)
  • Biotechnology
  • Chemistry (A2B)
  • Forensic Science
  • Nursing (A2B)
  • Psychobiology
  • Public Health

 

(A2B): MA Associate 2 Bachelor – These programs are specifically mapped out for students to earn an Associate (two year) degree at Northern Essex Community College (Haverhill, MA) and then transfer to a state college or university to complete a Bachelor (four year) degree. Counselors at NECC can assist with planning out the appropriate sequence of courses and transfer of credits.

University of Massachusetts – Amherst

Four-Year Degree Programs

  • Biochemistry and Molecular Biology
  • Biology (A2B)
  • Biomedical Engineering
  • Chemistry (A2B)
  • Kinesiology
  • Microbiology
  • Nursing
  • Pre-Medical and Pre-Health
  • Pre-Veterinary
  • Veterinary Technology

 

University of Massachusetts – Boston

Four-Year Degree Programs

  • Biochemistry
  • Biology (A2B)
  • Biotechnology
  • Chemistry (A2B)
  • Exercise and Health Sciences
  • Nursing

 

University of Massachusetts – Dartmouth

Four-Year Degree Programs

  • Biochemistry
  • Bioengineering
  • Biology (A2B)
  • Biomedical Engineering
  • Medical Laboratory Science
  • Nursing

 

University of Massachusetts – Lowell

Four-Year Degree Programs

  • Biology
  • Biochemistry
  • Biotechnology
  • Biomedical Engineering
  • Chemistry (A2B)
  • Exercise Science
  • Forensic Science Option: Chemistry
  • Medical Lab Science Option: Applied Biological Sciences
  • Nursing
  • Nutritional Science

 

University of Massachusetts Chan School of Medicine (Worcester)

Graduate Degree Programs (After Earning a Four-Year Degree)

  • Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences
  • Graduate School of Medicine
  • Graduate School of Nursing