Health Care

This course focuses on the development of clinical knowledge and practical skills used to

assess and interpret a patient’s general health status. Students learn accepted health

care practices and demonstrate an understanding of basic procedures and the safe use

of medical instruments and equipment. They explore the structure and function of the

immune system and investigate the relationship between pathology, disease prevention,

and treatment. Students also examine infection control, workplace health and safety,

professional standards in health care, and ethical issues in the medical field while

exploring postsecondary pathways and career opportunities in health services.

Through case studies, clinical simulations, and practical skill demonstrations, students

develop critical thinking and problem-solving abilities relevant to real health care

environments.

Overall Curriculum Expectations

(Ontario Technological Education – Health Care TPJ4M)

Strand A – Health Care Knowledge and Concepts

Students will:

A1. demonstrate an understanding of health care terminology and its correct usage.

A2. demonstrate an understanding of the structure and functioning of the immune

system.

A3. demonstrate an understanding of fundamental concepts in pathology and their

application to the diagnosis and treatment of disease.

A4. demonstrate an understanding of the transmission of disease and methods used to

prevent infection.

Strand B – Health Care Skills and Procedures

Students will:

B1. demonstrate competence in using health care instruments, equipment, and materials

safely and effectively.

B2. demonstrate the ability to measure and interpret vital signs to determine a patient’s

health status.

B3. demonstrate an understanding of and apply standard practices and procedures used

in health care settings.

B4. demonstrate effective communication and documentation practices required in the

health care field.Strand C – Societal and Environmental Impact

Students will:

C1. assess the environmental impact of health care practices and identify guidelines that

protect the environment.

C2. assess the societal and ethical implications of advances in medical technology and

health care practices.

Strand D – Professional Practice and Career

Opportunities

Students will:

D1. demonstrate an understanding of and comply with safe working practices and

occupational health and safety regulations in health care.

D2. demonstrate an understanding of legal, ethical, and professional standards governing

health care practice.

D3. demonstrate an understanding of career pathways and employment opportunities

within the health care sector.

Units of Study

Unit 1 – Foundations of Health Care Practice

Students examine the structure of modern health care systems and the roles of health

professionals. They learn the principles of professional conduct, patient rights, ethics in

medical decision-making, and the responsibilities of health care workers.

Topics include:

• Overview of the health care industry

• Professional standards and patient confidentiality

• Ethical decision-making in health care

• Communication in clinical environments

• Documentation and patient records

Unit 2 – Human Body Systems and Disease

Students explore the structure and function of major body systems and how disease

affects normal physiological processes. Emphasis is placed on the immune system and

the body’s response to infection.

Topics include:

• Human anatomy and physiology overview

• Immune system structure and function

• Pathogens and infectious disease

• Pathology and diagnostic methods

• Disease prevention and treatment strategies

Unit 3 – Clinical Skills and Infection Control

Students develop essential clinical skills used in health care settings. The unit focuses on

infection prevention, clinical safety procedures, and the measurement of patient health

indicators.

Topics include:

• Chain of Infection and disease transmission

• Standard precautions and infection prevention

• Hand hygiene and the Five Moments for Hand Hygiene

• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

• Donning and doffing procedures

• Clean vs. sterile technique

• Patient safety protocols

• Vital signs monitoring:

o Temperatureo Pulse

o Respirations

o Blood pressure

• Clinical risk recognition

Unit 4 – Health Care Equipment and Procedures

Students learn to safely use common medical equipment and practice basic procedures

used in health care environments.

Topics include:

• Safe handling of medical instruments

• Clinical measurement tools

• Patient positioning and mobility assistance

• Basic assessment procedures

• Documentation and reporting clinical findings

Unit 5 – Health Care Safety, Law, and Ethics

Students examine workplace safety and legal responsibilities in health care settings.

Topics include:

• Occupational health and safety

• WHMIS and infection safety standards

• Patient privacy laws and ethical practice

• Environmental responsibilities in health care

Unit 6 – Careers in Health Care

Students explore postsecondary pathways and professional roles in health care.

Topics include:

• Health care professions and career pathways

• Education and certification requirements

• Interdisciplinary health care teams

• Emerging technologies in health care