Tech Center Biomedical Science Program Earns National Certification

A new District Five Biomedical Science program has received a national certification usually reserved for longstanding programs. The Center for Advanced Technical Studies received the accreditation by Project Lead The Way (PLTW) this week. The school opened in August 2012, offering biomedical sciences and other programs with science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) focuses. 

“It’s highly unusual that a program would receive PLTW certification in its first year,” Center Director Dr. James Couch said. “I think what the program has been able to accomplish here speaks to the quality of the curriculum, students and teacher.” 

Nearly 70 students are currently enrolled in The Center’s Biomedical Science program, which is expected to add a second instructor and grow to 150 students in the 2013-2014 school year. The certification provides these students with an opportunity to receive college credit at PLTW affiliated colleges and universities, including the University of South Carolina. 

As part of the rigorous certification process, a team of state, university and school officials visited The Center to review the program and facilities. Couch said the team noted the school’s impressive equipment, teaching supplies, students, and teacher as part of their evaluation. 

Julie Krusen, a National Board Certified teacher with The Center’s Biomedical Science program, said: “The PLTW certification gives us notoriety. We’re following national guidelines, so we know we’re preparing students for that next step.” 

The program includes a sequence of courses and hands-on, real-world problem-solving activities. Students explore the concepts of human medicine and are introduced to topics such as physiology, genetics, microbiology and public health. Through activities, like dissecting a heart, students examine the processes, structures and interactions of the human body. They also explore prevention, diagnosis and treatment of diseases, working collaboratively to investigate and design solutions to address current health challenges such as fighting cancer with nanotechnology. 

Shrusti Patel and Tristan Yates are both juniors enrolled in the program. For them, taking courses at The Center is about preparation and hands-on learning. 

“I really love biology,” Yates said. “I had already taken AP Biology and Honors Biology, so I wanted to continue my studies because I’m almost positive that’s going to be my major in college. It was just continuing on a path that made sense for me.” 

Patel said, “I want to do a major in biomedical studies when I get to college, so I knew this was the right way to go. This class is more lab-based instead of textbook-based. It’s really different from a traditional classroom setting, so that’s a nice change.” 

From Lexington-Richland 5's Office of Public Information