Biomedical Magnet Program

The rigorous and relevant four-course PLTW Biomedical Science sequence allows students to investigate the roles of biomedical professionals as they study the concepts of human medicine, physiology, genetics, microbiology, and public health. Students engage in activities like investigating the death of a fictional person to learn content in the context of real-world cases. They examine the structures and interactions of human body systems and explore the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of disease, all while working collaboratively to understand and design solutions to the most pressing health challenges of today and the future. Each course in the Biomedical Science sequence builds on the skills and knowledge students gain in the preceding courses.

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Overview of Courses

Year 1 (Grade 9)- Principles of Biomedical Science
In the introductory course of the PLTW Biomedical Science program, students explore concepts of biology and medicine to determine factors that led to the death of a fictional person. While investigating the case, students examine autopsy reports, investigate medical history, and explore medical treatments that might have prolonged the person’s life. The activities and projects introduce students to human physiology, basic biology, medicine, and research processes while allowing them to design their own experiments to solve problems.

Year 2 (Grade 10)- Human Body Systems
Students examine the interactions of human body systems as they explore identity, power, movement, protection, and homeostasis. Exploring science in action, students build organs and tissues on a skeletal Maniken®; use data acquisition software to monitor body functions such as muscle movement, reflex and voluntary action, and respiration; and take on the roles of biomedical professionals to solve real-world medical cases.

Year 3 (Grade 11)- Medical Interventions
Students follow the life of a fictitious family as they investigate how to prevent, diagnose, and treat disease. Students explore how to detect and fight infection; screen and evaluate the code in human DNA; evaluate cancer treatment options; and prevail when the organs of the body begin to fail. Through real-world cases, students are exposed to a range of interventions related to immunology, surgery, genetics, pharmacology, medical devices, and diagnostics.

Year 4 (Grade 12)- Biomedical Innovation- Capstone Year
In the final Capstone course of the PLTW Biomedical Science sequence, students build on the knowledge and skills gained from previous courses to design innovative solutions for the most pressing health challenges of the 21st century. Students address topics ranging from public health and biomedical engineering to clinical medicine and physiology. They also have the opportunity to conduct extensive independent research & design, take part in community outreach & awareness and shadow professionals in various medical fields with local professional partners

Benefits of Our Program

PLTW is a nationally recognized program and curriculum, taught by faculty with extensive training and relative experiences
Students obtain a variety of laboratory, clinical and professional skills
Students are exposed to real-world challenges in the medical field
Students engage in hands-on activities, working collaboratively to develop solutions
Oakcrest Biomedical Science courses are part of the AP + PLTW Biomedical pathway to earn CollegeBoard recognition
Students can take part in a variety of structured learning experiences during their fourth year in the program, based on their interests in the biomedical sciences and future desires
Students can earn dual-credit for all 4 courses at Stevenson University and the Missouri University of Science & Technology
Partnerships with local professionals including Shore Medical Center, AtlantiCare, & Rothman Orthopedics

Field Experiences

Drexel Medical School Visit & Tour of their Gross Anatomy Lab
Mutter Museum tour
Rowan University- School of Osteopathic Medicine- Students work hand in hand with medical students who guide them through the cadaver lab.
Live Surgery Viewing- Liberty Science Center, Students view a live surgery & get the opportunity to speak with the surgeion for a post-surgery Q&A session

Annual Events

Lab Coat Ceremony- Junior Students get "coated" by our Seniors in this annual event
Career Symposium- Various medical profressionals speak to our students about their careers & the path they took to get to where they are in the medical field
Capstone Night- Students present their capstone projects to faculty, family, board members & the community and celebrate the successes of their four years in the program

EKG Certification

Oakcrest High School has partnered with the NHA (National Healthcareer Association) and is offering our students the opportunity to become a certified EKG technician by the end of their senior year
As part of the course curriculum, students will take part in a six-week hands-on learning unit, where they will obtain the skills necessary to perform the tasks of an EKG Technician
Students are required complete and document 10 live EKG’s prior to sitting for an exam
Students are required to pass the two-hour NHA Certified EKG Technician exam, administered at Oakcrest during the Spring of their senior year
The school will provide study materials and a practice test for students who sign up to take the certification assessment.
Students who are interested in obtaining certification are responsible for the $117 assessment fee.

Earning College Credit

Oakcrest Biomedical students are eligible to receive undergraduate college credits from the Missouri University of Science and Technology for successfully completing one or more PLTW Biomedical Courses and meeting the following criteria:
- Earning an ‘A’ or ‘B’ average as their final course grade
- Earning a score of 6 or higher on the PLTW end of course test (this requirement is waived for courses taken during the 2019/2020 and the 2020/2021 school years due to Covid-19)
Students will receive a mailed-home letter during fall of their senior year, informing them of the courses in which they are eligible to receive credits
The fee of $250 per course is not due until the end of the students' senior year
To assist you in taking advantage of this opportunity, we have created a payment installment option allowing you to pay throughout the school year.
Completed application, transcript and final payment will be sent to the University by Oakcrest administration.