Suggested Steps to Prepare for a Medical Scientist Career (Grades 6-12)
Check out the recommended classes, activities and skills below for each grade level. These recommendations are very general -- discuss your specific course plan with your school counselors and teachers.
AI-assisted and curriculum-reviewed guidance. Talk with your counselor or teacher about your specific plan.
Grades 6-8
Helpful Classes
- Communication
- Health
- Social Studies
- Technology
Things to Try
- Practice listening carefully and helping someone solve a simple problem step by step, Volunteer with a community, school, or service project that supports people, Observe how helpers keep information organized and communicate respectfully, Interview a medical scientist about support, trust, and documentation
Focus Skills
- Active listening
- Observation
- Documentation
- Communication
- Support
Grade 9
Helpful Classes
- Health
- English
- Psychology
- Computer Applications
- Civics
Recommended Learning Areas
- wellness
- communication
- service roles
- recordkeeping
- community awareness
Things to Try
- Volunteer with peer mentoring, youth programs, food drives, or community support events, Practice writing clear notes after a mock conversation or service activity, Learn how intake forms, schedules, and follow-up steps help people get support, Shadow a medical scientist or service provider to see how needs are assessed
Focus Skills
- Active listening
- Observation
- Documentation
- Communication
- Support
Grade 10
Helpful Classes
- Psychology
- Sociology
- Health Science
- English
- Public Speaking
Recommended Learning Areas
- human behavior
- support services
- interviewing
- confidentiality
- case notes
Things to Try
- Role-play intake questions, active listening, and respectful problem-solving, Help organize resources, referrals, or sign-up information for a school or community program, Observe how workers balance empathy, privacy, and accurate recordkeeping, Research local services and build a simple resource guide for students or families
Focus Skills
- Active listening
- Observation
- Documentation
- Communication
- Support
Grade 11
Helpful Classes
- Human Services
- Psychology
- Sociology
- Statistics
- Writing
Recommended Learning Areas
- community resources
- intake procedures
- crisis response
- documentation
- ethics
Things to Try
- Assist with a community program and document participation, referrals, or follow-up steps, Practice writing case notes, summaries, or resource lists based on mock scenarios, Compare how agencies support children, families, older adults, or people in crisis, Interview professionals about ethics, boundaries, and service coordination
Focus Skills
- Active listening
- Observation
- Documentation
- Communication
- Support
Grade 12
Helpful Classes
- Human Services Practicum
- Psychology
- Family Studies
- Communication
- Ethics
Recommended Learning Areas
- case coordination
- advocacy
- family support
- service planning
- professional boundaries
Things to Try
- Build a portfolio with intake forms, support plans, referral guides, and reflection notes, Complete a capstone on advocacy, service coordination, or community support, Compare pathways in counseling, social services, rehabilitation, and community programs, Practice documentation, confidentiality, and professional communication
Focus Skills
- Active listening
- Observation
- Documentation
- Communication
- Support