Darnell Cookman is a middle/high school that specializes in teaching students about the medical arts. At Darnell, there are a variety of medical classes, including medical research classes. We have a series of classes at Darnell with three courses: Principles of Biomedical Science, Human Body Systems, and Medical Interventions, all of which have the same instructor.
Students “learn the language of medicine and are able to interpret difficult medical terms at the high school level…most medical students do not obtain this knowledge until they enter a collegiate program” says Darnell Cookman Medical Instructor, Dr. Davis.
Principles of Biomedical Science
In this course, students learn various laboratory techniques, including ELISA, Western Blotting, Polymerase Chain Reaction, Electrophoresis, etc. In this class, students investigate real-world cases, such as a crime scene or medical outbreak, design experiments to solve problems, and even analyze design and data. It also gives students foundational knowledge and skills in fields such as biology, anatomy & physiology, genetics, microbiology, and epidemiology as well as engage students in the real-world applications of all this content. All this is done through individual and collaborative activities, projects, and presentations. At the end of this course, students take an exam called BACE, which stands for Biotechnology Aptitude & Competency Exam. If the student passes this exam, they will receive a license and certification to work in a laboratory at the age of 18. Most people don’t get this opportunity until after high school. Passing this exam also helps students receive the Florida Gold Seal scholarship to help out with college. The exam itself costs around 165 dollars. But at Darnell, it’s free! Retakes are also free! “I have my BACE certification now! This course really prepared me well for the BACE exam. When I turn 18, I will have my first job in the lab!” says Darnell Cookman senior, Muhammad Bhinde.
Human Body Systems
In this course, students learn about the different interactions that happen between the different body systems. This course covers the anatomy and function of all the different systems and organs. Some of it is a review of things learned in middle school, but a lot of it hasn’t been learned at any grade level.
Medical Interventions
In this course, students investigate the variety of interventions involved in the prevention, treatment, and diagnosis of diseases as they follow the lives of the Smith family. This course explores how to prevent and fight infection, how to treat and prevent cancer, how to evaluate code in our DNA, and what to do when organs fail. Students are exposed to a variety of interventions related to immunology, surgery, genetics, pharmacology, medical devices, and diagnostics. Students practice problem-solving through endless presentations & projects and problems that require them to develop planning, documentation, communication, and other professional skills.
All of these courses have just recently been added in the past couple years. There are also new courses planning to be added for the 2025-2026 school year. According to Dr. Davis, these courses include LPN, CNA, Phlebotomy, and Dental Assistant.
Medical Programs at Darnell Cookman
There are also several programs at Darnell where students can “gain valuable knowledge and experiences in the medical field of their choice”, says Dr. Davis. One program called the MayoNextGen is a program where students are taken on field trips directly to Mayo Clinic and are able to see the everyday lives of certain doctors and learn about many different areas of healthcare. Mayo Clinic staff share their individual backgrounds with the students and offer a glimpse of their daily work lives. Students are paired with an experienced healthcare professional who will serve as a mentor to help the students navigate their educational and career goals. They serve as a resource and guide to the students throughout high school and all year long. Keep in mind that you must be a student at Darnell Cookman for this program. There are more programs similar such as the Y.E.A.H and DCSMA.
If your student wants good medical experience and preparation, enroll them at Darnell Cookman, where they will get the education they need to enter the field of medicine & healthcare.
