By Derrick ForsytheRecord Features EditorDonning his lab coat each morning, Mike Seideman could be mistaken for a college professor.An instructor at Warrenton High School, he is teaching an advanced, practical form of science that offers students college credit and real world experience.Innovations in both education and technology have allowed the Warren County R-III School Districts to give its pupils a head start on their careers.“The things we are able to do are remarkable,” says Seideman, who has taken on the responsibility of leading the school’s Project Lead the Way program.The program offers three courses related to medical science for students interested in pursuing a career in that field. If students complete the course with a B or higher, they are eligible for college credits through Missouri S&T in Rolla.“I always knew I wanted to go into the health field, and I feel like this has helped prepare me for college,” said junior Kayla Salmond. “I’ve enjoyed learning about a lot of different health problems.”The best part, Seideman says, “is that it allows them to get started as early as their freshman year.” Right now he has about 70 students involved, from freshman to upperclassman, in the hands-on class that has more of a lab feel as students take on the role of doctors, diagnosing illnesses and exploring symptoms.“I spend very little time lecturing,” said Seideman. “Most of the time they’re either building or doing independent research. It’s definitely student driven.”Students are divided into groups, working together for solutions and also in assembling mannequins, which have allowed them to progressively learn about the human anatomy.“It’s more hands on and not like typical classes where you have to sit down most of the time,” said Arienna Gray, who aspires to become a gerontologist. “There’s going to be a major need for medical people.”“Everything in Project Lead the Way is problem solving,” added Seideman. “I’ll give them a patient with symptoms and they go to work.”The class employs enhanced software and tries to offer the students an experience as close to real life as possible.“This class tells us how all the body parts work,” said Weston Reidt.“It’s really in depth,” added Jeremiah Queen.“One of the biggest benefits is it exposes them to the actual equipment and technology they’ll use right away,” said Seideman. “It gives them the opportunity to explore.”The program, which began in the Lee’s Summit School District in 2001, was implemented at Warrenton last year. In order to become a certified instructor, Seideman was required to attend a two-week training over the summer at Missouri S&T University.Presently, students have the opportunity to earn 12 credit hours toward attending Missouri S&T, but those possibilities will be broadened following this school year.“After your first two years you go through a national certification process, which is pretty rigorous,” explains Seideman. “Once that’s complete, college credit options blow up in terms of what schools will take the credits.”He says success rates are greatly increased for students who take part in Project Lead the Way. Seideman says 97 percent of those who complete the course go on to seek a two-or four-year degrees.“Our main vision is that universities around the state know Warrenton as a school with students ready to excel,” said Seideman.Warrenton Students Get Head Start on Careers