Opening in September 2007, the Health Science Specialty Center seeks students from a broad range of ability levels wanting to prepare for careers in the healthcare industry. An AFT Healthcare survey reports, “The [healthcare] system faces a widespread crisis in terms of hiring an adequate number of professionals to meet needs of patients.”

Beginning in their first year, students will explore career choices within the healthcare system. Students will also experience some of the practical applications of healthcare, such as becoming CPR certified and learning about the legal aspects of the industry. As students progress through the program, they will be offered opportunities for internships and mentorships with local healthcare providers, such as hospitals, retirement communities, and even local doctors’ offices.

• Partnerships with local hospitals, community colleges, and universities, as well as other healthcare-based organizations

• Lab-based, practical and clinical applications

• Opportunities for shadowing, internships and/or mentorships

  • Career guidance for health occupations

  • Tours of medical/clinical sites

• Health career fairs and institutes

• Guest lecturers

• Advanced Placement and dual enrollment courses

Beginning in their first year, students will explore career choices within the healthcare system. Students will also experience some of the practical applications of healthcare, such as becoming CPR certified and learning about the legal aspects of the industry. As students progress through the program, they will be offered opportunities for internships and mentorships with local healthcare providers, such as hospitals, retirement communities, and even local doctors’ offices.

Service Hours Log - All Grades

Students will be guided as they select a career pathway to pursue while at the Health Sciences Center. Upper-level classes will be geared toward one of following three career pathways.

• Career Pathway 1 is designed for students seeking employment or a training program after high school. Examples of careers in this pathway include certified coding specialist, home health aide, emergency medical technician, and pharmacy technician.

• Career Pathway 2 is designed for students who will need to further their education, perhaps with an associate’s degree from a community college or technical school and some classes for industry certification. Examples of occupations in this pathway include clinical lab technician, dental hygienist, respiratory therapist, and optician.

• Career Pathway 3 is designed for students who wish to pursue a four-year college degree and possibly a professional degree. Examples of professions in this pathway include dentist, pharmacist, nurse anesthetist, and physician.

Students who participate in the center will be able to make health career decisions suited to their needs, aptitudes, abilities and career objectives. They will also develop a foundation of knowledge and skills that supports advanced education or entry-level employment in a health career, including:

• Science and mathematics

• Communication

• Teamwork

• Professional behavior and ethics

• Analysis and problem-solving