Pathways

A Pathway is a method of searching for a career that fits a student's interests and lifestyle and then allows the student to build academic courses around it. The Pathway recommends individual high school courses – both academic and career-related – to concentrate on which are specifically geared toward the student's chosen career. All of this planning starts as early as middle/junior high school and continues as the student advances through high school.

Educator's Guide to Pathways - PDF
Pathways HS Career Chart and Key - PDF
Pathways List - PDF

Health Science Education - 10 Pathways

Biotech Research & Development
Biotechnology - PDF

Diagnostic
Clinical Laboratory and Medical Forensics - PDF

Health Informatics
Medical Office Administrative Assistant - PDF

Therapeutic Services
Dental - PDF
Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) - PDF
Medical Assistant - PDF
Nursing - PDF
Pharmacy - PDF
Surgical Technician - PDF
Therapeutic Rehabilitation/Exercise - PDF

Our Mission:
Health Science Education prepares students for employment and/or continuing education opportunities in health care through technical instruction in the classroom, experiential education in the laboratory, Work-Based Learning opportunities at clinical settings, and leadership skills through Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA).

General Tips:

• The Utah Health Science Education Pathways are based on the national health care skills standards and national health science career cluster pathways.
• Specific course offerings vary by school. Many health science courses are also available at local colleges and ATCs. Students should see their counselors to take advantage of these courses. Many courses offer concurrent enrollment opportunities for students and may provide a seamless transition for students into college health science programs.

Tips for Teachers and Counselors:

• By taking Health Science Education courses, students can obtain certification and be ready to work in careers such as nurse assisting, medical assisting, dental assisting, pharmacy technician, and emergency medical technician. In addition, through health science courses students can gain an important foundation of knowledge and skills necessary for continued education in health sciences.
• Many of the pathways begin with the Introduction to Health Science course, which provides all students with an awareness of the various career possibilities in health care along with instruction in basic human anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, and diseases and disorders.
• Medical Anatomy and Physiology is a foundation course in many pathways and provides the student with in-depth study and preparation for a variety of health care careers.
• To complete a pathway, students must complete the foundation courses listed, as well as enough credits in the introductory and/or elective courses to equal 3.00 credits total.
• Teachers can provide pathway information to students, parents, and counselors so that students can maximize their educational opportunities in the health care fields.
• It is important for counselors to note that students interested in health care careers should take academic courses that emphasize science and math skills in addition to health sciences courses. Advanced Placement courses can help prepare students for college level work; however, most AP credits will not be allowed to take the place of pre-requisites for entrance to medical school. Through the SEOP process students may take advantage of courses in health science that will count as science credit toward graduation.

Leadership Opportunities:
The Career and Technical Student Organization for these pathways is HOSA – Health Occupations Students of America. HOSA provides students with opportunities to develop leadership and communication skills, self-confidence, and an understanding of current health care issues.

Transition to Post-Secondary and/or Career:
Work-Based Learning opportunities in the pathway are strongly encouraged.

Our vision is to provide awareness and exploration experiences that motivate students to pursue a profession in health care. Once students are motivated, it is our intent to prepare students for continued education and/or employment opportunities in health care.

Updated April 19, 2013