The Health Science Career cluster includes occupations in the planning, managing and providing of therapeutic, diagnostic, informatics and support services. The outlook for careers in the medical and health fields is strong and growing. Trends indicate that an aging population, increased use of electronic medical records and a focus on lifestyle management will drive this occupational area into the future.
This career cluster prepares students for careers in the health and medical fields. People employed in this cluster work in a variety of settings including dental offices, medical facilities, long term care facilities, dietary departments and other related areas.
Students in this youth apprenticeship learn and practice skills that prepare them for diverse post-secondary opportunities. These opportunities could include two or four-year college programs, apprenticeships or employment. Students in this apprenticeship have the option to participate in the following pathways:
- Therapeutic Services Pathway
- Dental Assistant
- Medical Assistant
- Nursing Assistant
- Pharmacy Technician
- Health Informatics Pathway
- Medical Office
- Support Services Pathway
- Dietary
- Entering junior year or senior status
- Display a genuine interest in the Health Services Pathway
- Interview effectively and are hired in an Health Services position
- Maintain a high level of attendance in school and on the job
- Secure transportation to the job
- On-track for high school graduation
Students take courses at their high school that are part of the program of study for health that provide the related classroom instruction needed to compliment the worksite training. Such courses can include:
- Certified Nursing Assistant (Youth Options through Madison College or Waukesha County Technical College)
- Medical Terminology
- Anatomy & Physiology
- Microsoft Office I & II
- ProStart Culinary I & II
- Advanced Foods
- Introduction to Hospitality/Culinary
Students interested in Pharmacy have an option to attend a night program sponsored by the Dane County School to Work Consortium. To be eligible for this program you must be a senior in good standing. There is an application process so please talk to your School to Career Coordinator.
Talk to your School to Career Coordinator or Family Consumer Sciences Instructor or Health Services Instructor for further information.
The employer provides opportunities to experience the basics of hospitality and tourism careers in relation to the competency checklist.
The student can be employed at local hospitals, nursing homes, dental offices, pharmacies and other medical facilities. Any business that is able to provide the competency training and work experiences needed has the opportunity to participate in this program. They also are able to provide the student with the competency-based training in the health area that is specific to the student’s career interest and provide a mentor to guide the student. The employer also evaluates the student on a quarterly basis. The positions for these students are usually 2-3 hours a day after 1 p.m. The student needs to be employed a minimum of 450 hours for the one year program and 900 hours minimum for the two year program.
Credit between school districts varies, but typically the student will receive 1/2 – 1 credit per semester for the work experience and the same for their classroom training. All students should receive a wage according to the type of work they are performing.