Career and Technical Education

Career and Technical Education (CTE) in healthcare refers to educational programs and pathways that focus on preparing students for careers in various healthcare fields. These programs combine academic learning with practical, hands-on training to equip students with the skills and knowledge needed to enter the healthcare workforce directly after completing their education. CTE programs often collaborate with local healthcare providers, hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare facilities to provide students with real-world experiences and exposure to the industry.

K-12 CTE

K-12 CTE programs in healthcare are educational journeys that start in kindergarten and continue through 12th grade. These journeys are all about introducing you to the world of healthcare - jobs like doctors, nurses, and medical technicians. The goal is to help you understand how the human body works and how to contribute to people's well-being.

In these programs, it's not just about reading textbooks. You also get to dive into practical activities. For example, you might learn how to handle basic first aid, provide assistance during emergencies, or communicate with patients in a caring way. These programs can help you figure out what you're interested in. If healthcare still excites you, you can pursue further education to become a nurse or specialize in other medical roles. And even if your interests take you elsewhere, the skills you gain – teamwork, critical thinking, and effective problem-solving – will be valuable in any career you choose.

Certifications and Competencies

When pursuing a healthcare career, certifications, and competencies serve as foundational elements. These can either mark the beginning of your journey in the field or represent a step toward becoming a specialized professional. A variety of certification courses cater to a wide range of healthcare occupations. Some entry-level certifications can even be pursued during high school, such as Direct Care Worker (DCW), Direct Support Professional (DSP), Home Health Aide (HHA), Certified Assisted Living Home Caregiver, and Community Health Worker (CHW). In the nursing realm, specialized certifications like Certified Addictions Registered Nurse (CARN), Cardiac Medicine (CMC), and Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) demonstrate the diversity of healthcare pathways.

Health and Safety Requirements

Depending on which area of study you choose, there will be health and safety requirements to ensure you are ready to begin your education program. These requirements can include CPR training, background checks, fingerprint clearance card, up-to-date immunization records, Basic Life Support (BLS), and urine toxicology screening.

Licenses and Registrations

Certain healthcare occupations, such as registered nursing, necessitate candidates to complete specific exams for licensure. An example of this is the National Council Licensure Examination for Registered Nurses (NCLEX-RN). Determining the appropriate state for application is crucial, and guidance can be found by consulting the state's Board of Nursing website. Seeking assistance from career advisors, mentors, and professionals in the field can streamline this process.

Degree Programs

Two and Four-year degree programs are a great way to get a comprehensive education which will include thorough education and theory and rigorous training to equip you with the skills and knowledge needed to find an entry-level position within the healthcare industry. In some cases, college courses and credits can be earned while in high school. These classes are typically called dual or concurrent enrollment classes because you earn both high school and college credits at the same time.

On Your Own

There are many resources for learning basic skills and competencies in the Healthcare Industry. Pick up a book at your local library, audit a community college course, get certified in CPR, job shadow someone in healthcare, and search industry blogs and websites as these are all great online and local tools to start identifying and learning skills today!

Experience

Whether it’s a part-time job, full-time job, freelance work, or a work-based learning experience nothing will teach you real-world experience like on-the-job training. These experiences or soft skills that are earned include not only technical skills but skills like teamwork, customer service, communication, and problem-solving. These soft skills are important and necessary for most healthcare jobs.