Healthcare Careers Pathway

Patient Care: Healthcare Careers Pathway

The Capuchino High School Patient Care: Healthcare Careers Pathway develops health science literacy by immersing students in the foundational knowledge and skills of the healthcare industry. This pathway is an engaging, career-oriented sequence that bridges the gap between high school academics and the high-demand world of modern medicine. Each course in the series fuses rigorous academics with technical training, empowering students to become the next generation of healthcare professionals. To extend student learning, the CTE Healthcare Careers courses are partnered with science courses. 

Students are encouraged to make connections and build their network with peers, educators, and mentors. Through projects, clinical simulations, and work-based learning, students are prepared for higher-level academics in the health sciences and a wide range of medical careers. This pathway doesn't just teach the science of the human body; it develops the critical thinking, communication, and empathy necessary to provide exceptional care in a professional environment and succeed in high school and beyond. 

Course 1 (Fall & Spring): College Success, Career Planning, and Life Exploration

These courses prepare students for the transition to higher education and the professional world through a comprehensive exploration of college systems and career development. Students develop essential academic success habits, including goal setting, educational planning, and stress management, while mastering critical thinking and study strategies. The curriculum emphasizes self-assessment and career investigation, providing hands-on experience with resume writing, job search strategies, and interviewing skills. By integrating personal growth with professional planning, students build a clear roadmap for lifelong academic and career success.

• Grade Level(s): 9-10
• Credits & Length: Full Year; 10 credits (5 per semester)
• Dual Enrollment: 3 college units per semester awarded for grades of C or better and are permanently recorded on the college transcript.
• Graduation Requirement Area: CTE; G Elective Credit (1 Year)
• California CTE course
• Prerequisites: None

Course 2: Healthcare Careers  

The focus of the Healthcare Careers course is on the mastery of foundational medical skills and industry standards. Students explore healthcare careers, develop proficiency in medical terminology, and practice standard clinical operating procedures. Key areas of study include patient vital signs, infection control, and the legal and ethical responsibilities of providers. Beyond the classroom, students earn industry-recognized certifications, including OSHA 10-Hour Training and CPR, First Aid, and AED, ensuring they are career-ready.

• Grade Level(s): 10–11
• Credits & Length: Full Year; 10 credits (5 per semester)
• Graduation Requirement Area: CTE; G Elective Credit (1 Year)
• Dual Enrollment: 3 college units awarded in the Spring semester for grades of C or better and are permanently recorded on the college transcript.
• California CTE concentrator course in the HSMT: Patient Care pathway
• Prerequisites: None
• Partner Class: Biology or IB Biology

Course 3: Sports Medicine 

The Sports Medicine course allows students to apply their foundational knowledge to the specialized field of musculoskeletal health and injury management. The curriculum focuses on kinesiology, biomechanics, and the prevention and rehabilitation of injuries. Through hands-on skills sessions and simulations, students learn techniques in orthopedic assessment, athletic taping, and the development of injury prevention and treatment plans. Students gain a competitive edge for both the workforce and post-secondary education by integrating clinical skills with real-world applications, such as internship opportunities with Certified Athletic Trainers.

• Grade Level(s): 11–12
• Credits & Length: Full Year; 10 credits (5 per semester)
• Dual Enrollment: 3 college units per semester awarded for grades of C or better and are permanently recorded on the college transcript.
• Graduation Requirement: No
• Graduation Requirement Area: CTE; G Elective Credit (1 Year)
• California CTE capstone course in the HSMT: Patient Care pathway
• Prerequisites: None
• Partner Class: Anatomy and Physiology