As a kindergartener, what did you want to be when you grew up? At that age, careers seem mostly limited to teacher, doctor, police officer, or maybe even president? Society and daily life inundate our kids with these career options. However, as students get older and gain more exposure to the world, they start to think about careers that not only spark their passions but also make a difference in the world. A career in health and human services does just that for many students, as they recognize the value of "service" and start to hear the call for helping others.
The typical careers you think of in Health and Human Services are just scratching the surface. This career field goes beyond hospitals. There is a need for these workers in police stations, schools, and doctor’s offices. Think about the nursing assistants who support medical staff or the billing specialists who assist patients with their financials. This pathway includes the physical therapists who help heal injuries and the police officers who keep our communities safe.
With many different career options, the Health and Human Services field is one of the fastest growing. In fact, employment of healthcare occupations is expected to grow 14% by 2028, which is much quicker than the average for all occupations. This alone will add around 1.9 million new jobs to the industry. As the healthcare services industry grows, so does the need for the next generation to take on these roles.
LEARNING HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES IN HIGH SCHOOL
Within K12's full-time high school career readiness program, Destinations Career Academy, the rewards of pursuing a career in the Health and Human Services can start early. If your student is passionate about helping others and is eager to get involved, they can do so while earning their high school diploma. Electives that are focused on real-world interests help prepare students for what they will be facing after graduation. These types of career readiness courses can help give your student a leg up on a future career in a field they may not have considered before.
CHOOSING A HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES PATHWAY
Guiding your student to find the right path after high school can be overwhelming. At Destinations, that choice can feel a bit more natural. Our Health and Human Services curriculum encourages exploration, starting with project-based introductory courses. Hands-on and practical, project-based learning gives students insight into a health and human services occupation. This way, your student can use their classroom time to understand their strengths and come closer to choosing a career path. Ensuring your student finds their knack as early as high school will help them find faster success in the real world.
Every student interested in a Health and Human Services pathway will start with an introductory, exploratory course. This way, they can feel confident in moving forward in a particular pathway. For example, for the Dental Assisting pathway, students all start in Healthcare Explorations to explore all pathway options through project-based learning. Students interested in our Education and Training pathway typically begin with the Introduction to Teaching course. Our Legal and Law Enforcement pathway kicks off with Careers in Criminal Justice. Long-term projects allow students to try their hand at real-life scenarios, giving them a taste of different career pathways. After completing these courses, students can then choose from the following career pathways.
Dental Assisting Pathway
Your student can help patients put their best smile forward while preparing for a dentistry career through the Dental Assisting pathway at Destinations. Students exploring the Dental Assisting pathway get on track to pass entry-level certification exams during or right after graduation for jobs such as a dental assistant or dental and ophthalmic laboratory technician. Students have a clear set of coursework laid out for them, including:
Healthcare Explorations (Project-Based Learning)
Health Sciences 1 & 2
Medical Terminology
Anatomy and Physiology 1 & 2
Dental Assistant 1, 2, & 3
Education and Training Pathway
Your student can take on this role for young thinkers and future generations as an educator through Destinations' Education and Training pathway. This pathway guides students through early childhood education and development, starting a foundational understanding of the principles of teaching through courses such as:
Introduction to Teaching
Computer Literacy
Psychology 1
Understanding Child Development
Early Childhood Education 1 & 2
Legal and Law Enforcement Pathway
Does your student watch a lot of investigative crime shows, criminology documentaries, or demonstrate a natural tendency to protect and serve? Exploring a career in law enforcement may be the spark they need to see their future in a clearer picture. Our Legal and Law Enforcement pathway courses provide an understanding of the criminal justice system and help students develop the necessary skills to work in criminology or law. Courses in this pathway include:
Careers in Criminal Justice
Law and Order
Criminology
Forensic Science
Principles of Public Service: To Serve & Protect
Medical Assisting
Every person in a healthcare facility plays an important role. Your child can get their foot in the door at healthcare offices by becoming a medical assistant. Our Medical Assisting pathway teaches students both the administrative and clinical skills needed for these facilities to operate. Courses in this pathway include:
Healthcare Explorations
Health Sciences 1 & 2
Medical Terminology
Anatomy and Physiology 1 & 2
Medical Assistant 1, 2, & 3
Medical Billing and Coding
The support needed to make any medical office successful doesn't start or stop at the front desk. If your child would thrive in the healthcare field perhaps more on the administrative side, our Medical Billing and Coding pathway may be the perfect fit. Students will master the skills needed to support healthcare professionals as well as patients in this fast-paced and rewarding career field. Courses include:
Healthcare Explorations
Health Sciences II
Medical Terminology
Anatomy and Physiology 1 & 2
Medical Coding 1 & 2
Medical Transcription Pathway
Many don't consider writing as part of the healthcare industry, but documentation plays a crucial role in keeping patients' records safe, accurate, and up to date. Students can tap into many of their talents through a career in medical transcription. Our Medical Transcription pathway teaches the skills needed to support medical staff accurately with courses including:
Healthcare Explorations
Medical Terminology
Anatomy and Physiology 1 & 2
Essentials of Health Information Management
Medical Transcription 1 & 2
Nursing Assisting (CNA) Pathway
Frequently, a medical appointment starts with a nursing assistant. Not only do nursing assistants support the medical staff behind the scenes, but they also step into the frontlines with patients daily. Our Nursing Assistant (CNA) pathway equips students with the skills and knowledge to work in the healthcare industry. Courses in this pathway include:
Healthcare Explorations
Health Sciences II
Medical Terminology
Anatomy and Physiology 1 & 2
Nursing Assistant 1, 2 & 3
Pharmacy Tech Pathway
Pharmacy technicians do more than just fill prescriptions; they work with insurance companies, interact with customers, and dispense medication, which demands attention to detail and a high level of competency. Our Pharmacy Tech pathway teaches the skills needed to properly assist the needs of pharmacists in their daily responsibilities. Courses in this pathway may include:
Healthcare Explorations
Health Sciences II
Medical Terminology
Anatomy and Physiology 1 & 2
Pharmacy Tech 1, 2, & 3
Sports Medicine Pathway
Many teens look up to athletes as heroes, but to those athletes, sports medicine professionals play a heroic role. Athletic trainers, massage therapists, and physical therapists often save the day by helping athletes recover safely from an injury so they can get back out and compete. Through our Sports Medicine pathway, your student will learn the skills needed to assist athletes and prepare for a career in sports medicine. The courses in this pathway include:
Healthcare Explorations
Health Sciences II
Medical Terminology
Anatomy and Physiology 1 & 2
Sports Medicine 1, 2, & 3
If your student wants to make a difference in society and the lives of others, a career in health and human services may be right for them. Career readiness education at Destinations Career Academy will propel your student forward. Whether they are aiming to take on college or get right into the workforce, the skills learned at Destinations will open many doors for their success.
*Opportunities vary by school; please visit your school page or check with your school counselor.
