Medical Diagnostics and Testing Pathway
If your student is the type of person who would like to lend a helping hand in the initial diagnostic phase of the disease or injury process, this is the healthcare pathway for them.
Medical diagnostics and testing are a rapidly growing and extremely significant sector of the health care field. Most careers that fall into this pathway involve the use of diagnostic imaging technology like ultrasound, X-ray, and MRI. These evolving technologies and techniques help determine a patient's diagnosis earlier than ever so they can receive treatment sooner, which can lead to better outcomes.
The Medical Diagnostics and Testing Pathway program from Stride Career Prep* prepares students to take the exams for the credentials necessary to embark on a career right after graduation—without the hassle or expense of additional training or degrees.
Gain real-world skills through project-based learning
Stride Career Prep has implemented project-based learning (PBL) for a number of courses in this pathway. PBL curriculum is designed to hone students' problem-solving, communication, critical thinking, and team collaboration skills. Students who choose this pathway gain a broad understanding of healthcare and hospital operations, learn medical terminology and technician safety. It's a hands-on curriculum packed with case studies and practical exercises.
Our Medical Diagnostics and Testing Pathway Curriculum in Detail
All of our students take the core courses required for high school graduation in their state. The chart below shows the additional classes that Medical Diagnostics and Testing Pathway students take. You can see the rest of the curriculum by viewing the full course list.
Note: Pathway courses are subject to change.
†New in fall 2022
Get credentialed
In a world where competition for jobs, pay increases, and academic success continues to increase, certifications provide a credible, third-party assessment of a student's skills and knowledge of a given subject. This pathway prepares students to take these industry-recognized certification exams:**
Get ahead of the competition
We encourage students to jumpstart the job search by helping them create a professional résumé, cover letter, and profile on Tallo, the leading professional networking platform for Gen Z. Plus, they connect virtually to working health care professionals through Nepris.***
Find a school near you that offers education and training.
The Medical Diagnostics and Testing Pathway will be available in fall 2022. Check back to see which tuition-free, K12-powered, fully accredited, online public schools will be offering this pathway.
Choose a career. Prepare for the future.
Students in this pathway can prepare for a wide variety of careers in the field of medical diagnostics and testing, including:
Sort by category
Phlebotomist
Phlebotomists draw blood for tests, transfusions, research, or blood donations. They label and store specimens, enter patient information into databases, and maintain required medical instruments.
2021 Median Salary
$37,380
Expected Job Growth Rate for 2020–2030
Much faster than average
Typical Entry-Level Education
High school diploma or GED, plus specialized certificate program (usually < 1 year).
This data reflects the information available from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook on June 29, 2022. To learn more about this occupation, visit bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/phlebotomists.htm.
Medical Sonographers and Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians
Diagnostic medical sonographers and cardiovascular technologists and technicians, including vascular technologists operate special imaging equipment to create images or to conduct tests. Most are employed in hospitals, while some work in physicians’ offices or medical and diagnostic laboratories.
2021 Median Salary
$75,380
Expected Job Growth Rate for 2020–2030
Faster than average
Typical Entry-Level Education
Associate's degree or professional certification
This data reflects the information available from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook on June 29, 2022. To learn more about this occupation, visit bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/diagnostic-medical-sonographers.
Medical Assistant
Medical assistants perform clinical and administrative tasks in doctors' offices, hospitals, and other healthcare settings. They may take patient histories, record vital signs, assist with patient examinations, schedule appointments, or perform other assigned duties.
2021 Median Salary
$37,190
Expected Job Growth Rate for 2020–2030
Much faster than average
Typical Entry-Level Education
High school diploma or equivalent, plus medical assisting certification like NOCTI/AMCA CCMC or the NHA CCMA credential, which this pathway prepares students to take.
This data reflects the information available from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook on June 29, 2022. To learn more about this occupation, visit bls.gov/ooh/healthcare/medical-assistants.htm.
FAQs
Do you need a college degree to become a phlebotomist?
No, you do not need a college degree to work as a phlebotomist. However, most healthcare employers require you to be certified, which means passing an exam like the NHA Certified Phlebotomy Technician exam. That's why we help our medical diagnostics and testing students prepare for this test!
How can you prepare to become a medical sonographer or cardiovascular technician? What classes should you take in high school?
You can prepare for a career as a medical sonographer or cardiovascular technician while still in high school by taking courses in medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, and—if the high school offers this option—special classes in medical diagnostic technology and technician safety. One of the best things to do while in high school is work or volunteer in a hospital, nursing care facility, doctor's office, or another medical setting.
In our Medical Diagnostic and Testing Pathway, students take classes in medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, medical office procedures, as well as medical diagnostic technology, phlebotomy, or electrocardiography. These courses prepare them for industry-recognized certification exams.
Learn more about course offerings in the other Stride Career Prep career fields.
*Stride Career Prep is a program for grades 9–12. Some schools offer career exploration in middle school.
**Many Microsoft®️ Office certificates can be earned after completing one course. Other certificates require more classes to be better prepared, and students who participate in the program for at least two years will have further preparation for certification testing.
***Opportunities vary by school; please visit your school page or check with your school counselor.
