Nursing and Patient Care Pathway
Does your student dream of being a superhero in scrubs? Are they caring, compassionate, and a good listener? Then the Nursing and Patient Care Pathway may be the perfect choice for them!
This pathway can lead to a wide variety of careers in the field of medicine. After taking foundational course work in anatomy and medical terminology, students select courses in a specific field that interests them.
The Nursing and Patient Care 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, including:
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
Our curriculum prepares students to take the exams for the credentials necessary to embark on a career as a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA). The tuition-free program includes exam prep for the Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) or American Medical Certification Association (AMCA) Nursing Assistant Certification (NAC) exam, both highly regarded industry credentials. Many individuals in the nursing field start out as Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) working under the supervision of Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) and Registered Nurses (RNs). Some of these CNAs go on to earn additional credentials and become LPNs or RNs.
Medical Assisting
For students who enjoy doing a little of everything—from direct patient care to scheduling medical appointments, a career as a medical assistant might be a great fit! Our curriculum includes exam prep for the NOCTI/AMCA Clinical Medical Assistant Certification (CMAC) exam and the NHA Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) exam, both highly regarded industry credentials.
Dental Assisting
Dental assistants provide patient care, take x rays, keep records, and schedule appointments. In this program, students learn about leading dental practices/procedures, equipment, and patient safety standards. The curriculum prepares students for the NOCTI/Dental Assisting exam.
Pharmacy Technician
Pharmacy technicians do more than just fill prescriptions; they work with insurance companies, interact with customers, and dispense medication. These duties demand attention to detail and a high level of competency. This curriculum helps students gain the skills needed to properly assist the needs of pharmacists in their daily responsibilities and prepares them for the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE), a highly regarded industry credential.
Sports Medicine
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. In this pathway, students learn the skills, practices, and theories encompassed in the health and safety of athletes and prepare for the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) Certified Personal Trainer exam.
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. This curriculum is taught by experienced healthcare professionals and encompasses anatomy and physiology, nutrition, clinical procedures and examinations, laboratory procedures, medical records and billing, and so much more!
Our Nursing and Patient Care Pathway Curriculum in Detail
All our students take the core courses required for high school graduation in their state. The chart below shows the additional classes that Nursing and Patient Care 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. In this pathway, students can prepare 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
Stride Career Prep programs with the Healthcare Support Services Pathway are available in our tuition-free K12-powered, fully accredited, public online schools in the following states:
ALABAMA
Alabama Destinations Career Academy
CALIFORNIA
COLORADO
Destinations Career Academy of Colorado
Pikes Peak Online School
FLORIDA
IDAHO
INDIANA
Hoosier College and Career Academy
Indiana Gateway Digital Academy
KANSAS
MICHIGAN
Michigan Great Lakes Virtual Academy
MINNESOTA
NEW MEXICO
Don't see your state? Check out the tuition-based option here in the Nursing and Patient Care Pathway. There are also tuition-free options in related fields like the Healthcare Support Services.
Choose a career. Prepare for the future.
Students in this pathway can prepare for a wide variety of careers in the field of medicine, including:
Sort by category
Certified Nursing Assistant
Certified Nursing Assistants (CNAs) work under the supervision of licensed practical or registered nurses. They listen to and record patients' healthcare concerns and relay that information to nurses, take patients' vital signs, and assist patients with daily living. They often work in long-term care facilities, developing deep relationships with their patients; others work in hospitals or medical office settings. Shift work is often required.
2021 Median Salary
$30,290
Expected Job Growth Rate for 2020–2030
Average
Typical Entry-Level Education
High school diploma or GED; plus, usually a Certified Nursing Assistant certification, 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/nursing-assistants.htm.
Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)
Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) provide basic medical care, such as taking a patient's blood pressure or changing a patient's bandages, under the direction of a registered nurse or doctor.
2021 Median Salary
$48,070
Expected Job Growth Rate for 2020–2030
Average
Typical Entry-Level Education
High school diploma/GED plus 1 year of state-mandated training leading to licensure
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/licensed-practical-and-licensed-vocational-nurses.htm.
Registered Nurse
Registered nurses (RNs) provide and coordinate patient care, educate patients and the public about various health conditions, and provide advice and emotional support to patients and their families. They typically do patient intake, recording patients' medical history and current symptoms; administer medications and treatments; perform diagnostic tests and analyze the results; and teach patients and their families how to manage their medical conditions and complete required treatment.
2021 Median Salary
$77,600
Expected Job Growth Rate for 2020–2030
Average
Typical Entry-Level Education
Bachelor's degree
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/registered-nurses.htm.
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.
Dental Assistant
Certified Dental Assistants provide patient care, take x rays, keep records, and schedule appointments. Almost all dental assistants work in dentists' offices. Most work full time.
2021 Median Salary
$38,660
Expected Job Growth Rate for 2020–2030
Faster than average
Typical Entry-Level Education
High school diploma or GED; plus, usually a Certified Dental Assistant certification, 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/dental-assistants.htm.
Pharmacy Technician
Pharmacy technicians work under the supervision of pharmacists. They collect information needed to fill prescriptions; measure amounts of medication for prescriptions; package and label prescriptions; help the pharmacist track inventory; accept payments and process insurance claims; and refer patients to the pharmacist when required. Pharmacy technicians work in pharmacies, including those found in drug stores, general merchandise, and grocery stores, and in hospitals. Often requires shift work.
2021 Median Salary
$36,740
Expected Job Growth Rate for 2020–2030
Slower than average
Typical Entry-Level Education
High school diploma or GED; plus certification like PTCE, 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/pharmacy-technicians.htm.
Fitness Trainer or Instructor
Fitness trainers and instructors lead, instruct, and motivate individuals or groups in exercise activities, including cardiovascular exercises, strength training, and stretching. They need to be able to modify exercises for different ability levels, correctly modify the technique, and monitor participants to ensure they are performing the exercises correctly and safely.
2021 Median Salary
$40,700
Expected Job Growth Rate for 2020–2030
Much faster than average
Typical Entry-Level Education
High school diploma or GED, plus a certification like the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) Certified Personal Trainer, 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/personal-care-and-service/fitness-trainers-and-instructors.htm.
Massage Therapist
Massage therapists massage and manipulate the muscles and other soft tissues of the body. While often performed to assist in relaxation, whether in a spa, clinic, hotel, or fitness center, massage therapists' services are increasingly becoming integrated into therapeutic services, which means that demand is increasing in hospitals and other healthcare settings.
2021 Median Salary
$46,910
Expected Job Growth Rate for 2020–2030
Much faster than average
Typical Entry-Level Education
Postsecondary license or certificate; requirements vary by state
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/massage-therapists.htm.
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.
FAQs
How can you prepare for a career as a nursing or medical assistant or pharmacy technician while still in high school? What classes should you take?
Students can prepare for a career as a nursing or medical assistant 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 nursing, medical assisting, or pharmacy. One of the best things to do while in high school, of course, is to work or volunteer in a hospital, nursing care facility, doctor's office, or another medical setting, or get a part-time job at a pharmacy.
We offer a career pathway in which students begin by taking classes in medical terminology, and anatomy and physiology. Then they focus on an area of patient care that interests them, like nursing, medical assisting, or pharmacy technician. These courses prepare students for the Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) and American Medical Certification Association (AMCA) Nursing Assistant Certification (NAC) or the NOCTI/AMCA Clinical Medical Assistant Certification (CMAC) exam, the NHA Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) exam, or the Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE) exam.
Is the Nursing and Patient Care Pathway program accredited?
Yes! Each of our schools that offer the Nursing and Patient Care Pathway has had its program accredited by the relevant body in that state (generally the state nursing board or the state medical board). You can rest assured that our pathway program meets all requirements in your state and will prepare your student well for the required certification and licensing exams.
Do you need a college degree to be a nurse?
Registered Nurses must have at least an associate's degree from an accredited nursing program, and in some cases, they also need a bachelor's degree. In addition, they must be licensed to practice as a nurse.
However, many opportunities in nursing do not require a bachelor's degree! Licensed Practical Nurses (LPNs) typically have a high school diploma plus some additional training at a community college, culminating in an associate's degree and an LPN license.
Do you need a college degree to become a pharmacist?
Yes, you need both a bachelor's degree and a Doctor of Pharmacy degree to become a pharmacist. This is typically a 4-year degree that one earns after completing a bachelor's degree. However, some universities offer students the ability to complete a combined bachelor's degree and Doctor of Pharmacy degree in a shorter amount of time.
Do you need a college degree to practice sports medicine?
You'll need a college degree if you want to be a physician specializing in sports medicine, an exercise physiologist, a physical therapist, a nutritionist, or an athletic trainer. However, there are other professions related to sports medicine that don't require a college degree. Emergency medical technicians/paramedics typically only need to earn a certificate which requires less than one year of specialized training. Fitness instructors, personal trainers, and massage therapists also usually do not need a college degree. Still, most have one or more relevant certifications and any required license depending on the specialty and location.
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.
