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.

Adult CTE

Adult Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs in healthcare with Individualized Education and Training Plans (IETs) are specialized learning opportunities designed for adults who want to expand their knowledge and skills in the healthcare field. These programs are uniquely tailored to each individual, considering their previous experience, strengths, and personal learning preferences.

Imagine these programs as your personalized journey to success. An Individualized Education and Training Plan, or IET, is like a roadmap that's designed just for you. It takes into account your goals, your current abilities, and what you'd like to achieve in healthcare.

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.