The primary work of careers in the health science cluster is to treat patients facing illness or injury—whether to cure or rehabilitate from a condition, to maintain wellness, or to provide comfort or palliative care to persons dealing with incurable conditions. The health care industry is booming, and experts predict health care careers will continue to grow rapidly for at least the next decade.
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Emergency Medical Technician

Average Salary: $36,680

Emergency medical technicians (EMTs) and paramedics assess injuries and illnesses, provide emergency medical care, and may transport patients to medical facilities.

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Medical Records Specialists

Average Salary: $47,180

Compile, process, and maintain medical records of hospital and clinic patients in a manner consistent with medical, administrative, ethical, legal, and regulatory requirements of the healthcare system.

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Registered Nurse

Average Salary: $81,220

Assess patient health problems and needs, develop and implement nursing care plans, and maintain medical records. Administer nursing care to ill, injured, convalescent, or disabled patients.

Industry Recognized Certificates/Credentials, Employability Skills, and Career and Technical Student Organization (CTSO) Applications

Industry Recognized Certificates/Credentials

Students have the potential to earn an industry recognized certificates and credentials through their experiences in our CTE programs. The following certificates and credentials could include the following:

Employability Skills

While enrolled in the Health Science program, students will be expected to work on various employability skills that could be related to the industry recognized certificate/credentials listed above. See some examples of how students will work on these skills below:

  • Communication Skills
    Students will need to be able to communicate with 911 dispatch and or EMS regarding the patient's status. Students will also need to ask for permission to treat and let them know of their qualifications if the person is conscious. Students will need to ask effective questions to conscious patient or witnesses to determine proper care in certain situations.
  • Critical Thinking
    Students need to know what questions to ask to determine proper care. They also need to be able to act quickly in emergency medical situations.
  • Problem solving
    Students need to be able to assess the situation and render proper aid to save lives.

CTSO Applications

Students who enroll in a course within the Health Science program have the opportunity to engage in in a CTSO. Below are some potential applications to a CTSO that student could be involved when participating in this CTE program:

  • HOSA Competition: CERT Skills
    CERT Skills provides members with the opportunity to gain knowledge and skills required for disaster  preparedness and response. This competitive event consists of 2 rounds and each team consists of two (2) people. Round One is a written, multiple-choice test and the top scoring teams will advance to Round  Two for the skills assessment. This event aims to inspire members to be proactive future health professionals and respond efficiently to complex community hazards in the absence of emergency  services.
  • HOSA Competition: First Aid and CPR
    CPR/First Aid provides members with the opportunity to gain knowledge and skills required for team first aid and basic life support. This competitive event consists of 2 rounds and each team consists of 2 people. Round One is a written, multiple-choice test and the top scoring teams will advance to Round Two for the skills assessment. This event aims to inspire members to be proactive future health professionals and be equipped with the skills to provide immediate, life-saving actions in the absence of emergency services.
  • HOSA Competition: Emergency Medical Technician
    Emergency Medical Technician provides HOSA members with the opportunity to gain knowledge and skills required for emergency medical care. This competitive event consists of 2 rounds and each team consists of two (2) people. Round One is a written, multiple-choice test and the top scoring teams will advance to Round Two for the skills assessment. This event aims to inspire members to be proactive future health professionals and be equipped with resilience, physical strength and problem-solving skills to provide immediate treatment in emergencies.

Which High Schools Offer this Program?

CTE Advisory Board

Jamie Thompson
Operating Room Nurse
HealthOne

Tessa Carlson
Health Sciences Career Exposure Coordinator
CU Office of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Community Engagement

Neil Krauss
Director of Outreach
University of Colorado - Anschutz

Matt Griffith
Assistant Professor
University of Colorado - Anschutz

Alexander Enurah
Internal Medicine
Centura Health

Josue Estrada Murillo
Office Coordinator
Boettcher Foundation