Healthcare Education Programs at Northside ISD – Health Careers High School

Located in San Antonio, TX, Northside Independent School District’s Health Careers High School (HCHS) offers a distinctive curriculum aimed at students interested in pursuing careers in the healthcare field. The school provides an innovative educational environment designed to prepare students for a variety of healthcare professions, combining rigorous academics with hands-on experience.

Core Program Structure

Health Careers High School offers a comprehensive educational program intertwined with specialized healthcare courses, allowing students to get a head start in their chosen fields. Students undertake a mixture of core academic subjects and specialized healthcare-focused classes. Core subjects follow the Texas Education Agency (TEA) curriculum, ensuring a solid educational foundation.

Specialized Healthcare Courses

HCHS offers a variety of healthcare-specific courses, including:

• Anatomy and Physiology: These courses delve into the structure and function of the human body, providing students with foundational knowledge crucial for any healthcare profession.
• Medical Terminology: Students learn the language of medicine, essential for understanding and communicating medical information accurately.
• Health Science Theory: This course introduces students to key concepts in the health sciences, covering subjects such as ethics, patient management, and health care systems.
• Pathophysiology: Exploring the abnormalities of the human body, this course prepares students to understand disease mechanisms and their implications for healthcare.

Hands-On Learning

To complement classroom instruction, HCHS provides extensive hands-on learning opportunities including:

• Clinical Rotations: Students gain real-world experience by participating in clinical rotations at local hospitals, medical offices, and other healthcare facilities. This exposure is invaluable for understanding day-to-day healthcare operations.
• Laboratory Work: Students engage in laboratory work to practice diagnostics, treatment planning, and other critical skills in a controlled environment.

Certification Programs

HCHS offers several certification programs that allow students to earn credentials while still in high school, enhancing their employability upon graduation. Some of the certifications available include:

• Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA): Training in basic nursing skills and patient care, culminating in eligibility for the CNA certification exam.
• Emergency Medical Technician (EMT): Offering training for emergency medical response, including both classroom instruction and field experience.
• Pharmacy Technician: Preparing students for roles in pharmacy settings with eligibility for the Pharmacy Technician certification exam.

Extracurricular Opportunities

Beyond the classroom, HCHS provides numerous extracurricular activities to further student engagement and learning in healthcare:

• Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA): This organization provides leadership and professional development opportunities through competitions, conferences, and community service.
• Internship Programs: Facilitated internships offer practical experience in various healthcare settings, helping students to build professional networks and gain insights into their future careers.

Get Started Today

Northside ISD’s Health Careers High School stands out as a premier institution for students passionate about healthcare. Through a blend of rigorous academics, specialized courses, hands-on learning, and certification opportunities, HCHS prepares students for successful careers in the healthcare industry.

For more detailed information about specific programs, admissions criteria, or to schedule a tour of the campus, please visit the Northside ISD Health Careers High School website or contact their admissions office. Tap into a world of healthcare opportunities and start shaping your future today!