The future health of our communities relies on a well-prepared healthcare workforce. The Academy Of Health Career Program is a dynamic initiative designed to cultivate the next generation of healthcare professionals. This unique collaboration between Tacoma Public Schools, leading healthcare industry partners, higher education institutions, and non-profit organizations provides high school students with an exceptional pathway to a wide array of fulfilling careers within the healthcare sector.
This comprehensive four-year, part-time high school program is available to students at Stadium and Mount Tahoma High Schools. It immerses students in a rich curriculum focused on healthcare skill development and practical experiences. This enhanced learning environment is strategically designed to ensure students are not only college-ready but also prepared to enter the workforce and earn a family-sustaining wage upon program completion.
In their freshman and sophomore years (ninth and tenth grades), students embark on a journey of self-discovery, exploring their passions within healthcare. This foundational phase includes earning up to 5 industry-recognized certifications, gaining valuable insights into diverse healthcare career pathways through interactions with college representatives and industry professionals, and engaging in rigorous, experiential coursework. Both Stadium and Mount Tahoma High Schools boast state-of-the-art healthcare labs, fully equipped with training equipment mirroring those found in college settings. This hands-on approach allows students to immediately apply theoretical knowledge through practical activities, solidifying their understanding and building crucial skills.
As students progress into their junior and senior years (eleventh and twelfth grades), the academy of health career program deepens its focus on college and career exploration, coupled with more intensive, specialized coursework. Strong connections with partner colleges provide students with direct access to information about healthcare programs, the college admissions process, available scholarships, and financial aid opportunities. Furthermore, through the Tacoma Public Schools’ Next Move Internship Program, upper-level students can gain invaluable real-world experience. These opportunities include: immersive 60-90 hour healthcare internships under the guidance of an experienced industry mentor, focused 6-8 hour “shadowing” experiences in college labs or healthcare facilities, personalized one-on-one informational interviews with healthcare professionals, and engaging in healthcare-related volunteer activities.
Throughout all four years of the academy of health career program, students benefit from a robust support network. This includes their peer cohort and mentorship from upper-level students, dedicated high school teachers – many of whom possess professional backgrounds in healthcare – a dedicated career readiness internship coach, college healthcare program students and staff, and practicing healthcare professionals. For students seeking to further develop their leadership skills and passion for healthcare, participation in the after-school healthcare club, HOSA (Health Occupations Students of America), is encouraged. HOSA provides a platform for students to hone their leadership abilities and compete at the annual state competition, further enhancing their college applications and future career prospects within the academy of health career program.
