Are you exploring career options and seeking specialized training during your high school years? Rockdale Career Academy (RCA) offers a diverse range of programs designed to provide students with hands-on experience and valuable skills for various industries. Located within the Rockdale County Public School system, RCA provides unique career pathways, allowing students to get a head start on their future careers while completing their high school education. This article will guide you through the exciting “Rockdale Career Academy Programs” available, helping you discover the perfect path to match your interests and career aspirations.
Career Pathways at Rockdale Career Academy
Rockdale Career Academy organizes its programs into Career Clusters, which are broad groupings of occupations and industries based on common knowledge and skills. These clusters help students explore different career areas and understand the educational requirements for success in those fields. Below is a detailed overview of the “rockdale career academy programs” categorized by Career Cluster:
Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources
This cluster focuses on careers related to agriculture, food production, and natural resource management. At RCA, you can explore:
- Veterinary Science (RCA): This program is perfect for animal lovers interested in veterinary careers. Courses include Basic Agricultural Science, Animal Science and Biotechnology, and Veterinary Science, providing a strong foundation in animal care and health.
- Companion Animal Systems (RCA): If you are passionate about pets and smaller animals, this pathway offers courses in Basic Agricultural Science, Animal Science and Biotechnology, and Small Animal Care, focusing on the care and management of companion animals.
Architecture and Construction
For students interested in building and design, the Architecture and Construction cluster offers hands-on training in:
- Carpentry (RCA): Learn the fundamentals of carpentry with courses like Industry Fundamentals and Occupational Safety, Introduction to Construction, and Carpentry I. This program provides a solid introduction to the carpentry trade.
- Welding (RCA): This program introduces students to the world of welding with courses in Industry Fundamentals and Occupational Safety, Introduction to Metals, and Welding I, equipping them with essential welding skills.
Arts, AV/Technology, and Communications
This cluster is ideal for creative and technically inclined students interested in media and communication fields:
- Audio-Video Technology and Film I (RCA & SHS): Offered at both RCA and Salem High School (SHS), this program covers Audio and Video Technology and Film I, II, and III, providing comprehensive training in audio and video production.
- Graphic Design (RCA): Develop your visual communication skills with courses like Introduction to Graphics and Design, Graphic Design and Production, and Advanced Graphic Design, focusing on the principles and techniques of graphic design.
Business, Management, and Administration
For those interested in the world of business and management, RCA offers programs in collaboration with other Rockdale County High Schools:
- Business and Technology (HHS, RCHS & SHS): Available at Heritage High School (HHS), Rockdale County High School (RCHS), and SHS, this program includes Introduction to Business and Technology, Business and Technology, and Business Communications, providing a broad understanding of business principles and technology applications.
Education and Training
If you are passionate about teaching and working with children, the Education and Training cluster offers:
- Early Childhood Care and Education I (RCA): This program focuses on the fundamentals of early childhood education with courses in Early Childhood Education I, II, and III, preparing students for careers in childcare and early learning centers.
- Early Childhood Care and Education II (RCA): Building upon the first program, this pathway includes Early Childhood Education I, II, and Practicum, offering practical experience in early childhood settings.
Finance
For students with an interest in numbers and the financial world, the Finance cluster provides pathways in collaboration with SHS and HHS/RCHS/SHS:
- Business Accounting (SHS): Offered at SHS, this program includes Introduction to Business and Technology, Financial Literacy, and Principles of Accounting I, providing a foundation in accounting principles and practices.
- Financial Technology—FinTech (SHS): Explore the cutting-edge field of FinTech with courses in Introduction to Financial Technology, Financial Technologies & Services, and Coding for FinTech, focusing on the intersection of finance and technology.
- Financial Services (HHS, RCHS & SHS): Available at HHS, RCHS, and SHS, this program covers Introduction to Business and Technology, Financial Literacy, and Banking, Investing and Insurance, offering a broad overview of financial services.
Government and Public Administration
For students interested in public service and leadership, the Government and Public Administration cluster offers:
- JROTC Marines (HHS, RCHS, & SHS): Available at HHS, RCHS, and SHS, the Marine Corps Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps (MCJROTC) program offers leadership development and civic engagement opportunities through MCJROTC Leadership Education courses I-VIII.
Health Science
This cluster is designed for students interested in healthcare careers, offering several specialized pathways at RCA:
- Therapeutic Services/Patient Care (RCA): This program introduces students to patient care with courses in Introduction to Healthcare Science, Essentials of Healthcare, and Patient Care Fundamentals, preparing them for entry-level healthcare positions.
- Therapeutic Services/Allied Health and Medicine (RCA): Explore allied health professions with courses in Introduction to Healthcare Science, Essentials of Healthcare, and Allied Health and Medicine, providing a broader understanding of healthcare careers.
- Therapeutic Services/Surgical Technology (RCA): For those interested in the operating room, this pathway includes Introduction to Healthcare Science, Essentials of Healthcare, and Surgical Technician I, introducing the role of a surgical technician.
Hospitality and Tourism
If you enjoy culinary arts and hospitality, this cluster offers:
- Culinary Arts (RCA): Develop your culinary skills with courses in Introduction to Culinary Arts, Culinary Arts I, and Culinary Arts II, providing hands-on experience in food preparation and culinary techniques.
Human Services
For students interested in helping professions focused on personal and family needs, the Human Services cluster includes:
- Nutrition and Food Science (HHS & RCHS): Offered at HHS and RCHS, this program explores Food, Nutrition, and Wellness, Food for Life, and Food Science, focusing on the science of food and nutrition.
- Interiors, Fashion, and Textiles (RCA): Explore design and fashion with courses in Foundations of Interior Design, Fundamentals of Fashion, and Textile Science, providing a creative outlet in design and textiles.
- Personal Care Services – Barbering (RCA): Learn the skills of barbering with Introduction to Personal Care Services, Barbering II, and Barbering III, providing a pathway to a career in personal grooming services.
Information Technology
For tech-savvy students, the Information Technology cluster provides several exciting pathways at RCHS and RCA:
- Cybersecurity (RCA): Learn to protect digital information with courses in Introduction to Hardware Technology, Introduction to Cybersecurity, and Advanced Cybersecurity, preparing for a career in cybersecurity.
- Computer Science (RCHS): Offered at RCHS, this program includes Introduction to Software Technology, Computer Science Principles, and AP Computer Science (Contact College Board for standards), providing a strong foundation in computer science.
- Game Design (RCHS): Combine creativity and technology in game development with courses in Introduction to Software Technology, Computer Science Principles or AP Computer Science Principles, and Game Design: Animation and Simulation.
- Programming (RCHS): Develop coding skills with courses in Introduction to Software Technology, Computer Science Principles, and Programming, Games, Apps, and Society, focusing on software development and programming.
- Web and Digital Design (RCHS & SHS): Available at RCHS and SHS, this program covers Introduction to Software Technology, Digital Design, and Web Design, equipping students with skills in web and digital content creation.
Law, Public Safety, Corrections, and Security
For students interested in law enforcement and public safety, this cluster offers:
- Law Enforcement Services/Criminal Investigations (RCA): Explore the field of law enforcement with courses in Introduction to Law, Public Safety, Corrections and Security, Criminal Justice Essentials, and Criminal Investigations, providing insights into criminal justice careers.
Manufacturing
For students interested in hands-on production and technology in manufacturing, RCA offers:
- Manufacturing (RCA): Learn about modern manufacturing processes with courses in Foundations of Manufacturing and Materials Science, Robotics and Automated Systems, and Production Enterprises, providing skills relevant to the manufacturing industry.
Marketing
For students with an interest in business promotion and sales, the Marketing cluster offers pathways in collaboration with HHS and RCA:
- Marketing Communications and Promotions (HHS): Offered at HHS, this program covers Marketing Principles, Promotion and Digital Marketing, and Integrated Marketing Communications, focusing on marketing and promotional strategies.
- Marketing and Management (RCA): This program at RCA includes Marketing Principles, Marketing & Entrepreneurship, and Marketing Management, providing a comprehensive understanding of marketing and management principles.
Transportation, Distribution, and Logistics
For students interested in the automotive and aerospace industries, RCA provides:
- Automotive Technology (RCA): Gain hands-on experience in automotive repair and maintenance with courses in Automotive Technologies 1, 2, and 3, preparing for a career in automotive technology.
- Unmanned Aircraft Systems (RCA): Explore the exciting field of drones with courses in Fundamentals of Aerospace, Flight Operations I, and Unmanned Aircraft Systems, focusing on the operation and application of drone technology.
Chart Your Course at Rockdale Career Academy
“Rockdale career academy programs” offer a fantastic opportunity for high school students to explore their interests, gain valuable skills, and prepare for successful futures. Whether you are passionate about technology, healthcare, design, or any of the other diverse fields covered, RCA provides a pathway to help you achieve your career goals. Explore these programs further and take the first step towards a rewarding and fulfilling career.
For detailed information on each course please visit: GaDOE SuitCASE
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HHS-Heritage High School
RCA-Rockdale Career Academy
RCHS-Rockdale County High School
SHS-Salem High School
