The healthcare industry is vital to Wisconsin and continues to be a leading sector with high-skill, high-wage, and in-demand careers. According to the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development, employment in the healthcare and social assistance sector, the largest sector in Wisconsin, is projected to increase by 45,407 new jobs from 2016-2026. A quality career and technical education (CTE) health science program can help to address these workforce needs. Middle and high school health science programs introduce, prepare, and train students for a wide range of healthcare professions.
Health Science Career Pathway
Health science is an important part of career and technical education (CTE) in Wisconsin. Within the health science career pathway, there may be more focused career pathways. These pathway programs are typically classified as:
- Biotechnology research and development
- Therapeutic services
- Diagnostic services
- Health informatics
- Support services
Wisconsin career pathways may be adopted by local education agencies and offered as options to students when planning for and completing future coursework for career and technical content areas.
- Taking a sequence of aligned courses,
- Earning an industry-recognized credential,
- Enrolling in dual college credit classes,
- Participating in career-based and work-based learning experiences, and
- Accessing related Career and Technical Education (CTE) student organizations.