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Health Science
Learn about the Health Science career cluster.
Provide quality care
The Health Science Career Cluster® focuses on planning, managing, and providing therapeutic services, diagnostics services, health informatics, support services, and biotechnology research and development. To pursue a career in the health science industry, students should learn to reason, think critically, make decisions, solve problems, communicate effectively, and work well with others.
Need a hard copy? See the 23-24 Health Science Career Cluster Packet (PDF).
Programs of study
Expand AllHealth Informatics
The Health Informatics program of study focuses on exposing students to the management and use of patient information in the healthcare field. Students may learn about and research recent modifications of computerized healthcare and the process of creating and maintaining hospital and patient records in accordance with the regulatory requirements of the healthcare system. Students may also practice writing and interpreting medical reports.
Course pathway
| Level | NGHS pathway | GRCTC pathway |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |
8H200, 8H701 MST |
|
| 2 |
8H100, 8H760 MST |
8D120, 8D125 DC Business Information Management I |
| 3 |
|
8H910 GRCTC (Fall) 8H913, 8H915 GRCTC (Spring) |
| 4 |
|
8H930 GRCTC (Fall) 8H933 GRCTC (Spring) |
Note: Level 3 and 4 classes are advanced CTE courses.
Aligned occupations
| Occupations | Median wage | Annual openings | % Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Medical Records and Health Information Technicians | $35,922 | 1,588 | 24% |
| Medical and Health Service Managers | $93,995 | 2,562 | 29% |
| Billing and Posting Clerks | $35,485 | 5,775 | 25% |
Industry-Based Certifications
- Medical Coding and Billing Specialist
Postsecondary options
Below is a list of potential career certifications for a student interested in this program of study.
| Education level | Options |
|---|---|
| Associate's Degree |
|
| Bachelor's Degree |
|
| Master's/Doctoral Degree |
|
*Additional industry-based certification information is available on the TEA CTE website.
For more information on post-secondary options for this program of study, visit the TXCTE website.
Expanded learning opportunities
One of the best ways to acquire experience in your chosen career is by engaging in exploration activities, career preparation activities, or by joining a Career and Technical Student Organization (CTSO).
Exploration activities
- Join Health Occupations Students of America
Career preparation activities
- Volunteer at a community wellness center, hospital, assisted living center, or nursing home
Healthcare Diagnostics
The Healthcare Diagnostics program of study introduces students to occupations and educational opportunities related to performing complex medical laboratory tests for the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of disease. This program of study may also include exploration into the opportunities associated with blood laboratories as well as radiologic technology, and ultrasonic technology.
Course pathway
Note: This program is offered at GISD campuses and as a part of the Math, Science, and Technology magnet (MST).
| Level | Campus pathway | NGHS MST pathway |
|---|---|---|
| 1 |
8H200 |
8H200, 8H701 MST |
| 2 |
8H100 |
8H100, 8H760 MST |
| 3 |
One of the following: *8H302, 8H325 DC *8H300 |
8H740 MST One of the following: *8H702 MST, 8H715 MST DC *8H720 MST |
| 4 |
8H310/8H311(H) 8H400 |
8H310/8H311(H) 8H770 MST 8H730 MST 8H735 MST DC |
Note: Level 3 and 4 classes are advanced CTE courses.
*Students must choose one course. They cannot take both.
Aligned Occupations
| Occupations | Median wage | Annual openings | % Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Diagnostic Medical Sonographers | $69,909 | 495 | 35% |
| Phlebotomists | $30,597 | 1,442 | 36% |
| Nuclear Medicine Technologists | $75,962 | 91 | 13% |
| Radiologic Technologists | $55,494 | 1,196 | 19% |
| Magnetic Resonance Imaging Technologists | $68,661 | 217 | 21% |
Industry-Based Certifications
- Certified Clinical Medical Assistant
- Certified EKG Technician
- Medical Assistant
- Nationally Registered Certified EKG Technician
Postsecondary options
Below is a list of potential career certifications for a student interested in this program of study.
| Education level | Options |
|---|---|
| Associate's Degree |
|
| Bachelor's Degree |
|
| Master's/Doctoral Degree |
|
*Additional industry-based certification information is available on the TEA CTE website.
For more information on post-secondary options for this program of study, visit the TXCTE website.
Expanded learning opportunities
One of the best ways to acquire experience in your chosen career is by engaging in exploration activities, work-based learning, or by joining a Career and Technical Student Organization (CTSO).
Exploration activities
- Join Health Occupations Students of Amerca
Work-based learning activities
- Do clinical rotations at a community wellness center, hospital, assisted living, or nursing home
Healthcare Therapeutic
The Healthcare Therapeutic program of study introduces students to occupations and educational opportunities related to diagnosing and treating acute, episodic, or chronic illness independently or as part of a healthcare team. This program of study also includes an introduction to the opportunities associated with providing treatment and counsel to patients as well as rehabilitative programs that help build or restore daily living skills to persons with disabilities or developmental delays.
Course Pathway
Note: This program is offered at GISD campuses and as a part of the Math, Science, and Technology magnet (MST).
| Level | Campus pathway | NGHS | GRCTC |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
8H200, 8H701 MST |
8H200, 8H701 MST Principles of Health Science (grades 10-11) |
8H200, 8H701 MST Principles of Health Science (grades 10-11) |
| 2 |
8H100, 8H760 MST |
8H100, 8H760 MST Medical Terminology |
8H100, 8H760 MST Medical Terminology |
| 3 |
8H740 MST *One of the following: 8H702, 8H715 MST DC |
8H740 MST *One of the following: 8H702, 8H715 MST DC |
8H740 MST *One of the following: 8H302, 8H305, 8H702 MST, 8H715 MST DC |
| 4 |
8H310/8H311 (H) 8H400 |
8H310/8H311 (H) 8H770 MST *One of the following: 8H730 8H731 8H735 |
8H310/8H311 (H) 8H942 8H965 8H950 8H975 DC |
Note: Level 3 and 4 classes are advanced CTE courses.
*Students must choose one course. They cannot take both.
Aligned occupations
| Occupations | Median wage | Annual openings | % Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Medical Assistants | $29,598 | 8,862 | 30% |
| Surgical Technologists | $45,032 | 1,150 | 20% |
| Dental Hygienists | $73,507 | 1,353 | 38% |
| Physicians and Surgeons | $213,071 | 1,151 | 30% |
Industry-Based Certifications
- Certified Clinical Medical Assistant
- Certified EKG Technician
- Certified Patient Care Technician (CPCT)
- Nationally Registered Certified EKG Technician
- Pharmacy Technician
- Registered Dental Assistant, X-Ray Certification
Postsecondary options
Below is a list of potential career certifications for a student interested in this program of study.
| Education level | Options |
|---|---|
| Associate's Degree |
|
| Bachelor's Degree |
|
| Master's/Doctoral Degree |
|
*Additional industry-based certification information is available on the TEA CTE website.
For more information on post-secondary options for this program of study, visit the TXCTE website.
Expanded learning opportunities
One of the best ways to acquire experience in your chosen career is by engaging in exploration activities, work-based learning, or by joining a Career and Technical Student Organization (CTSO).
Exploration activities
- Join the Health Occupation Students of America
- Participate in SkillsUSA
Work-based learning activities
- Volunteer at a community wellness center, hospital, assisted living, or nursing home
Graduation planning
Endorsement: Public Services
See course descriptions and additional information on the course descriptions page.
Contact us
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