Health Career Foundations is for students interested in learning about what it takes to work in the healthcare field. This one-year program is designed for students to learn about all different types of health careers and how they are organized into five pathways.
Students enrolled in this program will be engaged in a combination of classroom instruction, hands-on activities, patient skill experiences, speakers and possible work-based learning experiences. During lab time, students will have the opportunity to be both “patient” and “health care worker”. Students will work individually, as well as in groups, promoting teamwork and problem-solving skills. Innovative activities and demonstrations help students apply the information learned in class, enabling them to be effective communicators, critical thinkers, and life-long learners. The learning environment reflects a workplace environment that students might encounter during a career as a healthcare professional.
What High School Looks Like
In 9th and 10th grade, you can take your core high school courses in your home district. But then in 11th grade, there are options.
Health Career Foundations is a one-year course at Kent Career Tech Center. You can take in either 11th grade or 12th grade, but you'll have more future options if you take it in 11th.
Here's what it could look like:
11th grade: Health Career Foundations in Career Tech Ed along with your high school courses.
12th grade: Year 2 Options including Phlebotomy Lab Tech, Patient Care Tech/Nurse Tech, Emergency Medical Technical training, Medical Assistant, or Pharmacy Tech. During this time you may also earn:
- College credits at GRCC (4), GVSU (3), Baker College (6) or Davenport University (10)
- Certifications in Heartsaver First AId and CPR
Careers After A High School Graduation
Possible careers right after graduation with skills learned at KCTC or in Career Technical Education:
- Patient Transport
- Nutrition Services Tech
- Home Health Aide
- Environmental Services
Careers After Earning Certificates
Earn CEUs (what does this stand for?) with your high school diploma and CTE training through:
- NHA (?)
- EPC (?)
- PHTLS (?)
- Ferris State University
- Grand Rapids Community College
Possible careers you could land with a HS diploma, CTE and a certificate:
- Medical Assistant
- Emergency Medical Technician
- Certified Phlebotomist
- Nurse Tech/Patient Care Tech
- Dispatcher
- Pharmacy Tech
- Licensed Practical Nurse
Careers After Earning an Associate's Degree
With further education from GRCC Health Programs and Ferris State University Health Professions, you can launch a career as a:
- Radiologic Technician
- Surgical Technician
- COTA
- PTA
- RN (Associate Degree Registered Nurse)
- Health Information Technology Professional
- Dental Hygienist
Careers After Earning a Bachelor's Degree
After taking your next step by earning a BSN (BS in Nursing), a BHSA (BS in Health Service Administration) at Grand Valley State, Ferris State, Baker College or Davenport (or anywhere else?), you'll be ready for a career as a:
- Clinical Laboratory Scientist
- Registered Nurse
- Diagnostic Sonographer (Ultrasound)
- Athletic Trainer
- Respiratory Therapist
- Health Information Technologist
Careers with a Graduate Degree
Continuing with your education at Grand Valley, Davenport or the university of your choice can land you careers as:
- Physician
- Physician Assistant
- Nurse Practioner
- Occupational Therapist
- Physical Therapist
and more!
Related Programs
Medical Assistant 
Phlebotomy Lab Technician