HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES
One of the fastest growing industries in the United States is health care. Pathways in this career field will help prepare you for jobs such as medical assistants, certified nursing assistants, and pharmacy technicians.* And if you're interested in studying a medical-related field in college like nursing, pharmacy, or premed, you could benefit from taking courses such as Anatomy and Physiology** while still in high school. In addition, our Education and Training pathway and our Legal and Law Enforcement pathway let you explore the opportunities and careers available in those fields.
PATHWAYS OFFERED AND THEIR SAMPLE COURSE PROGRESSIONS
These samples show you what the journey might look like if you start a career pathway your freshman year. Your course progression will need to be accelerated if you start a career pathway your sophomore year or later.
Dental Assisting Pathway
| 9TH GRADE |
10TH GRADE |
11TH GRADE |
12TH GRADE |
CERTIFICATIONS |
POTENTIAL JOBS |
|---|
Healthcare Explorations (Project-Based Learning [PBL])
Health Sciences II
|
Medical Terminology
Anatomy and Physiology 1
|
Anatomy and Physiology 2
Dental Assistant 1
|
Dental Assistant 2
Dental Assistant 3
|
ACT National Career Readiness Certification (NCRC)
NOCTI Dental Assisting
DANB National Entry Level Dental Assistant (NELDA®)
|
Dental Assistant
Dental Hygienist (associate's degree required)
Dental and Ophthalmic Laboratory Technicians
|
9TH GRADE
Healthcare Explorations (Project-Based Learning [PBL])
Health Sciences II
10TH GRADE
Medical Terminology
Anatomy and Physiology 1
11TH GRADE
Anatomy and Physiology 2
Dental Assistant 1
12TH GRADE
Dental Assistant 2
Dental Assistant 3
CERTIFICATIONS
ACT National Career Readiness Certification (NCRC)
NOCTI Dental Assisting
DANB National Entry Level Dental Assistant (NELDA®)
POTENTIAL JOBS
Dental Assistant
Dental Hygienist (associate's degree required)
Dental and Ophthalmic Laboratory Technicians
Education and Training Pathway
| 9TH GRADE |
10TH GRADE |
11TH GRADE |
12TH GRADE |
CERTIFICATIONS |
POTENTIAL JOBS |
|---|
Introduction to Teaching
|
Computer Literacy (Project-Based Learning [PBL])
Psychology 1
|
Understanding Child Development
Early Childhood Education
|
|
ACT National Career Readiness Certification (NCRC)
NOCTI Early Childhood Education and Care–Basic (Job Ready)
NOCTI Early Childhood Education and Care–Advanced (Job Ready)
|
High School Teacher
Childcare Worker
Teaching Assistant
Childcare Center Director
Special Education Teacher
College Professor
Speech-Language Pathologist
|
9TH GRADE
Introduction to Teaching
10TH GRADE
Computer Literacy (Project-Based Learning [PBL])
Psychology 1
11TH GRADE
Understanding Child Development
Early Childhood Education
CERTIFICATIONS
ACT National Career Readiness Certification (NCRC)
NOCTI Early Childhood Education and Care–Basic (Job Ready)
NOCTI Early Childhood Education and Care–Advanced (Job Ready)
POTENTIAL JOBS
High School Teacher
Childcare Worker
Teaching Assistant
Childcare Center Director
Special Education Teacher
College Professor
Speech-Language Pathologist
Legal and Law Enforcement Pathway
| 9TH GRADE |
10TH GRADE |
11TH GRADE |
12TH GRADE |
CERTIFICATIONS |
POTENTIAL JOBS |
|---|
Careers in Criminal Justice
|
Law and Order
Criminology
|
Microsoft Office 1 (Project-Based Learning [PBL])
Forensic Science
|
|
ACT National Career Readiness Certification (NCRC)
NOCTI Criminal Justice (Job Ready)
NOCTI Legal Services (Pathways)
Microsoft Office Specialist–Word
|
Police Officer
Dispatcher
Forensic Science Technician
Private Detective
Security Guard
Paralegal
Lawyer
Judge
Mediator
|
9TH GRADE
Careers in Criminal Justice
10TH GRADE
Law and Order
Criminology
11TH GRADE
Microsoft Office 1 (Project-Based Learning [PBL])
Forensic Science
CERTIFICATIONS
ACT National Career Readiness Certification (NCRC)
NOCTI Criminal Justice (Job Ready)
NOCTI Legal Services (Pathways)
Microsoft Office Specialist–Word
POTENTIAL JOBS
Police Officer
Dispatcher
Forensic Science Technician
Private Detective
Security Guard
Paralegal
Lawyer
Judge
Mediator
Medical Assisting Pathway
| 9TH GRADE |
10TH GRADE |
11TH GRADE |
12TH GRADE |
CERTIFICATIONS |
POTENTIAL JOBS |
|---|
Healthcare Explorations (Project-Based Learning [PBL])
Health Sciences II
|
Medical Terminology
Anatomy and Physiology 1
|
Anatomy and Physiology 2
Medical Assistant 1
|
Medical Assistant 2
Medical Assistant 3
|
ACT National Career Readiness Certification (NCRC)
NOCTI Medical Assisting
AMCA Clinical Medical Assistant Certification (CMAC)
|
Paramedic
Nursing Assistant
Registered Nurse
Phlebotomist
Medical Assistant
Transcriptionist
Pharmacy Technician
Physician
Home Health Aid
|
9TH GRADE
Healthcare Explorations (Project-Based Learning [PBL])
Health Sciences II
10TH GRADE
Medical Terminology
Anatomy and Physiology 1
11TH GRADE
Anatomy and Physiology 2
Medical Assistant 1
12TH GRADE
Medical Assistant 2
Medical Assistant 3
CERTIFICATIONS
ACT National Career Readiness Certification (NCRC)
NOCTI Medical Assisting
AMCA Clinical Medical Assistant Certification (CMAC)
POTENTIAL JOBS
Paramedic
Nursing Assistant
Registered Nurse
Phlebotomist
Medical Assistant
Transcriptionist
Pharmacy Technician
Physician
Home Health Aid
Medical Billing and Coding Pathway
| 9TH GRADE |
10TH GRADE |
11TH GRADE |
12TH GRADE |
CERTIFICATIONS |
POTENTIAL JOBS |
|---|
Healthcare Explorations (Project-Based Learning [PBL])
Health Sciences II
|
Medical Terminology
Anatomy and Physiology 1
|
Anatomy and Physiology 2
Essentials of Health Information Management
|
Medical Coding 1
Medical Coding 2
|
ACT National Career Readiness Certification (NCRC)
Certified Coding Associate (CCA) American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA)
|
Medical and Health Services Manager
Medical Records Technician
Medical Transcriptionist
Health Services Manager
|
9TH GRADE
Healthcare Explorations (Project-Based Learning [PBL])
Health Sciences II
10TH GRADE
Medical Terminology
Anatomy and Physiology 1
11TH GRADE
Anatomy and Physiology 2
Essentials of Health Information Management
12TH GRADE
Medical Coding 1
Medical Coding 2
CERTIFICATIONS
ACT National Career Readiness Certification (NCRC)
Certified Coding Associate (CCA) American Health Information Management Association (AHIMA)
POTENTIAL JOBS
Medical and Health Services Manager
Medical Records Technician
Medical Transcriptionist
Health Services Manager
Medical Transcription Pathway
| 9TH GRADE |
10TH GRADE |
11TH GRADE |
12TH GRADE |
CERTIFICATIONS |
POTENTIAL JOBS |
|---|
Healthcare Explorations (Project-Based Learning [PBL])
Health Sciences II
|
Medical Terminology
Anatomy and Physiology 1
|
Anatomy and Physiology 2
Essentials of Health Information Management
|
Medical Transcription 1
Medical Transcription 2
|
ACT National Career Readiness Certification (NCRC)
Registered Healthcare Documentation Specialist (RHDS) from the Association for Healthcare Documentation Integrity (AHNI)
|
Medical Transcriptionist
Medical Records and Health Information Technician
|
9TH GRADE
Healthcare Explorations (Project-Based Learning [PBL])
Health Sciences II
10TH GRADE
Medical Terminology
Anatomy and Physiology 1
11TH GRADE
Anatomy and Physiology 2
Essentials of Health Information Management
12TH GRADE
Medical Transcription 1
Medical Transcription 2
CERTIFICATIONS
ACT National Career Readiness Certification (NCRC)
Registered Healthcare Documentation Specialist (RHDS) from the Association for Healthcare Documentation Integrity (AHNI)
POTENTIAL JOBS
Medical Transcriptionist
Medical Records and Health Information Technician
Nursing Assisting (CNA) Pathway
| 9TH GRADE |
10TH GRADE |
11TH GRADE |
12TH GRADE |
CERTIFICATIONS |
POTENTIAL JOBS |
|---|
Healthcare Explorations (Project-Based Learning [PBL])
Health Sciences II
|
Medical Terminology
Anatomy and Physiology 1
|
Anatomy and Physiology 2
Nursing Assistant 1
|
Nursing Assistant 2
Nursing Assistant 3
|
ACT National Career Readiness Certification (NCRC)
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
American Medical Certification Association (AMCA) Nursing Assistant Certification (NAC)
|
Nursing Assistant
Registered Nurse
Phlebotomist
Medical Assistant
Transcriptionist
Home Health Aid
|
9TH GRADE
Healthcare Explorations (Project-Based Learning [PBL])
Health Sciences II
10TH GRADE
Medical Terminology
Anatomy and Physiology 1
11TH GRADE
Anatomy and Physiology 2
Nursing Assistant 1
12TH GRADE
Nursing Assistant 2
Nursing Assistant 3
CERTIFICATIONS
ACT National Career Readiness Certification (NCRC)
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
American Medical Certification Association (AMCA)
Nursing Assistant Certification (NAC)
POTENTIAL JOBS
Nursing Assistant
Registered Nurse
Phlebotomist
Medical Assistant
Transcriptionist
Home Health Aid
Pharmacy Tech Pathway
| 9TH GRADE |
10TH GRADE |
11TH GRADE |
12TH GRADE |
CERTIFICATIONS |
POTENTIAL JOBS |
|---|
Healthcare Explorations (Project-Based Learning [PBL])
Health Sciences II
|
Medical Terminology
Anatomy and Physiology 1
|
Anatomy and Physiology 2
Pharmacy Tech 1
|
Pharmacy Tech 2
Pharmacy Tech 3
|
ACT National Career Readiness Certification (NCRC)
Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE)
|
Pharmacy Technician
Pharmacist
|
9TH GRADE
Healthcare Explorations (Project-Based Learning [PBL])
Health Sciences II
10TH GRADE
Medical Terminology
Anatomy and Physiology 1
11TH GRADE
Anatomy and Physiology 2
Pharmacy Tech 1
12TH GRADE
Pharmacy Tech 2
Pharmacy Tech 3
CERTIFICATIONS
ACT National Career Readiness Certification (NCRC)
Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam (PTCE)
POTENTIAL JOBS
Pharmacy Technician
Pharmacist
Sports Medicine Pathway
| 9TH GRADE |
10TH GRADE |
11TH GRADE |
12TH GRADE |
CERTIFICATIONS |
POTENTIAL JOBS |
|---|
Healthcare Explorations (Project-Based Learning [PBL])
Health Sciences II
|
Medical Terminology
Anatomy and Physiology 1
|
Anatomy and Physiology 2
Sports Medicine 1
|
Sports Medicine 2
Sports Medicine 3
|
ACT National Career Readiness Certification (NCRC)
National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) Certified Personal Trainer
|
Athletic Trainer
Massage Therapist
Community Health Worker
Sports Medicine Physician
Physical Therapist
Exercise Physiologist
Personal Trainer
Nutritionist
Paramedic
|
9TH GRADE
Healthcare Explorations (Project-Based Learning [PBL])
Health Sciences II
10TH GRADE
Medical Terminology
Anatomy and Physiology 1
11TH GRADE
Anatomy and Physiology 2
Sports Medicine 1
12TH GRADE
Sports Medicine 2
Sports Medicine 3
CERTIFICATIONS
ACT National Career Readiness Certification (NCRC)
National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) Certified Personal Trainer
POTENTIAL JOBS
Athletic Trainer
Massage Therapist
Community Health Worker
Sports Medicine Physician
Physical Therapist
Exercise Physiologist
Personal Trainer
Nutritionist
Paramedic
OCCUPATION SPOTLIGHT**
MEDICAL ASSISTANT
OCCUPATION SPOTLIGHT**
MEDICAL ASSISTANT
Medical assistants work in physician offices, clinics, and hospitals and perform both administrative and clinical tasks. An aging baby boomer population is expected to increase the demand for Medical Assistants.
2018 Median Salary
|
$32,480 |
Projected New Jobs from 2018–2028
|
183,900 |
Job Growth Rate 2018–2028
|
29% |
Typical Entry-Level Education
|
Postsecondary Nondegree/Certificate |
Medical assistants work in physician offices, clinics, and hospitals and perform both administrative and clinical tasks. An aging baby boomer population is expected to increase the demand for Medical Assistants.
2018 Median Salary
|
$32,480 |
Projected New Jobs from 2018–2028
|
183,900 |
Job Growth Rate 2018–2028
|
29% |
Typical Entry-Level Education
|
Postsecondary Nondegree/Certificate |
OCCUPATION SPOTLIGHT**
REGISTERED NURSE (RNs)
OCCUPATION SPOTLIGHT**
REGISTERED NURSE (RNs)
Registered nurses work in hospitals, physicians’ offices, home healthcare services, and nursing care facilities. Others work in outpatient clinics, schools, or serve in the military. They provide and coordinate patient care, educate patients and the public about various health conditions.
2018 Median Salary
|
$71,730 |
Projected New Jobs from 2018–2028
|
371,500 |
Job Growth Rate 2018–2028
|
12% |
Typical Entry-Level Education
|
Bachelor’s degree |
Registered nurses work in hospitals, physicians’ offices, home healthcare services, and nursing care facilities. Others work in outpatient clinics, schools, or serve in the military. They provide and coordinate patient care, educate patients and the public about various health conditions.
2018 Median Salary
|
$71,730 |
Projected New Jobs from 2018–2028
|
371,500 |
Job Growth Rate 2018–2028
|
12% |
Typical Entry-Level Education
|
Bachelor’s degree |
OCCUPATION SPOTLIGHT**
PARAMEDIC
OCCUPATION SPOTLIGHT**
PARAMEDIC
Paramedics respond to emergency calls, performing medical services and transporting patients to medical facilities. Their work can be physically strenuous and stressful, sometimes involving life-or-death situations.
2018 Median Salary
|
$34,320 |
Projected New Jobs from 2018–2028
|
18,700 |
Job Growth Rate 2018–2028
|
7% |
Typical Entry-Level Education
|
Postsecondary nondegree / certificate |
Paramedics respond to emergency calls, performing medical services and transporting patients to medical facilities. Their work can be physically strenuous and stressful, sometimes involving life-or-death situations.
2018 Median Salary
|
$34,320 |
Projected New Jobs from 2018–2028
|
18,700 |
Job Growth Rate 2018–2028
|
7% |
Typical Entry-Level Education
|
Postsecondary nondegree / certificate |
OCCUPATION SPOTLIGHT**
PHLEBOTOMISTS
OCCUPATION SPOTLIGHT**
PHLEBOTOMISTS
Phlebotomists work in mainly in hospitals, medical and diagnostic laboratories, blood donor centers, and doctors’ offices. They draw blood for tests, transfusions, research, or blood donations.
2018 Median Salary
|
$34,480 |
Projected New Jobs from 2018–2028
|
29,500 |
Job Growth Rate 2018–2028
|
23% |
Typical Entry-Level Education
|
High school diploma + industry certification* |
Phlebotomists work in mainly in hospitals, medical and diagnostic laboratories, blood donor centers, and doctors’ offices. They draw blood for tests, transfusions, research, or blood donations.
2018 Median Salary
|
$34,480 |
Projected New Jobs from 2018–2028
|
29,500 |
Job Growth Rate 2018–2028
|
23% |
Typical Entry-Level Education
|
High school diploma + industry certification* |
OCCUPATION SPOTLIGHT**
PHARMACY TECHNICIAN
OCCUPATION SPOTLIGHT**
PHARMACY TECHNICIAN
Pharmacy technicians work in mainly in pharmacies, including those found in drug, general merchandise, and grocery stores, and in hospitals. They help pharmacists dispense prescription medication to customers or health professionals.
2018 Median Salary
|
$32,700 |
Projected New Jobs from 2018–2028
|
31,500 |
Job Growth Rate 2018–2028
|
7% |
Typical Entry-Level Education
|
High school diploma or equivalent |
Pharmacy technicians work in mainly in pharmacies, including those found in drug, general merchandise, and grocery stores, and in hospitals. They help pharmacists dispense prescription medication to customers or health professionals.
2018 Median Salary
|
$32,700 |
Projected New Jobs from 2018–2028
|
31,500 |
Job Growth Rate 2018–2028
|
7% |
Typical Entry-Level Education
|
High school diploma or equivalent |
OCCUPATION SPOTLIGHT**
ATHLETIC TRAINER
OCCUPATION SPOTLIGHT**
ATHLETIC TRAINER
Athletic trainers work in educational settings, such as colleges, universities, elementary schools, and secondary schools. Others work in hospitals, fitness centers, or physicians’ offices, or for professional sports teams. They specialize in preventing, diagnosing, and treating muscle and bone injuries and illnesses.
2018 Median Salary
|
$47,510 |
Projected New Jobs from 2018–2028
|
31,000 |
Job Growth Rate 2018–2028
|
19% |
Typical Entry-Level Education
|
Bachelor’s degree |
Athletic trainers work in educational settings, such as colleges, universities, elementary schools, and secondary schools. Others work in hospitals, fitness centers, or physicians’ offices, or for professional sports teams. They specialize in preventing, diagnosing, and treating muscle and bone injuries and illnesses.
2018 Median Salary
|
$47,510 |
Projected New Jobs from 2018–2028
|
31,000 |
Job Growth Rate 2018–2028
|
19% |
Typical Entry-Level Education
|
Bachelor’s degree |
OCCUPATION SPOTLIGHT**
MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES MANAGERS
OCCUPATION SPOTLIGHT**
MEDICAL AND HEALTH SERVICES MANAGERS
Medical and Health Services Managers plan, direct, and coordinate the business activities of healthcare providers. They typically work in administrative or a clinical role in a hospital or other healthcare facility.
2018 Median Salary
|
$99,730 |
Projected New Jobs from 2018–2028
|
71,600 |
Job Growth Rate 2018–2028
|
18% |
Typical Entry-Level Education
|
Bachelor’s degree, Master’s degrees are common |
Medical and Health Services Managers plan, direct, and coordinate the business activities of healthcare providers. They typically work in administrative or a clinical role in a hospital or other healthcare facility.
2018 Median Salary
|
$99,730 |
Projected New Jobs from 2018–2028
|
71,600 |
Job Growth Rate 2018–2028
|
18% |
Typical Entry-Level Education
|
Bachelor’s degree, Master’s degrees are common |
OCCUPATION SPOTLIGHT**
DENTAL ASSISTANT
OCCUPATION SPOTLIGHT**
DENTAL ASSISTANT
Dental assistants provide patient care, take x rays, keep records, and schedule appointments. Almost all dental assistants work in dentists’ offices. Most work full time.
2018 Median Salary
|
$38,660 |
Projected New Jobs from 2018–2028
|
38,700 |
Job Growth Rate 2018–2028
|
11% |
Typical Entry-Level Education
|
High school diploma + industry certification* |
Dental assistants provide patient care, take x rays, keep records, and schedule appointments. Almost all dental assistants work in dentists’ offices. Most work full time.
2018 Median Salary
|
$38,660 |
Projected New Jobs from 2018–2028
|
38,700 |
Job Growth Rate 2018–2028
|
11% |
Typical Entry-Level Education
|
High school diploma + industry certification* |
OCCUPATION SPOTLIGHT**
HEALTH EDUCATORS AND COMMUNITY HEALTH WORKERS
OCCUPATION SPOTLIGHT**
HEALTH EDUCATORS AND COMMUNITY HEALTH WORKERS
Health Educators and Community Health Workers people about behaviors that promote wellness. They collect data and discuss health concerns with members of specific populations or communities.
2018 Median Salary
|
$46,080 |
Projected New Jobs from 2018–2028
|
14,100 |
Job Growth Rate 2018–2028
|
11% |
Typical Entry-Level Education
|
Bachelor’s Degree Plus - Many employers require the Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) credential |
Health Educators and Community Health Workers people about behaviors that promote wellness. They collect data and discuss health concerns with members of specific populations or communities.
2018 Median Salary
|
$46,080 |
Projected New Jobs from 2018–2028
|
14,100 |
Job Growth Rate 2018–2028
|
11% |
Typical Entry-Level Education
|
Bachelor’s Degree Plus - Many employers require the Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES) credential |
Explore the 3D immersive learning experience of Destinations' health-related courses by watching the video below.
Connect with Industry Professionals
Have you always wanted to work in health care but weren't sure where to begin? Now you can find out during live virtual sessions with industry professionals. You'll be able to ask questions and get advice on the steps to take toward a fulfilling career in health care. Watch the video to learn more.
LEARN MORE ABOUT COURSE OFFERINGS IN THE OTHER CAREER FIELDS
LEARN MORE ABOUT COURSE OFFERINGS IN THE OTHER CAREER FIELDS
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Curious about health and human services careers or exploring education options?
Read some of the most common questions for your learner.
Do you need a college degree to be a nursing assistant?
A college degree is not needed to become a nursing assistant. Destinations students interested in pursuing that route can take career-focused electives and progress in their mastery of the content as well as prepare for industry-recognized certifications including the ACT National Career Readiness Certification (NRCR), Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), and more.†
Do you need a degree to work in health services?
The degree requirements to work in health services vary. Some jobs, such as those in medical billing, only require the technical skills pertinent to the role, but certified nursing assistants require a specific certificate. No matter the job function, Destinations allows students to dive deep, or simply explore, health service skills that they my need after high school.
Do you need a degree to be a dental assistant?
To become a dental assistant, students must complete an accredited dental assistant program and pass an exam for certification such as the National Entry Level Dental Assistant (NELDA®) certificate. Destinations prepares students to take many different industry-recognized certification exams after graduating.†
*Career fields and pathways vary by school. Check with your school for its current offerings.
**These courses do not replace college courses.
†Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook. Website last modified date: Wednesday, September 4, 2019. This job may require additional education and certifications once a student graduates from high school.
