Health Science Career Cluster

Revised June 2024

The Health Science career cluster focuses on planning, managing, and providing therapeutic services, diagnostic services, health informatics, support services, and biotechnology research and development. Careers include medical assistant, registered nurse, physical therapist, forensic science technician, and athletic trainer.

Statewide Program of Study: Diagnostic and Therapeutic Services

The Diagnostic and Therapeutic Services program of study focuses on occupational and educational opportunities associated with diagnosing and treating acute, episodic, or chronic illness independently or as part of a healthcare team. This program includes exploring patient treatment and rehabilitative programs that help build or restore daily living skills.

Secondary Courses for High School Credit

• Level 1: Principles of Health Science
• Level 2:
  • Medical Terminology
  • Dental Anatomy and Physiology
  • Pharmacy I
• Level 3:
  • Anatomy and Physiology
  • Medical Microbiology
  • Dental Equipment and Procedures
  • Health Science Theory
  • Health Science Theory and Health Science Clinical
  • Pharmacy II
• Level 4: Practicum in Health Science

Aligned Advanced Academic Courses

• AP Biology
• AP Chemistry

Students should consult a counselor to consider these course opportunities to enrich their preparation. AP or IB courses not listed under the Secondary Courses for High School Credit section of this framework document do not count toward concentrator or completer status for this program of study.

Work-Based Learning and Expanded Learning Opportunities

Work-Based Learning Activities

• Intern with a medical assistant at a community clinic, hospital, assisted living, or long-term care facility
• Participate in job shadowing or experiences such as Emergency Medical Services (EMS) ride-alongs or hospital/clinical job shadowing

Expanded Learning Opportunities

• Participate in Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA) or SkillsUSA

Example Postsecondary Opportunities

Apprenticeships

• Medical Assistant

Associate Degrees

• Emergency Medical Technology
• Radiologic Technology or Science

Bachelor’s Degrees

• Emergency Medical Technology
• Medical Insurance Coding

Master’s, Doctoral, and Professional Degrees

• Medicine
• Occupational Therapy

Additional Stackable Licenses/Certifications

• Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer

Example Aligned Occupations

Medical Assistants

• Median Wage: $36,834
• Annual Openings: 11,638
• 10-Year Growth: 29%

Dental Hygienists

• Median Wage: $79,663
• Annual Openings: 1,352
• 10-Year Growth: 32%

Physician Assistants

• Median Wage: $127,332
• Annual Openings: 974
• 10-Year Growth: 41%

Aligned Industry-Based Certifications

• Certified Dental Assistant
• Certified EKG Technician
• ECG Technician
• Patient Care Technician
• Pharmacy Technician

Additional Information

Successful completion of the Diagnostic and Therapeutic Services program of study fulfills requirements of the Public Service endorsement or the STEM endorsement.

Data Source: TexasWages, Texas Workforce Commission (Retrieved March 8, 2024)

https://tea.texas.gov/academics/college-career-and-military-prep/career-and-technical-education/programs-of-study