Endorsement: Public Services
See course descriptions and additional information on the high school course descriptions page.
Health Science
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.
Programs of study
Health Informatics
Health Informatics Program of Study
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 regulatory requirements of the healthcare system. Students may also practice writing and interpreting medical reports.
Course pathway
Note: This pathway is available at the Gilbreath-Reed Career and Technical Center (GRCTC).
| Level | High school campus |
|---|---|
| 1 | 8H100, 8H105 DC, 8H760 MST |
| 2 | 8H200, 8H701 MST, 8H205 DC 8D120 A/B, 8D125 DC |
| 3 | 8H910 GRCTC (Fall) 8H913, 8H915 GRCTC (Spring) |
| 4 | 8H930 GRCTC (Fall) 8H933 GRCTC (Spring) |
Potential careers
| 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% |
Postsecondary options
Below is a list of potential career certifications for a student interested in this pathway.
| Education level | Options |
|---|---|
| HS/Industry Certification |
|
| Certificate/License* |
|
| Associate's Degree |
|
| Bachelor's Degree |
|
| Master's/Doctoral Degree |
|
*Additional industry-based certification information is available from the TEA CTE website.
**Offered at the GRCTC
For more information on post-secondary options for this pathway, 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 the Future Health Professionals (HOSA)
Career preparation activities
- Volunteer at a community wellness center, hospital, assisted living center, or nursing home
Healthcare Diagnostics
Healthcare Diagnostics Program of Study
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 | MST pathway |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 8H100, 8H105 DC | 8H100, 8H105 DC, 8H760 MST |
| 2 | 8H200, 8H205 DC | 8H701 MST |
| 3 | One of the following: 8H302, 8H325 DC 8H300 | One of the following: 8H702 MST, 8H715 MST DC 8H720 MST |
| 4 | 8H310, 8H311 (H) 8H405 DC (NGHS) 8H400 | 8H310, 8H311 (H) 8H730 MST 8H735 MST DC |
Potential careers
| 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% |
Postsecondary options
Below is a list of potential career certifications for a student interested in this pathway.
| Education level | Options |
|---|---|
| HS/Industry Certification |
|
| Certificate/License* |
|
| Associate's Degree |
|
| Bachelor's Degree |
|
| Master's/Doctoral Degree |
|
*Additional industry-based certification information is available from the TEA CTE website.
**Offered at NGHS & GRCTC. EKG possible at other campuses
For more information on post-secondary options for this pathway, 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 Future Health Professionals (HOSA)
Work-based learning activities
- Go on clinical rotations at a community wellness center, hospital, assisted living, or nursing home
Healthcare Therapeutic: General
Healthcare Therapeutic Program of Study
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
Healthcare Therapeutic pathway
Note: This program is offered at all GISD campuses.
| Level | Campus pathway |
|---|---|
| 1 | 8H100, 8H102 DC |
| 2 | 8H200 |
| 3 | One of the following: 8H302/8H325 DC |
| 4 | 8H310/8H311 (H) 8H400 |
Potential careers
| 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% |
| Dental Assistants | $34,840 | 4,422 | 31% |
Postsecondary options
Below is a list of potential career certifications for a student interested in this pathway.
| Education level | Options |
|---|---|
| HS/Industry Certification |
|
| Certificate/License* |
|
| Associate's Degree |
|
| Bachelor's Degree |
|
| Master's/Doctoral Degree |
|
*Additional industry-based certification information is available from the TEA CTE website.
**Offered at NGHS and the GRCTC
***Offered at NGHS, SGHS, and the GRCTC
For more information on post-secondary options for this pathway, 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 Future Health Professionals (HOSA)
Work-based learning activities
- Volunteer at a community wellness center, hospital, assisted living, nursing home, or pharmacy externship
Healthcare Therapeutic: Certified Nurse Assistant
Healthcare Therapeutic: Certified Nurse Assistant Program of Study
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
Certified Nurse Assistant pathway
Note: This program is offered at South Garland HS (SGHS).
| Level | SGHS pathway |
|---|---|
| 1 | 8H100 |
| 2 | 8H200 |
| 3 | One of the following: 8H302/8H325 DC 8H300 |
| 4 | 8H310/8H311 (H) 8H400 |
Potential careers
| Occupations | Median wage | Annual openings | % Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Medical Assistants | $29,598 | 8,862 | 30% |
| Surgical Technologists | $46,310 | 1,150 | 21% |
| Dental Hygienists | $73,507 | 1,353 | 38% |
| Physicians and Surgeons | $213,071 | 1,151 | 30% |
| Dental Assistants | $34,840 | 4,422 | 31% |
Postsecondary options
Below is a list of potential career certifications for a student interested in this pathway.
| Education level | Options |
|---|---|
| HS/Industry Certification |
|
| Certificate/License* |
|
| Associate's Degree |
|
| Bachelor's Degree |
|
| Master's/Doctoral Degree |
|
*Additional industry-based certification information is available from the TEA CTE website.
**Offered at NGHS and the GRCTC
***Offered at NGHS, SGHS, and the GRCTC
For more information on post-secondary options for this pathway, 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 Future Health Professionals (HOSA)
Work-based learning activities
- Volunteer at a community wellness center, hospital, assisted living, nursing home, or pharmacy externship
Healthcare Therapeutic: Clinical Medical Assistant
Healthcare Therapeutic: Clinical Medical Assistant Program of Study
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 Pathways
Note: These programs are offered at North Garland HS and as a part of the Math, Science, and Technology (MST) magnet. It is also available at the Gilbreath-Reed Career and Technical Center (GRCTC).
| Level | MST & NGHS pathway | GRCTC pathway |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | 8H100/8H105 DC/8H760 MST | 8H100/8H105 DC/8H760 MST |
| 2 | 8H200/8H205 DC/8H701 MST | 8H200/8H701 MST |
| 3 | 8H740 MST/8H745 DC MST 8H310/8H311 (H) One of the following: 8H302/8H325 DC/8H715 MST DC 8H300/8H325 DC/8H720 MST/8H705 DC MST | 8H740 MST/8H745 DC MST (NGHS) 8H310/8H311 (H) One of the following: 8H302/8H325 DC/8H720 MST/8H715 DC MST 8H300/8H720 MST |
| 4 | 8H770 MST/8H775 DC MST 8H404 8H405 DC/8H735 DC MST 8H734 | 8H770 MST/8H775 DC NST (NGHS) 8H942 (GRCTC) |
Potential careers
| Occupations | Median wage | Annual openings | % Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Medical Assistants | $29,598 | 8,862 | 30% |
| Surgical Technologists | $46,310 | 1,150 | 21% |
| Dental Hygienists | $73,507 | 1,353 | 38% |
| Physicians and Surgeons | $213,071 | 1,151 | 30% |
| Dental Assistants | $34,840 | 4,422 | 31% |
Postsecondary options
Below is a list of potential career certifications for a student interested in this pathway.
| Education level | Options |
|---|---|
| HS/Industry Certification |
|
| Certificate/License* |
|
| Associate's Degree |
|
| Bachelor's Degree |
|
| Master's/Doctoral Degree |
|
*Additional certification information is available from the TEA CTE website.
**Offered at NGHS and the GRCTC
***Offered at NGHS, SGHS, and the GRCTC
For more information on post-secondary options, 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 SkillsUSA or Future Health Professionals (HOSA)
Work-based learning activities
- Volunteer at a community wellness center, hospital, assisted living, nursing home, or pharmacy externship
Healthcare Therapeutic: Pharmacy Technician
Healthcare Therapeutic: Pharmacy Technician Program of Study
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 Pathways
Note: These programs are offered at North Garland HS and as a part of the Math, Science, and Technology (MST) magnet. It is also available at the Gilbreath-Reed Career and Technical Center (GRCTC).
| Level | NGHS & GRCTC pathway |
|---|---|
| 1 | 8H100, 8H760 MST |
| 2 | 8H200, 8H701 MST |
| 3 | One of the following: 8H302, 8H325 DC, 8H702 MST, 8H715 DC MST (NGHS) 8H300, 8H720 MST 8H740 MST/8H745 DC MST (NGHS) |
| 4 | 8H310, 8H311 (H) 8H770 MST/8H775 DC NST (NGHS) 8H965 (GRCTC), 8H731 MST |
Potential careers
| Occupations | Median wage | Annual openings | % Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Medical Assistants | $29,598 | 8,862 | 30% |
| Surgical Technologists | $46,310 | 1,150 | 21% |
| Dental Hygienists | $73,507 | 1,353 | 38% |
| Physicians and Surgeons | $213,071 | 1,151 | 30% |
| Dental Assistants | $34,840 | 4,422 | 31% |
Postsecondary options
Below is a list of potential career certifications for a student interested in this pathway.
| Education level | Options |
|---|---|
| HS/Industry Certification |
|
| Certificate/License* |
|
| Associate's Degree |
|
| Bachelor's Degree |
|
| Master's/Doctoral Degree |
|
*Additional industry-based certification information is available from the TEA CTE website.
**Offered at NGHS and the GRCTC
***Offered at NGHS, SGHS, and the GRCTC
For more information on post-secondary options for this pathway, 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 SkillsUSA or Health Occupation Students of America (HOSA)
Work-based learning activities
- Volunteer at a community wellness center, hospital, assisted living, nursing home, or pharmacy externship
Healthcare Therapeutic: Dental Assistant
Healthcare Therapeutic: Dental Assistant Program of Study
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
Dental Assistant pathway
Note: This program is offered at the Gilbreath-Reed Career and Technical Center (GRCTC).
| Level | GRCTC pathway |
|---|---|
| 1 | 8H100/8H105 DC/8H760 MST |
| 2 | 8H200/8H701 MST |
| 3 | 8H302/8H325 DC 8H300 |
| 4 | 8H310/8H311 (H) 8H950 (GRCTC) |
Potential careers
| Occupations | Median wage | Annual openings | % Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Medical Assistants | $29,598 | 8,862 | 30% |
| Surgical Technologists | $46,310 | 1,150 | 21% |
| Dental Hygienists | $73,507 | 1,353 | 38% |
| Physicians and Surgeons | $213,071 | 1,151 | 30% |
| Dental Assistants | $34,840 | 4,422 | 31% |
Postsecondary options
Below is a list of potential career certifications for a student interested in this pathway.
| Education level | Options |
|---|---|
| HS/Industry Certification |
|
| Certificate/License* |
|
| Associate's Degree |
|
| Bachelor's Degree |
|
| Master's/Doctoral Degree |
|
*Additional industry-based certification information is available from the TEA CTE website.
**Offered at NGHS and the GRCTC
***Offered at NGHS, SGHS, and the GRCTC
For more information on post-secondary options for this pathway, 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 SkillsUSA or Future Health Professionals (HOSA)
Work-based learning activities
- Volunteer at a community wellness center, hospital, assisted living, nursing home, or pharmacy externship
Healthcare Therapeutic: Certified Patient Care Technician
Healthcare Therapeutic: Certified Patient Care Technician Program of Study
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
Certified Patient Care Technician pathway
Note: This program is offered at North Garland HS (NGHS)
| Level | NGHS pathway |
|---|---|
| 1 | 8H205 DC |
| 2 | 8H105 DC 8H325 DC |
| 3 | 8H310/8H311 (H) 8H415 DC |
| 4 | 8H425 DC |
Potential careers
| Occupations | Median wage | Annual openings | % Growth |
|---|---|---|---|
| Medical Assistants | $29,598 | 8,862 | 30% |
| Surgical Technologists | $46,310 | 1,150 | 21% |
| Dental Hygienists | $73,507 | 1,353 | 38% |
| Physicians and Surgeons | $213,071 | 1,151 | 30% |
| Dental Assistants | $34,840 | 4,422 | 31% |
Postsecondary options
Below is a list of potential career certifications for a student interested in this pathway.
| Education level | Options |
|---|---|
| HS/Industry Certification |
|
| Certificate/License* |
|
| Associate's Degree |
|
| Bachelor's Degree |
|
| Master's/Doctoral Degree |
|
*Additional industry-based certification information is available from the TEA CTE website.
**Offered at NGHS and the GRCTC
***Offered at NGHS, SGHS, and the GRCTC
For more information on post-secondary options for this pathway, 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 SkillsUSA or Future Health Professionals (HOSA)
Work-based learning activities
- Volunteer at a community wellness center, hospital, assisted living, nursing home, or pharmacy externship
