The Health Careers Academy (HCA) is currently expanding and integrating various changes to the pathway curriculum and experiences. Beginning Fall 2026, Project Lead The Way (PLTW) Biomedical Science and Mental Health and Wellness curriculum will be added, and current courses will be sunset as new courses are implemented. This expansion will allow HCA students to begin the academy experience freshman year and complete two Career Technical Education (CTE) pathways (Patient Care and Mental & Behavioral Health), earning industry-standard certifications through partnerships with organizations like Cottage Health, Santa Barbara City College, and the National HealthCareer Association. Students will also have access to internships and work-based learning experiences with our community partners including Cottage Health, YouthWell, Ferris-Wong Endodontics and more.
CLASS OF 2027
If you are currently enrolled in the HCA as a junior (Class of 2027) you will continue with the current course sequence.
*= The Health Careers Academy in Action course will allow students to complete internships at partner sites and obtain industry-standard certifications. The SBCC Certified Nursing Assistant course is set to return and be available to a minimum of 15 HCA seniors Fall 2026. An application will be required in order to complete the course. Additional certifications, such as Patient Care Technician and/or Medical Assistant, will be offered via the National HealthCareer Association.
CLASS OF 2028
If you are currently enrolled in the HCA as a sophomore (Class of 2028) you will continue with the current course sequence.
*= The Health Careers Academy in Action course will allow students to complete internships at partner sites and obtain industry-standard certifications. By 2027, we anticipate opportunities for certifications will grow to include Certified Nursing Assistant, Medical Assistant, Emergency Medical Technician, Phlebotomist, Surgical Processing Technician, and more. Sites for internships will also increase allowing students to intern in a greater variety of healthcare environments that match their career and advanced education goals.
CLASS OF 2029
If you are currently a freshman (Class of 2029), applying for the HCA (Application Deadline: January 12, 2026), you will experience a transition year as we begin implementing new curriculum for both the Patient Care and Mental & Behavioral Health pathways.
Red = Patient Care Pathway (Project Lead The Way Biomedical Science courses), Blue = Mental & Behavioral Health Pathway
*= The Health Careers Academy in Action course will allow students to complete internships at partner sites and obtain industry-standard certifications. By 2027, we anticipate opportunities for certifications will grow to include Certified Nursing Assistant, Medical Assistant, Emergency Medical Technician, Phlebotomist, Surgical Processing Technician, and more. Sites for internships will also increase allowing students to intern in a greater variety of healthcare environments that match their career and advanced education goals.
+= Courses integrated with SBCC courses for college credit.
CLASS OF 2030 & BEYOND
If you are currently an 8th grader (Class of 2030), applying for the HCA (Application Deadline: January 12, 2026), you will get to complete the full four-year HCA sequence with all Patient Care and Mental & Behavioral Health courses.
Red = Patient Care Pathway (Project Lead The Way Biomedical Science courses), Blue = Mental & Behavioral Health Pathway
*= The Health Careers Academy in Action course will allow students to complete internships at partner sites and obtain industry-standard certifications. By 2027, we anticipate opportunities for certifications will grow to include Certified Nursing Assistant, Medical Assistant, Emergency Medical Technician, Phlebotomist, Surgical Processing Technician, and more. Sites for internships will also increase allowing students to intern in a greater variety of healthcare environments that match their career and advanced education goals.
+= Courses integrated with SBCC courses for college credit.
ADDITIONAL HEALTH CAREERS ACADEMY ELECTIVES
Electives offered to all SMHS and HCA students will adjust over time as we partner with more educational institutions and community partners. For students joining/continuing with the HCA 2026-2027, the following electives will be available:
HE 103: Responding to Medical Emergencies
Sports Medicine
AP Psychology
Current Course Overviews (2025-2026)
HE 103: Responding to Medical Emergencies: Recommended for students who have an interest in learning to recognize, assess and provide care for injuries or sudden illness until professional medical help arrives. Emphasizes the importance of a safe, healthy lifestyle and the prevention of injuries. American Red Cross Responding to Emergency and Adult CPR certification possible.
Health Careers Academy (HCA) Core: This course provides a firm foundation for students planning to further their education in the health and medical fields. Students receive instruction in career path options, employability skills and general and specific work place skills. Basic health care skills, safe practices and confidentiality are emphasized.
Communications: This course is designed to help students improve both individual and group communication. Students will be required to engage in activities to enhance their basic communication skills as well as interpersonal, group, public, and workplace communications. Writing assignments, group activities, and projects will also help students learn conflict management, speaking skills, and how to communicate using technology such as email, the Internet, voice mail, and Web sites. A member of Toastmasters teaches a session in public speaking and debate once a week. Upon completion, students receive a Toastmasters certificate.
Allied Health Careers: This course will focus on the concepts and principles of the structure, function, and systems of the human body in relationship to human growth and development. Students will learn to recognize problem situations in health care settings as they relate to direct and indirect patient care. Safety issues, ethical considerations, legal constraints and professional codes will be presented and discussed throughout the course. An extensive unit on HIPAA requirements will be taught. Students will use the knowledge of disease prevention for the maintenance of optimal health. Students will learn foundation skills and be certified in CPR and First Aid. In addition, students will be exposed to guest speakers from various health care fields.
Medical Terminology AH 120 (SBCC): This is an introductory college-level course focusing on common medical terminology. Meets one hour a week.
BMS 100: Anatomy and Physiology: This course is an in depth study of the human body. Students focus on body systems, emphasizing the structure and function of organs; causes, symptoms and treatment of disorders of each system; and diagnostic techniques. Topics to be covered will be: digestive, urinary, endocrine, nervous, skeletal, muscular, cardiovascular, lymphatic, respiratory, and reproductive.
Honors Medical Biology: This is a course in basic biology with medical application for college preparatory students. The laboratory-oriented course will cover concepts in basic biochemistry, cells, cellular energy, genetics, human biology, evolution, and ecology all with an emphasis on health and medicine meeting all the California state biology standards. This course will meet the Life Science graduation requirement.
PE 200: Kinesiology: This course is designed to offer a 4th year of science credit for the students in the Health Careers Academy. Students will receive core classroom instruction in kinesiology, biomechanics, anatomy, physiology, health processes, injury evaluation, and basic knowledge of sports medicine, personal training, physical therapy and fitness instructor. In addition, students will take part in labs in the classroom that will enable them to use a hand on approach to understanding lecture materials.
HCA Internship: Students are placed in an internship opportunity for one term during the Spring semester. The goal of the internship experience is to enhance the student's knowledge of a particular medical field or profession. By participating in the internship, the student will obtain a perspective of the skills and tasks that are required of this particular job. As a result of this experience the student will better understand what kind of training and education he/she will need in the future. This experience allows the student to understand the connection between schoolwork and their future career. Sites vary according to the student's interest and space availability. Most students are placed at Cottage Health.
Optional Courses
Sports Medicine: This course is designed to help students develop an awareness of health careers within the physical therapy and sport medicine occupations. Classroom instruction covers such topics as: medical terminology; human anatomy; emergency procedure; soft tissue and bone injuries; causes, symptoms, and management of injuries; nutrition; physical fitness; and career opportunities. In addition to the classroom instruction, students will rotate through on-the-job training experiences with local physical therapists, chiropractors, athletic trainers, and physical education teachers.
AP Psychology: This course introduces students to the systematic study of human behavior and mental processes. While considering the psychologists and studies that have shaped the field, students explore and apply psychological theories, key concepts, and phenomena associated with such topics as the biological bases of behavior, sensation and perception, learning and cognition, motivation, developmental psychology, testing and individual differences, treatment of abnormal behavior,and social psychology. Throughout the course, students employ psychological research methods, including ethical considerations, as they use the scientific method, analyze bias, evaluate claims and evidence, and effectively communicate ideas.
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