The Cottage Health Careers Academy (CHCA) 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 CHCA students to begin the academy experience freshman year, and earn 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 CHCA 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 CHCA 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 & CLASS OF 2030 CLASSES COMING SOON!
Course Overviews
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.
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.
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 in Action: Students are placed in an internship opportunity for one semester during their senior year. 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 they 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.
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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