Start prepping NOW for your dream job or work-anywhere trade skills!
Get Started on a Powerful Pathway to Success in Bioscience…and Beyond
The medical field is adapting, expanding, and evolving daily. One of the main burgeoning sectors is biotechnology. Do you have a deep interest in the interworking of the human system? Have you dreamed of helping people live healthier, more secure lives? Have recent events inspired you to enter the public health workforce? If this sounds like you, then you might want to start learning the skills needed to thrive in the thriving medical, healthcare, and biotechnology industries. This multi-layered, deeply-connected pathway offers students an entryway into both a valuable college degree and a rewarding career path. It’s a great way to build the strong foundation needed to excel in this rewarding yet challenging field today…and well into the future.
What You'll Learn
From 10th grade upward, enroll in courses to start preparing for your career in the medical industry. Classes include:
- CTE Intro Bioscience Survey
- CTE Con Medical Technology Honors
- CTE Cap Biotechnology Methods & Applications Honors
What You’ll Do
Take what you’re learning in the classroom into the real world and experience for yourself all that awaits you in the medical industry. Immersive and insightful experiences include:
- First aid and CPR instruction and certification
- Hands-on skills development
- Field trips to colleges, blood banks, and laboratories (both private sector and University)
- Access to experienced professionals in medical, health technology, biotechnology, and public health
- Job shadowing opportunities
- Field station work with Coastal Marine Biolabs and CSUCI
Who You Can Be
Kickstart your career path with top-tier academic instruction and industry-leader insights. The Bioscience Academy Pathway prepares you for potential careers such as:
- Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
- Doctor
- First Responder (Fire Fighter/EMT/Paramedic)
- Health Technician
- Laboratory
- Laboratory Research Professional
- Lab Technician
- Nurse (RN)
- Pharmacist
- Pharmaceutical or Biotechnology Research Professional
- Public Health Professional
- Research Associate
- Scientist/Microbiologist/Virologist
Industry Average Wages: $40,000-$220,000
Projected Industry Growth: 15%

CE Teacher:
Mika Anderson
(805) 289-0023 x2504
mika.anderson@venturausd.org
What You Need to Know
VUSD’s Bioscience Academy Pathway offers students (10th grade and up) a fast-track to degrees and careers in the fast-paced, reward-rich medical, healthcare, and biotechnology industries. This diverse, deep pathway aims to produce students who excel in STEM fields and are prepared to take the next step on their journey into college or the workforce. The pathway comprises four unique courses: Bioscience Survey, Honors Biotechnology (CAPSTONE), Honors Physiology, and Honors Medical Technology. Additionally, Honors Biotechnology is articulated with Ventura College to offer 4 college credits. The program delivers a three-year pathway of instruction that covers necessary industry-relevant skills inpatient care, emergency medical response, microbiology/clinical laboratory, public health, and biotechnology. The comprehensive career-building program also emphasizes the development of vital “soft skills” such as interviewing, professional writing, resume building, and networking. Career connections are formed with seasoned professionals through job shadows, internships, speakers, and formal dinners. Students grow their leadership skills and are empowered to become leaders in global health by participating in the Career Technical Student Organization called HOSA. The pathway also features strong relationships with several prominent businesses and healthcare systems, including Community Memorial Hospital Systems (CMHS), Coastal Marine Biolabs, and Ventura County Health Care Agency. Thanks to the deep diversity of this pathway, students can prepare for a wide range of careers, including nurse (RN), doctor, certified nursing assistant (CNA), lab technician, microbiologist, virologist, first responder, pharmacist, public health professional, and more.
Get a jump start on your college future by earning college credits and valuable real-world skills you can use for college and career.
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