Bioscience Academy
Career Pathway
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 largest growing 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 excel 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 succeed 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 (Year 1 - 10th grade)
- CTE Concentrator Medical Technology Honors (Year 2 - 11th grade)
- CTE Capstone Biotechnology Methods & Applications Honors (Year 3 - 12th grade)
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 and internship opportunities
- Field station work with Coastal Marine Biolabs and California State University, Channel Islands
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: $62,000-$220,000
Projected Industry Growth: 15-26%
CE Teacher:
Mika Anderson, Program Coordinator
(805) 289-0023 x2204
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, rewarding medical, healthcare, and biotechnology industries. This diverse 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 is based at Foothill Technology High School and comprises four unique sequenced courses: Bioscience Survey, Honors Physiology, Honors Medical Technology (Concentrator), and Honors Biotechnology (Capstone). Additionally, Honors Biotechnology is articulated with Ventura County Community College District to offer 4 college credits.
The program delivers 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 (Health Occupation Students of America).
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.
Once you have gained the skills and knowledge in this pathway, there are many options for your next steps after high school - some you can even begin pursuing before you graduate!
1 Year
Emergency Medical Services - Paramedic Studies - Ventura College
Medical Assistant - Ventura College
Pre-Health Professions - Oxnard College
Biotechnology - Moorpark College
2 Year
Associate in Science, Nursing - Ventura College
Associate in Science for Transfer, Public Health - Oxnard College
Associate in Science, Biotechnology - Moorpark College
4 Year
Bachelor of Science, Nursing - California State University Channel Islands
Bachelor of Science, Biology - California State University Channel Islands
Bachelor of Science, Biochemistry - University of California, Santa Barbara