Career pathways are designed to give students real-world experience while identifying the Classification of Instructional Programs (CIP Codes) relevant to the programs of study.
What are Pathways?
Think of Pathways as different roads that guide students to a variety of career possibilities. Students that participate in one of the Career Pathways below, are indicating their interest in pursuing a career in that field, while taking advantage of all the opportunities in the program. Each Pathway offers a series of courses that guide students in a meaningful education and career development that can accelerate a career path and seamless transition from graduation into postsecondary goals. If a student finds they do not like the Pathway they’ve chosen, they can change it anytime!
Students that participate in a pathway are indicating their interest in pursuing a career in that field in the future and are committing to take a series of pathway courses that will allow them to develop a strong knowledge base in that subject area.
Finding the right career can be as simple as 3 STEPS:
*Students take career assessments in Smart Futures to guide their exploration and career plan.
1. Career Awareness
Who am I? What are my interests?
It is important to choose a pathway that matches your interests, skills, and abilities.
2. Career Exploration
What career path relates to my interests?
Learn about the different jobs in the pathway.
3. Career Preparation
What education or training do I need?
Learn what you’ll need for the career you want in either college, military, or work-based learning.
Learn more about our Pathways:
Business Career Preparation
This pathway prepares students for careers in business while gaining essential skills necessary to compete in the competitive job market. It involves 4 areas of focus: business, marketing, accounting, and personal finance. Participation in FBLA will further develop skills in communication and business. College in the High School courses include: College Equivalency in Accounting and Marketing and earn credit from Robert Morris University. In addition to College Credit in the Introduction to Business course from Pennsylvania College of Technology.
Industry Certifications offered: Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Excel, Fundamentals of Ethics, Fundamentals of Marketing, and Professional Skills for Business
INTRODUCTION TO BUSINESS
Introduction to Business is a project-based learning class where students will learn about the fundamentals of business. Students will study the concepts of marketing, financial management, human resource management, in addition to other business related functions. Students will primarily learn through a coffee shop simulation where they are faced with real-world business scenarios such as hiring staff, purchasing equipment and supplies, handling customer complaints, and so much more! This one semester course gives students the opportunity to own and operate a business without the risk. Qualified students will have the opportunity to earn college credit during the second semester with Pennsylvania College of Technology.
Course Length: One semester Credit: 0.5 credit Prerequisites: None
MARKETING I
This is a Project Based Learning course (PBL) where students find out what it takes to market a product or service in today’s fast-paced business environment. They learn the fundamentals of marketing using real-world business examples. They learn about buyer behavior, marketing research principles, and the importance of pricing, promotion, and placement when introducing products in the market. *10th, 11th, 12th grade level course
Course Length: One semester Credit: 0.5 credit Prerequisites: None
COLLEGE EQUIVALENCY MARKETING
This is a one semester, College in the High School, course taught by Insight PA instructors utilizing Robert Morris University curriculum to offer dual credit for students. This course is an introductory study of the marketing discipline as applied to an ever changing global commerce landscape. The marketing environment, both domestic and international, is examined. The primary focus is on the marketing mix, promotional mix, and the characteristics and the product-life cycle. Current issues and concepts such as international marketing, market-place diversity, added-value, customer service, and the role of total quality management are an integral part of course content and interactive learning activities. Students taking this course will have the opportunity to earn an industry recognized certification in Fundamental Marketing Concepts. 11th or 12th grade level course
Course Length: One semester Credit: 0.5 credit College Credit: 3 credits Prerequisites: Marketing 1
BUSINESS COMMUNICATIONS
The Business Communication course provides students with communication principles, concepts, and techniques which are essential components for effective organizational behavior in oral, written, and nonverbal communication situations. Communication strategies utilizing principles of psychology and professionalism will be emphasized. Students will utilize problem solving skills which can be transferred to work after high school. This is a semester course with curriculum in Certiport with the Communication Skills for Business/Professional Communication industry certification.
Course Length: One semester Credit: 0.5 credit Prerequisites: None
ACCOUNTING I
Accounting 1 is a semester-long course recommended for all students planning to major in Business Administration in college, and any student with an interest in exploring the business world. This course provides an opportunity for students to prepare for college accounting as well as to learn basic principles of accounting. Students apply general mathematical calculations to accounting transactions. The students are provided with experiences in planning, gathering, analyzing, and interpreting financial data. 11th or 12th grade level course.
Course Length: One semester Credit: 0.5 credit Prerequisites: None
COLLEGE EQUIVALENCY ACCOUNTING
This level 2 accounting course is a semester-long, College in the High School course, taught by Insight PA instructors utilizing Robert Morris University curriculum to offer dual credit for students. It prepares students for college level coursework in accounting, a requirement for all Business majors. It will further develop the accounting cycle: recording, summarizing, interpreting financial data for corporations, which includes long-term liabilities, plant assets and inventory, cash flow, and financial statement analysis. 11th or 12th grade level course
Course Length: One semester Credit: 0.5 credit College Credit: 3 credits Prerequisites: Accounting I.
MICROSOFT APPLICATIONS
Microsoft Office courses are beneficial for students to conduct educational material and practice in school and university faster with higher quality. These courses provide industry-leading assessments of skills and knowledge through project-based testing, giving students real-world exercises to appraise their understanding of Microsoft Office and taking the industry exams. This year-long course guarantees that every certified student can prove they have the ability to command the full features and functionality of the Word, PowerPoint, and Excel programs that will prepare them for future academic or workforce opportunities. Participation in FBLA can be an opportunity to advance these technical skills.
Course Length: Two semesters Credit: 1 credit Prerequisites: None
PERSONAL FINANCE
Personal Finance is a financial literacy course that has the integration of various factors relating to financial management; including financial institutions, using money, learning to manage personal assets and liabilities, creating budgets, and being financially responsible. Students in the course will evaluate the impact of both internal and external influences in these financial decisions on purchasing events that occur at different stages of life. This is a semester-long course and a graduation requirement. All 11th grade students will automatically be enrolled unless this course or an equivalent has already been completed.
Course Length: One semester Credit: 0.5 credit Prerequisites: None
Ms. Goss, amgoss@insightpaschool.org
Mrs. Hammer, dohammer@insightpaschool.org
Mr. Vignone, nivignone@insightpaschool.org
Mrs. Crowley, stcrowley@insightpaschool.org
Interested in joining Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA)?
Contact FBLA Advisor Ms. Amanda Goss at amgoss@insightpaschool.org.
Healthcare Professions
This pathway offers a range of career exploration opportunities from entry-level to professional careers in healthcare. Focuses include medical terminology, nursing assistant training, anatomy and physiology, and human growth and development. Students that qualify may apply for acceptance into a Nurse Aide training program which prepares them for the state exam to become employable as certified nurse aide (CNA).Students are also encouraged to join Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA), to further their experience.
Industry Certifications offered: CPR, HIPPA, Stop the Bleed, OSHA Healthcare, Certified Nursing Assistant
INTRODUCTION TO HEALTH OCCUPATIONS
Do you know you want to do something in the medical field, but not sure what that is? In this course we will learn about and have access to 75 different healthcare careers. For each career, we will learn about the education requirements, what the job entails, the demand in the workforce, as well as how much you could make within that career. This is a semester long course (previously called Health Professions Pathway)
Course Length: One semester Credit: 0.5 credit Prerequisites: None
HEALTHCARE WORKFORCE PREP
In this preparatory class, the student will work to complete multiple certifications within the healthcare field. These include CPR certification, first aid, AED training, bloodborne pathogens, OSHA for healthcare, Mandated Reporter, HIPAA, and Stop the Bleed. Students will build a resume as well as work on interviewing skills to prepare for the workforce.
Course Length: One semester Credit: 0.5 credit Prerequisites: Introduction to Health Occupations
MEDICAL BILLING SPECIALIST
Entering into medical billing online training is a great entry-level opportunity for someone with a knack for data entry and a detail-oriented personality. Insurance and Billing, and Coding Essentials will immerse you in the world of medical billing and prepare you with the knowledge of diagnosis coding, procedure coding, reimbursement processes, and understanding insurance companies. After completion of our medical billing and coding online course, you’ll be prepared to take the Medical Coder & Biller Certification (MCBC) exam, authorized through the American Medical Certification Association (AMCA).
Course Length: Two semesters Credit: 1 credit Prerequisites: Medical Terminology 1 and 2
MEDICAL TERMINOLOGY
This is a one year course that simplifies the process of memorizing complex medical terminology by focusing on the important word parts– common prefixes, suffixes, and word roots– that provide a foundation for learning hundreds of medical terms. Units are organized by body systems, covering structures and function, common diseases and disorders, diagnostic tests, treatments, and procedures. We will cover: integumentary, skeletal, muscular, cardiovascular, lymphatic and immune, respiratory, digestive, nervous, endocrine, urinary, male and female reproductive systems. Qualified students will have the opportunity to earn college credit during the second semester with Pennsylvania College of Technology.
Course Length: Two semesters Credit: 1 credit Prerequisites: None
NURSING ASSISTANT
If you ever wanted a career that is centered around the care of others and that directly impacts the most vulnerable populations, then it’s time to explore what it means to be a Nursing Assistant. This role can be the first step on your nursing career ladder or into other healthcare positions. Learn career options, ethical and legal responsibilities, anatomy and physiology, patient care, and safety. Discover what it takes to start your journey into this highly needed field, what a typical day looks like, and how to care for patients. From hospital settings to home health care, from pre- and postoperative to rehabilitation, discover how best to communicate and work with your team to ensure a safe environment, prevent and control infectious diseases, advocate for your patient’s rights, and provide appropriate care. Students may qualify for the hands on portion to become a CNA at a local center and take the state exam. More information on the approval process will be shared in the course and pathway.
Course Length: Two semesters Credit: 1 credit Prerequisites: Medical Terminology
ANATOMY & PHYSIOLOGY FOR HEALTHCARE
This Anatomy and Physiology course offers a focus in healthcare with a comprehensive introduction on diseases and disorders to the structure and function of the human body. Topics covered include; major organ systems like the integumentary, skeletal, muscular, nervous, endocrine, cardiovascular, lymphatic, respiratory, digestive, urinary, and reproductive systems, with an emphasis on understanding how these systems work together to maintain homeostasis, all while utilizing interactive learning tools and visuals to enhance comprehension; this course is typically designed for students in the life sciences or allied health fields.
Course Length: One semester Credit: 0.5 credit Prerequisites: None
HUMAN GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT
The Human Growth & Development course analyzes human development across the lifespan. Within the course, milestones for physical, emotional, social and cognitive development are identified and methods for optimizing development are explained.This is a year-long course.
Course Length: Two semesters Credit: 1 credit Prerequisites: None
Mrs. Mowen (RN), asmowen@insightpaschool.org
Mrs. Dominick (RN), cadominick@insightpaschool.org
Mrs. Startzman (RN), dastartzman@insightpaschool.org
Interested in joining Future Health Professionals (HOSA)?
Contact HOSA Advisor Mrs. Ashleigh Mowen at asmowen@insightpaschool.org.
Digital Technology
This pathway explores the occupations and educational opportunities within computer databases, web page design, programming, engineering design, and cybersecurity. This program develops computational thinking and problem solving skills to create and use new technologies. The fundamental knowledge prepares students for the 21st century skills for any future occupation.
Industry Certifications offered include: HTML & CSS, Python, Java, JavaScript, and Computational Thinking
Education
This is a pathway that will provide a foundation into the teaching profession by developing knowledge and skills in the field with community impact. Students will explore courses in Lesson Planning, Fundamentals of Teaching Profession, and Child Development. In addition, students taking the College Equivalency Introduction to Special Education course earn college credit from Robert Morris University.
Arts, Media, and Entertainment
This pathway is designed for students to pursue careers that utilize their creativity and imaginative talents on the job. The program may also include exploration into careers as a performer, artist, work behind the scenes creating special effects, or other visual images, as well as journalism.