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 5 areas of focus: business, marketing, accounting, personal finance, and entrepreneurship. 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.

Industry Certifications offered: Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, and Excel, Fundamentals of Ethics, Fundamentals of Marketing, Entrepreneurship, 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. 

Course Length: One semester Credit: 0.5 credit Prerequisites: None 

BUSINESS ETHICS 

This is a principles-based ethics course introducing students to key leadership and ethical knowledge and skills. Throughout the course, students apply ethical principles to contemporary, real-world situations that teens and young adults often encounter in school, at home, with friends, and in entry-level job positions. Topics addressed include integrity, trust, accountability, transparency, fairness, respect, rule of law, viability, and much more. This is a semester-long course utilizing ASK Institute curriculum with industry certification. Course Length: One semester Credit: 0.5 credit Prerequisites: None MARKETING 1 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 

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 

ENTREPRENEURSHIP 

In this semester-long introductory business course, students learn the basics of planning and launching their own successful business. Whether they want to start their own money making business or create a non-profit to help others, this course helps students develop the core skills they need to be successful. They learn how to produce new business ideas, attract investors, market their business, and manage expenses. 

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

Dr. Jamerson, krjamerson@insightpaschool.org

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 nursing assistant training, pharmacy technician, and medical billing. 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, Pharmacy Technician, 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 

MEDICAL TERMINOLOGY 1 

This course is a semester course, offered in the fall semester, that simplifies the process of memorizing complex medical terminology by focusing on the important word parts— common prefixes, suffixes, and root words—that provide a foundation for learning hundreds of medical terms. Organized by body systems, the course follows a logical flow of information: an overview of the body system’s structures and functions, common diseases and disorders, diagnostic tests, and treatment procedures. Body systems include muscular, skeletal, integumentary, cardiovascular, pulmonary, and gastrointestinal systems. 

This is a semester course. Course Length: One semester Credit: 0.5 credit Prerequisites: None

 MEDICAL TERMINOLOGY 2 

This is a spring semester course that follows Medical Terminology 1 that simplifies the process of memorizing complex medical terminology by focusing on the important word parts— common prefixes, suffixes, and root words—that provide a foundation for learning hundreds of medical terms. Organized by body systems, the course follows a logical flow of information: an overview of the body system’s structures and functions, common diseases and disorders, diagnostic tests, and treatment procedures. Body systems include endocrine, urinary, male and female reproductive systems, special senses, as well as discuss mental health and dental specialties. 

This is a semester course. Course Length: One semester Credit: 0.5 credit Prerequisites: None 

HEALTHCARE WORKFORCEPREP 

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. 

This is a semester course. 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). 

This is a year-long course. Course Length: Two semesters Credit: 1 credit Prerequisites: Medical Terminology 1 and 2 

NURSING ASSISTANT I

This course is a Project Based Learning Course (PBL). 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, 16 anatomy and physiology, patient care, and safety. Discover what it takes to start your journey into this highly needed field. Students need to pass to progress into Nursing Assistant 2. 

Course Length: One semester Credit: 0.5 credit Prerequisites: Medical Terminology 1 and 2

 NURSING ASSISTANT II

This course is a Project Based Learning course (PBL). As a Nursing Assistant, you are heavily involved in the care of your patients. But what does a typical day look like? How do you care for your patients during your shift? 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– even for the most complex patient needs. Students who have good attendance and achieve an acceptable grade will qualify for ISPA to pay for the hands-on portion of the certification requirement to become a CNA at a local center. ISPA will also pay for the certification exam with successful completion of the courses. ISPA does not provide transportation. 

Course Length: One semester Credit: 0.5 credit Prerequisites: Nursing Assistant 1 

PHARMACY TECHNICIAN 

This is a full year course with an A and B side to the exam preparation that gives students the knowledge and skills needed to work with a licensed pharmacist in a variety of clinical and retail settings. Students explore medical and pharmaceutical terminology, pharmaceutical calculations, pharmaceutical techniques, sterile compounding, pharmacy record keeping, and pharmacy law and ethics. Students also examine all of the essential medical topics such as body systems, common diseases and conditions, microbiology, and medication errors. This course prepares students for the National Health career Association’s Ex CPT exam (Certification of Pharmacy Technicians). ISPA will pay for the certification exam if students have good attendance and an acceptable grade. This is a year-long course. *11th and 12th grade level course 

Course Length: Two semesters Credit: 1 credit Prerequisites: Medical Terminology 1 and 2 and Algebra 1 or equivalent

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.

Information Technology

This pathway explores the occupations and educational opportunities within computer databases, web page design, programming, 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

PYTHON PROGRAMMING 

Python Programming introduces students to the fundamentals of computer programming, with an emphasis on helping students develop logical thinking and problem-solving skills. Students begin by learning to design, code, and test their programs while applying mathematical concepts, then move to more advanced programming concepts and learn to create more powerful programs using functions, strings, data structures, file i/o operations, and objects. This is a year-long course in CodeHS curriculum, with a Python industry certification offered through Certiport. 

Course Length: Two semesters Credit: 1 credit Prerequisites: None 

DATA SCIENCE 

Industries of all types are hiring data scientists to analyze and highlight the hidden patterns in data. This course equips students with the essential skills of a data scientist which include data collection, cleanup, transformation, analysis, and visualization. Students will write algorithms, tell data stories, and build statistical models using Python libraries. They will use the same tools that data scientists use to draw meaningful insights and solve organizational problems. This is a semester-long course in CodeHS curriculum. 

Course Length: One semester Credit: 0.5 credit Prerequisites: Python or Computer Science 

ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE 

The Artificial Intelligence course teaches students important programming concepts that enable the use of Artificial Intelligence in computer science and society at large. Students will learn how to incorporate basic Artificial Intelligence algorithms in their own work, and consider the social and ethical implications of how Artificial Intelligence is used, and how it plans to be used. Students will develop a series of projects that illustrate the variety of ways Artificial Intelligence can be used to optimize and predict information and processes. This is a semester-long course in CodeHS curriculum. 

Course Length: One semester Credit: 0.5 credit Prerequisites: Python 

CYBERSECURITY 

This is a foundational course that provides engaging content and hands-on, experiential training and certification preparation on the latest security tools and techniques.Designed to equip students with essential knowledge and skills, this course serves as a springboard for aspiring security specialists and lays the groundwork for advanced career pathways in cybersecurity. This is a year-long course in TestOut curriculum. This is a Tier 3 Course with rigor and high level learning. *10th, 11th, 12th Grade Course

This is a year-long. Credit: 1 credit. Prerequisites: None 

COMPUTER SCIENCE EXPLORATIONS 

The Computer Science Explorations course offers a foundational introduction to the field of Computer Science. Throughout the course, students will delve into key topics including cybersecurity and digital citizenship, programming fundamentals, networking, internet essentials, and computational thinking. Through a series of engaging challenges and lessons, students will develop a fundamental understanding of various concepts within computer science. This is a year-long course in CodeHS curriculum.

Course Length: Two semesters Credit: 1 credit Prerequisites: None 

INTRODUCTION TO PROGRAMMING 

This course serves as a gateway for students to explore the captivating universe of coding and computational thinking. It provides a genuine introduction to grasp the fundamentals of programming and comprehend their practical applications in the real world. By engaging in simple coding exercises and entertaining activities, students will depart from this course equipped with a foundational understanding of programming concepts. This is a year-long course in CodeHS curriculum 

Course Length: Two semesters Credit: 1 credit Prerequisites: None 

WEB PAGE DESIGN 

The course is a project-based course that teaches students how to build their own web pages. Students will learn the languages HTML and CSS, and will create their own live homepages to serve as portfolios of their creations. By the end of this course, students will be able to explain how web pages are developed and viewed on the Internet, analyze and fix errors in existing websites, and create their very own multi page websites. Students will learn the foundations of user interface design, rapid prototyping and user testing, and will work together to create professional, mobile responsive websites. This is a year-long course in CodeHS curriculum with HTML industry certification from Certiport. 

Course Length: Two semesters Credit: 1 credit Prerequisites: None 

IT FUNDAMENTALS PRO 

This course covers a wide range of topics including computer hardware and software, operating systems, networking fundamentals, cybersecurity, troubleshooting methodologies, and IT ethics. Leveraging the TestOut LabSim simulation environment, students will engage in hands-on learning experiences that mirror real-world IT scenarios, allowing them to apply theoretical knowledge in practical contexts.This is a year-long course with curriculum in TestOut. This is a Tier 3 Course with rigor and high level learning. *10th, 11th, 12th Grade Course 

Course Length: Two semesters Credit: 1 credit Prerequisites: None

Mrs. Kolesha, cokolesha@insightpaschool.org

Mrs. Zarli, dizarli@insightpaschool.org

Mr. Thompson, mathompson@insightpaschool.org

Education & Training

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.

FUNDAMENTALS TO TEACHING PROFESSION 

Teaching Profession courses introduce students to the principles underlying teaching and learning, the responsibilities and duties of teachers, and the techniques of imparting knowledge and information. These courses typically expose students to and train them in classroom management, student behavior, leadership and human relations skills, assessment of student progress, teaching strategies, and various career opportunities in the field of education. 

Course Length: One semester Credit: 0.5 credit Prerequisites: None 

INTRODUCTION TO LESSON PLANNING 

Educational Methodology courses prepare students to teach and guide others. These courses typically provide opportunities for students to develop their own teaching objectives, to design lesson plans, and to experience teaching in a controlled environment. Students examine and practice teaching strategies, learning styles, time management and planning strategies, presentation and questioning skills, classroom management, and evaluation techniques. 

Course Length: One semester Credit: 0.5 credit Prerequisites: None 

UNDERSTANDING CHILD DEVELOPMENT 

Child Development courses provide students with knowledge about the physical, mental, emotional, social, and moral growth and development of children from conception to preschool age, emphasizing the application of this knowledge in child care settings and/or home environments. Brain development and current developmental research are addressed. These courses typically include related topics such as the appropriate care of infants, toddlers, and young children. 

Course Length: One semester; only offered Spring Semester Credit: 0.5 credit Prerequisites: Fundamentals to Teaching Profession

Mrs. Mussleman, demusselman@insightpaschool.org