The Utica High School Academy for Health and Human Services (HHS) is the latest academy program offered by Utica Community Schools, helping students prepare for success in the quickly growing health and human services industry. HHS is a full-day program that combines core academic subjects with Career and Technical Education medical careers curriculum, focusing on three career pathways:
- Rehabilitation Services – focused on careers such as personal training, athletic trainer, registered dietician, occupational therapist or physical therapist
- Public Safety – emphasizing careers such as Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), paramedic, firefighter or criminal investigator
- Therapeutic Services – highlighting careers such as patient care technician, medical assistant, registered nurse, physician assistant or doctor
HHS is based at Utica High School and includes English, social studies, math and science courses that align with state academic standards but are delivered through a medical lens.
In addition to a comprehensive curriculum, the program offers students a medical career expo in their sophomore year, a medical career-related job shadowing during their junior year and an extended internship during their senior year.
A capstone project will be required of all students in their senior year to replicate industry-level challenges from Health Occupation Students of America (HOSA) or based on partnership challenges with professional collaborators. Students can also earn certifications through their enrollment with the academy.
