Health Occupations year 1 Course Description
Launch the media gallery 1 playerHEALTH OCCUPATIONS YOUTH APPRENTICESHIP I (HOYA I)
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Level: |
11th and 12th grades |
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Class Location: |
St. John Church, Freeport |
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Time: |
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Length: |
One year |
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H.S. Credit: |
2 credits per year |
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Post Sec Credit: |
Highland Community College – Dual Credit** 8 credits (for students successfully completing the C.N.A. theory and clinical training)
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Prerequisite: |
Keyboarding skills, immunization documentation, satisfactory completion of Algebra 1, and at least an 8th grade reading level, which will be confirmed through Accuplacer exam score of at least 220. Prior to acceptance into the HOYA (Heath Occupations) program, students also must submit a short written paragraph explaining their interest in the program and outlining their goals. Students pursuing CNA training must present a state-issued photo ID and Social Security or ITIN number on or before the first day of class to be eligible for the State of Illinois CNA exam (no exceptions, per IDPH regulations). |
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CAREERTEC Fees: |
$213 ($80 drug screen, $20 workbook, $25 Textbook rental, $6 name tag, $22 CPR, $60 scrub uniform), to be paid by student/parent at high school during registration. In the event of a non-negative drug screen, the student will be assessed an additional fee of $26 for the screen to be sent to an independent lab. |
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HCC Fees: |
$15 registration fee for spring semester, made payable to HCC |
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Optional Fees: |
$85 CNA state testing fee (paid at time of state registration). Students may purchase their textbook at replacement cost. |
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Calendar: |
This course follows the CAREERTEC calendar |
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State Course ID: |
Sem1: 14002A002(Health Occupation Introductory Concepts and Skill Development); Sem2: 14051A001 (Nursing Assistant I, NURS 109) |
Healthcare is one of the fastest-growing industries worldwide, encompassing a broad range of professions including nursing, medicine, laboratory technology, respiratory therapy, occupational and physical therapy, and surgical and allied health support roles. HOYA I provides a structured introduction to healthcare occupations, focusing on foundational knowledge, essential skills, and professional standards applicable across multiple healthcare settings. Classroom instruction is integrated with introductory job shadow experiences, allowing students to observe and explore various healthcare environments. The course is designed to prepare students for more advanced postsecondary study and career-specific training within the healthcare field.
Students must provide documentation of a two-step tuberculosis (TB) skin test or TB blood test (lab test), as well as proof of Hepatitis B vaccination prior to the start of the class. TB tests (both 2-step and lab test) can be obtained at the county health department or your physician’s office for a fee; appointments should be made.
*COVID-19 and influenza vaccinations may be required by partner healthcare facilities prior to job shadowing or clinicals, but are not required by CareerTEC.
In accordance with healthcare standards, students are subject to random and reasonable suspicion alcohol and drug screenings. Any student who tests positive will be removed from the program.
Students are offered the opportunity to complete Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) training as part of the course. A total of 40 hours of clinical instruction will be conducted one day per month from December through April during the regular school day. Students who successfully complete both the theory and clinical components of the program with a minimum grade of 80% or higher will be eligible to sit for the State of Illinois Nurse Aide Competency Examination, administered at Highland Community College in late May or early June.
Suggested preparatory courses include Algebra I, computer literacy, keyboarding skills, strong science background, competent writing skills, and a strong interest in health-related careers. Students may be responsible for their own transportation to and from Job Shadow sites, clinical sites, community service activities and some field trips. Dual credit at HCC: NURS 109.
All fees listed are approximate and are subject to change.
HEALTH OCCUPATIONS YOUTH APPRENTICESHIP II (HOYA II)
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Level: |
12th grade |
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Class Location: |
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Length: |
One year |
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H.S. Credit: |
2 credits per year |
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Post Sec Credit: |
Highland Community College - Dual credit** - 5 total – 2 credits after passing Health Care Delivery final exam and 3 credits after passing Medical Terminology exam |
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Prerequisite: |
Completion of HOYA I with C or better and 95% attendance, and attainment of work site placement |
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CAREERTEC Fees: |
$196 ($46 textbook rental, $70 workbook, $80 drug test), to be paid by student/parent at the high school during registration. |
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HCC Fees: |
$15 registration fee for Spring semester, made payable to HCC |
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Calendar: |
This course follows the CAREERTEC calendar |
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State Course ID: |
Sem1: 14154A001 (NURS 117/HLTH 101); Sem2: 14098A005 (Nursing Assistant Workplace Experience) or 14998A002 (Health Science Workplace Experience) |
HOYA II is a combination of on-site clinical work experiences and academic study designed to prepare students for postsecondary education or entry into health-related professions. Students engage in structured work-based learning within healthcare settings while continuing classroom instruction focused on professional competencies, medical knowledge, and current healthcare practices.
Students interview and work on-site with healthcare professionals for an average of 7.5 hours per week, totaling approximately 128 hours per semester and a cumulative total of 255 hours over the course. These supervised experiences provide students with real-world exposure to patient care, teamwork, professional communication, and healthcare delivery standards. This on-site internship will be secured prior to the start of class.
Class sessions are held Monday through Wednesday from 1–2:30 p.m. and emphasize Medical Terminology and Health Care Delivery Systems. Students explore topics such as national and regional healthcare practices, workforce projections, healthcare access and advocacy, service delivery and management, population diversity, and global health trends. Coursework encourages comparison of local and international healthcare systems and promotes understanding of evolving health behaviors.
As part of the academic component, students also design and implement teaching projects that promote health awareness in local schools or community settings. These projects often address current public health issues, such as infection prevention, mental health awareness, nutrition, substance misuse, and chronic disease prevention, allowing students to apply classroom learning while contributing to community wellness.
Students must provide documentation of a one-step tuberculosis (TB) skin test or TB blood test (laboratory test) prior to the start of class. TB testing may be completed through the county health department or a physician’s office for a fee. In accordance with healthcare standards, students are subject to random and reasonable suspicion alcohol and drug screenings; a positive result will result in removal from the program.
Students must provide their own transportation to and from internship sites, community service activities, and, if necessary, the classroom. Participation in community-based learning and teaching projects is an essential component of the program, connecting academic study with real-world public health practice and professional experience.