Alabama's healthcare systems require skilled support professionals who deliver compassionate patient care while maintaining safe, clean healthcare environments. This pathway prepares students for careers as patient care assistants, nursing assistants, unit support specialists, and healthcare facility technicians. Students develop core healthcare skills, patient communication, basic care techniques, and understanding of healthcare facility operations.
The curriculum covers health science foundations, patient care support, healthcare facility operations, patient hygiene and comfort, basic patient monitoring, and patient communication. Students learn vital signs monitoring, personal care assistance, infection control, patient safety, and supporting patients with activities of daily living. Practical experiences in clinical or long-term care settings develop clinical competencies.
Graduates pursue careers as nursing assistants, patient care technicians, home health aides, and healthcare facility support specialists, with entry-level salaries ranging from $24,000-$30,000. Healthcare support professionals with experience and additional certifications earn $32,000-$40,000+. The pathway provides excellent foundation for pursuing nursing degrees or other healthcare careers.
Health Support Services at a Glance
3
Courses
8
Credentials
4
Career Paths
State Standards & Framework
Alabama's Health Support Services pathway standards align with standards established by the National Association of Health Care Assistants and Alabama nursing board requirements. The curriculum prepares students for Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) certification and entry-level healthcare support employment.
Students completing this pathway develop core healthcare competencies in patient care, safety, and infection control that meet Alabama state standards and prepare them for CNA certification and entry-level healthcare support positions.
Typical Course Sequence
| Course |
|---|
| Health Science Foundations |
| Health Support Services I |
| Health Support Services II |
Industry Certifications & Credentials
- ✓EKG Technician
- ✓Pharmacy Technician (PTCB)
- ✓NOCTI Emergency and Medical Services
- ✓NOCTI Health Assistant
- ✓Medical Terminology Certification
- ✓Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)
- ✓CPR/AED for Healthcare Providers (BLS)
- ✓First Aid
Career Opportunities
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2024). Growth projections from BLS Employment Projections (2023-2033). Cost-of-living adjustment uses BEA Regional Price Parities (2023). Entry-level salaries reflect the 25th percentile; experienced salaries reflect the median.
Nursing Assistant
Entry LevelSalary range: $29,110 - $35,930
Adjusted for cost of living: $32,355
Patient Care Technician
Entry LevelSalary range: $29,110 - $35,930
Adjusted for cost of living: $32,355
Home Health Aide
Entry LevelAdjusted for cost of living: $27,787
Healthcare Support Supervisor
ExperiencedSalary range: $74,720 - $162,780
Adjusted for cost of living: $118,184
Work-Based Learning Opportunities
Clinical internships in hospitals, long-term care facilities, assisted living communities, and home health agencies provide direct patient care experience and employment pathways.
Career & Technical Student Organization
Students in this pathway can participate in HOSA-Future Health Professionals, gaining leadership experience and competing in career-related events.
How Sage Helps Alabama CTE Programs
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Alabama Standards Built In
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Teacher Customization
Teachers personalize content while maintaining standards alignment
Ongoing Updates
Curriculum stays current as Alabama standards and industry needs evolve
Related Pathways in Alabama
Diagnostic Services
Alabama's advanced medical centers, including UAB in Birmingham and Huntsville Hospital, consistently seek skilled diagnostic professionals in medical imaging, laboratory analysis, and clinical assessment. This pathway prepares students for careers as radiologic technologists, medical laboratory technicians, and diagnostic ultrasound technicians. Students develop technical skills in operating diagnostic equipment, collecting specimens, performing analyses, and communicating results to healthcare providers. The curriculum covers health science foundations, diagnostic equipment operation, specimen collection and analysis, quality assurance, and safety protocols. Students study anatomy and physiology relevant to diagnostic procedures, learn sterilization and safety procedures, and develop skills in diagnostic technology. Laboratory and imaging simulation experiences prepare students for clinical practice. Graduates pursue careers as radiologic technologists, medical laboratory technicians, and diagnostic ultrasound technicians, with entry-level salaries ranging from $32,000-$38,000. Licensed diagnostic professionals with experience earn $45,000-$58,000+. The pathway provides excellent preparation for pursuing degrees in diagnostic medicine or related healthcare professions.
Health ScienceTherapeutic Services
Alabama's growing healthcare sector, anchored by medical centers in Birmingham (UAB, Grandview, Brookwood) and Huntsville, creates expanding career opportunities in therapeutic services. This pathway prepares students for careers as physical therapist assistants, occupational therapist assistants, respiratory therapists, and other clinical support professionals. Students develop clinical skills, patient communication techniques, and understanding of therapeutic interventions that improve patient outcomes. The curriculum covers health science foundations, therapeutic principles and techniques, patient communication, infection control, and therapeutic documentation. Students learn anatomy and physiology relevant to therapeutic interventions, assist with patient assessment, and develop therapeutic treatment skills. Hands-on practicum experiences in clinical settings provide direct patient care experience. Graduates pursue careers as physical therapist assistants, occupational therapist assistants, and clinical support specialists, with entry-level salaries ranging from $30,000-$36,000. Licensed therapeutic professionals with experience earn $40,000-$52,000+. The pathway provides strong preparation for pursuing degrees in physical therapy, occupational therapy, or other therapeutic professions.
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