Health care is one of the fastest-growing industries in New Jersey and the nation.
With continuing advances in health care technology and a current health care worker shortage, NJ county vocational-technical schools are responding with a wide range of programs that give students real-world, hands-on learning experiences and opportunities to explore the many career options in this important field.
An increasing number of vocational-technical school districts offer students opportunities to rotate through hospitals and other medical centers as part of a health care career pathway. These students are exposed to different specialties as they begin to plan for the future.
Students graduate from these programs prepared for jobs or further study in college. In many cases, students can earn industry credentials – such as an Emergency Medical Technician certification – and college credits as part of their high school course work. Adult programs also allow students to obtain additional certifications, such as Licensed Practical Nursing or Dental Hygienist.
Why Health Sciences?
- Projected to add 2.4 million new jobs by 2029, faster growth than other occupational groups
- 6 of the 10 fastest-growing occupations are in health care
- Nurse practitioner positions expected to grow 52% by 2029, with strong growth also among home health and personal aides, medical and health services managers, occupational therapy assistants, physical therapy assistants, and physician assistants
- Accounts for 17.7% of U.S. GDP
- Employs 16 million people
Take a closer look at Health Sciences:
Career pathways in this area include:
Anesthesiologist
Biomedical researcher
Chiropractor
Dentist or dental assistant
Emergency medical technician
Mechanical, electrical, and industrial technician
Home health aide
Lab or medical technician
Medical or hospital administrator
Nurse
Nursing assistant
Personal trainer
Pharmacist
Physician
Physical therapist
For Students And Parents:
To see what health sciences programs your county vocational-technical school offers, find your school.
For Adult Students:
To find health sciences programs at county vocational-technical schools near you, use the “Find Adult Career Programs” tool.
For More Information About Careers In Health Sciences:
O*Net OnLine has comprehensive information on all types of jobs, including surveys that help people find careers they might enjoy.
Access ExploreHealthCareers.org, which is designed to help identify career options and the skills, education, and certifications needed to launch careers in health care.
View videos on career pathways in the health sciences industry:
From US Department of Labor Career One-Stop:
https://www.careeronestop.org/Videos/IndustryVideos/health-science-overview.aspx
https://www.careeronestop.org/Videos/IndustryVideos/health-science-occupations.aspx
https://www.careeronestop.org/Videos/CareerVideos/career-videos.aspx
From Working Nation, learn about some specialized careers in health sciences:
Nutrition – https://workingnation.com/i-want-that-job-dietitian/
Physical Therapy Assistant – https://workingnation.com/i-want-that-job-physical-therapist-assistant/
Health Sciences News
Warren County Technical School honors St. Luke’s Volunteer Coordinator Elizabeth Deck as 2024 Business Partner of the Year
Elizabeth Deck, a volunteer coordinator for St. Luke’s Hospital, works diligently to ensure Health Sciences students at Warren County Technical School (WCTS) find opportunities to learn more about their healthcare interests. Deck’s genuine commitment to helping students earned Deck and St. Luke’s the 2024 Business Partner of the Year honor from WCTS.
Monmouth County Vocational School District, Brookdale Community College, and Kean University Announce Groundbreaking Nursing Pathway Program for Fall 2025
The Monmouth County Vocational School District, in partnership with Brookdale Community College and Kean University, is proud to announce the launch of a groundbreaking nursing pathway program, Nursing Bridge to Excellence set to begin in Fall 2025.
Career Classroom: High School Biotechnology Programs Support New Jersey’s Dominance in Health Sciences (ROI-NJ)
An analysis by the New Jersey Department of Labor over the summer showed biotechnology among the top five specialized skills required for health sciences job postings. New Jersey’s vocational-technical schools are broadening program offerings in health sciences to prepare students for a range of careers and next steps in this career area.
Read more news about Health Sciences