Kapolei HS-Health Careers Academy

Starting in 10th grade, students at Kapolei High School will join an Academy. Each Academy has English, social studies, and electives teachers. The Academy also includes Programs of Study that focus on specific careers and recommend courses to help students prepare for those careers. Students work together on projects, improving their teamwork skills and learning the skills needed for various industries.

The Health Careers Academy offers three different programs of study for students to choose from: Nursing Services, Human Performance Therapeutic Services, or Medical Assistant Training Program (affiliated with Hawaii Pacific Health).

The Nursing Services program is designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills necessary to enter into a postsecondary nursing program, leading to an RN license or advanced-level credentials in nursing or as a physician. Students who complete this program of study are interested in pursuing careers working with patients in a clinical setting.

This program partners with Hawaii Pacific Health (HPH). Students who complete it will earn a Nurse Aide Certificate of Completion from HPH. The course focuses heavily on practical nursing skills to prepare students for entry-level patient care positions after finishing the program.

There are a limited number of seats available for this program. Acceptance requires an application and an interview.

Click here to view the recommended or required courses needed to complete the Nursing Services Program of Study

The Human Performance Therapeutic Services program helps students learn how to identify diseases, injuries, and disorders related to therapy and rehabilitation. You'll study how the body works and how to create treatment plans.

If you complete this program, you'll finish the courses needed to become a certified pharmacy technician. Once you're 18 and pass the CPhT exam, you can become a nationally certified pharmacy technician.

Students who choose this program often want to work in healthcare and with patients but not necessarily in a clinic or hospital. This program is great for those interested in becoming rehabilitation therapists, pharmacists, biomedical researchers or engineers, or diagnostic specialists.

Click here to view the recommended or required courses needed to complete the Human Performance Therapeutics Services Program of Study.

Hawaii Pacific Health offers a Medical Assistant Program for high school seniors at no cost. After completing the program and earning national certification, students will be prioritized for jobs at an HPH facility.

The program includes two semesters of classes and 225 hours of clinical externships. You'll study anatomy and physiology, medical terminology, administrative medical assisting, clinical medical assisting, and more. All the training simulates real-world scenarios and focuses on skills used in actual clinic settings.

If you want to pursue this program in your senior year, please express your interest to Mrs. Deborah Alipio (Academy Counselor) before 11th-grade registration. Participating students will likely need to take summer school classes to fit off-campus classes with Hawaii Pacific Health instructors at Waipahu High School into their senior-year schedule.

More information about this program can be found at Hawaii Pacific Health's website: https://www.hawaiipacifichealth.org/careers/find-your-career/students/medical-assistant-program/

Industry Certifications

Students who complete three years of either program of study will earn multiple industry certifications. Earning certifications while in high school is crucial because it equips students with practical skills and qualifications that enhance their employability and college readiness. These certifications provide a competitive edge in the job market, demonstrating to employers and educational institutions a commitment to professional development and a readiness to contribute effectively.

Health Careers Academy Industry Certifications One-Pager