Career Technical Education Pathways
Career Technical Education (CTE) is a program of study that involves a multiyear sequence of courses that integrates core academic knowledge with technical and occupational knowledge to provide students with a pathway to post-secondary education and careers.
VUSD offers CTE pathways to all of its high school students. Each high school has unique industry sector-aligned pathways, which students can take part in throughout their high school experience.
Please review the information and links below for the pathways available at each high school or one of VUSD's charter schools (VTEC and VCIS).
VUSD CTE Pathways Offered
Other VUSD CTE or Career-Oriented Programs
VUSD Certified Nurse Assistant and Medical Assistant Certification Program
Housed at Mt. Whitney High School but open to all VUSD high school students ages 16 and older, the Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA) program meets all California Department of Public Health requirements. Students receive theory, lab practice skills, and clinical experience at a local nursing home. Program graduates can take the state exam for certification as a CNA. Once certified, students can work as a CNA. This is an excellent step towards entry into higher-level nurse training programs such as LVN and RN.
In addition, the district also offers a Medical Assistant program to all VUSD students in grades 11 and 12. The MA program provides training for both front and back-office work and includes an internship during the spring semester. Our program complies with the Medical Board of California's requirements for MA training. Program graduates can take the certifying exam offered by the California Certifying Board of Medical Assistants and/or seek employment as a Medical Assistant at a medical office, clinic, or hospital.
Please contact your school counselor if you are interested in either of these programs.
CTE Specialist CNA/MA Program: Kathy Brophy
CA National Guard's California Cadet Corps (Mt. Whitney High School)
Housed at Mt. Whitney High School, but open to all incoming freshmen who apply via the same process as the Linked Learning Academies, the California National Guard's Cadet Corps pathway is another career-oriented program offered to students of Visalia Unified School District. The pathway focuses on four core areas: military subjects, citizenship, leadership, and wellness. The pathway aims to support students interested in the Armed Services as a career.
The California Cadet Corps curriculum includes reading, writing, mathematics, fitness/wellness activities, and various career and college preparation components, including training, competitions, and events.
CA Cadet Corps Teacher: Fernando Cervantes
Visalia Technical Early College (VTEC) High School
Animal Science, Agriculture Systems Technology, and Plant Science. Additionally, all VTEC students are members of the National FFA Organization, which provides them the opportunity to gain premier leadership, personal growth, and career success. All students can enroll at the College of the Sequoias (COS) during their freshman year and can take academic and career preparation courses depending on their future goals.
At VTEC, students enroll in the course of study that includes academics and hands-on learning. VTEC students utilize the 35-acre school farm and participate in various student and school projects. These projects include livestock, agricultural mechanics, crop production, and agricultural sales and service. VTEC works closely with local industry professionals to ensure the program is relevant to the Tulare County Ag industry. Additionally, all VTEC students participate in Get Focused Stay Focused, which allows them to gain career exploration and career-ready skills for the future.
Principal: Bill Davis
Visalia Charter Independent Study (VCIS) High School
Visalia Charter Independent Study (VCIS) is a charter school focused on meeting the needs of students in grades 9-12 who desire a flexible approach to education. VCIS incorporates individual yet structured and blended learning strategies to meet the needs of each student.
All students receive a customized schedule based on individual needs. Students are assigned a credentialed teacher weekly to oversee their educational progress. Students take classes on-site (once a week) with credentialed teachers. Students also may work independently and work at their own pace.
As the only independent study program in Visalia Unified, VCIS has the added benefit of support and expertise from a large district. This allows students an easy transition to and from VCIS programs and a viable academic program. VCIS offers a full spectrum of independent study courses plus a comprehensive online curriculum.
VCIS also offers a wide variety of career pathways that are not only stimulating and challenging, but fun! Career pathways include culinary arts, performing arts, production and managerial arts, and health sciences.
Principal: Carly Hawkins
