The Health & Human Services Pathway consists of programs of study related to the promotion of physical and mental health. If you like to observe, learn, investigate, analyze, evaluate or solve problems related to health issues this may be the pathway for you. If you like working with others by helping, informing, educating or healing, you may want to consider a career in Health and Human Services.

How do you feel about the following questions?

• Do you like helping others learn new things or acquire information?

• Do you get along with a wide variety of people?

• Do you enjoy providing service to other people?

• Do you enjoy learning about how society works and group interaction?

Are you interested in:

• family relations and child care and development?

• medicine and health?

• law enforcement?

• food services?

• teaching?

• recreation and entertainment?

Careers in Health & Human Services

ENTRY LEVEL

These are examples of careers which usually require on-the-job training or special vocational classes in high school:

• Home Health Aide • Hospital Attendant • Educational Assistant • Social Service Aide • Nursing Assistant • Waitress/Waiter • Receptionist • Secretary • Child Care Worker • Home Health Aide • Postal Worker

SKILLED LEVEL

These are examples of careers which usually require training beyond high school up to two years of study at a community or technical college:

• Dental Hygienist • Medical Assistant • Surgical Technician • Respiratory Therapist • Child Care Worker • Dental Assistant • Licensed Practical Nurse • Cosmetologist • Firefighter • Sign Language Interpreter • Veterinary Technician

PROFESSIONAL LEVEL

These are examples of careers which usually require four or more years of specialized college study:

• Dentistry • Medicine (Human and Veterinary) • Chiropractor • Teacher • Speech Pathology • Physical Therapy • Nursing • Pharmacy • Mental Health Therapist • School Counselor • Forensic Scientist • Interpreter & Translator

The Health & Human Services occupations are among the fastest growing areas in our economy. The opportunities are varied and offer opportunities at all educational levels. Development of strong “people skills” is critical to success in this occupational pathway. Classes in this pathway will enhance these interpersonal skills as well as provide a strong background in personal health issues. If you answered “yes” to many of the above questions, then a career in Health & Human Services may be your pathway. Check with a counselor on courses to choose.

Note: The careers listed in each career pathway are meant as examples and do not represent all careers in each pathway.

RELATED RESOURCES

For more information regarding Washington State High School graduation requirements: http://www.k12.wa.us/ communications/GradReq.aspx

Tech Prep Database

Washington State Outlook Site

WorkSource Washington

Apprenticeship Programs

Washington Workforce Explorer

Workforce Board's "Where are you going?"

WOIS/The Career Information System Resources Page

America's Career Onestop

Bureau of Labor Statistics

Washington State Eligible Training Provider List

Onet Online System

Access Washington: Job Training

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