Do you need help deciding what certifications to add to your CTE Health Science program? Read this 6-step guide to help you make the best decision for your students and program.

1. Best Certifications for
Health Science Programs
A 6-step guide for choosing the right CTE
certifications for your health science programs

2. By Bri Stauffer
@RonnaPiranha

3. Does your state have guidelines?
Step 1 – 5 Questions to Ask
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Are your instructors licensed to teach CNA courses?
What are local employers looking for?
Is employment transferrable?
5 What is the cost of certification?

4. • NHA Certifications:
• Pharmacy Tech
• EKG Tech
• Patient Care Technician
• NOCTI Credentials:
• Biotechnology
• Health Assisting
• Health Informatics
(These are just a few- Learn more at NHA and NOCTI)
Step 2 – Review Certifications

5. Once you review certifications, it’s time to choose which
ones you will add to your program.
Here are a few popular ones to think about:
• NHA – Medical Administrative Assistant
• NHA – Patient Care Technician
• NOCTI – Health Assisting
• NOCTI – Medical Assisting
Step 3 – Choose Certifications

6. Step 4 – Choose Your Core Curriculum
Find out if your state has a predefined core for healthcare
Look at the NCHSE standards for a starting point
Reference the Common Career Technical Core Standards
Exam preparation materials are not the same as a core
curriculum. Here’s what you can do to find curriculum:

7. Step 5 – Select Student Resources
No matter what certification your program has, your
students will need resources. There are many to choose
from, and each provider has a different approach.
Here’s a few to look into:
• Today’s Class
• Paxton Patterson
• PassAssured
• Odysseyware
• Edgenuity

8. Step 6 – Monitor & Improve
NHA and NOCTI provide data you can use to make changes
Survey students after graduation to see what certifications
were the most helpful
Be aware if employers’ needs are changing
Once you have the program in place, make sure you
monitor the results of your efforts.

9. Learn More by Reading
the Full Guide:
The Best Certifications for CTE
Health Science Technology Programs