Utilizing a planned program of learning experiences in education and real world training settings, Career Education assists students to make informed decisions about their study and/or work options and enables them to participate effectively in working life.

Within the Career Education curriculums there is a strong commitment to nutrition, wellness, healthy lifestyles and well-being.

Teaching “Hands Only CPR” can save many lives by filling our community with people who are trained to give sudden cardiac arrest victims the immediate help they need to survive until professional medical help arrives.

On February 8, 2014, the Countywide CPR Day took place in 20 designated Fire Stations throughout Palm Beach County. Biomedical and Medical Sciences Academy students were trained and certified by Palm Beach State College Paramedic students as “Hands Only CPR” instructors. The academy students trained the rest of the students and staff at several high schools throughout the year. The goal is to have every student in high school trained in Hands Only CPR to save lives and to make a difference in our community.

In collaboration with the Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine at Florida Atlantic University, Biomedical Academy students are able to participate in the Healthcare Careers Outreach Program designed to increase interest in the health sciences for young people interested in careers in medicine and to mentor and prepare them to successfully compete at the highest levels of college and post-graduate studies. Participating schools include Lake Worth Community High, Palm Beach Gardens Community High, Roosevelt Community Middle and Lake Worth Middle. The mission of this program is to increase opportunities in Medicine and Biomedical Sciences for students, especially under-represented and under-served minorities in South Florida. Advanced simulations and practical applications are required components of the curriculum in addition to field trips to FAU College of Medicine and FAU Simulation Center.

Emphasizing cooperation with other disciplines (i.e. Biomedical and Medical, Agricultural and Environmental Research and Field Studies Academies), several high school culinary arts career academies have planned, planted, and utilized the benefits of growing a garden on campus. Accentuating the “freshness and taste factor,” nutritional content, and chemical free gardening, vegetables and greens have found their way into the menu planning and food preparation within the career academy restaurant concept. Field trips to sites such as the Squire’s Urban Herb Farm underscore the utilization of using fresh products in preparing foods.

As part of the curriculum requirements for several career academies (Biomedical and Medical Sciences, Early Childhood Teacher Education, JROTC and Criminal Justice), students are eligible to be certified in CPR and First Aid – preparing students to prevent and respond to life-threatening emergencies.

After completing this training, all students in the Biomedical and Medical Sciences Academies receive a State of Florida Certification. The purpose is to provide students with an understanding of the intent of the blood borne pathogens regulation issued by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA); how disease transmissions occur; serious communicable diseases; precautions to prevent disease transmission; and what to do if an exposure occurs. In addition, specific information regarding HIV and AIDS is covered including transmission, prevention, health care, social and legal issues.

Flagler Bank, in partnership with the Medical Sciences Academies, started the scholarship program in May 2014 for Biomedical and Medical Sciences academy senior students planning on attending college and continuing their studies. The Flagler Bank Excellence in Medical Sciences Scholarship winners for the 2014 school year were:

Yearly in November, students in the Medical Sciences Career Academies participate in the Day in the Life of a Nurse, collaborating with the Nursing Consortium of South Florida, along with local hospitals, nursing schools, colleges and universities in Palm Beach County. Students are introduced to nursing careers and the advancements within the profession including biomedical research. Activities include skills labs, simulations, presentations, and shadowing experiences.

Keiser University nursing students participated in the Pediatric Nursing Rotation at Lake Worth Middle School Biomedical Sciences Academy for the past six years since the inception of the academy. Both institutions work hand in hand to promote careers in health sciences while addressing the national nursing shortage, especially in South Florida.

The Education Foundation of Palm Beach County, Inc. in partnership with Choice & Career Options, along with the generous support of the Quantum Foundation awarded a $200,000 grant to support 16 Medical Sciences Academies at the high school level. Funds are being used to update technology and medical equipment in order to meet curriculum and industry standards. Students become certified and/or licensed healthcare providers prior to graduating from high school. Students completing the medical academy program are college and career ready, thus transitioning directly into the healthcare workforce.

Student Organizations within Career Education provides unique programs of leadership development, motivation, and recognition exclusively for secondary, postsecondary, adult, and collegiate students.

Family, Careers and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA) is the only student organization with the family as its central focus. Functioning as an integral part of the Family and Consumer Sciences education curriculum, FCCLA addresses important personal, work and societal issues through family and consumer sciences education. FCCLA provides opportunities for active student participation at the local, state and national levels.

Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA) is the medical student organization whose mission is to promote career opportunities in health care and to enhance the delivery of quality health care to all people. HOSA provides opportunities for active student participation at the local, state, and national levels. Several Medical Academy students competed at the Florida State HOSA Student Leadership Conference and brought home many awards. They will continue to HOSA Nationals representing Palm Beach County.