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HEALTH CAREERS ACADEMY

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CULTIVATING THE NEXT GENERATION OF HEALTHCARE LEADERS

Forest Hills Public Schools Health Careers Academy is an innovative and highly engaging program housed at Central High School. Health Careers Academy is designed for any FHPS student who will be entering 11th or 12th grade. It offers a powerful pathway for students who are interested in pursuing careers in medicine, health sciences, and related fields. With strong student interest already demonstrated and a growing need for health professionals nationwide, this academy represents a transformational opportunity for our students and community.

PROGRAM DETAILS HOW TO ENROLL

MEET OUR STAFF

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JORDAN GEORGE

AP Seminar Teacher

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ALEXANDRA WEBSTER

Human Anatomy & Physiology Teacher

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JARED LOWE

Senior Projects Teacher

WHAT MAKES THE FHPS HEALTH CARE ACADEMY UNIQUE?

Our Health Careers Academy is built in partnership with Ferris State University, allowing students to begin earning college credit while still in high school. Over the course of the program, students can earn at least 11 Ferris State University credits, gain access to AP Capstone Diploma opportunities, and qualify for an automatic recurring $1,000 scholarship if they attend Ferris State University after high school graduation.

The academy runs as a two-hour block at Central High School, blending rigorous academics with real-world health care experiences. Students will learn directly from a Ferris State professor, participate in hands-on labs, and engage in authentic career exploration alongside health care professionals.

Students working on anatomy project

Student Experiences & Learning Opportunities

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Students in the academy will participate in a wide range of meaningful and immersive experiences, including:

  • CPR and first aid certification
  • Athletic training and EMT first responder training
  • In-school clinical lab experiences
  • Clinical internships and job shadowing
  • Certified Nursing Assistant certification opportunities
  • Biomedical and research assistant experiences
  • Career exploration with local health care professionals

These experiences place students “near real patients, real professionals, and real responsibilities,” helping transform early interest into purpose and career direction.

How This Supports Postsecondary Success

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FHPS Health Careers Academy is especially valuable for students considering competitive college programs in medicine, nursing, allied health, public health, physical therapy, athletic training, biomedical research, and more. Through this academy, students will:

  • Build strong scientific thinking and research skills
  • Learn evidence-based medical practices
  • Develop leadership and communication abilities
  • Gain experience in data analysis, clinical procedures, trauma response, and life support

These skills not only strengthen college applications but also give students a significant advantage as they enter demanding postsecondary health programs and professional pathways.

Why This Matters for FHPS Students

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Currently, demand for health career programs far exceeds available spots regionally, with many FHPS students unable to participate due to space and scheduling limitations. The launch of our own Health Careers Academy ensures that more FHPS students can access high-quality, local, real-world health education experiences—without leaving our district.

FHPS Health Careers Academy represents a bold step forward in preparing our students for the future. By blending college coursework, hands-on clinical experiences, and meaningful professional connections, this academy empowers students to explore, discover, and pursue their passions in the health sciences—while still in high school.

This is more than a program. It’s a launchpad for future doctors, nurses, researchers, therapists, and health leaders, right here in Forest Hills Public Schools.

1
FHPS Program Available To All Three High Schools
$
1000
Scholarship Renewable Annually At Ferris State University
11
+
Ferris State University Credits

PROGRAM DETAILS

Junior Year

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Students take the following courses during a two hour block at Central High School:

  • AP Research or Anatomy and Physiology
  • 1st Semester – FSU COHP 160 – Nutrition For Health Living
  • 2nd Semester – FSU COHP 191 – U.S. Healthcare System
  • Two days a week you will learn and earn credit from a Ferris State University professor.
  • Five days a week you will choose between AP Research (for an AP Capstone Diploma) or Human Anatomy & Physiology
  • One day a week you will engage in 5-6 week career exploration experiences such as:
    • CPR/First Aid
    • Athletic Training
    • EMT First Responder Training
    • In school clinical lab experiences
    • Healthy living experiences
    • Career exploration along healthcare professionals

Senior Year

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Students take the following courses at Central High School:

  • Senior Projects
  • 1st Semester – FSU COHP 100 – Orientation to Medical Vocab and FSU COHP 102 – Safety Issues In Health Care
  • 2nd Semester – FSU COHP 205 – Childcare (Food & Nutrition)
  • Two days a week you will learn and earn credit from a Ferris State University professor.
  • Five days a week you will explore the health care field in a hybrid model, by visiting and engaging with hands on learning.
  • One day a week you will engage in 5-6 week career exploration experiences such as:
    • Clinical internship
    • Job shadowing
    • Certified Nursing Assistant
    • Athletic Training
    • EMT First Responder Training
    • Research Assistant
    • BioMedical Research

TRANSPORTATION

Northern and Eastern High School students will be bused to Central High School to participate in the program. Students will need a ride home from Central High School or will be bused back to the regional bus stop within their attendance area.

All students will be bused to downtown Grand Rapids for dual-enrollment classes at Ferris State University’s campus.

FHPS school bus

HOW TO ENROLL IN THE HEALTH CAREERS ACADEMY?

Students interested in enrolling in the Health Careers Academy should contact their high school counselor.

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