9TH GRADE
Explore and Build
Students begin with Physics, Healthcare Occupations, Basic CPR, leadership development, and early exposure to healthcare careers.
Programs & Pathways
Preparing students for college, careers, leadership, and life beyond high school.
Instituto Health Sciences Career Academy provides students with a rigorous high school education supported by meaningful relationships, advanced learning opportunities, career exploration, and preparation for life after graduation.
At the center of our academic identity is a comprehensive Allied Health Career Pathway that allows students to begin preparing for healthcare careers while still in high school.
IHSCA’S FLAGSHIP ACADEMIC PROGRAM
Allied Health Career Pathway
One of Chicago’s few high schools with a comprehensive Allied Health Pathway.
The Allied Health Career Pathway is a rigorous, four-year academic and career program designed for students interested in nursing, healthcare administration, medical sciences, allied health professions, and other healthcare-related fields.
Students complete an intentionally designed sequence combining honors academics, healthcare-focused coursework, dual-credit college classes, certification preparation, leadership development, and hands-on career experiences.
A Four-Year Healthcare Journey
Students build their academic knowledge, professional skills, healthcare experience, and postsecondary readiness throughout all four years.
10TH GRADE
Develop and Prepare
Students advance through Human Body Systems, CPR and First Aid preparation, Pre-BNA experiences, and continued honors-level study.
11TH GRADE
Train and Earn
Students pursue dual-credit biology coursework and advance into Pre-BNA and Basic Nursing Assistant training opportunities.
12TH GRADE
Transition and Launch
Students continue advanced college coursework and explore early college, nursing pathways, internships, work experience, and postsecondary opportunities.
More Than a Traditional High School Program
The pathway connects rigorous academics with authentic preparation for college, healthcare training, and future professional opportunities.
Healthcare Coursework
Students study healthcare occupations, human body systems, science, and other subjects that build knowledge for healthcare education and careers.
College Credit
Eligible students complete college-level coursework and can earn transferable credit while still enrolled in high school.
Certification Preparation
Students may participate in CPR, First Aid, Pre-BNA, and Basic Nursing Assistant preparation aligned with pathway requirements.
Work-Based Learning
Internships, career speakers, professional experiences, and workplace exposure help students understand healthcare environments.
Leadership Development
Students strengthen communication, teamwork, confidence, service, and leadership skills throughout their four-year experience.
College and Career Planning
Students receive guidance in identifying healthcare careers, college programs, training opportunities, financial aid, and next steps after graduation.
A CONNECTED HEALTHCARE PIPELINE
From IHSCA to Instituto College
Through our connection with Instituto College, students can gain exposure to a direct healthcare education pipeline that includes Pre-BNA, Basic Nursing Assistant training, and opportunities connected to the Associate of Science in Nursing program.
This connection helps students understand how their high school coursework, certifications, college credits, and career experiences can lead to continued healthcare training and professional advancement.
Allied Health Application and Placement
Students interested in the Allied Health Career Pathway apply during the eighth-grade high school selection process and participate in screening and placement activities designed to support readiness and long-term success.
The process may include student interviews, informational sessions, academic-readiness review, summer development and leadership experiences, and completion of other pathway requirements.
Because this is a rigorous 26-credit pathway, students are expected to demonstrate consistent attendance, effort, academic engagement, professionalism, and commitment to completing the four-year sequence.
COMPREHENSIVE 24-CREDIT PATHWAY
General Education Pathway
The General Education Pathway provides a comprehensive and flexible academic program that fulfills IHSCA graduation requirements while preparing students for college, careers, leadership, and other postsecondary opportunities.
Strong Academic Foundation
Four years of English and mathematics, along with science, social science, world language, fine arts, physical education, and digital literacy.
Advanced Opportunities
Eligible students can participate in Honors, Advanced Placement, dual-credit, and early-college coursework.
Flexible Exploration
Electives, leadership, service learning, athletics, clubs, and career exploration allow students to develop their interests and future plans.
One School Community
Regardless of pathway, every IHSCA student receives guidance, support, and meaningful opportunities to prepare for the future.
Academic advising and graduation monitoring
College and career planning
Dual-credit and advanced learning
Leadership and service learning
Student support services
Athletics, clubs, and school activities
Find Your Path at IHSCA
Explore each pathway in greater detail or review the complete SY 2026–27 Course Catalog using the options below.