Schools listed below are offering the courses in the 2025-2026 school year and are not a guarantee of future offerings.
Introductory Courses
San Marcos High School
Principles of Biomedical Science (PBS) is a rigorous, full-semester introductory course in the Project Lead The Way (PLTW) Biomedical Science pathway. Students explore foundational knowledge in biology, anatomy and physiology, genetics, microbiology, and epidemiology while applying this content to real-world biomedical challenges faced by healthcare professionals.
Through hands-on laboratory investigations, case studies, and collaborative projects, students work with the same tools and equipment used in hospitals and research labs. The course emphasizes experimental design, technical documentation, clinical skills, and professional communication. Students investigate crime scenes as forensic scientists, diagnose and treat patients as medical professionals, track disease outbreaks as epidemiologists, respond to emergencies as EMTs, and design innovative solutions to global health challenges.
Whether pursuing a career in medicine and healthcare or simply seeking the challenge of authentic problem-solving, students in PBS develop critical thinking, creativity, and practical experience with the design process and scientific methodology that prepares them for advanced biomedical coursework and future healthcare careers.
San Marcos High School
Principles of Biomedical Science (PBS) is a rigorous, full-semester introductory course in the Project Lead The Way (PLTW) Biomedical Science pathway. Students explore foundational knowledge in biology, anatomy and physiology, genetics, microbiology, and epidemiology while applying this content to real-world biomedical challenges faced by healthcare professionals.
Through hands-on laboratory investigations, case studies, and collaborative projects, students work with the same tools and equipment used in hospitals and research labs. The course emphasizes experimental design, technical documentation, clinical skills, and professional communication. Students investigate crime scenes as forensic scientists, diagnose and treat patients as medical professionals, track disease outbreaks as epidemiologists, respond to emergencies as EMTs, and design innovative solutions to global health challenges.
Whether pursuing a career in medicine and healthcare or simply seeking the challenge of authentic problem-solving, students in PBS develop critical thinking, creativity, and practical experience with the design process and scientific methodology that prepares them for advanced biomedical coursework and future healthcare careers.
San Marcos High School
This course introduces students to foundational concepts in mental and behavioral health, exploring topics, populations, and professional practices within the counseling and mental health field. Students will examine mental health topics in a safe and supportive environment, developing skills to engage in constructive conversations that normalize mental wellness and reduce stigma within their communities.
San Marcos High School
This course introduces students to foundational concepts in mental and behavioral health, exploring topics, populations, and professional practices within the counseling and mental health field. Students will examine mental health topics in a safe and supportive environment, developing skills to engage in constructive conversations that normalize mental wellness and reduce stigma within their communities.
San Marcos High School
This course is designed as an entry-level core course in the health career field. It is for students seeking a career in health care and includes a common set of skills and knowledge necessary for all health care employees. This course provides a firm foundation for students planning to further their education in the health and medical fields. Students receive instruction in career path options, related mathematics, and general and specific workplace and employability skills. Basic health care skills, safe practice, and confidentiality are emphasized. Students are also introduced to anatomy and medical terminology. In addition, students will be exposed to guest speakers from various helath care fields.
Concentrator Courses
San Marcos High School
Structure and function of the human body. Non-technical introduction to anatomy, physiology, exercise, fitness and nutrition. Laboratory experiments in human physiology; study of human anatomical materials. Satisfies SBCC General Education requirement in Natural Sciences, and Anatomy and Physiology requirements for SBCC LVN program. Does not satisfy requirements for ADN majors.
San Marcos High School
This course is designed as an in-depth study of the human body. Students will focus on body systems, emphasizing the structure and function of organs; causes, symptoms and treatment of disorders and diseases of each system; and diagnostic techniques. Curricula will include teacher-directed instruction, laboratory explorations, and guest speakers. Systems to be covered will be: digestive, urinary, endocrine, nervous, skeletal, muscular, circulatory, respiratory, and reproductive. Students not in the academy may enroll if there is space available. This course will prepare students for college-preparatory coursework in high school to meet college entrance requirements.
San Marcos High School
This course is designed as an in-depth study of the human body. Students will focus on body systems, emphasizing the structure and function of organs; causes, symptoms and treatment of disorders and diseases of each system; and diagnostic techniques. Curricula will include teacher-directed instruction, laboratory explorations, and guest speakers. Systems to be covered will be: digestive, urinary, endocrine, nervous, skeletal, muscular, circulatory, respiratory, and reproductive. Students not in the academy may enroll if there is space available. This course will prepare students for college-preparatory coursework in high school to meet college entrance requirements.
San Marcos High School
This advanced health careers course will be offered during terms 3 and 4 of the junior year. This course is designed for students who will be pursuing a career in health care requiring post- secondary education. The 3rd term focuses entirely on nutrition. During the 4th term, students will continue with studies of health care issues at an advanced level. Students will develop their career portfolio and prepare and develop detailed plans for their post-secondary education in the health care field.
San Marcos High School
This advanced health careers course will be offered during terms 3 and 4 of the junior year. This course is designed for students who will be pursuing a career in health care requiring post- secondary education. The 3rd term focuses entirely on nutrition. During the 4th term, students will continue with studies of health care issues at an advanced level. Students will develop their career portfolio and prepare and develop detailed plans for their post-secondary education in the health care field.
San Marcos High School
This preparatory health careers course is designed for students seeking a career in the health field. The course will focus on the concepts and principles of the structure, function, and systems of the human body in relationship to human growth and development. Students will learn to recognize problem situations in health care settings as they relate to direct and indirect patient care. Safety issues, ethical considerations, legal restraints, and professional codes of conduct will be presented and discussed throughout the course. An extensive unit on Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) requirements will be taught. Students will learn about disease prevention for the maintenance of optimal health. Students will also learn foundation skills, including professional rescuer Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and Standard First Aid. In addition, students will be exposed to guest speakers from various health care fields.
San Marcos High School
This preparatory health careers course is designed for students seeking a career in the health field. The course will focus on the concepts and principles of the structure, function, and systems of the human body in relationship to human growth and development. Students will learn to recognize problem situations in health care settings as they relate to direct and indirect patient care. Safety issues, ethical considerations, legal restraints, and professional codes of conduct will be presented and discussed throughout the course. An extensive unit on Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) requirements will be taught. Students will learn about disease prevention for the maintenance of optimal health. Students will also learn foundation skills, including professional rescuer Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and Standard First Aid. In addition, students will be exposed to guest speakers from various health care fields.
San Marcos High School
This course covers the Next Generation Science Standards for Biology while focusing on how those standards apply to the medical field. Topics covered include cellular structure and function, DNA structure, genetics, the ecology of the human body, and a general overview of human physiology. Ideal for students who are interested in pursuing a career in the medical field; they will perform labs that focus on techniques and information needed to succeed in post-secondary medical programs. This course will prepare students for college-preparatory coursework in high school to meet college entrance requirements.
San Marcos High School
This course covers the Next Generation Science Standards for Biology while focusing on how those standards apply to the medical field. Topics covered include cellular structure and function, DNA structure, genetics, the ecology of the human body, and a general overview of human physiology. Ideal for students who are interested in pursuing a career in the medical field; they will perform labs that focus on techniques and information needed to succeed in post-secondary medical programs. This course will prepare students for college-preparatory coursework in high school to meet college entrance requirements.
Capstone Courses
San Marcos High School
This is a one term internship, either 3rd or 4th term, that is required for successful completion of the Health Careers Academy. Sites vary according to student interest and space availability.
San Marcos High School
This is a course offered in the fall semester at Santa Barbara City College. Upon successful completion of this course and the state examination, the student meets California state requirements to become a Certified Nursing Assistant. Basic nursing theory and nursing skills are taught in the classroom, and students are supervised in giving care to residents in a long- term facility. Content follows the California state approved CNA curriculum.
San Marcos High School
Upon completion of the Certified Nursing Assistant program, students are required to complete an internship either term 3 or term 4. These internships are done at Cottage Hospital. The students rotate through nine different departments, such as Endoscopy, NICU, Neurology, and Oncology. This class is only for 12th graders in the Health Careers Academy.
San Marcos High School
Prerequisite: 12th grade and member of the Health Careers Academy
This course is designed to offer a 4th year of science credit for students in the Health Careers Academy. Students receive core classroom instruction in kinesiology, biomechanics, anatomy, physiology, health processes, injury evaluation, and acquire basic knowledge of sports medicine, personal training, physical therapy, and the responsibilities of a fitness instructor. In addition, students will take part in labs in the classroom that will enable them to use a hands on approach to understanding the lecture materials. This course will prepare students for college-preparatory coursework in high school to meet college entrance requirements.
San Marcos High School
Prerequisite: 12th grade and member of the Health Careers Academy
This course is designed to offer a 4th year of science credit for students in the Health Careers Academy. Students receive core classroom instruction in kinesiology, biomechanics, anatomy, physiology, health processes, injury evaluation, and acquire basic knowledge of sports medicine, personal training, physical therapy, and the responsibilities of a fitness instructor. In addition, students will take part in labs in the classroom that will enable them to use a hands on approach to understanding the lecture materials. This course will prepare students for college-preparatory coursework in high school to meet college entrance requirements.