Career & Technical Education at MHS

Career Education Classes/Academies provide challenging, coherent course sequences that are a roadmap to future career goals. Students are able to explore careers and have the opportunity to earn Industry Certifications that benefit them in college or as they seek employment. Students are with others who share similar interests and are encouraged to participate in extracurricular career and technical student organizations and programs related to the academies. Career and Technical education teachers bring in guest speakers and offer field trips to motivate and encourage students to learn more about career options.

Medical Academy - NCAC National Certified Academy  

Mission Statement: Manatee High School's Medical Academy encourages, supports and inspires all students by offering academic and experiential learning to develop the relevant knowledge, skills and abilities needed for career success in medicine, allied health and fitness. 

The goal is to provide students with core health courses and to relate the area of health to the academy curriculum. Students experience hands-on learning, the use of technology, mentoring, and connect with professionals in the medical community to be more prepared for employment or to advance their education.

Certifications available to Medical Academy students may include CMAA (Certified Medical Administrative Assistant), EKG Technician, and Emergency Medical Responder.

Students in this program are also eligible to participate in HOSA – future health professionals, a national student organization. HOSA’s two-fold mission is to promote career opportunities in the health-care industry and to enhance the delivery of quality health care to all people. HOSA provides a unique program of leadership development, motivation, and recognition for students enrolled in health occupation educational classes.

Medical Academy Brochure

The Medical Academy requires interested students to submit an application.  Download the application for the 2025-2026 school year here, and please note the deadline of April 15, 2025.

STEM Academy for Design and Engineering
Students interested in the STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) fields of design and engineering are encouraged to participate in this innovative learning program.  It blends rigorous academic concepts with hands-on projects. Students learn how to integrate science and math concepts with technology, engineering, and design to create, innovate and solve problems. The program prepares students for post-secondary education as well as high-paying, high-tech careers. 

Students are encouraged to participate in TSA, a career and technical student organization. TSA offers local, state and national opportunities for students to learn and practice personal, workplace and technical skills. 

In addition, students may earn Industry Certifications including Adobe Dreamweaver, Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop (Creative Cloud), Adobe Premier Pro, Adobe In Design, Adobe Certified Professional Video Design, Adobe Professional Visual Design, RECF Pre-Engineering Certification, RECF – Robotics, AutoCad Certified User and Certified Solidworks Associate.

Students choose a pathway of focus:

1. Digital Design
2. Engineering
3. Advanced Manufacturing Technology

HOW TO PARTICIPATE IN THE STEM PATHWAY PROGRAMS - Students should select one of the STEM Academy pathway classes as their top elective choice each year.