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Career Technical Education (CTE)

Career Technical Education

Career Tech at OHS

Students can choose from a variety of career pathways, each designed to introduce them to specific industries, develop job-ready skills, and provide opportunities for advanced study or employment.

Why Choose Career & Technical Education?

  • Hands-on learning that prepares students for real-world careers
  • College & career readiness with certifications and internships
  • Opportunities to explore different fields before graduation

  • Courses in this pathway focus on plant and animal sciences, environmental sustainability, and agricultural business.

    • Fundamentals of Agriscience: Introduction to agriculture, including plant science, animal science, and forestry
    • Floriculture & Floral Design: Learn floral design techniques and business operations
    • Horticulture: Hands-on farming techniques and plant care
    • Aquaculture Science: Study aquatic species, hydroponics, and aquaponics
    • Greenhouse & Nursery Production: Learn greenhouse operations and plant propagation
    • Senior Career Pathway Project: Capstone project applying agricultural skills

     

    Industry Certifications: Land Survey Helper Certification, Skid Steer Certification, Specialty Crops

     

  • For students interested in broadcasting, video production, and digital media, this pathway includes:

    • Media Production Foundations: Basics of video production and editing
    • Broadcasting Production I: Writing, Producing & Performing: On-camera and behind-the-scenes experiences with advanced video editing and filmmaking techniques
    • Broadcasting Production II: Long-term and promotional video projects

    Industry Certifications: Adobe Premiere Pro

     

  • For students interested in teaching and educational careers, this program includes classroom instruction and hands-on experience.

    • Foundations in Education: Introduction to careers in education and classroom management
    • Practices in Education: Lesson planning and teaching strategies
    • Methods in Education: Advanced classroom instruction techniques
    • Education & Training Internship: Work-based learning experience in local schools


    Industry Certifications: PRAXIS Core Academic Skills, ETS Parapro Assessment, Google Educator Certification

     

  • This pathway focuses on engineering, design, and technology applications.

    • Foundations of Engineering & Technology: Introduction to engineering disciplines and 3D design
    • Applications of Engineering & Technology: Hands-on projects in mechanics and automation
    • Environmental Engineering: Addressing global challenges like clean water and energy
    • Senior Career Pathway Project: Independent study with a mentor
       

    Industry Certifications: SolidWorks Associate

     

  • Students gain knowledge and experience in healthcare careers, including certifications that allow them to enter the workforce immediately after graduation.

    • Foundations of Health Science: Introduction to medical careers, anatomy, and first aid
    • Patient Care Technician: Hands-on training in medical procedures
    • Pharmacy Technician: Prepares students for careers in pharmaceutical services
    • Therapeutic Services: Nursing, medicine, and emergency care fundamentals
    • Sports Medicine: Injury prevention and rehabilitation techniques
    • Health Science Internship: Real-world experience in medical facilities
    • Nurse Aide Training: CNA certification program
    • Emergency Medical Technician (EMT): Prepares students for the National Registry EMT exam
       

    Industry Certifications: CNA, EMT-B, Certified Pharmacy Technician, Patient Care Technician, EKG Technician, Emergency Medical Responder

     

  • Students prepare for careers in restaurant management, food service, and hospitality.

    • Introduction to Hospitality & Tourism: Overview of the service industry
    • Culinary Arts 1: Food preparation and kitchen safety
    • Culinary Arts 2: Advanced food production and restaurant management
    • Baking & Pastry Arts: Specialization in desserts, bread, and pastries
    • Senior Career Pathway Project: Capstone culinary project


    Industry Certifications: ServSafe Manager, Guest Service Professional

     

  • Students interested in computers, networking, and cybersecurity gain hands-on technical experience.

    • IT Fundamentals – Introduction to computer maintenance and troubleshooting
    • Network Fundamentals – Learn about computer networking and security
    • Computer Maintenance & Troubleshooting – Advanced computer repair skills
    • Cybersecurity – Protecting data and detecting cyber threats
    • AP Computer Science Principles – Introduction to coding and software development
    • AP Computer Science A (Java) – College-level programming course
    • Senior Career Pathway Project – Capstone IT project

     

    Industry Certifications: CompTIA IT Fundamentals, CompTIA A+, Skills for Success Fiber Optics

     

  • Students explore entrepreneurship, marketing, and financial management with real-world applications.

    • Career Preparedness: Essential business and financial literacy skills (required for graduation)
    • Entrepreneurship: Business development and innovation
    • Marketing Principles: Foundations of marketing and sales strategies
    • Sports & Entertainment Marketing: Business aspects of the sports and entertainment industry
    • Senior Career Pathway Project: Capstone business project

     

    Industry Certifications: Microsoft Office Specialist, Customer Service & Sales, Entrepreneurship & Small Business, Certified Guest Service Professional

     

  • The Alabama Career Essentials (ACE) program equips students with the tools they need for life beyond high school, including employability skills, industry-recognized certifications, and free college credit opportunities. 

    The Alabama Career Essentials (ACE) program at Opelika High School is formerly known as Ready To Work. This program is a FREE, industry-focused training course designed to prepare students for high-demand careers in the workforce. 

    It’s tailored for seniors exploring alternatives to traditional four-year universities after graduation.

    If you have questions, or want to enroll, contact Mrs. Edwards at mandi.edwards@opelikaschools.org.

Each pathway is designed to first introduce students to a particular career pathway by discussing the types of jobs that are associated with that career as well as the educational or work experience needed to begin work in that career. As students' progress through the coursework in a particular pathway, the courses become more in depth and skill oriented. By a student's senior year, if they have taken the required prerequisite coursework, they will be expected to enroll in a works/project based course where they will apply the knowledge and skills they have studied.

For students that are not able to complete the required prerequisite coursework or who transfer to Opelika after starting high school, there is the possibility of skipping certain courses in a pathway if they have completed similar coursework at another school or at Opelika or the student shows the necessary motivation and desire to succeed in the advanced coursework. In both instances, teacher approval to skip a prerequisite class must be acquired.

Persons seeking detailed information concerning the career and technical education offerings and specific pre-requisite criteria should contact: