Health Sciences – Resources
National Health Science Standards
The National Health Science Standards provide a clear and consistent understanding of industry and postsecondary expectations for health science teachers and students. These content standards are broad and frame the essential knowledge common across all health professions. Utilizing input from business and industry experts, these standards are designed to prepare students to be college and career ready. The standards underwent a major national review in the spring of 2022, with survey participants from 21 states and representing 38 health science disciplines. The rate of endorsement of the standards by health science practitioners, business and industry representatives, and secondary and postsecondary educators was 98.6%.
AHEC Careers in Healthcare
The Nebraska Area Health Education Centers (AHEC) Program works with strategic partners to produce the “Careers in Healthcare Challenge of a Lifetime” book, which provides information on many health careers and the educational programs available in the state. The latest edition has been updated for 2024-2026.
Healthcare & Human Services Career Cluster Chart
The National Consortium for Health Science Education has organized careers according to the new National Career Clusters Framework (2024). The Healthcare & Human Services Career Cluster promotes whole health for individuals and communities through a wide range of services – including technical, mental, therapeutic, and personal care – grounded in medical and social sciences.
National Consortium for Health Science Education (NCHSE)
NCHSE is a non-profit education organization representing state education agency leaders responsible for Career and Technical Education Health Science programs. NCHSE is positioned as the national authority for health science education. Resources available to educators include:
- Health Science Educators Association Membership – a professional learning community exclusively for the classroom educator
- The National Health Science Conference – held annually in October, this conference brings together health science teachers, education leaders, and industry professionals to explore the latest advancements in health science education.
- Wednesday Webinars – professional development for health science teachers featuring a variety of health science education topics
Open Educational Resources (OER)
Open Educational Resources (OER) have Creative Commons licensing, making them open and free to use and adapt for teaching and learning. In summer 2023, Nebraska Health Science teachers added standards-aligned resources to the Nebraska OER Hub on the OER Commons website. To access these resources, create a free account on OER Commons and join the Nebraska Health Science Working Group.
uBEATS
UNO & UNMC Building Excellence in Academics Through STEM (uBEATS) is a series of online modules designed for grades 6-12. The content of each module was created by education and STEM experts and include the topics of cancer, genetics, microbiology, pathology, pharmacology, public health, academic success, and health care careers. The modules are available at no cost to educators.
Nebraska Health Sciences Educators Listserv
Join the listserv to get newsletters and updates on Health Sciences Education in Nebraska. To be added to the list, please contact Jami at jamelyn.denny@nebraska.gov.
HOSA – Future Health Professionals
HOSA – Future Health Professionals is the only international student organization whose focus is 100% healthcare. The Middle School membership division is composed of middle school students who are in grades 6-8 and are interested in or planning to pursue a career in the health professions. To see current chapters, please visit the Nebraska HOSA website.
HOSA – Future Health Professionals
HOSA – Future Health Professionals is the only international student organization whose focus is 100% healthcare. The Secondary membership division is for high school students who are or have been enrolled in a health science class or program or are interested in, planning to pursue, or pursuing a career in the health professions. To see current chapters, please visit the Nebraska HOSA website.
Student Opportunities in Health Sciences
Nebraska’s postsecondary educational institutions and healthcare employers offer a variety of career exploration events, job shadowing opportunities, and work-based learning experiences. The document below is a compilation of some of these opportunities.
Rural Workforce Preparation – RHOP & KHOP
The Rural Health Opportunities Program (RHOP) and Kearney Health Opportunities Program (KHOP) are designed to address the health care needs of rural Nebraska. The health professions pathway programs recruit, educate, and graduate leaders from Nebraska who are committed to returning to Nebraska’s rural areas to practice health care.
Urban Health Opportunities Program – UHOP
The purpose of the Urban Health Opportunities Program at the University of Nebraska Omaha is to enhance the healthcare workforce serving medically underserved populations in urban Nebraska by identifying and preparing qualified students to enter and succeed in health professions training.
Nebraska AHEC Scholars Program
The Nebraska AHEC Scholars Program is part of a national initiative that prepares health profession students who want to serve in rural or underserved areas. Nebraska AHEC Scholars gain access to exclusive workshops, potential employers, community leaders, and national and state resources on the latest health topics to better understand the healthcare workforce needs in Nebraska.
BHECN Scholars
Behavioral Health Center of Nebraska (BHECN) Scholars is a pathway program that supports undergraduate seniors who plan to pursue their master’s degree in a Nebraska-based behavioral health program following graduation. Scholars will receive tuition support, mentorship and professional development, and participate in social and learning opportunities built around a cohort model. The purpose of BHECN Scholars is to recruit students from different Nebraska regions into the behavioral health workforce and ensure their success as practicing, licensed professionals in Nebraska.