Select Schools - High Schools

Programs:
Biotechnology, Veterinary and Medical Sciences, Business Management, Health Care Administration, Nursing, Physical Therapy and Sports Medicine, Environmental and Natural Resources Studies, Civil and Environmental Engineering, Computer Animation, Management Information Systems (MIS)

Description of Programs:
Biotechnology-Discover new products and processes that will improve the quality of human life more than any other discoveries since the Industrial Revolution. Working in state-of-the-art labs, students will study genetic engineering and tissue culture processes. They will see how forensic scientists use DNA to solve medical mysteries and study microbes as they learn new treatments or invent medical devices that will assist human patients and/or animals. This laboratory intensive program partners with the Nevada Cancer Institute.

Veterinary and Medical Sciences-Students will learn the application of medical, diagnostic, surgical, dental, and therapeutic principles in healing animal or human life. The advanced coursework in pre-medical sciences will prepare Veterinary and Medical Science students for post-secondary, college, or university study in human and animal health as well as in research.

Nursing-Students will learn to use medical equipment, check for vital signs, lend support to the patient/client, and control infection. A nurse or nursing assistant might work in a hospital, office, or home. Students in this program may seek certification for immediate entry into the job market. They may also go on for post-secondary school training or attend a college or university.

Physical Therapy and Sports Medicine-Physical therapists help patients, including accident victims and individuals with disabling conditions improve mobility, relieve pain, and limit permanent physical disabilities. Sports medicine specializes in preventing, diagnosing, and treating injuries related to exercise or participation in sports.

Environmental and Natural Resources Studies-While the environment has been studied for as long as there has been science, a renewed interest in putting the pieces of our global puzzle together has come alive. There is a need to analyze complex environmental problems and a growing public awareness of a need for action in addressing environmental problems. Environmental science encompasses issues such as climate change, conservation, biodiversity, water quality, groundwater contamination, soil contamination, use of natural resources, waste management, sustainable development, disaster reduction, air pollution, and noise pollution.

Civil and Environmental Engineering-When students join the Civil and Environmental Engineering Academy at W-CTA, they will use science and engineering principles to improve the environment in which we live. They will study alternative energy sources, such as wind, solar, and geothermal. Students in this program will participate in Project Lead the Way.

Business Management-In the Business Management program, students will learn about "green" business management. Businesses today want to be more responsible, healthier. They want to be "green." In other words, they want to use less water and less energy, they want to use environmentally friendly packaging, they want to recycle, they want to manage product waste so as not to damage the environment, and they want to make a profit. Effective managers for "green" businesses will make sure these conditions occur.

Health Care Administration-The health care industry requires qualified professionals with strong business and management skills who can handle all aspects of running a medical facility. In fact, employment of medical and health service managers is expected to grow faster than the average for all occupations. From assistant department head to assistant hospital administrator to management positions in residential care facilities and practitioners' offices, students in this field have a wide range of exciting career opportunities. Students at W-CTA will use the latest technology and media tools.

Computer Animation-Computer animation is used not only in the film industry but also in medical fields. It is used for medical imaging, three-dimensional modeling, and more. One of the strands of the Information Technology Academy is Computer Animation. Animations are essential tools in modern medicine and research sciences. Computer-assisted 3D animation allows the user to explain visually the most difficult process in the form of three dimensional, moving objects. The function of a single muscle is best understood when brought to life. And, yes, skills learned can also be used in the film industry.

Management Information Systems (MIS)-Students can be a part of one of the hottest and fastest growing occupations in Las Vegas and the nation. Salaries in Las Vegas, where positions continue to go unfilled, range from entry-levels of $38,000 to higher-skilled positions earning over $200,000 a year. Management Information Systems (MIS) people determine the hardware and software needs for a business. They analyze computer-related problems and find solutions based on the goals of a company. The program at W-CTA will work closely with college and university partners. A pathway into UNLV's planned five-year master's program in MIS will be an option for students who complete this program. This is a critical need area for our local hotel and gaming industry.

The school will be open for the 2009-2010 school year. Application to the school can be submitted online.