Learners at Orion High School, who complete a course of study in at least 3 credits of courses offered in a concentrated area, become endorsed in that area of study. Being endorsed in an area of study means that the learner graduates with skills within that area and sometimes even a pathway toward certification in that area. Endorsements come in four levels:
Learners seeking endorsement in a particular area must complete at least 3 levels in the area of study,. The completion of the 4th level will qualify a learner as "Fully Endorsed", and will include a Practicum that has been completed in that area of study.
Learners will select an area for endorsement during the time they enter into Orion High School, and at the advising session of the Orientation and Induction, and/or during end of grade level planning meetings.
Each endorsement area course is a required pre-requisite for the other. Learners may not take any of the courses at the same time nor may the second course be started while the pre-requisite course is still in progress. For that reason, learners should plan their year accordingly.
Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources
The Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources (AFNR) Career Area focuses on the essential elements of life—food, water, land, and air. This career cluster includes a diverse spectrum of occupations, ranging from farmer, rancher, and veterinarian to geologist, land conservationist, and florist. It also includes non-traditional agricultural occupations like wind energy, solar energy, and oil and gas production.
Animal Science Endorsement
The Animal Science endorsement focuses on the science, research, and business of animals and other living organisms. It teaches learners how to apply biology and life science to real-world life processes of animals and wildlife, either in laboratories or in the field, which could include a veterinary office, a farm or ranch, or any outdoor area harboring animal life. Students may also research and analyze the growth and destruction of species and research or diagnose diseases and injuries of animals.
Course Sequence to Earn the Endorsement
Plant Science Endorsement
The Plant Science endorsement focuses on the science, research, and business of plants and other living organisms. It teaches students how to apply biology and life science to real-world life processes of plants and vegetation, either in laboratories or in the field.
Course Sequence to Earn the Endorsement
Arts, Audio/Visual Technology and Communications
The Arts, A/V Technology and Communications (AAVTC) Career Area focuses on careers in designing, producing, exhibiting, performing, writing, and publishing multimedia content including visual and performing arts and design, journalism, and entertainment services. Careers in the AAVTC career cluster require a creative aptitude, a strong background in computer and technology applications, a strong academic foundation, and a proficiency in oral and written communication
Graphic Design and Multimedia Arts Endorsement
The Graphic Design and Multimedia Arts program of study explores the occupations and educational opportunities associated with designing or creating graphics to meet specific commercial or promotional needs, such as packaging, displays, or logos. This program of study may also include exploration into designing clothing and accessories, and creating special effects, animation, or other visual images using film, video, computers, or other electronic tools and media, for use in computer games, movies, music videos, and commercials.
Course Sequence to Earn the Endorsement
Digital Communications Endorsement
The Digital Communications program of study explores the occupations and educational opportunities associated with the production of audio and visual media formats for various purposes, such as TV broadcasts, advertising, video production, or motion pictures. This program of study may also include exploration into operating machines and equipment to record sound and images, such as microphones, sound speakers, video screens, projectors, video monitors, sound and mixing boards, and related electronic equipment.
Course Sequence to Earn the Endorsement
Business, Marketing and Finance
The Business, Marketing, and Finance Career Ara focuses on careers in planning, organizing, directing, and evaluating business functions essential to efficient and productive business operations.
Accounting and Financial Services Endorsement
The Accounting and Financial Services endorsement area teaches learners how to examine, analyze, and interpret financial records. Through this program of study, students will learn the skills necessary to perform financial services, prepare financial statements, interpret accounting records, give advice, or audit and evaluate statements prepared by others. This program of study will also introduce students to mathematical modeling tools.
Course Sequence to Earn the Endorsement
Entrepreneurship Endorsement
The Entrepreneurship program of study teaches learners how to plan, direct, and coordinate the management and operations of public or private sector organizations. Through this program of study, students will learn the skills necessary to formulate policies, manage daily operations, analyze management structures, and plan for the use of materials and human resources.
Course Sequence to Earn the Endorsement
Marketing and Sales
The Marketing and Sales program of study teaches learners how to collect information to determine potential sales of a product or service and/or create a marketing campaign to market or distribute goods and services. Through this program of study, students will learn the skills necessary to understand and apply data on customer demographics, preferences, needs, and buying habits.
Course Sequence to Earn the Endorsement
Education and Training
The Education and Training Career Cluster focuses on planning, managing, and providing education and training services and related learning support services. All parts of courses are designed to introduce learners to the various careers available within the Education and Training career cluster.
Teaching and Training Endorsement
The Education and Training endorsement focuses on planning, managing, and providing education and training services and related learning support services. All parts of courses are designed to introduce learners to the various careers available within the Education and Training career cluster.
Course Sequence to Earn the Endorsement
Health Science
The Health Science Career Area focuses on planning, managing, and providing therapeutic services, diagnostics services, health informatics, support services, and biotechnology research and development. To pursue a career in the health science industry, students should learn to reason, think critically, make decisions, solve problems, communicate effectively, and work well with others.
Exercise Science and Wellness Endorsement
The Exercise Science and Wellness program of study introduces learners to the fields that assist patients with maintaining physical, mental, and emotional health. Students will research diet and exercise needed to maintain a healthy, balanced lifestyle and learn about and practice techniques to help patients recover from injury, illness, or disease.
Course Sequence to Earn the Endorsement
Health Informatics Endorsement
The Health Informatics program of study focuses on exposing learners to the management and use of patient information in the healthcare field. Students may learn about and research recent modifications of computerized healthcare and the process of creating and maintaining hospital and patient records in accordance with regulatory requirements of the healthcare system. Students may also practice writing and interpreting medical reports.
Course Sequence to Earn the Endorsement
Healthcare Therapeutic Endorsement
The Healthcare Therapeutic program of study introduces learners to occupations and educational opportunities related to diagnosing and treating acute, episodic, or chronic illness independently or as part of a healthcare team. This program of study also includes an introduction to the opportunities associated with providing treatment and counsel to patients as well as rehabilitative programs that help build or restore daily living skills to persons with disabilities or developmental delays.
Course Sequence to Earn the Endorsement
Nursing Science Endorsement
The Nursing Science program of study introduces learners to the knowledge and skills related to patient care. Learners may learn about or practice caring for patients, routine procedures such as monitoring vital signs, development and implementation of care plans, maintenance of medical records, and disease or pain management. Students may focus on the healthcare system and research system designs and make recommended modifications.
Course Sequence to Earn the Endorsement
Hospitality and Tourism
The Hospitality and Tourism Career Area focuses on the management, marketing, and operations of restaurants and other food/beverage services, lodging, attractions, recreation events, and travel-related services. Students acquire knowledge and skills focusing on communication, time management, and customer service that meet industry standards. Students will explore the history of the hospitality and tourism industry and examine characteristics needed for success.
Culinary Arts Endorsement
The Culinary Arts program of study introduces learners to occupations and educational opportunities related to the planning, directing, or coordinating activities of a food and beverage organization or department. This program of study also explores opportunities involved in directing and participating in the preparation and cooking of food.
Course Sequence to Earn the Endorsement
Lodging and Resort Management Endorsement
The Lodging and Resort Management program of study introduces learners to occupations and educational opportunities related to the logistical and operational management of lodging and resorts. This program of study also explores opportunities related to human resources, financial analysis, and marketing.
Course Sequence to Earn the Endorsement
Human Services
The Human Services Career Area focuses on preparing individuals for employment in career pathways that relate to families and human needs such as counseling and mental health services, family and community services, personal care services, and consumer services.
Family and Community Services Endorsement
The Family and Community Services program of study introduces learners to knowledge and skills related to social services, including child and human development and consumer sciences. CTE learners may learn about or practice managing social and community services or teaching family and consumer sciences. Students may follow career paths in social work or therapy for children, families, or school communities.
Course Sequence to Earn the Endorsement
Information Technology
The Information Technology (IT) Career Area focuses on building linkages in IT occupations for entry level, technical, and professional careers related to the design, development, support, and management of hardware, software, multimedia, and systems integration services.
Networking Systems Endorsement
The Networking Systems program of study explores the occupations and educational opportunities associated with designing and implementing computer and information networks, such as local area networks (LAN), wide area networks (WAN), intranets, extranets, and other data communications networks. This program of study may also include exploration into analyzing science, engineering, and other data processing problems to implement and improve computer systems.
Course Sequence to Earn the Endorsement
Web Development Endorsement
The Web Development program of study explores the occupations and educational opportunities associated with designing, creating, and modifying websites. This program of study may also explore integrating websites with other computer applications, and converting written, graphic, audio, and video components to compatible web formats by using software designed to facilitate the creation of web and multimedia content.
Course Sequence to Earn the Endorsement
Law and Public Service
The Law and Public Service Career Area focuses on planning, managing, and providing legal services, public safety, and homeland security, including professional and technical support services. Students will examine the roles and responsibilities of police, courts, corrections, private security, and protective agencies of fire and emergency services.
Legal Studies Endorsement
The Legal Studies program of study introduces learners to the occupations and educational opportunities related to representing clients in criminal and civil litigation and other legal proceedings, as well as assisting lawyers and preparing legal documents. This program of study explores possible specializations in a single area of law.
Course Sequence to Earn the Endorsement
STEM
The Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) Career Cluster focuses on planning, managing, and providing, scientific research and professional and technical services, including laboratory and testing services, and research and development services.
Cybersecurity Endorsement
The Legal Studies program of study introduces learners to the occupations and educational opportunities related to representing clients in criminal and civil litigation and other legal proceedings, as well as assisting lawyers and preparing legal documents. This program of study explores possible specializations in a single area of law.
Course Sequence to Earn the Endorsement
Programming and Software Development Endorsement
The Programming and Software Development program of study explores the occupations and education opportunities associated with researching, designing, developing, and testing operating systems-level software, compilers, and network distribution software for medical, industrial, military, communications, aerospace, business, scientific, and general computer applications. This program of study may also include exploration into creating, modifying, and testing the codes, forms, and script that allow computer applications to run.
Course Sequence to Earn the Endorsement
Additional Endorsement that May Be Earned
World Languages Endorsement: Learners may receive an endorsement in World Languages by completing 3 levels of language, and 2 levels of a different language.
Fine Arts Endorsement: Learners may receive a find arts endorsement by taking any 3 courses from fine arts. See adviser and see course catalog for offerings in the arts.