Careers dedicated to mental and emotional well-being, including counseling, psychology, and psychiatric services aimed at supporting individuals through mental health challenges and promoting psychological health. Professionals in this field play a critical role in diagnosing and treating mental health disorders, providing therapy, developing strategies to improve overall mental wellness, and advocating for mental health awareness and policy changes.

Example Programs of Study

• Counseling & Mental Health Services

Careers focused on research and development in the medical field, including biotechnology, and scientific research. Professionals in this field develop new treatments, pharmaceuticals, devices, and innovative medical technologies to advance healthcare.

Example Programs of Study

• Biomedical Science

• Biotechnology Research & Development

Careers that address the societal and environmental factors affecting health such as access to healthy foods, income and poverty, adequate child care, and access to education. This field includes work in public services, social work and case management, or nonprofit sectors with missions to address social inequalities and provide support services for all age ranges. This Sub-Cluster also includes clergy and spiritual support roles, which provide emotional and spiritual guidance to individuals and communities.

Example Programs of Study

• Community Health
• Human Services
• Social Work

Careers centered on the management, analysis, and administration of health information and data. This Sub-Cluster encompasses fields such as health informatics, medical records, and healthcare administration. Professionals in this field are dedicated to enhancing healthcare delivery through effective technology and data management.

Example Programs of Study

• Health Informatics
• Medical Assisting
• Medical Record Keeping

Careers that encompass in-home and personal care support and offer esthetics and wellness services such as hairdressing, nail care, skincare, fitness, and massage therapy. Professionals in this field focus on enhancing personal appearance and promoting relaxation and well-being while remaining grounded in a thorough understanding of health and safety practices.

Example Programs of Study

• Barbering
• Cosmetology
• Massage & Spa Services

Careers in healthcare that directly affect the physical well-being of individuals by providing medical care, conducting diagnostics, offering therapeutic services, administering pharmaceuticals, and supporting nutrition and dental health. This Sub-Cluster encompasses healthcare from prebirth to death, addressing all stages from pediatrics to geriatrics and mortuary sciences. It also includes careers that offer alternative and complementary health services such as homeopathy, acupuncture, and others that focus on the holistic well-being of individuals.

Example Programs of Study

• Allied Health
• Nursing
• Pharmacy Tech
• Physical Therapy
• Radiology
• Sports Medicine

Examples intended to show potential alignment with currently existing state or local secondary or postsecondary programs of study and provide inspiration for the expansion and innovation of future programs. Please note that the programs of study mentioned in the Framework are purely illustrative, are not comprehensive, and may vary from state to state. States or local institutions are encouraged to demonstrate for learners which specific programs are offered instead.