Written by: Morgan Humphrey
Salem High School will offer two new pathways starting in the fall of 2025: Health Sciences (Nursing) and Hospitality and Human Services (Culinary Arts). Students will have the opportunity to receive different certifications through these pathways that will prepare them for career and college readiness.
SHS students will be given an insight into what these careers involve.
Principal Luke Dean said, “Students studying nursing will receive a Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) and Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA).
“Culinary students will receive Certified Fundamentals of Cook (CFC).”
These pathways will benefit students in many ways.
“They provide valuable industry knowledge, hands-on experience, and certifications that can open doors to immediate employment or advanced training after graduation,” said Dean.
Students will participate in a wide variety of real world situations. Nursing students will have clinical experiences in a hospital setting and culinary students will work in a professional kitchen.
SHS is currently working with local businesses to have more internships available for those who choose these pathways. Internships will allow them to gain specific skills.
Nursing students will learn patient care, medical terminology, vital signs monitoring, infection control and basic clinical skills. Culinary students will gain experience in food safety and sanitation, meal planning, knife skills and cooking technique.
“I’m so excited that a new pathway for culinary learning is coming to SHS,” said senior Ebonie Humphrey, who is currently a Prosser culinary student. “I always feel so accomplished every time I make a meal for my family and friends. I’m so glad that it can give the boost for the people who have that opportunity to do this as their career. It’s wonderful to think of how many more students can feel that same experience in accomplishing that now as well.”
After graduation, students that have earned industry-recognized certifications and gained real world experience will be well-prepared to enter the workforce after high school.
“These pathways are a strong foundation for further education, whether that is college, apprenticeship, or technical training,” said Dean.
SHS is excited for these new opportunities for students. They are hoping to add more pathways in the next few years based on student interest. At this time, SHS is still working on filling the positions to teach these pathways.