Tomball Academy of
Healthcare
Pathways in Technology Early College High School (P-TECH)
Purpose
The Texas Education Agency's (TEA) Pathways in Technology Early College High schools (P-TECH) initiative offers an open-enrollment program that creates workforce pathways aligned with high-demand, high-wage fields throughout the state. Students enrolled in the P-TECH program work toward an associate's degree while gaining hands-on work experience.
Texas P-TECH programming is inspired by the national effort to refine career and technical education. Industry and Institutes of Higher Education (IHE) partnerships with P-TECH campuses ensure that students graduate college- and career-ready. Business and industry partners provide career mentoring, host site visits, offer paid internships to enrolled students, and serve on advisory councils to improve the alignment of programming with workforce needs.
Students who graduate from the P-TECH program enter the workforce with proven, in-demand skill sets, making them top candidates in their chosen industry.
Program Characteristics
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25 student cohort per grade level, beginning with the incoming 9th grade class of 23/24 (C/O 2027)
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Program option under Tomball Star Academy
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Every student at each grade level will have an industry mentor
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First-in line, priority interviewing opportunities with HCA Tomball
Pathways in Technology is open to all students and is designed to support students who
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are motivated to challenge themselves with in-depth college-level coursework and internships
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are comfortable in classes focused on academics and workplace learning
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are open to accepting career-focused academic guidance from dedicated, collegiate teachers and professors
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want to attend college but need a no-cost solution (tuition and textbooks)
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live in the Tomball Independent School District
Available Program Outcomes
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Industry-Based Certifications: EKG, Phlebotomy, Patient Care Technician
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Level 1 Pre-Professional Certificate (Awarded by Lone Star College System)
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Associate of Science Degree (Awarded by Lone Star College System)
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the Focus of Tomball Academy of Healthcare?
- Who is the Business and Industry Partner?
- Who is the Institute of Higher Learning (IHE) Partner?
- What is Dual Credit?
- What are some differences between TSA and TAH?
- Where will students attend class?
- Will students graduate with a high school diploma as a Tomball Star Academy student?
- Can students participate in extracurricular activities offered at the High School, like sports, band, or choir?
- Who can attend the Tomball Academy of Healthcare?
- Can siblings and cousins of selected or current out of district Early College High Schools students apply for the P-TECH program?
- Are the vaccination and immunization requirements to participate in the P-TECH program?
- Are there any other requirements of students in order to participate if selected?
- How many students will be accepted each year?
- How are students selected?
- How much will tuition, college textbooks, and fees be for students?
- What support is provided to help students be successful?
- Will students be allowed to drive their own car to the Tomball Innovation Center, Lone Star College campus, hospital and other activities?