Career Tech at OHS
Students can choose from a variety of career pathways, each designed to introduce them to specific industries, develop job-ready skills, and provide opportunities for advanced study or employment.
Why Choose Career & Technical Education?
Courses in this pathway focus on plant and animal sciences, environmental sustainability, and agricultural business.
Industry Certifications: Land Survey Helper Certification, Skid Steer Certification, Specialty Crops
For students interested in broadcasting, video production, and digital media, this pathway includes:
Industry Certifications: Adobe Premiere Pro
For students interested in teaching and educational careers, this program includes classroom instruction and hands-on experience.
Industry Certifications: PRAXIS Core Academic Skills, ETS Parapro Assessment, Google Educator Certification
This pathway focuses on engineering, design, and technology applications.
Industry Certifications: SolidWorks Associate
Students gain knowledge and experience in healthcare careers, including certifications that allow them to enter the workforce immediately after graduation.
Industry Certifications: CNA, EMT-B, Certified Pharmacy Technician, Patient Care Technician, EKG Technician, Emergency Medical Responder
Students prepare for careers in restaurant management, food service, and hospitality.
Industry Certifications: ServSafe Manager, Guest Service Professional
Students interested in computers, networking, and cybersecurity gain hands-on technical experience.
Industry Certifications: CompTIA IT Fundamentals, CompTIA A+, Skills for Success Fiber Optics
Students explore entrepreneurship, marketing, and financial management with real-world applications.
Industry Certifications: Microsoft Office Specialist, Customer Service & Sales, Entrepreneurship & Small Business, Certified Guest Service Professional
The Alabama Career Essentials (ACE) program equips students with the tools they need for life beyond high school, including employability skills, industry-recognized certifications, and free college credit opportunities.
The Alabama Career Essentials (ACE) program at Opelika High School is formerly known as Ready To Work. This program is a FREE, industry-focused training course designed to prepare students for high-demand careers in the workforce.
It’s tailored for seniors exploring alternatives to traditional four-year universities after graduation.
If you have questions, or want to enroll, contact Mrs. Edwards at mandi.edwards@opelikaschools.org.
Each pathway is designed to first introduce students to a particular career pathway by discussing the types of jobs that are associated with that career as well as the educational or work experience needed to begin work in that career. As students' progress through the coursework in a particular pathway, the courses become more in depth and skill oriented. By a student's senior year, if they have taken the required prerequisite coursework, they will be expected to enroll in a works/project based course where they will apply the knowledge and skills they have studied.
For students that are not able to complete the required prerequisite coursework or who transfer to Opelika after starting high school, there is the possibility of skipping certain courses in a pathway if they have completed similar coursework at another school or at Opelika or the student shows the necessary motivation and desire to succeed in the advanced coursework. In both instances, teacher approval to skip a prerequisite class must be acquired.
Persons seeking detailed information concerning the career and technical education offerings and specific pre-requisite criteria should contact:
Career Technical Director
Opelika City Schools
P.O. Box 2469
Opelika, AL 36803-2469
334-745-9700
katherine.murray@opelikaschools.org