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WEBINAR Q&A FUNCTION

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Health Careers

2025-2026 CAREER NIGHT SERIES

NOTE: This webinar is being recorded

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Director�College & Career Readiness/

VAPA

Brahim Wahib

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Program Manager-CTE�SUHSD College & Career Readiness

antonio.gutierrezjr@sweetwaterschools.org

Antonio Gutierrez

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STEAM Program Coordinator

melanie.brown@sweetwaterschools.org

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Melanie Brown, Ed.D.

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Visual and Performing Arts (VAPA) Program Manager

Andrea.Currier@sweetwaterschools.org

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Andrea Currier

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Teacher on Special Assignment�SUHSD College & Career Readiness

Counselor on Special Assignment�SUHSD College & Career Readiness

Alfredo Cendejas

Jessica Sphar

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SUHSD CAREER TECHNICAL EDUCATION (CTE)

Teacher on Special Assignment

SUHSD College & Career Readiness

RICARDO CISNEROS

JANETTE GOMEZ-LAMADRID

HEALTH CAREER AND MEDICAL PATHWAY IN SUHSD

Teacher on Special Assignment

SUHSD College & Career Readiness

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PROGRAM OVERVIEW�

5:00 pm Welcome

5:08 pm Industry Panel and Q&A

6:10 pm SUHSD Pathways

6:20 pm Health Careers Market Data

6:28 pm Closing

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MICHAEL CURRIER

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Registered Nurse,

Kaiser Permanente

LAURA SUDANO,

Ph.D. LMFT

Associate Clinical Professor

Associate Director, Integrated Behavioral Health

UC San Diego Health, Department of Family Medicine

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VERENICE HERNANDEZ-HERRERA

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Founder,

WishWell

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Question & Answer #1-3 (All Panel members)

  1. Introduce yourself (name, title, company, and brief description of what you do).�
  2. Share your educational and career journey and how you got to where you are.�
  3. Describe what your day-to-day job entails and looks like.�

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Question & Answer #4

4. What skills and/or talents do you need to be successful in your specific career?

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Question & Answer

  1. Introduce yourself (name, title, company, and brief description of what you do)
  2. Share your educational and career journey and how you got to where you are.
  3. Describe what your day to day job entails and looks like.
  4. What skills and/or talents do you need to be successful in your specific career?
  5. Describe a typical work day or work week?
  6. What level of education, training, certifications, or licenses are required for entry into this kind of work?
  7. What can a student do to best prepare to enter your industry? (internships, mentorships, educational experience/training)
  8. What is the most appealing and least appealing aspects of your job?
  9. What are some of the biggest challenges you’ve had to face in this position?
  10. Name something you wished you learned prior to beginning your career that would have made your job easier or facilitated your journey.
  11. What class did you think was a waste of time that you realize now was valuable? What was the most important thing you got out of high school that has helped you now?
  12. If I decided to pursue this career path, what advice would you give me?

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Question & Answer #5

5. Describe a typical work day or work week?

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Question & Answer #6

6. What level of education, training, certifications, or licenses are required for entry into this kind of work?

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Question & Answer #7

7. What can a student do to best prepare to enter your industry? (internships, mentorships, educational experience/training).

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Question & Answer #8

8. What is the most appealing and least appealing aspects of your job?

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Question & Answer #9

9. What are some of the biggest challenges you’ve had to face in your position?

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Question & Answer #10

10. Name something you wished you learned prior to beginning your career that would have made your job easier or facilitated your journey.

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Question & Answer #11

11. What class did you think was a waste of time that you realize now was valuable? What was the most important thing you got out of high school that has helped you now?

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Question & Answer #12

12. If I decided to pursue this career path, what advice would you give me?

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SUHSD CAREER TECHNICAL EDUCATION (CTE)

STEAM Program Manager

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SUHSD College & Career Readiness

Melanie Brown, Ed.D.

HEALTH CAREER AND MEDICAL PATHWAY IN SUHSD

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Health Science & Medical Technology Industry Sector

Healthcare Administrative Services Pathway

  • Offered at 3 school: ELH, SUH & SYH
  • Courses are articulated to SWC
  • Students certify in CPR/First Aid
  • Offer internship program

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Health Science & Medical Technology Industry Sector

Patient Care Pathway

  • Offered at all comprehensive high schools
  • Sports Medicine II is articulated to SWC course
  • Students certify in CPR/First Aid and HIPPA
  • Offer internship program

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Health Science & Medical Technology Industry Sector

Biotechnology

  • Offered at Southwest High School
  • Students receive an extra laboratory science

credit and honors point

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Health Science & Medical Technology Industry Sector

Mental and Behavioral Health

  • Offered at Launch Virtual Academy

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Health Science & Medical Technology.mp4

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K12 Pathway Coordinator�South Bay Region

Heidi Bergener, Ed.D.

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Mental and Behavioral Health Careers

A career in mental and behavioral health can be profound and rewarding, offering a unique opportunity to make a positive impact on individual lives and on society by fostering mental well-being and resilience in others. Mental health professionals guide individuals through their most vulnerable moments, facilitating healing, growth, and connection. This career can challenge you to grow intellectually, emotionally, and professionally as you learn and apply therapeutic techniques and approaches. Professionals in this field contribute meaningfully to alleviating the struggles associated with mental health issues and often experience profound satisfaction from witnessing clients evolve and thrive.

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https://www.careersinhealthcare.com/healthcare-careers/

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Skills Needed for a Mental Health Career

Empathy, Compassion, and Understanding

Communication

Relationship and Rapport Building

Critical Thinking

Good Judgment

Strong Ethics

Ability to Set Healthy Professional Boundaries

Desire to Help Others

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https://www.careersinhealthcare.com/healthcare-careers/

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Health Care Career Categories-Clinical and Entry Level

Clinical Careers

  1. Psychiatrist
    • Medical doctor specializing in mental health and medication management.
    • Work in hospitals, private practice, or clinics.
  2. Clinical Psychologist
    • Provide therapy and psychological testing.
    • Often employed in private practice, hospitals, or community mental health centers.
  3. Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT)
    • Focus on therapy for families, couples, and individuals dealing with relational and mental health challenges.
  4. Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
    • Offer therapy, crisis intervention, and case management services.
  5. Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC)
    • Provide counseling services with an emphasis on individual treatment plans.
  6. Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)
    • Advanced practice nurses who diagnose and treat mental illnesses, including prescribing medications.
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Entry-Level and Support Roles

  1. Mental Health Technician
    • Support mental health professionals by assisting patients with daily tasks, monitoring behavior, and providing basic care.
  2. Case Manager
    • Help clients navigate mental health services and connect them to resources like housing or job training.
  3. Peer Support Specialist
    • Individuals with lived mental health experience providing support and guidance to others.
  4. Crisis Counselor
    • Work with crisis hotlines or mobile crisis teams to provide immediate support to individuals in distress.

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https://www.careersinhealthcare.com/healthcare-careers/

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Health Care Career Categories-Educational and Specialized Fields

Educational and Community-Based Roles

  1. School Counselor
    • Provide mental health and academic counseling to students in K-12 schools.
  2. Behavioral Therapist
    • Work with children and adults, often focusing on developmental disorders like autism.
  3. Substance Abuse Counselor
    • Help individuals dealing with addiction through treatment programs and counseling.
  4. Community Mental Health Worker
    • Work with underserved populations to provide outreach, education, and support.

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Specialized Fields

  1. Art or Music Therapist
    • Use creative approaches to help clients express emotions and improve mental health.
  2. Forensic Psychologist
    • Work in the legal system, assessing individuals involved in criminal cases.
  3. Neuropsychologist
    • Specialize in brain-behavior relationships, often in hospitals or research settings.

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https://www.careersinhealthcare.com/healthcare-careers/

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Health Care Career Categories-Public Sector and Research

Public Sector Roles

  1. County Mental Health Worker
    • Positions within San Diego County Health and Human Services offering case management and counseling.
  2. Military/Veteran Mental Health Specialist
    • Opportunities with VA hospitals or organizations serving active-duty and retired military personnel.
  3. Public Health Program Coordinator
    • Develop and oversee mental health initiatives for communities.

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Research and Academia

  1. Mental Health Researcher
    • Conduct studies on mental health interventions or disorders at universities or private research institutions.
  2. Professor in Psychology or Counseling
    • Teach future mental health professionals at local universities or community colleges.

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https://www.careersinhealthcare.com/healthcare-careers/

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Labor Growth Projections in San Diego County

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https://www.careersinhealthcare.com/healthcare-careers/

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Projected Salary

High-Level Careers

  1. Psychiatrist
    • Average Salary: $240,000 - $270,000
    • Requires a medical degree and extensive training.
  2. Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)
    • Average Salary: $110,000 - $150,000
    • Advanced practice nurses specializing in mental health care.
  3. Clinical Psychologist
    • Average Salary: $85,000 - $125,000
    • Salaries vary depending on private practice, hospitals, or academia.

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Mid-Level Careers

  1. Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
    • Average Salary: $60,000 - $85,000
    • Provides therapy and connects clients with resources.
  2. Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT)
    • Average Salary: $55,000 - $80,000
    • Specializes in family and relational therapy.
  3. Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC)
    • Average Salary: $55,000 - $80,000
    • Focuses on individual counseling for mental health issues.

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https://myworkforceconnection.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/South-Subregional-Profile_Special-Report_SDIC_21.pdf

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Projected Salary

Entry-Level and Support Roles

  1. Mental Health Counselor
    • Average Salary: $45,000 - $65,000
    • Provides counseling under supervision or in certain settings.
  2. Behavioral Health Technician
    • Average Salary: $30,000 - $45,000
    • Supports therapists by assisting with clients' daily care and monitoring.
  3. Peer Support Specialist
    • Average Salary: $30,000 - $40,000
    • Draws on personal experience to guide and support others in recovery.

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Specialized Roles

  1. Substance Abuse Counselor
    • Average Salary: $40,000 - $60,000
  2. School Counselor
    • Average Salary: $50,000 - $70,000
  3. Art or Music Therapist
    • Average Salary: $50,000 - $75,000

Public Sector and Non-Profit Roles

  1. Community Health Worker
    • Average Salary: $40,000 - $55,000
  2. County Mental Health Worker
    • Average Salary: $50,000 - $80,000
  3. Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC)
    • Average Salary: $55,000 - $80,000

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https://myworkforceconnection.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/South-Subregional-Profile_Special-Report_SDIC_21.pdf

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Advantages

  • Room for growth
  • Meaningful career
  • Growing competitive salaries
  • Career security (growing industry)
  • Growing training hubs/programs

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Disadvantages

  • Long hours/shifts
  • Administrative Documentation
  • Burnout
  • Stressful career (what you see/ experience)
  • Lots of school, tests, and training

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Resources to Help Understand Health Care Career Options

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Links to Resources to Help Understand Health Care Career Options

Mental & Behavioral Health Career Pathways

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8 Career options for Mental Health Professionals [Infographic]

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Building a Career in Mental Health: Navigating Entry Level Opportunities

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Rewarding Paths in Mental Health Careers

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Psychology Careers Guide

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Types of Mental Health Professionals | NAMI

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5 Actionable Tips for Students Considering a Career in Mental Health

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Resources for Students and Educators

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Other Labor Market Facts

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https://www.biocom.org/news/eir/

San Diego Workforce Partnership �Behavioral Health Worker Shortage Report �(also access to recorded symposium)

  • 18,500 more workers needed by 2027

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Examples include:

  • 5,727 Community Health Worker & Social Service Assistant, including Peer Support Specialist
  • 4,770 Marriage and Family Therapists
  • 2,952 Substance Abuse and Behavioral Disorder Counselors
  • 1,476 Mental Health and Substance Abuse Social Worker
  • 1,451 Psychologists

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2 Year Education Options/Certificates -Southwestern

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2 Year Education Options/Certificates

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Find the College Best for YOU!

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https://careered.org/k14-program-finder/

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Resources

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Building Trades

Careers

2025-2026 CAREER NIGHT SERIES

Tuesday, December 2, 2026

5:00 pm to 6:30 pm

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THANK YOU!�

SLIDES AND RECORDING WILL BE POSTED ON OUR WEBSITE AT

https://ccr.sweetwaterschools.org/career-night-series/

LILIANA.SILVA@SWEETWATERSCHOOLS.ORG

@CCR_SUHSD

alfredo.cendejas@sweetwaterschools.org

ccr.sweetwaterschools.org