Earn a Certification while in High School
High School Career Academies
What is a Career Academy?
A High School Career Academy (HSCA) is your chance to get a head start on college and your career while still in high school! Each Academy is a set of classes focused on a specific career area, such as Business, IT, Healthcare, or Manufacturing.
Complete all required courses within a Career Academy to earn the corresponding Moraine Park certificate or technical diploma. If you’re not ready to commit to a specific Career Academy, consider attending one of our Career Experience events.
This means you’ll leave high school with real skills that can lead to better-paying jobs right away, or give you a jumpstart on a college degree at Moraine Park or one of our partner universities. Check out the Career Academy options below and start building your future today!
Available Career Academies
List of Current Academies
Academy Summary
Prepares students to handle emergencies—from car accidents to heart attacks—and safely transport patients to medical care. National EMT licensure can be obtained through this opportunity.
Earned Certification
Technical Diploma, Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Program
Course Names, Course Numbers, Credits
EMT (531-301), 5 credits
Degree Pathways
Earned credits can be applied toward the following Moraine Park programs:
- Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) Program (Technical Diploma)
- Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) – Paramedic Program (Technical Diploma)
- Paramedic Technician Program (Associate Degree)
If you’re not ready to commit to a specific Career Academy, consider attending one of our Career Experience events.
Academy Summary
Build skills to think like a business owner—and prepare for a future in business development, planning, customer service, financial management and more.
Earned Certification
Technical Diploma, Entrepreneur Program
Course Names, Course Numbers, Credits
- Introduction to Business (102-110), 3 credits
- Entrepreneurship Ventures and Innovation (145-183), 3 credits
- Entrepreneurship (145-185), 3 credits
- College 101 (890-101), 2 credits
Degree Pathways
Earned credits can be applied toward the following Moraine Park programs:
If you’re not ready to commit to a specific Career Academy, consider attending one of our Career Experience events.
Academy Summary
Discover the basics of fire protection—and obtain the Firefighter 1 Certification through this hands-on experience.
Earned Certification
Certification, State Firefighter Program
Course Names, Course Numbers, Credits
- Fire Fighting Principles (503-142), 4 credits
- Hazmat Awareness and Operations (503-153), 1 credit
- College 101 (890-101), 2 credits
- Computer Literacy – Microsoft Office (103-159), 1 credit
Degree Pathways
Earned credits can be applied toward the following Moraine Park programs:
If you’re not ready to commit to a specific Career Academy, consider attending one of our Career Experience events.
Academy Summary
Heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration jobs are in high-demand. Take advantage of this job-growth by getting started in MPTC’s HVAC Installation Technician program. Students receive vast HVAC training and learn principles of air conditioning and heating installation.
Gained Certification
Technical Diploma, HVAC Installation Technician
Course Names, Course Numbers, Credits
- Computer Lit – Microsoft Office (103-159), 1 credit
- Electricity and Electronics HVAC (601-307), 3 credits
- HVAC Schematics (601-308), 2 credits
- HVAC/R Code and OSHA 10 (601-309), 1 credit
- Fundamentals of Building Controls and Systems (601-310), 2 credits
- Fundamentals of Refrigeration (601-320), 2 credits
- Refrigeration Service Techniques (601-321), 2 credits
- Occupational Mathematics 1 (804-360), 2 credits
- College 101 (890-101), 2 credits
Degree Pathways
Earned credits can be applied toward the following Moraine Park programs:
If you’re not ready to commit to a specific Career Academy, consider attending one of our Career Experience events.
Academy Summary
Heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration jobs are in high-demand. Take advantage of this job-growth by getting started in MPTC’s HVAC Installation Technician program. Students receive vast HVAC training and learn principles of air conditioning and heating installation.
Gained Certification
Technical Diploma, HVAC Installation Technician
Course Names, Course Numbers, Credits
- Computer Lit – Microsoft Office (103-159), 1 credit
- Electricity and Electronics HVAC (601-307), 3 credits
- Fundamentals of Refrigeration (601-320), 2 credits
- HVAC/R Code and OSHA 10 (601-309), 1 credit
- Occupational Mathematics 1 (804-360), 2 credits
- College 101 (890-101), 2 credits
- Commercial Refrigeration (601-314), 3 credits
- Hydronic Environmental Systems (601-316), 3 credits
- Occupational Math II (804-361), 2 credits
Degree Pathways
Earned credits can be applied toward the following Moraine Park programs:
If you’re not ready to commit to a specific Career Academy, consider attending one of our Career Experience events.
Academy Summary
Build business-focused skills, with an emphasis on software applications and end-user support functions.
Earned Certification
Certificate, Office Software Specialist Program
Course Names, Course Numbers, Credits
- Microsoft Word (103-160), 2 credits
- Microsoft Excel (103-180), 2 credits
- Microsoft Access (103-181), 2 credits
- Microsoft PowerPoint (103-182), 2 credits
Degree Pathways
Earned credits can be applied toward the following Moraine Park programs:
- Office Software Specialist (Certificate)
- Virtual Office Assistant Program (Technical Diploma)
- Information Technology (IT) – Applications Support Specialist (Associate Degree)
If you’re not ready to commit to a specific Career Academy, consider attending one of our Career Experience events.
Academy Summary
Enhance business and accounting skills by mastering wage calculations, net pay, learning applicable state and federal rules and laws, and more.
Earned Certification
Certificate, Payroll Assistant Program
Course Names, Course Numbers, Credits
- Accounting 1 (101-112), 4 credits
- Data Mgmt/Analysis/Reporting (101-138), 3 credits
- Computer Lit/Microsoft Office (103-159), 1 credit
- Payroll Accounting (101-141), 3 credits
Degree Pathways
Earned credits can be applied toward the following Moraine Park programs:
- Payroll Assistant (Certificate)
- Accounting Assistant Program (Technical Diploma)
- Accounting Degree Program (Associate Degree)
If you’re not ready to commit to a specific Career Academy, consider attending one of our Career Experience events.
Academy Summary
Learn how to collect samples for lab testing, diagnosis, blood donation, and more—all essential parts of accurate medical care.
Earned Certification
Technical Diploma, Phlebotomist / Specimen Processor Program
Course Names, Course Numbers, Credits
- Basic Lab Skills (513-110), 1 credit
- Phlebotomy (513-111), 2 credits
Degree Pathways
Earned credits can be applied toward the following Moraine Park programs:
- Phlebotomist / Specimen Processor Program (Technical Diploma)
- Medical Laboratory Technician Program (Associate Degree)
If you’re not ready to commit to a specific Career Academy, consider attending one of our Career Experience events.
Academy Summary
Jumpstart a healthcare career with foundational courses that build essential skills and knowledge. The Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) certification can be obtained through this opportunity.
Course Names, Course Numbers, Credits
- Medical Terminology (501-101), 3 credits
- General Anatomy & Physiology (806-177), 4 credits
- Nursing Assistant (543-300), 2 credits
Degree Pathways
Earned credits can be applied toward the following Moraine Park programs:
If you’re not ready to commit to a specific Career Academy, consider attending one of our Career Experience events.
Academy Summary
Many of today’s jobs require skills to manage projects, both small and large. The Project Coordinator Certificate prepares students for entry-level positions that require project management skills and introduces skill-sets for project management professionals.
Gained Certification
Certificate, Project Coordinator Certificate
Course Names, Course Numbers, Credits
- Computer Literacy (103-159), 1 credit
- Principles of Accounting (101-184), 3 credits
- Intro to Project Management (102-188), 3 credits
- Team Building and Problem Solving (116-189), 3 credits
- Communications Course (801-xxx), 3 credits
- Mathematics Course (804-xxx), 3 credits
Degree Pathways
Earned credits can be applied toward the following Moraine Park programs:
- Project Coordinator (Certificate)
- Business Logistics Coordinator (Technical Diploma)
- Business Management (Associate Degree)
If you’re not ready to commit to a specific Career Academy, consider attending one of our Career Experience events.
Academy Summary
Learn and apply basic engineering principles and technical skills to identify and resolve manufacturing challenges.
Gained Certification
Certificate, Manufacturing Fundamentals Program
Course Names, Course Numbers, Credits
- Manufacturing processes (623-162), 3 credits
- Technical Print Reading (623-110), 2 credits
- College Math (804-107), 3 credits
Degree Pathways
Earned credits can be applied toward the following Moraine Park programs:
- Manufacturing Fundamentals (Certificate)
- Automated Manufacturing Technician Program (Technical Diploma)
- Quality and Advanced Manufacturing Technology Program (Associate Degree)
If you’re not ready to commit to a specific Career Academy, consider attending one of our Career Experience events.
Academy Summary
Learn and apply basic engineering principles and technical skills to identify and resolve manufacturing production issues.
Gained Certification
Technical Diploma, Automated Manufacturing Technician Program
Course Names, Course Numbers, Credits
- Computer Literacy – Microsoft Office (103-159), 1 credit
- Manufacturing Processes (623-162), 3 credits
- Technical Print Reading (623-110), 2 credits
- Introduction to Mechatronics (664-110), 2 credits
- College Math or College Algebra with Apps (804-107 / 804-195), 3 credits
- College 101 (890-101), 2 credits
- CAD 3-D SolidWorks (617-114), 3 credits
- Basic Metrology (623-191), 2 credits
- Introduction to Industrial Robotics (664-105), 2 credits
- Introduction to Industrial Control Systems (664-100), 2 credits
Degree Pathways
Earned credits can be applied toward the following Moraine Park programs:
- Manufacturing Fundamentals (Certificate)
- Automated Manufacturing Technician Program (Technical Diploma)
- Quality and Advanced Manufacturing Technology Program (Associate Degree)
If you’re not ready to commit to a specific Career Academy, consider attending one of our Career Experience events.
Academy Summary
Shielded metal arc welding (SMAW), also known as stick welding, is commonly used in maintenance departments, repair shops, construction sites, pipe welding and other industrial settings. Moraine Park’s Shielded Metal Arc Welding Certificate prepares students for entry-level employment as a welder, and students can also choose to continue their education by applying their certificate credits to the Welding technical diploma.
Gained Certification
Certificate, Shielded Metal Arc Welding Certificate
Course Names, Course Numbers, Credits
- Welding Print Reading (442-331), 2 credits
- Cutting Processes (442-338), 1 credit
- Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW) (442-356), 2 credits
- Occupational Mathematics 1 (804-360), 2 credits
Degree Pathways
Earned credits can be applied toward the following Moraine Park programs:
If you’re not ready to commit to a specific Career Academy, consider attending one of our Career Experience events.
Academy Summary
Expand accounting expertise by learning to prepare income taxes and interpret IRS regulations.
Gained Certification
Certificate, Tax Preparer Assistant Program
Course Names, Course Numbers, Credits
- Accounting 1 (101-112), 4 credits
- Data Mgmt/Analysis/Reporting (101-138), 3 credits
- Computer Literacy – Microsoft Office (103-159), 1 credit
- Income Tax Accounting (101-123), 3 credits
Degree Pathways
Earned credits can be applied toward the following Moraine Park programs:
- Tax Preparer Assistant (Certificate)
- Accounting Assistant (Technical Diploma)
- Accounting (Associate Degree)
If you’re not ready to commit to a specific Career Academy, consider attending one of our Career Experience events.
Academy Summary
The Associate of Arts degree offers students an affordable and efficient opportunity to complete General Education courses and use elective credits to begin work in their intended four-year area of study prior to transfer. Students who complete this Academy as laid out here will earn a Project Coordinator Certificate and be eligible to complete their AA with MPTC in one academic year following graduation.
Gained Certification
Associate of Arts/Associate of Science, University Transfer Degrees
Certificate, Project Coordinator Certificate
Course Names, Course Numbers, Credits
Semester 1
- College 101 (890-101), 2 credits
- English Composition 1*** or English Composition 2 (802-219 or 801-223), 3 credits
- *Principles of Accounting*** (101-184), 3 credits
Semester 2
- Computer Literacy*** (103-159), 1 credit
- English Composition 2 or Intro to Psychology (801-223 or 809-198), 3 credits
- Speech (801-198), 3 credits
Semester 3
- Principles of Sustainability (806-112), 3 credits
- *Team Building & Problem Solving*** (116-189), 3 credits
- Intro to Ethics (809-116), 3 credits
Semester 4
- Math*** (804-xxx), 3 credits
- **Intro to Diversity Studies (809-172), 3 credits
- *Intro to Project Management*** (102-188), 3 credits
*Students not wanting to earn the Project Coordinator certificate should work with an advisor to identify alternate General Education courses that will advance their own educational goals. Students who choose to only take general education courses will not be considered part of the academy.
**809-172 Intro to Diversity Studies and 801-247 Contemporary World Literature will satisfy the Global Studies and Languages requirement and the Diversity and Ethnic Studies requirement within the Associate of Arts program.
***Courses required to earn the Project Coordinator Certificate.
Degree Pathways
Earned credits can be applied toward the following Moraine Park programs:
- Associate of Arts/Associate of Science, University Transfer Degrees
- Certificate, Project Coordinator Certificate
If you’re not ready to commit to a specific Career Academy, consider attending one of our Career Experience events.
Academy Summary
This program provides students with the essential skills and knowledge to create compelling visual content using industry-standard software. Students will learn the fundamentals of digital image manipulation, graphic design principles, and vector-based illustration, enabling them to develop a versatile skill set applicable to a wide range of creative fields.
Gained Certification
Technical Diploma, Visual Design Fundamentals
Course Names, Course Numbers, Credits
- Computer Literacy (103-159), 1 credit
- Beginning Photoshop (103-170), 2 credits
- Vector Illustration 1 (201-102), 2 credits
- Design Fundamentals (201-112), 3 credits
Degree Pathways
Earned credits can be applied toward the following Moraine Park programs:
- Visual Design Fundamentals (Technical Diploma)
- Graphic Design (Associate Degree)
- Interactive Media Design (Associate Degree)
If you’re not ready to commit to a specific Career Academy, consider attending one of our Career Experience events.
Which Career Academy aligns with your interests?
Not ready to commit to a Career Academy? Career Experience events for students in grades 9-12 offer an exciting glimpse into corresponding High School Career Academies!
Fond du Lac High School Students Complete REM Academy
Congratulations to Fond du Lac High School graduating seniors Kaden Asmus, Michael Bartoli, Aiden Krahn, Declan O’Connor, and Logan Stoffel for completing the Robotics, Engineering and Manufacturing (REM) Academy.
Through this academy, students earned a portion of their associate degree in the Quality and Advanced Manufacturing Technology Program while also fulfilling high school graduation requirements. Courses were held on Moraine Park’s Fond du Lac and West Bend Campuses, where students enjoyed newly renovated facilities.
Academy Outcomes
In the 2024-25 school year, 188 students earned a Moraine Park certificate or technical diploma through a Career Academy:
Technical Diplomas Earned:
Emergency Medical Technician, Nursing Assistant, and Automated Manufacturing Technician.
Certificates Earned:
Office Software Specialist, Payroll Assistant, Tax Preparer Assistant, and Pre-Health.
Earn a Career Academy Certification
Step 1: Take Dual Enrollment Courses
Start by reviewing information about dual enrollment course options and first steps. Select dual enrollment courses that can be applied toward the completion of a designated High School Career Academy (HSCA) certification.
Option 1: Dual Credit Courses
High school students take classes at their high school during the school day and earn college credits from high school teachers who are certified to teach college-level courses.
Option 2: Take Start College Now Courses
High school students take classes in person at one of four Moraine Park locations or online, taught by Moraine Park faculty.
Step 2: Get Admitted to the Academy
A student must be admitted to the program to complete the academy and earn the certification. Submit the “Request Information” form or directly connect with the Academy Enrollment Specialist for more details.
K-12 Academy Enrollment Specialist
hsca@morainepark.edu
Call me: 920-924-3173
Message me: 920-948-0730
TTY/VP: Use Relay/VRS
Step 3: Complete Coursework and Apply for Moraine Park Graduation
Make sure to meet the Academy’s credit requirements. Students must apply for graduation during the final semester of coursework to receive a certification.
Declan O’Connor
Declan O’Connor, a member of the Fond du Lac High School Class of 2025, has launched his career in steam-fitting thanks to Moraine Park’s Dual Credit and Start College Now courses. He earned 19 college credits and applied them to the Robotics, Engineering and Manufacturing (REM) Academy before his spring 2025 high school graduation.
By May 2025, O’Connor completed Moraine Park’s Manufacturing Fundamentals Certificate and Automated Manufacturing Technician Technical Diploma. He is pursuing an apprenticeship as a steam-fitter, leveraging his technical training and hands-on experience to stand out in a competitive field.
Review dual enrollment opportunities to start YOUR own journey today.
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