Health Occupations Education at the vocational and technical level began with the development
of Practical Nursing Education. A few of these programs were funded under the Smith Hughes
Act of 1917. Development was slow until the 1940's when there was a great increase in the need
for these programs and into the 1960's when federal funds were available under several
legislative acts to fund practical nursing programs.
As practical nurses proved their worth as supportive workers, other health fields began to make
use of non-professional assistants and technicians. Preparation of health occupations personnel
at the vocational and technical level ranged from short term training to two year programs
leading to an associate degree.
Since the 1960's, there has been increasing interest in the establishment of health occupations
programs at the high school level. At the high school level, health occupations programs
provide opportunities for students to explore various careers along with specific health related
laboratory experiences. These programs provide opportunities for students to learn entry-level
job skills, to gain job experience in a cooperative program and/or to prepare them for entry into
postsecondary health occupations programs.