Skip To Main Content

Location

Menu Trigger Container

Icon-Links-Home

Breadcrumb

Career Academies

Triton College Career Academies 2026-27

Earn college credit, gain real-world experience, and explore your future career — all while still in high school!
Courses build toward college certificates that can jump-start your path to a degree or high-paying career.

Tuition and fees are fully covered by the district.
Enroll with your counselor during course selection.

HEALTH CAREERS

  • Dental Assistant Program 

    • TDE 121, Periods 1-4, Fall Semester
    • HTH-E31, Dental Assistant, 8:30-10:30 AM
    • Prepare for one of the fastest-growing health care careers! Learn to assist dentists and hygienists with patient care and office tasks. This 60-hour course introduces all areas of dental assisting and pre-clinical skills.
    • Career Outlook: Dental offices, hospitals, and clinics.
    •  Slide Deck, Virtual Information Session
    • Passcode: 1K!6XXMn

  • Emergency Medical Technician–EMT 

    • TDE 102, Spring Semester, Seniors Only
    • EMS 131, Emergency Medical Technician,  M & W, 6:00-10:00, Weekend Clinicals
    • Gain life-saving skills in emergency care, rescue techniques, and patient transport. Graduates can take the National EMT Exam.
    • Video Passcode: 0fxUJ&F=

  • EKG & Phlebotomy Technician Certificate 

    • TDE 122, Periods 1-4, Spring Semester, Seniors Only

    • HTH-E38 EKG Tech, 8:30-10:30 AM

    • IHP-E05 Phlebotomy Tech, 8:30-10:30 AM

    • Learn how to perform and interpret electrocardiograms (EKGs) that help doctors diagnose heart conditions. This 60-hour course prepares students for the NHA EKG Technician Exam and other national certifications.
    • Career Outlook: Hospitals, clinics, and insurance companies.
    • Slide Deck, Virtual Information Session
    • Passcode: $!G7Y7XZ

  • Fire Science 

    • TDE 123, Periods 1-4, Seniors Only
    • Semester 1
      • FIR 101, National Incident Management System, 8:30-10:30 AM
      • FIR 121, Basic Firefighter Module A, 8:30-10:30 AM
      • FIR 123, Basic Firefighter Module C, 8:30-10:30 AM
    • Semester 2 
      • FIR 102, Basic ICS and Application Towards Single Resource, 8:30-10:30 AM
      • FIR 122, Basic Firefighter Module B, 8:30-10:30 AM
      • FIR 125, Hazardous Materials Operations, 8:30-10:30 AM
      • Train for entry-level firefighting careers and prepare for Illinois State Fire Marshal certification. Learn emergency response, hazardous materials, and rescue operations.
      • Video Passcode: #x+fX7dq

  • Nursing Assistant

    • TDE 310, 1 semester in length Fall or Spring Semesters
    • NAS 100, Basic Nurse Assistant, 2:30-4:15
    • Earn 6 hours of college credit and your Nursing Assistant Certificate in one semester. Learn essential nursing skills through lectures, labs, and clinical experiences.
    • Prerequisites: Medical Careers, AP Biology, or Anatomy & Physiology
    • Requirements:  Accuplacer 440+
    • Prior to the start of class students must complete a Healthcare Worker Background Check Form, Finger Printing, Castle Branch Immunization Documentation (MMR, Varicella, Hepatitis B, Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria, Pertussis), Drug Screen, AHA BLS CPR, and have  proof of hospitalization insurance.
    • 25-26 School Year Information
    • CNA Cohort Video   Passcode: 2UUjigZ^
    • Healthcare Worker Background Check Form
    • Friday Work-Based Learning

  • Physical Therapy Aide Program 

    • TDE121, Fall Semester
    • HTH E34 - Physical Therapy and Sports Medical Aid, 8:30-10:30 AM
    • Explore a growing field that helps patients recover and stay active. This 60-hour program prepares you for roles supporting licensed physical therapists and athletic trainers.
    • Career Outlook: Hospitals, rehab centers, sports clinics, and nursing homes.
    • Slide Deck, Virtual Information Session
    • Passcode: G6k=9Qws

SKILLED TRADES

  • Heating and Cooling

    •  TDE 123, Periods 1-4 (Seniors Only)
    • The cohort program is only available to seniors. It is preferred that participants have become 18 years of age and have a valid driver’s license as they near the completion of the program.
      • ARC-102 - OSHA 10-Hour Construction Training (1 credit hours: 1 lecture)
      • HAC-105 Refrigerant Certification (1 credit hours: 1 lecture)
      • HAC-115 Electricity and Controls I (4 credit hours: 3 lecture, 2 lab)
      • HAC-125 Cooling I (3 credit hours: 2 lecture, 2 lab)
      • HAC-135 Heating I (3 credit hours: 2 lecture, 2 lab)
    • Gain hands-on training in HVAC installation and maintenance while earning EPA Refrigerant and OSHA certifications. Learn electrical systems, heating, and cooling basics.
    • Career Outlook: Entry-level HVAC installation and service roles.
    • Friday Work-Based Learning

 

  • Electric Vehicle Charger Installation and Maintenance

    • TDE 123, Periods 1-4
    • Semester 1
    • ENT-104 Electricity I
    • ENT--212 Intro To Electric Vehicle Charging Systems 
    • Semester 2
    • ENT--202 Electricity II
    • ENT--213 Electric Vehicle Supply Equipment (EVSE) Installation And Maintenance 
    • Get hands-on experience with the future of automotive technology! Learn about electric vehicle systems, charging, and sustainable transportation careers.

 

  • Welding 

    • TDE 123, Periods 1-4
    • Semester 1
      • ENT 106, Welding I, M & W, 8:15-10:20 AM
      • ENT 110, Engineering Design Graphics/CAD,  T & Th, 8:15-10:20 AM
      • DVR Work-Based Learning Course Fridays
    • Semester 2
      • ENT 107, Welding With Tungsten Inert Gas, M & W, 8:15-10:20 AM
      • ENT 116, Fabrication Processes, T & Th, 8:15-10:20 AM
      • DVR Work-Based Learning Course Fridays
    • Master ARC, MIG, and TIG welding in a real workshop setting. Learn blueprint reading, metal fabrication, and layout skills.
      Career Outlook: Entry-level welder, solderer, fabricator, or industrial mechanic.
    • Video Passcode: 7Q?WJ57V
    • Friday Work-Based Learning

PUBLIC SERVICES

  • Criminal Justice 

    • TDE 123, Periods 1-4
    • Semester 1 
      • CJA 111, Introduction to Criminal Justice, M & W, 8:30-9:45 AM
      • CJA 171, Patrol Administration, T & Th, 8:30-9:45 AM
      • DVR Work-Based Learning Course Fridays
    • Semester 2 
      • CJA 148, Police/Community Relations, M & W, 8:30-9:45 AM
      • CJA 166, Criminal Investigation, T & Th, 8:30-9:45 AM
      • CJA 161, Administration of Justice, Online
      • DVR Work-Based Learning Course Fridays
  • Earn 12 hours of college credit toward a Law Enforcement Certificate. Learn the foundations of policing, criminal law, and corrections while gaining real-world experience through work-based learning.
  • Career Outlook: Law enforcement, public safety, and legal support roles.
  • Video Passcode: =2Gns&Up
  • Friday Work-Based Learning

  • Education 

    • TDE 123, Periods 1-4, 2-year cohort encouraged,
    • Semester 1 
      • EDU 207, Introduction to Education, M & W, 8:30-10:30 AM
      • EDU 200,Introduction to Special Education, T & Th, 8:30-10:30 AM
      • DVR Work-Based Learning Course Fridays
    • Semester 2 
      • EDU 110, Diversity of Schools and Society, M & W, 8:30-10:30 AM
      • EDU 215, Educational Psychology, T & Th, 8:30-10:30 AM
      • DVR Work-Based Learning Course Fridays
    • Prepare for a career in teaching or special education while earning college credit. Courses include real-world field experiences at schools and child development centers.
      Two-year cohort recommended.
    • Video  Passcode: *Utf0x.=
    • Friday Work Based Learning

PERSONAL SERVICES

  • Cosmetology Certificate (Juniors, 2-year program)

    • COOP653, Periods 7-10
    • Semester 1
      • COS 101 – Fundamentals of Cosmetology, 1:00-500
      • COS 102 – Basic Hairstyling, 1:00-500
      • COS 103 – Thermal Hair Styling, 1:00-500
      • COS 104 – Salon Safety & Sanitation, 1:00-500
    • Semester 2
      • COS 111 – Salon Operations, 1:00-500
      • COS 112 – Hairstyling II, 1:00-500
      • COS 113 – Thermal Hairstyling II, 1:00-500
      • COS 114 – Esthetics & Nail Technology, 1:00-500
    • Requirements:  Accuplacer 440+
    • Develop professional hairstyling, skincare, and nail care skills while earning your Cosmetology Certificate.
    • The BCosmetology certificate requires 50 credit hours, equivalent to the 1500 clock hours required by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation. Upon successful completion of the program, students will be eligible to apply for the Illinois Licensed Cosmetology examination

  • Barber Certificate (Juniors, 2-year program)

    • COOP643, Period 7-10
    • Semester 1
      • BAR 101 – Fundamentals of Barbering, 1:00-500
      • BAR 102 – Artistic Barbering I, 1:00-500
      • BAR 103 – Barbershop Operations I, 1:00-500
      • BAR 104 – Chemical Services, 1:00-500
    • Semester 2
      • BAR 111 – Facial Treatment, 1:00-500
      • BAR 112 – Artistic Barbering II, 1:00-500
      • BAR 113 – Barbershop Operations II, 1:00-500
      • BAR 114 – Chemical Services II, 1:00-500
    • Requirements:  Accuplacer 440+
    • The Barber Certificate offers students a comprehensive education in the art and science of barbering. Students will gain skills in haircutting, styling, chemical techniques, facial hair design, and shaving.
    • The Barber certificate requires 50 credit hours, equivalent to the 1500 clock hours required by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation. Upon successful completion of the program, students will be eligible to apply for the Illinois Licensed Barber examination.

FITNESS AND RECREATION

  • Sports Conditioning

    • TDE 123, Periods 1-4, Spring

      • PED 168– Theory and Practice of Weight Training

      • PED 196– Sport and Exercise Psychology

      • PED 153- Foundations of Exercise 

    • Learn strength training, nutrition, and athletic performance principles.

  • Sports Management

    • TDE123, Period 1-4, Fall

      • PED 194 –Principles of Coaching

      • PED 195 Introduction to Sports Management

      • PED 201 – Sports Officiating

    • Choice between either PED 106 - Total Fitness OR PED 198- Lifeguarding 

    • Explore business, marketing, and leadership in the sports industry.

How to Enroll

Enroll with your counselor during course selection. ALL of the tuition and fees are paid by the district.