Academics
Career and College Prep
Whether your student is college-bound, eager to start a career, or still exploring their options, Ohio Virtual Academy (OHVA) helps them graduate ready for their future!
Preparing Students for What’s Next
We know planning for life after high school can feel overwhelming. That’s why we offer support early and often. At Ohio Virtual Academy, we help students use their middle and high school years to figure out where they want to go and plan how to get there.
Career Fields
Middle School Career Exploration
In middle school, our 7–8th graders can take career exploration courses to discover their interests early, find their strengths, and start thinking about the career pathways they’ll take in high school.
See the career and college prep options offered for OHVA middle schoolers.
High School Career Pathways
In high school, 9–12th graders can take a deeper dive into a career-focused concentration of their choice. Career pathways are an excellent way for students to get a jump-start on a career immediately after high school or to help them make the right decision about their college major.
Skills That Last a Lifetime
Discover how OHVA students turn their passions into career paths! With options to earn college credit, explore fun careers like media arts, and build real-world skills before graduation, our students can get a jump-start on their future while they’re in high school.
Real Support for Real-World Opportunities
At OHVA, students can discover their strengths and take important steps toward their future — whatever that future may look like for them. OHVA students can:
- Get guidance from a dedicated counselor regarding colleges, scholarships, and career goals
- Earn college and high school credit on select courses with Ohio’s College Credit Plus program
- Prep to take industry-recognized certification exams during high school or after graduating1
- Participate in career clubs and build their network
- Develop marketable skills through hands-on and project-based learning
- Get assistance with résumés, interview prep, and more!
The fact that Max can take college classes at the same time has been really a huge cost saver for him and us. Ohio has a program called the College Credit Plus Program that we take advantage of, where we don't pay anything out of pocket as far as the college classes go. Being able to get those credits and have the flexibility to do that at the same time as [high] school saves him time, accelerates his career track, and helps him get out there in real life and start earning a lot quicker.
Career and Technical Student Organization Offerings
OHVA students can enroll in Career and Technical Student Organizations (CTSOs). CTSOs extend classroom learning into the real world. By joining, students gain access to industry networking, competitive events, and leadership scholarships.
SkillsUSA Membership
With curriculum that covers 130 job categories and more than 600 national partners—businesses, trade associations, and unions—SkillsUSA gives students the opportunity to:
- Practically apply what they learn in the classroom
- Take courses in addition to those offered by the OHVA course catalog
- Participate in academic competitions and community service activities
- Connect with like-minded students who have similar career and academic interests
- Earn scholarships offered exclusively through SkillsUSA
Business Professionals of America (BPA)
BPA is one of the premier organizations for students pursuing careers in business and information technology. BPA is a co-curricular activity that enhances opportunities for students to participate in professional, civic, and service projects. Membership allows them to:
- Participate in academic competitions and community service activities
- Work toward earning industry-recognized certifications
- Participate in the Torch Awards program, which guides service-learning projects
- Develop leadership skills by running for local or national office
- Connect with like-minded students who have similar career and academic interests
HOSA – Future Health Professionals
An international student organization, HOSA works to promote career opportunities in the healthcare industry and enhance the delivery of quality healthcare to all people. Founded in 1976, HOSA empowers students to become leaders in the global healthcare community. Participating students are encouraged to:
- Develop effective leadership qualities and skills
- Make realistic career choices and seek successful employment in the healthcare field
- Learn and identify current health care issues, environmental concerns, and survival needs of the community, the nation, and the world
Build a Digital Portfolio
OHVA students who participate in Career and College Prep can build a portfolio in Tallo to earn digital badges and showcase their skills and achievements. Tallo helps high school students connect with potential employers, colleges, and even scholarship opportunities.
OHVA State-Approved CTE Pathways
Please be sure to visit the ODEW and OhioMeansJobs.com websites to verify information and speak directly to your OHVA school counselor to ensure you have accurate, timely information about state-approved CTE pathways.
Each CTE Pathway at OHVA consists of four courses, which count as elective credit toward graduation requirements. In addition to coursework, students in our CTE program have many opportunities to further their skills through opportunities that include:
- Work-Based Learning (WBL)
- Industry Recognized Credentials (IRCs)
- Career Tech Student Organizations (CTSOs)
- WebXams (Ohio’s state end-of-course exams for CTE courses)
- Regularly Scheduled Career Development Sessions
- Potential College Credit (CTAGs)
OHVA CTE Pathway Timelines
- If you are a 9th or 10th grader not yet ready to commit to participation in a CTE pathway, please consider taking an exploration course now (that you have not already taken), then apply to the pathway of your choice later in high school.
- If you begin a pathway in 12th grade, please note that you will take only one CTE pathway course (course specified in the pathway details document for each pathway) and not complete the entire pathway course sequence.
- All OHVA students are eligible to earn industry-recognized credentials (IRCs) that are not affiliated with a specific pathway. If you decide a CTE Pathway is not for you but would still like to earn an industry credential, please reach out to your school counselor for IRC options.
Note that the ODEW and OhioMeansJobs.com websites reflect the most up-to-date programs of study and industry-recognized credentials eligible to be used for graduation related to occupations in the state of Ohio. While we do our best to keep our website updated with accurate pathway information, our program courses and credentials are subject to change to align with those of the state.
Questions? Call toll-free: 866.339.9071
1Many Microsoft®️ Office certificates can be earned after completing one course. Other certificates require more classes to be better prepared, and students who participate in the program for at least two years will have further preparation for certification testing.
*Statements were made by Ohio Virtual Academy students, parents, Learning Coaches, and/or teachers, and reflect their personal experiences at OHVA during the times noted.