Pathways

ACCA offers both CTAE (Career, Technical and Agricultural Education) and Dual Enrollment pathways. These pathways high school students with varying career clusters, featuring sequenced courses that lead to industry-recognized certifications, college credits, and immediate career opportunities.

Students take classes tailored to their cluster, which helps them navigate their way to greater success - no matter what they choose to do after high school graduation. Each cluster will include multiple career pathways. The aim of the program is to show students the relevance of what they're learning in the classroom, whether they want to attend a two-year college, a four-year university or go straight into the workforce.

ACCA pathways with eligible grade levels

CTAE Pathways	Grade Level
Culinary Arts	10th - 12th
Criminal Investigations	10th - 12th
Dental Science	10th - 12th
Graphic Design	10th - 12th
HVAC & Refrigeration	10th - 12th
Patient Care 11th and 12th	11th - 12th

Dual Enrollment Pathways	Grade Level
Automotive Technology	10th - 12th
Carpentry	10th - 12th
Cybersecurity	10th - 12th
Early College Essentials	11th - 12th
Infant Toddler Childcare	10th - 12th
Programming	10th - 12th
Aviation Maintenance (ATC Campus)	12th

*** Participating students must have a minimum qualifying GPA of 2.0 for all pathways, with the exception of Aviation Maintenance and the Early College Essentials pathway. Students enrolled in the Aviation Maintenance and Early College Essentials pathways must have a minimum HOPE GPA of 2.6 or higher to be eligible. Students may log in to their GAFutures accounts to access their HOPE GPA. Eligibility for all other pathways will be determined based on the student’s GPA as recorded in Infinite Campus.

Dual Enrollment

Student Benefits

Dual Enrollment is a program that provides funding for students at eligible high schools to take approved college-level coursework for credit towards both high school and college graduation requirements.

To recognize the additional effort required of students who enroll in Dual Enrollment (state funded or self-pay) courses taken at an accredited postsecondary institution, 10 points will be added to the final numeric grade for each course above that is passed with a grade of 70 or above.

Students with approved disabilities (ESOL, SST, 504, or Special Education/IEP) are eligible to participate in the program with permission from their high school support team. Eligible students must contact ATC’s Disability Office for support.

Dual Enrollment students are also eligible to participate in Atlanta Technical College’s commencement ceremony during their senior year, provided they have completed their pathway.

For more information about Dual Enrollment, visit https://www.gafutures.org

How Much Does It Cost To Participate?

Free
Funding for Dual Enrollment is covered by the GA Student Finance Commission.
The approved award rates to be paid for Tuition, Mandatory Fees, and Book costs are annually published.
Dual Enrollment funding is available up to the student’s high school graduation or home study completion date or the 30 semester or 45 quarter hours Funding Cap, whichever occurs first.

How To Apply

Interested students must apply for Dual Enrollment courses during the ACCA application window. Staff members from ACCA and ATC will be available to assist students with completing the following steps in the Dual Enrollment application process:

Aviation Maintenance

What type of student is a good fit for ACCA’s Dual Enrollment Aviation Pathway?

ACCA’s Aviation program is a rigorous accelerated Dual Enrollment pathway Students must:

Have a specific pathway planned for graduation
Remain committed to attending class daily
Stay organized and complete tasks as required
Be responsible
Have good behavior
Be Self-motivated
Be Mature
Take initiative
Meet college Dual Enrollment admissions requirements as specified

Courses for the Aviation Pathway are taught on Atlanta Technical College’s campus. Participating students must be in 12th grade and on track to graduate and have a HOPE GPA of 2.6 or higher

Click here to learn more about the Aviation Maintenance Technology pathway.

General Aviation Maintenance Pathway – After High School

After completing the General courses, students will:

Receive a completion certificate from ATC.
Sit for FAA test for General
Apply for either the Airframe or Powerplant TCCs at ATC

Carpentry

The Carpentry Pathway is a Dual Enrollment pathway offered on ACCA;’s campus. Courses are designed to provide students with practical information regarding safety, power tools, and stationary machinery related to the construction industry. Students will also become familiar with blueprints, residential building codes and learn the basics of home building, including walls, stairs, windows, doors, and drywall. Click here to learn more about the Certified Construction Worker TCC.

Career and Technical Student Organization

Skills USA

Credential of Value

Technical Certificate of Credit (TCC)

College Majors

Construction Technology
Residential Construction Management
Project Management
Engineering Architecture
Drafting

Career Choice

Carpenter
Lead Carpenter
Construction Inspector
Project Manager
Drafter

FAST FACT

The career of highest demand within the construction industry is Carpenters!

Criminal Investigations

This pathway includes an introduction to the criminal justice system, police ethics and constitutional law, patrol procedures, traffic control procedures, defensive tactics and physical proficiency skills, interpersonal and communication skills, investigation procedures, court systems and trial procedures, correctional system, introduction to forensic science, crime prevention and property control.

Courses

43.45000 Intro to Law, Public Safety, Corrections and Security
43.45100 Criminal Justice Essentials
43.45300 Criminal Investigations
43.46200 – Public Safety Communications

Students enrolled in the Criminal Investigations pathway at ACCA for the full academic year will complete two distinct career pathways - Criminal Investigations and Law Enforcement Services/ Public Safety Communications Pathway

Career and Technical Student Organization

Skills USA

Credential of Value

NOCTI - Criminal Justice

College Majors

Criminal Justice
Forensic Science
Political Science

Career Choice

Criminal Investigator
Police Officer
Private Investigator
Probation Officer
Public Safety Officer

FAST FACT

Criminal Investigators can be employed by local, state and federal governments as well as, law firms and even insurance agencies.

Culinary Arts

The Culinary Arts pathway introduces students to fundamental food preparation terms, concepts, and methods in culinary arts where laboratory practice will parallel class work. Fundamental techniques, skills, and terminology are covered and mastered with an emphasis on basic kitchen and dining room safety, sanitation, equipment maintenance and operation procedures. Courses also provide an overview of professionalism in the culinary industry and career opportunities leading into a career pathway in culinary arts.

Courses

20.53100 Introduction to Culinary Arts
20.53210 Culinary Arts I
20.53310 Culinary Arts Il
Baking and Pastry I

Career and Technical Student Organization

Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA)

Credential of Value

NOCTI - ACF (Culinary Arts Cook)
SERVSAFE
OSHA-10

College Majors

Prep Cook
Culinary Nutrition Assistant
Culinary Arts

Career Choice

Chef (Pastry, Personal, Sous, Executive)
Food Services Manager
Baker
Kitchen Manager
Research and Development Chef

FAST FACT

Cooking was once considered a woman's job; however, today there are more men in the culinary profession than women.

Cybersecurity

The Cybersecurity pathway is a Dual Enrollment program. Pathway completers will earn a Cybersecurity Fundamentals Technical Certificate of Credit (TCC). Students will complete a sequence of courses after meeting all required prerequisites. The program is designed to provide a strong foundation in the concepts, principles, and techniques of computer information processing.

Earning the TCC prepares students to pursue more advanced studies in Cybersecurity, leading to a diploma or Associate of Applied Science (AAS) degree, or to broaden their existing Computer Information Systems Technology (CIST) knowledge base.

Click here to learn more about the Cybersecurity Fundamentals TCC.

Career and Technical Student Organization

Skills USA

Credential of Value

Technical Certificate of Credit (TCC)

College Majors

Cybersecurity
Computer Science with a Cybersecurity Minor
Cybersecurity Engineering
Cyber-Physical Engineering
Information Assurance and Cybersecurity

Career Choice

Penetration Testers
Cybersecurity Analyst
Network Security Engineer
SOC Analyst
Cloud Security Engineer
Computer Forensics Analyst
Crypotography Analyst
Chief Information Security Officer
Vulnerability Analyst
Cybersecurity Consultant

FAST FACT

Unfilled cybersecurity jobs worldwide will reach 4 million by 2025.

Dental Science

This pathway is designed for students wishing to pursue a career in the area of Dental Science. Students will receive initial exposure to dental health science technical skills applicable to all dental health occupations such as practical applications of dental charting, office procedures, chair-side assisting, anatomy and physiology, and tooth morphology.

Courses

25.52100 Introduction to Healthcare Science
25.48800 Essentials of Dental Science
25.48900 Dental Science Il
25.49700 Health Information Management / Medical Office

Students enrolled in the Dental Science pathway at ACCA for the full academic year will complete two distinct career pathways - Graphic Design and Graphic Communication

Career and Technical Student Organization

SkillsUSA

Credential of Value

Dental Assisting 1 - Precision

College Majors

Dental Assisting
Dental Hygiene
Pre-Med Biology
Pre-Dentistry

Career Choice

Dental Assistant
Dental Hygienist
Dental Lab Technician
Dentist (General & Adult Pediatric)
Orthodontist: Speciality Dentist

FAST FACT

Dentistry is a billion dollar industry and a large number of dental professionals are projected to retire in the next 10 years.

Early College Essentials

The Early College Essentials pathway is a Dual Enrollment program. Courses for this pathway are taught by Atlanta Technical College (ATC) instructors on ACCA’s campus. This program is designed to help high school students build a strong academic foundation while earning college credit. The pathway emphasizes essential skills such as communication, critical thinking, and college readiness, preparing students for success in both postsecondary education and the workforce. Through this experience, students gain early exposure to the college environment while developing the skills and knowledge needed to transition confidently into their chosen career pathways.

Students enrolled in the Early College Essentials pathway at ACCA for two full academic years will complete 21 hours of college credit and earn a Technical Certificate of Credit (TCC).

Click here to learn more about the Early College Essentials TCC

Infant Toddler Childcare

The Early Childhood and Education Infant/Toddler Child Care pathway is a Dual Enrollment pathway. It is comprised of sequence of five courses designed to prepare students with the basics needed for working with infants and toddlers. The program provides an intense look at understanding and learning activities and proper care needed for infants and toddlers. Graduates have qualifications to be employed in early care and education settings including childcare centers, Head Start, and Georgia Pre-K programs.

Students enrolled in the Infant Toddler Childcare pathway at ACCA for the full academic year will complete two distinct Technical Certificates of Credit. Click here to learn more about the Infant/Toddler Child Care Specialist TCC and the Early Childhood Care and Education Basics TCC

Career and Technical Student Organization

Skills USA

Credential of Value

Technical Certificate of Credit (TCC)

College Majors

Early Childhood Education
Elementary Education
Secondary Education
Educational Leadership

Career Choice

Childcare Worker
Teacher
Day Care Owner
Education Administrator

General Automotive Technology

The General Automotive pathway is a Dual Enrollment program. Students in this pathway will learn the basic skills needed to gain employment as an entry level automotive technician, apprentice, internship, or work in a related field of the automotive industry.

Students will be exposed to courses in automotive preventative maintenance, brakes, steering and suspension, electrical systems, engine repair, engine performance, automatic transmission, manual transmission, and differential & automotive HVAC. The hours completed in this course are aligned with ASE standards and are a base for the entry-level technician.

Students enrolled in the Infant General Automotive pathway at ACCA for the full academic year will complete two distinct Technical Certificates of Credit.

Click here to learn more about the Automotive Chassis Technician Specialist TCC and the Auto Electrical/Electronic System Technician TCC.

Career and Technical Student Organization

Skills USA

Credential of Value

Technical Certificate of Credit (TCC)

College Majors

Automobile Technology
Automotive Technology
Motorsports Technology
Powersports Technology
Mechanical Engineering
Electrical Engineering

Career Choice

Automotive Service Technician
Mechanic/Mobile Vehicle Service
Service Writer/Advisor
Service Manager
Shop Foreman/Lead-Technician
Parts Associate/Manager
Shop Manager/Owner
Vehicle Sales/ Sales Manager

FAST FACT

The automotive industry currently employs nearly 15 million highly skilled workers and the need continues to increase as the industry expands into new technologies.

Graphic Design

The Graphic Design pathway teaches students to find the most effective way to get messages across in print, electronic, and film media using a variety of methods such as color, type, illustration, photography, animation, and various print and layout techniques.

By the end of the pathway, students will be able to develop layout and production designs of magazines, newspapers, and journals and produce promotional displays, packaging, and marketing brochures for products and services.

Courses

48.56100 Introduction to Graphics and Design
48.56200 Graphic Design and Production
48.52800 Advanced Graphic Design
48.57000 Advanced Graphic Output Processes

Students enrolled in the Graphic Design pathway at ACCA for the full academic year will complete two distinct career pathways - Graphic Design and Graphic Communication

Career and Technical Student Organization

Skills USA

Credential of Value

Visual Design using Adobe Photoshop

College Majors

Graphic Design & Prepress Technology
Design & Media Production
Design & Media Production Technology

Career Choice

Graphic Designer
Commercial and Industrial
Designer
Creative Designer
Illustrator

FAST FACT

Some graphic designers make thousands of dollars for a single design.

HVAC and Refrigeration

In this pathway, students will learn and apply knowledge of the electrical, electronic, and mechanical components of HVAC and refrigeration systems. Students will acquire knowledge of the hardware and systems used by an HVACR technician, basic installation skills, refrigeration and heating processes, electronic circuitry, and the integration between electrical and HVACR fields. Students will also learn an understanding brazing practices in HVACR systems, as well as an introduction to the skills and knowledge of electrical wiring and installation.

Students enrolled in the HVAC pathway at ACCA for the full academic year will complete two distinct career pathways - Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration (HVAC) Pathway and HVACR Electrical Pathway

Courses

46.54500 – Industry Fundamentals & Occupational Safety
47.41400 – Introduction to HVACR Systems
47.41500 – Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning & Refrigeration
47.41600 – Low Voltage Electrical

Career and Technical Student Organization

Skills USA

Credential of Value

NOCTI - Lodging

College Majors

AC Technician Assistant
Heating & AC Installation Tech

Career Choice

Automotive HVAC Technician
HVAC Engineer
HVAC Mechanic
Refrigeration Technician

FAST FACT

An HVAC technician's job is all about problem solving. They specialize in looking at a system, figuring out why it isn't working, and making the repair.

Patient Care

The Patient Care pathway is appropriate for students wishing to pursue a career in the Healthcare Industry. Students will receive initial exposure to Healthcare Science skills and attitudes applicable to the healthcare industry, concepts of health, wellness, and preventative care are evaluated, as well as, ethical and legal responsibilities of today's healthcare provider.

Fundamental health care skills development is initiated including medical terminology, microbiology, and basic life support.

Courses

25.52100 Introduction to Healthcare Science
25.44000 Essentials of Healthcare
25.43600 Patient Care Fundamentals

Career and Technical Student Organization

HOSA

Credential of Value

National Certified Patient Care Technician - NCCT

Essentials of Healthcare and Anatomy and Physiology have many of the same standards. Therefore, mastery of the standards in the CTAE course would also indicate mastery of the standards in the science course allowing students to receive credit for both courses.

College Majors

Public Healthcare Administration
Nursing (LPN/RN)
Physician Assistant

Career Choice

Certified Nursing Assistant
Licensed Practical Nurse/Registered Nurse
Respiratory Therapist
Surgical Technologist
Physician Assistant

FAST FACT

Nursing is the nation's largest health care profession with more than 3.1 million registered nurses practicing nationwide. The employment outlook for registered nurses is expected to grow faster than most other occupations throuah 2025.

Programming

The C++ Programmer pathway is a Dual Enrollment pathway. This pathway provides an opportunity for students to add skills in C and C++ object-oriented program language to their IT knowledge base. Pathway completers will be able to use operating system resources in software development, including the use of C/C++ system calls to do process and file management and inter-process communication.

Students enrolled in the C++ Programmer pathway at ACCA for the full academic year will complete one Technical Certificates of Credit.

Click here to learn more about the C ++ Programmer TCC

Career and Technical Student Organization

Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA)
Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA)

Credential of Value

Visual Design using Adobe Photoshop

Computer Science Principles can be used as a fourth-year science or World Language credit for graduation.

College Majors

Computer Science
Software Engineer
Information Technology
Computer Engineering

Career Choice

Software Developer/Engineer
Web Developer
Mobile App Developer
Database Administrator

FAST FACT

Almost 70% of coding jobs are not in the industry of technology. In the near future, knowing how to code will be as necessary as knowing how to write is today.