Health Science Technology Teacher Certification in Texas

<p>Health science technology teachers provide students with skills and training to so they can gain employment in a health science field, such as biotechnology. Continue reading to learn more about what it takes to become certified to teach health science technology in Texas, such as specific program and exam requirements. </p> <p /> <table border="1"><tr><td> Education Required </td><td> Bachelor's degree and state-approved health science technology educator preparation program</td></tr> <tr><td> Experience Required </td><td> Two years professional experience; professional license or certification</td></tr> <tr><td> Exam Requirements </td><td> TExEs Health Science (6-12); TExEs Pedagogy and Professional Responsibilities (EC-12)</td></tr> <tr><td> License Renewal Period </td><td> Five years</td></tr> <tr><td> CPE Credits Required for Renewal </td><td> 150 hours of continuing professional education</td></tr> <tr><td> Average Salary (2018, Texas) </td><td> $58,410 (all middle school career and technical teachers); $60,170 (all high school career and technical teachers)*</td></tr> <tr><td> Estimated Job Growth (2016-2026, nationwide) </td><td> 6-7% (middle and high school)*</td></tr> </table><p><i>Source: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) </i></p> <h3 id="section---EducationRequirements">Education Requirements</h3> <p>All prospective health science technology teachers must possess a minimum of a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university. Candidates will generally major in medical science, health science, biotechnology, or a related field. Depending on the exact major, prospective teachers may take coursework in subjects such as genetics, human anatomy, scientific terminology, and organic chemistry. </p> <p>Prospective health science technology teachers must also complete an educator preparation program that has been approved by the Texas education Agency. This program will include a blend of coursework related to teaching methods and theory and student teaching fieldwork under the supervision of a certified teacher in a local school. </p> <h3 id="section---ProfessionalLicense">Professional License</h3> <p>All prospective health science technology teachers must obtain the appropriate license or certification to become a professional practitioner in their field. Examples include pharmacy, bioinformatics, radiation therapy, and diagnostic medical sonography. This license or certification must be provided by a nationally recognized accrediting agency. Eligible military experience may be used instead; candidates should verify with their educator preparation program. </p> <h3 id="section---RequiredExperience">Required Experience</h3> <p>Two years of full-time professional experience is required for all prospective health science technology teachers. This experience must be in the candidate's licensed field. Eligible military experience may also fulfill this requirement. Prospective teachers should confirm eligibility with their educator preparation program. </p> <h3 id="section---ExamRequirements">Exam Requirements</h3> <p>Prospective health science technology teachers must pass two exams: TExES Pedagogy and Professional Responsibilities EC-12 (PPR) and the TExES Health Science (6-12). The PPR exam consists of 100 selected-response questions and tests the candidate's general educational knowledge, including classroom environment, assessment of students, curriculum plans, and professional responsibilities. The Health Science exam has 100 multiple-choice questions covering the following areas: academic foundations, medical sciences, occupational knowledge, and professional responsibilities. </p> <h3 id="section---Certification">Certification</h3> <p>Prospective health science technology teachers receive certification once they complete all requirements and send in their application. This certification is valid for five years. </p> <p>To renew certification, teachers must complete 150 hours of continuing professional education (CPE), submit an application, and pay a renewal fee. The CPE hours can be completed using a blend of options, such as additional college coursework, professional conferences, and in-service training. The Texas Education Agency provides a list of approved providers and options.</p>