Colorful hexagon as HSCA logo

The Health Sciences Collegiate Academy (HSCA) is an accelerated academic program offering Lake County students the opportunity to explore careers in STEM and health sciences through hands-on activities and early exposure to college courses.

HSCA is a unique partnership among Lake-Sumter State College, South Lake Hospital, Lake County Schools, Pinecrest Lakes Academy Middle High, and the University of Central Florida.

Students can apply to the four-year program (9-12th grades) or the two-year program (11-12th grades). 


Academy Benefits

  • Fast-track program to a college degree                                            
  • Students earn college credits toward an associate’s degree
  • Experiential, hands-on learning activities                                          
  • Credits can transfer to all state college and universities in Florida
  • Hospital observation and job-shadowing opportunities
  • Graduates are guaranteed admission to UCF upon completion of Associate in Arts (A.A.)
  • Offers in-depth exploration of STEM and Health Science careers   
  • Program is free for Lake County students
  • Students can earn College Credit certificates

Program History

The Health Sciences Collegiate Academy (HSCA), founded in 2015, is an accelerated academic program that you can only find in Lake County, Florida. Students in the HSCA program have the ability to get real-world experience at local hospitals and take college-level courses focused on STEM to earn an associate’s degree, all while still in high school.

As the demand for jobs in the healthcare field continues to increase in Central Florida and across the country, HSCA offers Lake County students a competitive edge.

“The alignment of our institutions to provide high school students a seamless pursuit has been and will continue to be a focus for Orlando Health South Lake Hospital.”

Lance Sewell, President of Orlando Health South Lake Hospital

HSCA Team

Portrait of Hugh Hermann
Hugh Hermann
Director of HSCA
Jessica Serrano
Assistant Director of HSCA
Casey Nicole
HSCA Experiential Learning Coordinator

Academic Partners

LSSC logo with blue lakehawk
Lake county schools logo
Orlando Health South Lake Hospital text logo
Black UCF logo with gold pegasus

Contact Information

South Lake

On Campus Hours of Operation
Monday – Friday8:00am – 4:30pm

Email: hsca@lssc.edu
Phone: (352) 536-2228
Location: Science-Health Partnership Building

Leesburg

On Campus Hours of Operation
Monday – Friday8:00am – 4:30pm

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