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Early College Programs

Health Sciences Collegiate Academy

Empower Your Future: Discover our Health Sciences Collegiate Academy

The Health Sciences Collegiate Academy (HSCA) is an accelerated program for Lake County students to explore STEM and health science careers while earning college credits. It offers a four-year program for 9th graders and a two-year program for 11th graders. Students gain hands-on experience, participate in hospital observation, and have the opportunity to transfer credits to Florida state colleges and universities. The program guarantees UCF DirectConnect admission upon completion and offers courses online and on campuses in Leesburg and Clermont. It prepares students for a bachelor’s degree and health science careers.

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Overview

The Health Sciences Collegiate Academy (HSCA) is available to Lake County high school students. HSCA prep is for raising 9th graders, with entry available for students entering the 11th grade.  HSCA the unprecedented opportunity to explore a career in Science Technology Engineering and Math (STEM) or Health Sciences and fast track their career.

9th Grade Enrollment Criteria 

  • Be an 8th grader entering high school in Lake County.
  • Earn a 3.0 unweighted GPA or higher in middle school courses. 
  • Submit HSCA application. 
  • Complete an interview with HSCA. 

11th Grade Continuation Criteria 

  • Have an unweighted high school GPA of 3.0 or higher. 
  • Have qualifying scores on the PERT. 
  • Be in good conduct standing. 
  • Attend August orientation. 

Program Highlights

  • Transferable Credits: Credits can be transferred to all state colleges and universities in Florida.
  • STEM and Health Sciences Focus: Explore careers in STEM and health sciences through hands-on activities and early college exposure.
  • Hospital Observation and Job-Shadowing: Gain real-world experience through observation and job-shadowing opportunities.
  • Local Partnerships: DirectConnect to UCF® guaranteed admission upon completion. Orlando Health, UF Health, and Advent Health.
  • Lakehawk Journey: Any College Credit Certificate not exceeding 24 credit hours may be used to satisfy elective credits.
  • Flexible Learning Options: Almost all courses are offered online and on campus in Leesburg and Clermont.

Program Length

2 years (for students starting in 11th grade).

4 Years (for students starting in 9th grade).

Program Cost

Tuition is 100% free.

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Outcomes

Students earning their AA degree can continue with one of Lake Sumter’s Associate of Science programs or Bachelor’s degree programs. Earning their AA degree qualifies for Direct Connect to UCF or applies these credits to any Florida State College or University.

  • Credits can be transferred to all state colleges and universities in Florida.
  • The HSCA program explores careers in STEM and health sciences through hands-on activities and early exposure to college courses.
  • Hospital observation and job-shadowing opportunities.
  • Provides a HSCA prep program for eligible 9th graders and a 2-year program for eligible 11th graders.

STEM Track

Health Care

Currently enrolled at a school within Lake County 

Home education students are required to enroll in their zoned high school to have the program paid for by Lake County Schools.  

Currently in grade 9th – 12th  

3.0 unweighted high school GPA 

Academic college readiness as demonstrated through scores on a common placement test, to continue participation in 11th grade. 

Both programs allow students to take college courses while still in high school.  The HSCA program creates a schedule for the student with progress toward a specific end goal in mind – a degree in a STEM or healthcare field – and provides additional learning opportunities based on their career interest area. 

HSCA students are full-time college students during 11th and 12th grade, taking 12-15 college credit hours per semester, and graduating with their AA degree and high school diploma at the same time. 

General dual enrollment students may choose the courses they take and are generally limited to 9 college credit hours per semester.  General dual enrollment students may or may not earn enough credits to complete their AA degree while in high school. 

The 4-year program is for students entering 9th grade at East Ridge High School, Lake Minneola High School, Pinecrest Lakes Middle/High School, or South Lake High School.  

The 2-year program is for students entering 11th grade at any Lake County High School or Pinecrest Lakes Middle/High School. 

  1. Tuition is 100% free to the student.   
  2. The student will graduate with their HS diploma as well as their AA Degree if they complete the HSCA program.   
  3.  The student is provided AHA CPR training and will be CPR certified  
  4. The student will have job shadowing opportunities and on campus hands-on experience activities through the experiential learning  
  5. Lots of networking opportunities  
  6. Flexibility and independence  
  7. Gain college experience as a great transition period between high school and university.   
  8. Paired up with an Ambassador (HSCA Senior) for peer mentorship and guidance.  
  9. Students are able to attend LSSC full-time and take 15-18 credit hours per semester.  
  10. Students have a guided pathway/curriculum set for them each semester aligned with their career path.  
  11. HSCA students are placed in courses with other HSCA students. 

Two-Year Program – February of the student’s 10th-grade year.  

Four-Year Program – January of the student’s 8th-grade year. 

Application Process

01

Review Admission Requirements

02

Talk to your counselor about your interest

03

Submit application and required documents

04

Follow instructions in acceptance letter

Enrolling at LSSC is quick and easy. Get Started Now!

OUR TEAM IS READY TO SUPPORT YOU!

In-person

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Phone

352-787-3747

Email

Why Choose LSSC

Over 8,600

Students

26+

Degrees & Certificates

25:1

Student To Faculty Ratio

30+

Clubs & Organizations

1st

Students First. Always.

Fastest

GROWING COLLEGE IN FLORIDA

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