Career & Technical Education

Agriculture, Food & Natural Resources Pathway

The Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources pathway offers students hands-on experiences in animal and plant sciences, power equipment and mechanics, landscape and natural resource management, emerging technologies like drones, and leadership development to prepare them for a wide range of agricultural, technical, and science-based careers.

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Animal Science Pathway

The Animal Science pathway prepares students to study animal anatomy, health, nutrition, and care through hands-on learning, building a strong foundation for careers and advanced study in veterinary science, livestock production, and animal health fields.

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Drone Technology Pathway

The Drone pathway introduces students to unmanned aerial systems through hands-on flight, safety, mapping, and data analysis experiences, preparing them for FAA certification and careers using drone technology in agriculture, natural resources, construction, and other industries.

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Plant Systems & Horticulture Pathway

This pathway prepares students to explore plant anatomy and physiology, greenhouse and crop production, soil and water science, and landscape design through hands-on projects that connect plant science to careers in agriculture, horticulture, forestry, and environmental industries.

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Power, Structure & Technical Systems

The Power, Structure, and Technical Systems pathway teaches students how to operate, maintain, and repair engines, machinery, and mechanical systems while developing hands-on technical skills for careers in agriculture, construction, and equipment technology.

Digital Media & Visual Design Pathway

This pathway prepares students to turn ideas into impactful visual communications through hands-on experience with digital tools, design principles, branding, and creative problem-solving for real-world applications through digital illustration, printmaking, animation and audio production. 

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Photography & Videography Pathway

The Photography and Videography pathway equips students with the skills to capture, edit, and produce compelling visual stories using professional cameras, lighting, and digital media tools for creative and commercial projects. Working with industry partners to give students real world experience. 

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Culinary Artistry Pathway

The Culinary Artistry Pathway guides students from mastering foundational restaurant techniques and global flavors to leading kitchens, designing menus, and developing professional culinary skills with creativity, confidence, and precision.

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Automotive Technology Pathway

The Automotive Technology Pathway provides hands-on training with modern vehicle systems and industry-standard tools, building technical expertise, problem-solving skills, and safety knowledge through NATEF Certification to prepare students for careers as automotive technicians or further post-secondary education.

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Construction Trades Pathway

The Construction Trades Pathway prepares students for high-demand careers through hands-on training in multiple trades—carpentry, electrical, plumbing, and HVAC—building real-world skills, industry connections, and expertise in residential electrical work—aligned with the National Electrical Code.

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Emergency Medical Care Pathway

The Emergency Medical Care Pathway prepares students for careers in emergency response and patient care through hands-on training, from foundational medical skills and EMR and EMT certification to advanced internships, emphasizing critical thinking, teamwork, leadership, and real-world emergency experience.

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Patient Care Pathway

The Patient Care Pathway prepares students for careers in healthcare and long-term care through hands-on training, including Nursing Assistant certification, clinical rotations, and advanced internships, emphasizing resident care, medication concepts, professional responsibility, and skills needed for further education and diverse healthcare careers.

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Child Development Pathway

The Child Development Pathway prepares students for careers in early childhood education through hands-on, credential-aligned coursework, including CDA I and II, building the skills, knowledge, and professional portfolio needed for safe, engaging learning environments and progress toward the nationally recognized CDA credential.

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Cosmetology Pathway

The Cosmetology Pathway at SouthWest Metro provides hands-on training in a licensed cosmetology school, guiding students from foundational skills in hair, nail, and skincare to advanced techniques and salon business knowledge, while earning college credit and up to 350 hours toward Minnesota Cosmetology Board licensure.

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Criminal Justice Pathway

The Criminal Justice Pathway at SouthWest Metro offers flexible, college-level coursework in law enforcement, corrections, and forensic science, covering U.S. and Minnesota laws, policing, corrections, and crime scene investigation, with the opportunity to earn up to 12 college credits and prepare for MN POST requirements.

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