Career Technical Education
Natomas Unified School District offers a wide range of Career Technical Education (CTE) pathways across its high school campuses. These pathways provide students with valuable knowledge and hands-on experience through career-focused coursework, preparing them for success in both higher education and the workforce.
In August 2025, NUSD’s Cosmetology Program received state licensure approval. Students who complete this pathway will meet the required training hours to qualify for the California State Board Examination.
All NUSD CTE pathways are designed to support students in meeting high school graduation requirements and UC/CSU “a–g” college entrance requirements. In addition, many pathways offer opportunities for students to earn college credit while still in high school, giving them a head start on their postsecondary goals.
If you would like more information regarding NUSD CTE Pathways please complete the following survey.
Overview of Pathways
Hospitality at Discovery High
Students will understand how to prepare food in quantity for sales while learning about cost control, nutrition, menu planning and dining room service. To learn more about the Hospitality Pathway and how you can enroll, please visit the Discovery High School website.
Broadcast Media at Inderkum High
The Broadcast Media Pathway provides students with the ability to gain and master skills in video storytelling, media arts, news broadcasting, and interviewing skills. To learn more about the Broadcast Media Pathway and how you can enroll, please visit the Inderkum High School website.
Digital Media at Natomas High
The Digital Media Pathway provides students with the ability to gain and master skills in computer graphics, digital photography, graphic design, digital filmmaking, media arts, photography, and digital photo illustration. To learn more about the Digital Media Pathway and how you can enroll, please visit the Natomas High School website.
Engineering at Natomas High
All Engineering courses allow students to learn and apply the design process, acquire strong teamwork and communication proficiency and develop organizational, critical thinking and problem solving skills. To learn more about the Engineering Pathway and how you can enroll, please visit the Natomas High School website.
Health at Natomas High
Throughout the Health courses students will attend Health related field trips, complete clinical hours at the B. Teri Burns Health Clinic on Natomas High School’s campus, and work with community mentors to learn more about the Health industry. To learn more about the Health Pathway and how you can enroll, please visit the Natomas High School website.
Transportation (Automotive) at Natomas High
The Transportation Pathway provides students with the essential skills required to secure an entry-level position with the automotive field and/or foundational knowledge necessary to transition into a post-secondary program in automotive technology. To learn more about the Transportation Pathway and how you can enroll, please visit the Natomas High School website.
Building & Construction Trades at Natomas High
The Building and Construction Trades Pathway is designed to provide a rigorous academic program and career preparation for those interested in any of the multiple fields of construction.
Music Production Pathway
The Music Production Pathway at Natomas High School is a two-course sequence pathway that exposes and prepares students for career opportunities in the audio field. This is accomplished through learning the basic principles of signal flow, multi-track recording, Musical Instrument Digital Interface (MIDI) Programming, digital audio workstations, advanced band recording, advanced mixing, synthesis, “off-site” recording and mixing, and live sound reinforcement. Students are able to create and perform their own live electronic performance pieces and explore their personal interests (digital music production, film scoring, sound design), while being challenged with real-world concepts and technologies found in today’s professional audio industries.
Bicycle Technology
Bicycle Technology covers a wide range of opportunities in the bike industry and transferable skills for other careers. Students study the mechanical fundamentals of bike assembly and repair while practicing these skills hands-on. Students also practice safe cycling habits, environmental awareness, and healthy living.
Cosmetology Pathway
The two-year pathway is designed to prepare students for the Cosmetology State Board Examination. The curriculum covers essential foundational knowledge in health and safety, hair care and styling, shaving and fading techniques, skincare, manicuring, and pedicuring. In addition, students will develop key business and entrepreneurial skills. Instruction is provided by licensed cosmetology professionals in a state-of-the-art salon setting, ensuring both technical proficiency and real-world experience.
Public Safety at Inderkum High
In partnership with the Sacramento Police Department and the Sacramento Fire Department, the Public Safety Pathway is designed to provide a rigorous academic program and career preparation for those interested in law enforcement and firefighting related fields.
Contact
For questions regarding NUSD’s CTE pathways, please contact us at (916) 792-1206 or email CTE@natomasunified.org.
Coordinator III CTE - Tara Mendoza
