HEART
THe Texas cHIldren’s cancer cenTer
In HousTon TreaTs more THan
26,000 paTIenTs a Year.
important classes to take,” says Tonquest.
“English is also important for good
communication skills.”
therapy, the laboratory, the emergency room, choose these on a case-by-case basis, Tonquest recommends advanced
and the nursery. “They have the opportunity depending on their career goals and what is placement (AP) math and science classes.
to interact with professionals and patients,” offered at their schools,” says Tonquest. “Students planning to attend college in a
says Doyno. health science field will take numerous math
Many high schools offer related science Academic Courses and science courses. If they have a strong
courses such as anatomy and physiology Even with all of the choices in health science foundation in high school, it will be easier
and pathophysiology/medical microbiology, courses, rigorous academic courses still to comprehend the rigorous college course
which can fulfill the fourth-year science provide the foundation for students’ careers. work,” Tonquest says.
graduation requirement. “Students should “Math and science are going to be the most
Certifications and Licenses
One of the exciting aspects of studying health
science in high school is that students can
earn certifications or licenses even before
S P o T L I G H T
they graduate. “Any student who wants to
pursue a career in health care should pursue
a certification in high school,” says Tonquest.
“He or she will have something to fall back
MED HIGH
medical treatment it’s frightening, and here’s on while furthering his or her education, or
someone you know and they’re very well trained.”
south texas high school for
if that student chooses not to go to college
The magnet school, known locally as “med immediately, he or she can use it right out of
health Professions
High,” has been ranked 91st by Newsweek on its high school.”
Top 1,200 High schools list. located in mercedes,
W
More than 10 certifications and licensures
hen she’s at the doctor’s office or pharmacy,
the school was started in 1984 to help address are available in health science, including
Barbara Heater takes comfort in knowing
the shortage of healthcare professionals in the rio nurse aide, emergency medical technician,
that the staff is well trained. That’s because as the
grande valley. certified coding associate, pharmacy
principal at the south Texas High school for Health
more than 95 percent of med High students go technician, phlebotomy technician, and
professions, she helped educate them.
on to college, often to prepare for careers in health dental assistant. High school CTE courses
“I always run into our graduates,” says Heater.
care. students are given the opportunity to earn provide the clinical experience required and
“It’s comforting because any time you’re in for
certifications to enter health science careers right the knowledge to pass the certification or
out of high school, says Heater, “if students need to licensing exam.
work while going to college, they can work in more
than an entry-level, minimum-wage position.” College Credit
academic rigor is stressed at med High, says Students in health science have many
Heater, with many advanced placement classes opportunities to earn college credit while
offered. solid academic skills are especially still in high school.
important in medicine, she adds. “With agreements with local community
“we don’t want the students to settle for colleges and the AP program, we have a
average. do you want a doctor taking care of you lot of students that qualify as juniors in
who’s only right 70 percent of the time?” she asks. college by the time they graduate from
“we hope by giving them a rigorous academic high school,” says Barbara Heater,
background, it prepares them for what they’re principal at the South Texas High School
going to face in medical school, nursing school, for Health Professions in Mercedes (see
pharmacy school, or whatever career they choose.” “Med High” at left).
Page 13
Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24