As a senior in Cathedral City High School’s Career Technical Education (CTE) Health and Environmental Academy of Learning (HEAL), I can confidently say that this program has set the standard for career preparation in health care. It has provided me with the knowledge, hands-on experience and professional exposure needed to excel in the medical field. From my first year in the program, I’ve gained both technical expertise and valuable certifications that have given me a competitive edge for my future career.

My journey in HEAL began in ninth grade, when I developed essential skills for both academic and professional success. The curriculum emphasizes college and career readiness, effective communication and professionalism in health care settings. I was introduced to a wide range of health care fields, including public health, biotechnology, environmental health, nutrition and mental health. Courses in medical office support and cultural diversity in medicine helped me gain an understanding of the essentials of the health care system and the importance of patient-centered care.

From the very beginning, we were given hands-on training. I earned my American Heart Association Heartsaver CPR and First Aid certification, which gave me the life-saving skills necessary in emergencies. One of my first eye-opening experiences was visiting Desert Regional Medical Center, where I had the rare opportunity to see surgical robots in action and learn about their role in modern medicine. These experiences introduced me to cutting-edge medical technology early in my education.

As I advanced into my sophomore year, I transitioned into more complex medical topics such as anatomy and physiology, pharmacology, medical ethics, and health care systems. I learned how to assess vital signs and analyze medical case studies, and gained my Stop the Bleed certification from a nationally recognized program that teaches critical bleeding control techniques. I also completed my Food Handler certification, essential for those entering fields related to nutrition, food safety and public health.

Other standout experiences included college trips, where students got to visit at least 15 colleges and universities over the course of the program. I had the opportunity to participate in two separate three-day college trips, which allowed me to explore health science programs at multiple institutions. These trips helped me make more informed decisions about my future and reinforced the importance of higher education in pursuing a career in health care.

As I advanced into my junior year, I transitioned into my Advanced Concepts of the Medical Profession CTE class, which focuses heavily on life-saving techniques, triage and advanced first aid with medical emergencies. Now, as a senior in the Public Health Solutions CTE class, I’ve expanded my focus to developing strategies to address community health challenges.

In addition to coursework, the HOSA-FHP (Future Health Professionals) Career and Technical Student Organization is fully integrated into the HEAL curriculum. I’ve had the opportunity to mentor underclassmen in their projects, such as freshmen with their Health Career Displays and sophomores with their research posters and PSAs. Fortunately, the three PSA groups who entered their videos in competition qualified to move forward to the state-level competition — a huge accomplishment for all of us.

HEAL has not only given me leadership skills, hands-on medical experiences and real-world knowledge, but it has also shaped my future. Whether pursuing higher education or entering the medical workforce, I know that HEAL has equipped me to thrive in the future of medicine.

For more information on OneFuture Coachella Valley, visit www.onefuturecv.org or call (760) 625.0422.