Palm Desert High School (PDHS) offers its students an incredible opportunity to explore their interest in the medical field through the Palm Desert Health Academy. This three-year program introduces students to health care education early, helping them build a strong foundation for future careers in medicine.

The Health Academy prepares the Coachella Valley’s next generation of health care professionals by providing students access to hands-on learning experiences, clinical simulations, community involvement and various medical certifications, all supported by strong classroom instruction. Over the course of the program, students develop valuable skills essential to a career in medicine. By the time they graduate, they are better equipped and more confident as they pursue their next steps.

Here is what some of our health academy students shared as reasons for joining the program:

Galilea Perez Duran: “In the Health Academy, I developed strong communication, teamwork, and collaboration skills by working with others in labs and group activities. I gained hands-on experience taking vital signs, performing phlebotomy and practicing proper wound care, while also earning certifications in CPR/First Aid and medical terminology. Overall, the program helped me become more responsible, professional, and confident in my abilities.”

Stefany Castellanos: “I have always known that I wanted to be in the medical field. The health academy has opened doors for me to find my career and gain hands-on experience through identifying and committing to an internship.”

Avril Ayala: “I decided to join the Health Academy because I like the hospital setting and helping people with medical conditions.”

I joined the academy to explore the health care field. At first, I wasn’t sure if health care was right for me, but joining the academy sparked my interest. Now, as a senior, I can say it was one of the best decisions I’ve made. I’ve enjoyed learning how the body works and gaining skills I’ll use in nursing school, such as medical terminology, vital signs and CPR. My favorite experiences have been dissections, phlebotomy and college trips.

The Health Academy program helped me find my passion for health care. Thankfully, I got accepted into California State University, San Bernardino (CSUCB) as a nursing major student for Fall 2026, along with two of my academy classmates, Galilea and Avril recognized above. We feel proud and thankful because the program is competitive and getting accepted as a pre-nursing major at CSUSB is not easy. The Health Academy program has prepared us well to pursue our dreams and take the next steps in our future career paths.

For more information on the valley’s high school medical academies, contact Kim McNulty with OneFuture Coachella Valley at kim@onefuturecv.org.