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Washington High students showcase health-science certifications, clinical training funded by local grants
Summary
Students and instructors from Booker T. Washington High School’s Health Science Academy presented certifications, clinical placements and new simulation equipment funded by Escambia grants and state matching funds at the district’s January workshop.
Students and staff from Booker T. Washington High School presented the Health Science Academy’s coursework, certifications and new clinical simulation equipment at the Escambia County School Board’s January workshop. The presentation highlighted hands‑on labs, clinical placement opportunities and recent grant funding.
The academy’s workforce specialist, identifying herself as Christina Stanley, said students “excel at their certifications,” attend clinical placements at Sacred Heart and participate in regional, state and international Health Occupation Students of America (HOSA) competitions. Senior Sam Phillips described his pathway and credentials: “This school year, I have earned my CPCT and plan on earning my CMAA, EKG, and my CCMA certifications.”
Students explained the academy sequence. Ninth grade focuses on foundational knowledge and medical terminology; 10th grade adds anatomy and physiology labs; 11th and 12th grades emphasize certifications and clinical experience in allied health classes. Senior Jasmine Thurston said juniors can earn three certifications, including Certified Medical Administrative Assistant and an EKG technician credential, and that an electronic health records specialist certification will be added next school year.
Instructor Miss Barger credited three funding sources with expanding hands‑on learning: an HCA Pathways grant that supported certified patient care technician coursework, a Grants for Excellence award administered by the Escambia County Public Schools Foundation with a state matching component, and HOSA support. Barger said the Grants for Excellence funding allowed the academy to buy realistic infant simulators that replicate conditions such as withdrawal, prematurity, fetal alcohol syndrome, Down syndrome and shaken‑baby trauma.
Students described lab routines and clinical prerequisites. Senior Jenna Tiltsa said scrubs on designated days and participation in skills labs help professional development; students practice vitals, bed‑making, transfers, injections and blood‑draw techniques in labs and—when approved—demonstrate those skills in Sacred Heart clinicals. The presentation noted that some invasive procedures are taught for certification purposes but are not performed at all clinical sites.
Board members praised the program. Board member comments noted the career readiness of students and encouraged continued emphasis on certifications and clinical exposure. Several board members recounted personal or family experience in healthcare to underscore career prospects.
The presentation closed with a reminder that HOSA is a student‑led competitive association with more than 260,000 members across multiple countries; presenters said Washington High has sent students to international competition for several consecutive years.
PROVENANCE: Presentation and student remarks during the Washington High School Health Science Academy agenda item at the January workshop.
