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Alexander High students describe hands-on training in health science magnet
Summary
Students and staff from Alexander High School's health science magnet presented certifications, clinical rotations and extracurricular experiences — including CPR, dental assistant certification, cadaver lab exposure and HOSA participation — as part of a district magnet information night.
Alexander High School students and staff outlined the health science magnet's coursework, certifications and clinical experiences during UNITED ISD’s magnet information night.
Mister Byrd, assistant principal at Alexander, described the program as a strong entry point for students interested in medical careers: “If your son or daughter is interested in pursuing something in the medical field, it's a great way to get their feet wet,” he said.
Student presenters highlighted specific credentials and experiences. “In 9th grade, we received CPR certification,” said Sergio Veda, a senior. Other students noted coursework and certifications in dental assisting and medical assisting, clinical rotations at Laredo Medical Center, and participation in HOSA (Health Occupations Students of America). Natalia (last name not specified), who serves as HOSA officer, said the chapter organizes about two blood drives per semester and competes at area and state conferences.
Students described hands-on experiences offered by the program: anatomy and physiology classes, cadaver dissection exposure during a cadaver lab trip, rotations at physician offices, and summer opportunities such as a DocPrep program at Baylor College of Medicine. Weihen Yang, a senior, said the combination of HOSA and the magnet “has given me invaluable skills, experiences, and friendships.”
Staff and students emphasized that magnet coursework is rigorous but manageable alongside extracurriculars. Sergio Veda said he participates in 10 clubs, takes AP and dual-enrollment courses and still succeeds in the magnet program. A dean present encouraged parents to consult students and magnet staff for program-specific questions.
Why it matters: The Alexander Health Science magnet provides certifications and clinical experience that students and staff said can lead to immediate workforce skills, college readiness and scholarship opportunities. The program’s combination of classroom certifications, clinical rotations and extracurricular competitions gives students both credentials and college-application material.
No formal actions or policy changes were taken at the presentation.
