Students at Irvin High School are actively preparing for careers in healthcare before even graduating, thanks to the school's P-TECH program. In partnership with Paxton Patterson Institute, the program features Health Science Principles classes that provide students with not just theoretical knowledge, but hands-on experience using realistic instruments and training modules. This innovative approach simulates actual healthcare scenarios, helping students to quickly understand and practicably apply medical practices.
The success of the program has not gone unnoticed, with representatives from Paxton Patterson Institute visiting to directly observe the classroom dynamics facilitated by teacher Fernando Quezada. Quezada, a former ambulance worker with 25 years under his belt, now imparts his extensive knowledge to students keen on exploring various medical professions, ranging from pharmacy to emergency medicine. According to El Paso ISD, the students rotate through different modules every 10-15 days, fostering exposure to a diverse array of healthcare fields.
This hands-on educational framework has garnered appreciation from the student body. "I like that we do a lot of hands-on things like for pharmacists and dentistry, and other things. The lessons are very interactive like we get to take blood from these fake arms, and it's really cool because it helps us see how it is in the real world," freshman Angelina Gomez said, as per El Paso ISD, expressing her enthusiasm for the detailed simulations. Her sentiments are shared by classmate Aiden Gaytan, who recognizes the program's potential to aid him in his goal of becoming a doctor.
Fernando Quezada emphasizes the engagement factor of this program, underscoring its design to truly captivate students' interests in healthcare. "We have freshmen who take this class, and it's a kind of exploration into the medical field. I find that the kids really enjoy this course. It gives them an idea as to what medical field interests them," Quezada explained, as obtained by El Paso ISD. Quezada's legacy as an English teacher turned Health Science educator at Irvin High shines through in his ability to keep students not only educated but also thoroughly entertained.
