The Health Professionals Academy (HPA) in the Socorro Independent School District honored freshmen joining the program during the annual White Coat Induction Ceremony in November at Socorro High School.
Over 180 freshmen who have chosen the HPA four-year program to pave their way to becoming future healthcare providers were presented with their white coats and stethoscopes by their parents, who helped them put them on for the first time during the ceremony.
"This was a big day for our students," said Barbara Wright, HPS dental assistant teacher. "This helps them figure out what they want down the line and sets them up for their future career in healthcare."
The concept of being presented with medical coats and stethoscopes is a visual symbol of the healthcare professions' first significant transition from book learning to lab work and clinicals before obtaining certification.
Freshman Natalie Velasquez said she had always known she wanted to follow in her mother's footsteps in the medical field. She wants to be an oncologist.
"I want to help people just like my mom," said Velasquez, whose mother works as a surgical technician at a hospital. "She always talks to me about helping people, and I want to do the same. I know a lot of people don't have this opportunity, so I am grateful."
Students begin the program during their freshman year with classroom learning and formal induction at the white coat ceremony. In sophomore year, they get training to work in hospitals, and in their junior year, they shadow a nurse at the hospitals. In their senior year, students get to specialize in either dental, medical assistant, pharmacy tech, emergency medical technician (EMT), or nursing.
This year marks the third year of the district’s partnership with Texas Tech University Health Science Center Gayle Greve Hunt School of Nursing’s High School Pipeline Program, which provides students the opportunity to earn their associate of arts degree and meet the requirements to apply to the TTUHSC nursing baccalaureate program.
HPA freshman Manuel Esparza said he wanted to take part in the program to go into nursing and help others.
"I felt like medical was always the way for me to go, so when I heard about HPA, I knew it was for me," Esparza said. "I'm very grateful to be selected for this opportunity."
The HPA program, housed at Socorro High School, is one of SISD's advanced academic academies, giving students the skills, training, and knowledge to pursue future healthcare careers.
As part of the program, students will do clinical rotations at various local hospitals, vet clinics and pharmacies.
Aryzeth Noropeze said she has always wanted to be a labor and delivery nurse, so she joined the nursing program.
"I feel really lucky because this gives me a big advantage, and I know there are a lot of benefits to this program," Noropeze said. "I'm looking forward to my rotations and getting the experience I need to succeed.
Socorro High School White Coat Induction Ceremony event photos