New Partnership Expands Health Science Opportunities
New Partnership Expands Health Science Opportunities
A new partnership between Sherman ISD and Baylor Scott & White Surgical Hospital Sherman is providing even more opportunities for Sherman High School students to prepare for future careers in the healthcare industry.
Seniors in the Practicum of Health Science course are participating in clinical rotations at Baylor Scott & White Sherman and learning more about the day-to-day operations of a surgical center. This is the first school year practicum students have visited the hospital in addition to other local medical facilities.
“The first time I set foot in an operating room was a surreal experience,” said senior practicum student Savannah Bond. “We can step back and connect the dots to what finally happens to a patient.”
The practicum course provides practical, on-the-job training and exposure to a variety of healthcare roles and environments.
“Being at the clinical site reinforces everything that they’ve learned,” said health science teacher Debbie Elk. “You can see it in a textbook, but it’s different when you’re actually there.”
“Clinicals put experience and real perspective behind career opportunities,” Bond said. “You can’t really get that from a textbook.”
Students get the chance to apply skills they have learned in a professional setting while gaining real-world experience and perspective on pathways to pursue after high school.
“They have learned good communications skills, professionalism and teamwork by watching our staff,” said Teresa Dutton, Chief Nursing Officer at Baylor Scott & White Surgical Hospital Sherman. “It also gives them a good exposure to healthcare and helps them decide if healthcare is a pathway they want to follow.”
The healthcare industry is experiencing a workforce shortage, particularly in nursing, primary care and specialty physician roles. High school health science programs support workforce development by preparing students for entry-level jobs and further study in healthcare careers.
“Healthcare is always a good pathway to follow,” Elk said. “You’ll never be without a job if you want a job, and there’s so many different opportunities.”
SHS offers 25 programs of study in career and technical education (CTE), many of which end with practicum courses. About ninety percent of SHS students are enrolled in a CTE course. Each program of study provides opportunities for students to earn industry-based certifications, and in 2024-25, students earned 462 certifications, opening doors to higher levels of accomplishment after high school.