A new addition to the curriculum on campus is giving students a close-up look into the world of healthcare. The Medical Technician course, now in its first year, taught by Kayla Jimenez, allows students to step out of the classroom and into clinical settings, where they have the opportunity to gain hands-on experience with residents in assisted living facilities.
Medical Technician, also known as Med Tech, is similar to a Regional Occupational Program, where students can leave campus two periods before the school day ends to go work. Certain days of the week are scheduled for students to visit New Bethany to gain experience and see firsthand what the job entails.
“A typical day in Med Tech going to my site is just fully hands on,” said Valeria Sanchez (12). “We are able to be in contact with residents there and help with vital signs, baths, brief changes, etc.”
The program partners with local sites, one of which is New Bethany, where students perform routine care tasks. It’s not just about learning how to take blood pressure or change bedding, students are also learning the human side of healthcare.
“My favorite part about this class is how you are able to build a bond with residents as well as gain experience for your future career,” Sanchez said.
That personal connection is what sets this course apart from more traditional classroom-based learning. It’s easy for students to enter a classroom and learn the material from the textbooks and assignments, however, being able to visit patients and interact with them one-on-one makes all the difference.
Sanchez, who visits her site four days a week, says the experience has solidified her career path. “I want to be a registered nurse and I knew that joining would help me gain experience and help me navigate on my path to nursing,” she said.
“This class is full of diverse topics, starting from learning medical terminology to being able to give actual patient care to residents. You learn a lot and gain so much experience.”
But it’s not always easy. Sanchez noted that the emotional side of healthcare can be challenging. “Something I wish I knew going into this year is that there will be some hard days, but they are worth it for the experience,” she said.
Her advice to future students? Come in with an open heart and a willingness to learn. “Make sure you will actually enjoy interacting with the residents and just be nice! A smile goes a long way in someone’s day.”
She also emphasized the importance of empathy. “Something that has stood out to me while working on site is that you have to always remember you are helping people in their most vulnerable state. Always keep that in mind and make people feel loved and comfortable.”
In Med Tech, students learn the basics but walk away with something more valuable: a deeper understanding of what it means to care for someone. The program prepares students for future careers in the medical field and teaches them compassion, patience, and the value of human connection.
