Victoria ISD recently honored students in the Practicum of Health Science Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA) program during a special pinning ceremony held at the Victoria Fine Arts Center on Thursday, May 14, recognizing their hard work, dedication, and accomplishments as they complete the program requirements toward becoming Certified Clinical Medical Assistants.
A total of 45 students were recognized during the ceremony, which celebrated their successful completion of coursework, clinical experiences, and training in the healthcare field.
The ceremony included remarks from Rachel Lowrey, CTE Practicum teacher, Lacey Sprague, P-TECH Health Sciences Practicum teacher, and Andrea Pope,CTE Center Principal, who congratulated students on their commitment to pursuing careers in healthcare and encouraged them as they continue their educational and professional journeys.
Students in the program completed training focused on patient care, clinical procedures, medical office operations, and healthcare professionalism through Victoria ISD’s Career and Technical Education programming at the Career & Technical Center.
Students enrolled in the CCMA program completed three prerequisite courses within the Healthcare Pathway before entering the certification program. Throughout the year, students received more than 300 hours of classroom instruction, including 90 hours of hands-on clinical training, preparing them to sit for the industry-based certification exam. To date, 34 students have earned the NHA Certified Clinical Medical Assistant certification and are considered workforce-ready. An additional 11 students successfully completed the program and still have the opportunity to earn their certification.
Victoria ISD’s CCMA program is grateful for the continued partnership and support from Citizens Medical Center and DeTar Healthcare System. Through volunteer agreements, hospital tours, job shadowing opportunities, and clinical experiences, both organizations have provided students with valuable real-world healthcare experiences that help prepare them for future careers in the medical field.
The district also expressed appreciation to DeTar Healthcare System for its generous contributions to the program and for hosting the program’s first-ever HOSA hospital tour. In addition, Rachel Clark was recognized for her continued dedication in coordinating clinical rotations, tours, and student opportunities that have positively impacted student success throughout the program.
“This ceremony represents the dedication and perseverance these students have shown throughout the year,” said Andrea Pope, CTE Center Principal. “Their commitment to serving others through healthcare reflects the excellence and opportunities available through Victoria ISD Career and Technical Education programs.”
The pinning ceremony serves as a symbolic milestone for students entering the healthcare field and recognizes the compassion, professionalism, and technical skills they have developed throughout the program.
Families, friends, instructors, and district staff attended the event to celebrate the accomplishments of the students as they prepare for the next steps in their education and future careers in healthcare.