Selma High healthcare program prepares students for careers as medical assistants

SELMA, Calif. (KFSN) -- A new career pathway at Selma High School is giving students a head start in healthcare, with the program's first group of seniors on track to become medical assistants within the next year.

Inside the classroom, students dressed in scrubs practice real-world clinical skills, including checking height, weight and blood pressure while learning to interact with patients professionally.

The students are enrolled in Selma High's Patient Care Pathway, a four-year program designed to prepare graduates for healthcare careers. Senior Fatima Melgoza said pursuing a medical profession has long been a goal.

"I've been wanting to do it for my whole life," Melgoza said.

Students spend three years completing prerequisite coursework before entering the medical assistant program. Classes include medical occupations, medical terminology and body systems, and law and ethics. Students also earn dual enrollment credit through Fresno City College while completing the pathway.

"What drew me into this pathway was being able to work with my community and overall just giving back, as well as showing my thanks to those healthcare professionals that have helped us in our lives," Melgoza said.

Patient Care Pathway Instructor Mykayla Rodriguez said the program has previously offered pathways into certified nursing assistant and sports medicine careers, but this is the first year students can pursue medical assisting.

Rodriguez said graduates will leave with extensive hands-on training.

"They will be trained to do shots. They'll be trained to do blood draws, any of our CLIA-waived tests in the lab, EKGs, everything that a medical assistant does," she said.

In addition to clinical skills, students are learning how to work with electronic medical record systems commonly used in healthcare settings.

Rodriguez emphasized that the program is not a shortcut into the profession.

"I think it's important to share and really highlight that it's not a fast-track medical assisting program," Rodriguez said. "That it is a four-year pathway, that it's rigorous, and they do have to pass."

She said the lessons extend beyond medical knowledge and technical skills.

"Even if they don't continue in the medical field, they have a really good touch on what it is to be a good person, to have empathy, to not be judgmental," Rodriguez said. "And I think that's really what the world needs right now."

After graduation, students will be required to complete an externship before entering the field. School officials are currently seeking additional local healthcare sites willing to host students as they complete their required hours.

If your healthcare facility is interested in providing a space for students to complete their externship hours, email makayla.rodriguez@selmausd.org.

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