The Biomedical Program at Horizon High School is a shining example of a partnership done right. With support from Orlando Health, this program is bridging the gap between classroom education and real-world career opportunities. At over 340 students enrolled, incoming freshmen through seniors are getting direct, hands-on exposure to medical careers before they even walk across the graduation stage.
“Thank you to Orlando Health Horizon West for their incredible dedication to our Biomedical Program! This year they helped in providing over 340+ Horizon Biomedical students the opportunity to gain firsthand insight from industry-leading healthcare professionals! Through on-campus career showcases and immersive sessions at the hospital, our students were able to bridge the gap between the classroom and the clinical world, seeing firsthand the diverse paths available in modern medicine.” – Horizon High
Beyond the Classroom
This isn’t just classroom learning. It’s real people, real stories, and real experience.
Each month, students take part in sessions that bring the healthcare field to life. At the high school, Orlando Health team members and leaders speak to the class. They share what they do, what a typical day looks like, and how their role fits into patient care. It’s honest, practical, and gives students a clearer picture of what these careers actually look like.
“A special thank you to Misty Marshall the incredible Respiratory Therapist from Orlando Health! She shared valuable insights on the pathway to becoming a respiratory therapist and provided hands-on demonstrations of essential skills like intubation and spirometry!” – Horizon Biomedical Program
Additional sessions happen at Horizon West Hospital, where things really click. Juniors and seniors get the chance to step inside the hospital, tour the space, and take part in hands-on simulations using real equipment. It’s interactive, it’s eye-opening, and it gives students a level of access most people don’t get until much later.
New Discovery
Every month brings a new department and a new perspective, which means students are constantly discovering paths they may not have considered before.
And that’s what makes this so impactful. It’s helping students explore their options early and start making more informed decisions about their future. At the same time, it’s strengthening the connection between our schools, our local hospital, and the community as a whole.
“Today we had Registered Dietician Bridgette de Juan from Orlando Health talk to our Biomedical students about her career path, what her day at work looks like, and how students interested in the medical field can start preparing now.” – Horizon Biomedical Program
Bridging Education and Local Healthcare Needs
As Central Florida’s healthcare needs expand, programs like this build a sustainable talent pipeline right here in Horizon West. By introducing students to various medical disciplines early on, Orlando Health isn’t just providing community outreach, it’s inspiring the next generation of doctors, nurses, research scientists, and specialized technicians who may one day care for our own community.
Find more information on the Biomedical program’s Facebook page:
Horizon Biomedical Program
A Blueprint for Community Partnership
The success of the Orlando Health and Horizon High School partnership offers a blueprint for how local businesses and educational institutions can work together to enrich student learning. By investing time, expert knowledge, and real resources into our public schools, Orlando Health is helping turn passion into purpose, ensuring that Horizon High students are uniquely prepared to step into the future of medicine.
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