Erica Wilson, a health science teacher at Marshall High School, is leading the charge in preparing students for healthcare careers through an expanded curriculum that now includes certifications in phlebotomy, medical assisting and electrocardiography (EKG).
The program, which has grown significantly since Wilson introduced phlebotomy five years ago, now enrolls nearly 400 students across various health science courses.
Wilson, who has seven years of teaching experience at Marshall High School, brings a wealth of industry knowledge as a practicing lab technician at Christus Good Shepherd.
She initiated the phlebotomy program to address healthcare industry demands and provide students with marketable skills.
“When I first arrived, we only had a small certified nursing assistant (CNA) program with about 10 students,” Wilson said, “I knew there was an opportunity to grow by adding programs like medical assisting and phlebotomy, which are highly sought after in healthcare.”
Today, Marshall High’s health science program has expanded to include six dual-credit courses offered through Panola College, enabling students to earn certifications and college credits while still in high school.
Enrollment has since surged, with 396 students now participating, making it one of the largest career and technical education programs on campus, according to Wilson.
Wilson attributes the growth to the program’s alignment with industry needs.
“I had to demonstrate why these programs were necessary,” she said, “Healthcare requires trained professionals, and these courses prepare students for immediate job opportunities; the response has been overwhelmingly positive from students, parents and the community.”
Students begin their journey in the program as freshmen with foundational courses like principles of health science.
Over four years, they progress through subjects such as medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, and microbiology.
By the time they enter certification courses in their junior and senior years, students are well-prepared for hands-on training.
“We start with the basics like safety, bloodborne pathogens and patient communication,” Wilson said, “By October, phlebotomy students are already practicing live draws; once they overcome that first patient interaction, their confidence soars.”
In addition to clinical skills, students learn about the legal and ethical aspects of healthcare, including HIPAA compliance.
They also gain trauma training, CPR certification and hands-on experience with advanced equipment like centrifuges.
Through partnerships with Christus Good Shepherd facilities in Marshall and Longview, students gain real-world experience during clinical rotations.
Wilson emphasized that the program’s rigorous standards ensure students are prepared for professional environments.
“Students don’t just observe — they work” she said, “They’re riding on my license during their rotations, so they must demonstrate competence and confidence before starting clinicals.”
With a 100% pass rate for phlebotomy and medical assisting certification exams in recent years, the program has established a strong track record of success.
Marshall High’s health science program is set to grow further, with a new state-of-the-art facility funded through a CTE bond project.
The building will feature advanced labs, modern equipment and specialized spaces to support the growing enrollment.
“This expansion is a testament to how far we’ve come,” Wilson said, “Our students graduate with certifications, job-ready skills, and a strong foundation to pursue higher education or enter the workforce; it’s exciting to see them succeed.”
This post was originally published on here
