(EL PASO INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT – September 25, 2026) — For students at Irvin High School preparing for careers in healthcare, a stethoscope is more than a medical tool. It represents the next step in their journey from the classroom to hands-on clinical experience.

Irvin High School students were presented with their own stethoscopes Thursday during a special ceremony at the school’s theater, marking their transition into the clinical portion of their healthcare education.

The ceremony recognized the students’ hard work, dedication and commitment to pursuing careers in healthcare while giving their families, educators and school community an opportunity to celebrate this important milestone.

“This is a special moment for our students because they have worked hard to get to this point,” said Irvin High School Principal Robert “Bobby” Stives. “Receiving a stethoscope represents more than just entering the next phase of their education. It represents the skills they are developing, the opportunities ahead of them and the commitment they have made to serving others through careers in healthcare.”

The students are part of Irvin High School’s P-TECH Medical program, a partnership between El Paso ISD and El Paso Community College that allows students to begin exploring healthcare careers as early as ninth grade while completing their high school education and college-level coursework.

“I wanted to become an EMT because I really like to help people,” said Natalia Diaz De Leon, a Senior at Irvin High School. I thought it seemed really fun after a class I took here at Irvin High School. I enjoyed the class because I love the health field and learning about it more extensively.

Through the program, students have opportunities to gain hands-on medical training, participate in real-world health science experiences and work toward an associate degree from EPCC at no cost to their families.

The academy focuses on areas including healthcare, medicine, nursing and emergency medical services. Students also have opportunities to pursue industry-recognized certifications, including credentials in areas such as Certified Clinical Medical Assisting and Emergency Medical Technician training.

Hands-on learning is an important part of the program. Students use medical training equipment and participate in real-world simulations designed to help them develop skills they can apply in healthcare settings.

The P-TECH Health Science Academy has already reached significant milestones, with students from its inaugural classes completing the program with associate degrees and medical certifications.

For students receiving their stethoscopes, the ceremony marks the beginning of a new chapter, one that takes what they have learned in the classroom and brings it into hands-on healthcare experiences.

To learn more about the P-TECH programs at El Paso ISD, click here.