HEAL High School Prepares Houston Students for High-Demand Healthcare Careers Amid Statewide Shortage
Now in its second year, HEAL High School has welcomed students back on campus, continuing the bold plan launched in August 2024 to connect Houston’s youth directly to careers that keep the community healthy.
The Health Education and Leadership (HEAL) High School is the result of a unique partnership between Memorial Hermann Health System, Aldine ISD, and a $31 million grant from Bloomberg Philanthropies. Located on the Nimitz High School campus, HEAL is Houston’s first high school designed entirely around healthcare career pathways.
By combining academic coursework with hands-on training, HEAL aims to graduate students ready to step into critical healthcare roles—roles that Texas urgently needs filled.
Building the Workforce Houston Needs
According to the Texas Department of State Health Services, the state is facing projected shortages of 57,000 registered nurses by 2032, alongside growing gaps in pharmacy, medical imaging, and rehabilitation professions. Nearly 40% of Texas counties already lack adequate primary care, and more than 80% are considered mental health professional shortage areas.
Nationally, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects more than 1.8 million job openings each year in healthcare and social assistance through 2032—driven largely by an aging population and increasing demand for medical services.
That’s where HEAL comes in. Drawing on Memorial Hermann’s workforce data and Gulf Coast labor market trends, the school offers five in-demand career tracks:
- Nursing (CNA, CMA, PCT, or phlebotomy certification, with college credit toward RN programs)
- Physical & Occupational Rehabilitation (certified personal trainer, PCT, or EKG)
- Medical Imaging (endoscopy technician certification)
- Pharmacy (pharmacy technician certification)
- Healthcare Business Administration (medical billing & coding, clinical medical assistant)
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A Different Kind of High School Experience
Students begin career exploration as early as 8th grade through HEAL’s Summer Infusion Program, with mentoring from Memorial Hermann professionals starting in 9th grade. Volunteer opportunities begin immediately, and by 11th grade, students can apply for paid, hands-on roles in healthcare settings.
The model is designed to let students graduate with:
- Industry-recognized certifications
- 15–24 transferable college credits
- Real-world work experience in hospitals and clinics
- A priority interview at Memorial Hermann after graduation
By 2028, HEAL is expected to serve 760 students each year.
More Than a Pipeline—A Community Investment
The Bloomberg Philanthropies funding supports state-of-the-art simulation labs, modernized classrooms, and spaces that mirror real healthcare environments. But just as importantly, it invests in the students themselves—giving them access to stable, family-sustaining careers without the burden of years of schooling or debt.
HEAL High School also integrates the arts, physical education, and extracurricular activities into its curriculum, ensuring students receive a full high school experience while pursuing career goals.
Looking Ahead
For Aldine ISD families, HEAL represents opportunity close to home. For Houston’s healthcare system, it’s a lifeline in training the next generation of nurses, therapists, technicians, and administrators.
With the first class already underway, the hope is that HEAL High School will not only prepare students for the workforce but also strengthen the health of the very community it serves.
Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.