M-DCPS Hosts Launch of Dual Enrollment Medical Assisting Lab at Miami Norland Senior High School in Partnership with D.A. Dorsey Technical College

Miami Norland SHS students and teachers next to intramuscular injection simulators from the school’s new Career Dual Enrollment Medical Assisting Program 

Miami-Dade County Public Schools (M-DCPS) celebrated the launch of Miami Norland Senior High School's Career Dual Enrollment Medical Assisting lab earlier this week in partnership with D.A. Dorsey Technical College, which provides the technical education and industry certification pathway that allows students to begin healthcare career training while still in high school.

“This program is not just about education. It’s about creating access and opportunities,” said Assistant Superintendent for the Office of Postsecondary Career and Technical Education René Mantilla. “By equipping our students with the skills they need, we are opening doors to competitive wages in the health care industry, both locally and nationally. This is an investment in their future and our community."

In addition to Mr. Mantilla, School Board Chair Mari Tere Rojas, Deputy Superintendent Dr. Michael Lewis, North Region Superintendent Dr. Yesenia Aponte, Miami Norland Senior High School Principal Rhonda L. Gaines-Miller, D.A. Dorsey Technical College Director Dr. Jacoby Watkins, Miami-Dade County Commissioner for District 1 Dr. Steve Gallon III, M-DCPS representatives, school staff, and students attended the event. 

The Career Dual Enrollment Medical Assisting curriculum provides instruction in clinical procedures, administrative healthcare functions, medical assisting practices, and training with modern medical equipment.  
 
“The greatest thing this program means is opportunity. It’s an opportunity for our students to elevate and operate in the spirit of excellence, to be able to think outside the box, to think about their career choices and their career paths,” said Principal Gaines-Miller. “The seed has been planted, and the whole idea is for them to continue to grow and flourish.”

The program exemplifies why M-DCPS is your best choice for students seeking innovative academic and career pathways. Through partnerships with institutions such as D.A. Dorsey Technical College, students can access industry-aligned training, earn valuable certifications, and prepare for high-demand careers while completing their high school education.

Approximately 200 students requested to be enrolled in the Medical Assisting Program. From ninth grade through their senior year, they will take specialized courses each semester focused on medical assisting. Students will gain industry experience by practicing skills such as taking patients’ vital signs, drawing blood, performing electrocardiograms (EKGs), administering injections and medications, and assisting physicians with advanced medical procedures.  
 
“This program means a lot to me. I learn different things about the medical field. I get to work hands-on in my medical nursing studies,” said Kayla Edouard, an 11th grader in the program. “It shows me what I’ll need to learn to work in the medical field in the future.”

At the end of the program, students can take the industry certification exam to earn their medical assisting certificate. After that, they are ready to be hired as medical assistants.

The initiative also reflects M-DCPS' commitment to expanding career dual enrollment opportunities by leveraging the specialized training, industry partnerships, and credentialing pathways available through D.A. Dorsey Technical College, helping students accelerate their path to employment in high-demand healthcare careers.
 
For the most up-to-date information, please download the Dadeschools Mobile App to your iPhone or Android device.?Follow us on X @MDCPS and @SuptDotres, on Instagram @miamischools and?@suptdotres, and on Facebook at?MiamiSchools.