MISSION, TEXAS (February 3, 2026) - When Elizabeth Cano graduated from Mission High School in 2007, she didn’t just leave with a diploma — she left career-ready.
As a student in Mission CISD’s Health Science program, Cano earned her Patient Care Technician certification while still in high school, gaining hands-on clinical experience through weekly placements at local healthcare facilities. That preparation allowed her to step directly into the workforce, securing a position with Mission CISD the summer she graduated. Nearly two decades later, Cano remains with the district, having earned both her Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) and Registered Nurse (RN) certifications in 2021 and 2025 respectively.
Her journey reflects the long-term impact of Mission CISD’s Career and Technical Education (CTE) programs — designed to prepare students not only for immediate employment, but for sustained career growth.
Early Exposure to Career Pathways
Mission CISD currently offers 22 CTE Programs of Study, including the addition of Junior Reserve Officers’ Training Corps (JROTC), giving students access to career pathways beginning as early as junior high and continuing through high school.
“Career and Technical Education allows students to explore a wide range of careers as early as junior high, empowering them to identify their interests and intentionally select a Mission CISD Program of Study aligned to their goals,” said Jorge Flores, director of CTE programs.
Credentials That Translate to Careers
During the 2024–2025 school year, Mission CISD awarded 1,148 Industry-Based Certifications, providing students with credentials recognized by employers and aligned to workforce demand. These certifications span high-need industries such as healthcare, information technology, skilled trades, agriculture, business, manufacturing, and public service.
“Our programs are designed to lead to in-demand, high-wage careers, equipping students with the skills they need to graduate prepared, self-sufficient, and ready to contribute to their communities,” Flores said. “At the same time, our CTE pathways build strong academic and technical foundations that position students for continued education and long-term career growth.”
In Health Science programs such as phlebotomy and patient care, students graduate having met national healthcare standards in safety, knowledge, and hands-on clinical skills.
“Industry-Based Certifications ensure our students are truly workforce-ready,” said Eva Zamarripa, CTE Health Science teacher at Veterans Memorial High School. “By the time they graduate, they have passed their national exam and are fully certified, making them competitive candidates for employment in hospitals, laboratories, and other healthcare facilities.”
Preparing Students for Long-Term Success
Mission CISD’s CTE framework emphasizes real-world learning, professional expectations, and credential attainment, creating clear pathways for students whether they choose to enter the workforce immediately, pursue higher education, or continue specialized training.
“Mission CISD is helping students find a career path, just like I did,” Cano reflects.
As the district continues to expand and refine its CTE offerings, the focus remains on preparing students not just for their first job, but for lifelong success — building a workforce that is skilled, confident, and rooted in the Mission community.
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