Rapid population growth. Aging residents. Provider burnout. Lingering pandemic effects. The medical workforce shortage continues to threaten Texas communities statewide, and the demand for health care workers has never been greater.
Addressing this workforce crisis is an urgent priority, and so is the need to invest in education and long-term solutions. Montgomery Independent School District is doing just that.
New Facility Elevates Experiences
The Den, a new career and technical education center, opened its doors August 14, 2025—the first day of the 2025–26 school year. This facility serves the Montgomery High School Bears and the Lake Creek High School Lions. Programs currently offered include animal science/agriculture, audio/video production, auto mechanics/ automotive technology, construction trades, cosmetology, criminal justice/law enforcement, culinary arts, engineering and robotics, welding, and health science.
“The Den is truly unique because it’s the result of years of intentional planning and direct community input,” says Justin Marino, MISD chief of staff. “This state-of-the-art facility grew out of the district’s strategic plan developed in 2021, when our stakeholders made it clear that while MISD already offered very good CTE opportunities, they wanted us to think bigger about what ‘great’ could look like for our students.”
The modern facility features enhanced equipment to elevate hands-on teaching and learning with upgraded classrooms, specialized lab areas and flex study zones.
Health Science Program Thrives
One standout CTE program is health science—a track that prepares students to enter the workforce as certified clinical medical assistants or emergency medical technicians. These pathways directly address the need for more health care workers in our communities.
The comprehensive programs are a series of courses beginning in the students’ eighth or ninth grade years with principles of health science. Students continue with classes such as medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, disaster response, and health science theory. Senior year, students participate in a practicum course to become either a CCMA or EMT.
Teachers discuss the nursing shortage with their students, often highlighting the increasing demand for health care workers. Even though artificial intelligence and other technologies continue to advance, the need for quality, hands-on caregivers will never go away.
The health science team at MISD is made up of highly qualified educators. Paula Millner, Shawna Perigo and Steven Herbert have 79 years of combined industry experience with 20 years in teaching combined. Through their hard work and dedication, MISD students boast a 98% pass rate on certification exams, exceeding the 77% national average.
Both teachers and students have experienced positive shifts in interest and engagement since doors opened.
“In today’s technology-driven world, learning a trade is more important than ever,” says Kristy Starkey, MISD director of CTE. “The Den gives students access to a wide range of programs that can lead to meaningful, fulfilling careers.”
Community Partners Shape Experiences
The CCMA program currently has more than 50 clinical partners throughout Montgomery County where students work as interns. They also shadow health care professionals in various departments at HCA Houston Healthcare Conroe hospital several days during the school year.
The EMT program requires 60 hours of ambulance and emergency room experience. MISD partners with Prometheus Foundry to provide state-approved coursework and secure clinical spots for students at various EMT agencies.
“I love going to clinic visits and seeing former students work in the places they once interned,” Millner says. “I have former students mentoring current students this year. I love getting texts from former students saying this class inspired their desire to work in health care.”
Aspiring medical professionals who participate in CTE programs gain valuable exposure and work experience. The skills they learn can solidify their passion and clarify their futures. MISD invests in exceptional education to address the health care worker shortage, and the Den provides students with the space and opportunity to be part of the solution.
“I have many students I still keep in touch with that are doing well in EMS and with the fire department,” Herbert says. “I love hearing stories of students succeeding in the field.”
