Millsaps CTE students participate in CPR training at Baptist Memorial Hospital - Oktibbeha County.
Through a partnership with Baptist Memorial Hospital of Oktibbeha County, Starkville High School students in year two of our Sports Medicine pathway earned their CPR certification along with training in basic life support and the use of AEDs.
Students learned the steps and best practices for life support with Baptist instructors, and also participated in hands-on training in the chest compression and breathing components of CPR. Using training dummies, breathing materials and AED packs, they practiced the different techniques needed for adults and children in emergency situations. CPR is one of the certifications available to students in the Sports Medicine, Health Sciences and Law and Public Safety CTE pathways.
Through the two-year Sports Medicine program, instructor Latoya Gordon leads 10th-12th graders through the prevention and care of sports injuries, in conjunction with the Health Sciences core. Students also learn about the types of injuries that can occur and are introduced to the emergency services associated with injuries in sports. CPR certification allows students to build their resume with experience needed for health science careers while still in high school.
Sports Medicine is one of 13 CTE pathways available at SHS's Millsaps Career & Technology Center designed to prepare students for success in college, technical training and the workforce. In addition to the hands-on experiences available in career-focused studies like Sports Medicine, students may also participate in the district's Work-based Learning program through real-world paid internships with community businesses and partners.
Students who complete a two-year pathway have the opportunity to earn a CTE endorsed diploma available from Mississippi Department of Education as well as various national certifications related to specific fields of study. During the 2024-2025 school year, Millsaps saw 114 program completers, and 58 students received CTE endorsements. In addition, 48 students earned national certifications.
