Houston Welcomes Klein Oak High School for Hands‑On Clinical Learning Experience

For 18 students from Klein Oak High School — part of the Klein Independent School District (Klein ISD) in northwest Houston — nursing just became real.

Klein ISD is known for its strong Career & Technical Education (CTE) pathways, including their Health Science programs. They prepare students for future roles in healthcare through classroom instruction, clinical exposure, and organizations like Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA).

To help bridge the gap between high school learning and real-world clinical practice, Galen College of Nursing’s Houston campus recently welcomed Klein Oak’s senior Clinical Practicum students for an immersive, hands-on learning experience. Now in its second year, the collaboration between Galen and Klein ISD continues to grow out of a unique connection — one that began at a local dog frisbee club.

“We actually met at a dog park, and then realized we were both involved in HOSA,” recalled Vicki Coyle, DNP, CHSE, RN, Dean of Galen’s Houston campus, about meeting Jackie Carver, a Klein Health Science Instructor. “Jackie has students who are future healthcare professionals, and it became a very natural relationship from there,” Dr. Coyle said.

Since then, Carver has joined Galen’s Professional Advisory Committee. Dr. Coyle also serves on Klein ISD’s district-wide advisory committee — sharing ideas, technical program insights, and opportunities to inspire future healthcare workers.

During their visit, students toured Galen’s campus and participated in hands-on demonstrations with mid‑fidelity and high‑fidelity simulation manikins. Under the guidance of Logan Vigil, MSN‑Ed, RN, Director of Simulation and Clinical Learning Lab, students practiced injection techniques, assessed lung sounds, explored patient rooms and equipment, and observed a live nursing student simulation involving a no‑response call.

Carver said the experience expanded what she can offer in the high school setting. “They were getting more experience than what we could give them. We don’t have the luxury of those wonderful manikins and equipment at the high school level,” she shared.

Students were equally enthusiastic, sharing how the day helped them connect classroom learning to real clinical situations. Carver noted, “The scenarios we observed were just like what I had taught my junior-level students the year before. One student even said, ‘Ms. Carver, what we’re doing in class is actually what we’ll really use in our future.’ It was really good for them to see that connection.”

Feedback from the group highlighted how meaningful the visit was in shaping their interest — and confidence — in potential healthcare pathways. Many shared that stepping into a real nursing school environment helped them better understand what the next level of their education could look like.

Hanna Nguyen described the visit as transformative, saying, “I loved the field trip. It gave me a better understanding of how nursing education works, and made me think nursing could be a career option for me.”

Others emphasized how impactful the hands‑on elements were. Mara Du Pond reflected on the value of watching real simulations unfold and seeing how they connected to her current coursework: “Watching the simulations showed us how helpful they can be for future nurses. I really liked how interactive it was and how Logan connected it to what we’re learning as MA students.”

A common sentiment among the students was how much they appreciated early access to realistic healthcare environments, with many sharing that they hope future classes will have the same opportunity.

As students moved through Galen’s labs and classrooms, the impact of the experience was clear — not just to them, but to the faculty leading the day. Vigil emphasized the purpose behind these experiences: “The students got to have a very engaging and interactive learning experience with mid‑fidelity manikins, injection techniques, and exposure to live simulations. Opportunities like this help inspire and advance the future of healthcare by giving students a glimpse into what lies ahead.”

Dr. Coyle added that the partnership also provides an important look into college‑level expectations. “It’s a great way to introduce them to what a college classroom and simulation lab looks like as they’re deciding what profession they want to pursue,” she said.

The relationship is already making an impact. Carver shared that one of her junior students recently said she plans to apply to Galen after meeting the team at a Klein ISD technical program event.

With shared advisory roles and ongoing collaboration, Galen and Klein ISD remain committed to creating meaningful opportunities for students to explore healthcare pathways. As this partnership continues to grow, experiences like this help make the idea of nursing feel real long before students ever step into a college classroom.

Explore Galen’s nursing programs and imagine where your path could lead.