Contributed
Contributed
Contributed
Tucked in the heart of Wesley Chapel, North Tampa Christian Academy (NTCA) may be only six years old, but it is already making a powerful impact. With more than 550 students and a reputation for academic innovation, NTCA is becoming a beacon of excellence in Adventist education.
One of its most exciting frontiers is STEM education. Dedicated instructors have been crafting a bold new direction that connects academic learning with real-world career pathways. Their first step was reviving the school’s medical club and re-establishing it as an official Health Occupations Students of America (HOSA) Future Health Professionals chapter.
In its first year, students stepped into action, participating in a mass casualty training incident alongside Tampa Fire Rescue and Tampa General Hospital, shadowing professionals at AdventHealth Wesley Chapel, and touring cutting-edge medical facilities.
But that was only the beginning. In the 2024-2025 school year, NTCA launched its first medical track diploma: the Emergency Medical Responder (EMR) program. Designed for high school students interested in healthcare, the EMR program teaches lifesaving skills and introduces students to the crucial chain of survival outside the hospital. Students are not required to pursue emergency medical services as a career, but graduate better prepared for any healthcare path and having learned essential life skills.
The program is rigorous. Students must take honors-level science courses, earn Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) certification, and become CPR and First Aid certified. They also complete hospital shadowing hours and often join the medical club for hands-on community engagement. This year’s EMR students went beyond the classroom, interacting with professionals from AdventHealth, Florida Medical Clinic, and Loma Linda University; collecting vitals at community events; and raising awareness for autism and epilepsy during school assemblies. Every participant earned certifications in seizure recognition, Basic Life Support CPR, and First Aid, demonstrating readiness and passion for service.
At NTCA, STEM is not just about science and technology, it’s about service, leadership, and faith. The department is already preparing its next medical track diploma for the 2025-2026 school year, continuing its mission to shape compassionate and competent professionals. Through programs like these, students graduate career-ready and spiritually grounded, prepared to carry Christ’s healing ministry into their communities and careers.
North Tampa Christian Academy is not simply educating students. It is equipping healers, leaders, and world-changers.
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