Over 400 high school students in Gilbert Public Schools are participating in Career and Technical Education (CTE) Sports Medicine programs as the football season approaches. These programs, offered on five comprehensive high school campuses, focus on hands-on training in athletic healthcare and aim to prepare students for careers in sports medicine and rehabilitation.
CTE programs at Gilbert Public Schools combine classroom instruction with practical experience, allowing students to earn industry credentials before graduation. The district provides these classes as part of the regular academic schedule, giving students exposure to fields such as sports medicine, bio-science, and business management.
Ian Jeffer, CTE Sports Medicine Teacher at Desert Ridge High School, said, “Our programs provide students with meaningful opportunities to collaborate with professionals and build valuable connections with potential employers. We are committed not only to preparing students for success in college but also to equipping them with the skills and mindset needed to make a meaningful impact in various career fields after graduation.”
Each of the five high schools tailors its program based on its unique environment:
At Campo Verde High School, student athletic trainers concentrate on injury prevention, taping techniques, concussion protocols, and emergency response plans. The program collaborates closely with coaches and athletic staff for practice and game-day coverage. Students participate in pre-season workshops and simulations and can earn certifications such as CPR, First Aid, and OSHA training.
Desert Ridge High School’s program teaches clinical skills like taping techniques and heat illness management. Students train alongside professionals from Dignity Health, team physicians, EMTs, paramedics, Foothills Sports Medicine, and Barrow Neurological Institute.
Gilbert High School emphasizes both physical health and mental well-being. The program uses a Kestrel heat stress tracker to monitor conditions during football practices. Cody Gonzalez leads the program by integrating college-level content drawn from his NCAA Division 1 experience.
Highland High School focuses on injury prevention through hydration education and sleep/nutrition guidance for athletes. The Emergency Action Plan is reviewed thoroughly each season.
Mesquite High School’s curriculum covers heat illness prevention and emergency mitigation. Advanced students visit local fire stations or intern at area physical therapy clinics.
Across all campuses, CTE Sports Medicine programs support athletic teams while helping students pursue careers in healthcare fields. For the 2025/26 school year, Gilbert Public Schools offers 21 different CTE programs serving 5,779 high school students across its main campuses. Additionally, more than 700 students attend CTE courses at the EVIT main campus; transportation is provided by the district during school hours. According to district data (https://www.gilbertschools.net/cte), CTE participants have a graduation rate of 97.4%, with three-quarters moving into further education or employment within six months of finishing their program.
The first football games for Gilbert Public Schools’ high schools are scheduled for August 28–29 at various locations.
For more information about GPS’s Career and Technical Education programs visit https://www.gilbertschools.net/cte.
