HOMESTEAD, Fla. (WSVN) -- A South Florida high school dedicated to students pursuing medical careers is adding new features to their state-of-the-art facility.

Tuesday morning, faculty and students celebrated the grand opening of M.A.S.T. @ Homestead medical magnet school. It is the only school of its kind in South Florida.

Prior to its opening, Miami-Dade acquired the building, which once was a hospital, used $15 million to renovate it and enrolled students who are now studying medicine. "It's very educational, and it's really hands on," said student Sidney Sharpe.

"It's a very small environment. The teachers work one-on-one with you; it's very safe," said student Ian Carter. "It's a highly academic rigorous curriculum but an excellent school."

M.A.S.T is an acronym for Medical Academy for Science and Technology. This facility is the second in the State and one of just a few in the nation.

This year, about 250 students enrolled. Next year, about 450 students are expected to attend via lottery.

The magnet school's mission is to cultivate the next generation of health care professionals. It focuses on biomedical sciences, pharmaceutical sciences and physical therapy. "The top 100 jobs in the United States, you're going to see that 75 or 80 percent are in the medical field or medical background," said principal Greg Zawyer. "So, we're linked with all the hospitals, all the way down to Mercy and University of Miami, as well as Baptist Hospital in Homestead."

Miami-Dade Superintendent Alberto Carvahlo was also present at the school's ribbon-cutting ceremony. "The opportunity is for students to engage in internships at local hospitals and partnerships with FIU and the University of Miami, Nova and Miami Dade College, where they will serve in enrollment programs."

"We see that these are our future employees, they're future doctors, nurses and technologists and pharmacists," said Homestead Hospital CEO Bill Duquette.

The facility also conducts live surgeries via video conferences.

Original post:
MAST medical school celebrates grand opening