Allied health students practice venipunctures.

Mason County Central student Jenna Smith practices on her instructor, Melissa Fuehring.

Practice makes perfect; Allied health students practice venipunctures.

VICTORY TOWNSHIP — Students in the West Shore Educational Service District’s Career and Technical Education allied health class recently had a chance to practice venipunctures on live subjects. The high school juniors and seniors are given the option to learn about phlebotomy as part of their curriculum, said instructor Melissa Fuehring. Those who choose that path can become certified and, upon adulthood, can work in the field.

There are 45 students in the allied health program and 33 have chosen to take the phlebotomy track.

“Many of the students use this option to work in the industry as they study advanced degrees in medicine,” Fuehring said. “We also have a lot of students who become certified nursing assistants as well. These opportunities are offered to them as part of their education, at no cost.”

The students are required to perform 10 simulated venipunctures and 30 on a live subject. Recently, the students were asked to practice on someone they know.