Become a medical assistant with Fred Eberle Technical Center’s newest program

The Fred Eberle Technical Center has a brand-new program for medical assistants.

Amie Hawkins is the medical assisting program instructor. She said students in the program will learn the many skills necessary to pursue a successful career in a clinic or physician’s office.

“When students complete the program, they will know EKGs, venipunctures and finger sticks,” Hawkins said. “They learn to do injections, take vital signs and administer simple blood and urine tests. Once they graduate, they can work in a clinic or a physician’s office.”

Hawkins said there is a need for medical assistants, especially in the local area.

“This is our first year offering the program,” Hawkins said. “The students will have clinical experience as well.”

Lewis County High School senior Abi Spray entered the program at FETC because she thinks the medical field is fascinating.

“I grew up in the medical field,” she said. “Both of my parents are in the medical field. I liked what the FETC program was offering, so I enrolled.”

Abi said she plans to work as a medical assistant while in college.

“I plan to graduate as a nurse practitioner with my MA and hope to specialize in family medicine,” Abi said. “This program has afforded me such a great introduction to the way the body functions, and I’ve learned what all is offered in the medical field. This program offers participants a step up.”