WAYNE, W.Va. (WCHS) — As part of the Par Mar Friday Night Rivals Game of the Week between the Nitro Wildcats and Wayne Pioneers, Eyewitness News visited Wayne High School to inspect the therapeutic services program.
The program focuses on preparing students for careers in the medical field by teaching students about electrocardiography, phlebotomy, patient care, and medical terminology. Melanie Maynard, who teaches the class, said the purpose of this year's new additions is to increase the number of health care workers.
“Health care shortages are happening in all areas,” Maynard said. “This definitely provides us with an opportunity to fill that gap.”
But new changes occurred this year as the school merged with Marshall Health Network to form Medex. Once students complete the program, they can start working immediately after graduation.
“We have a real opportunity to prove ourselves as valuable employees in the hospital setting,” said Cade Estep, a senior at Wayne High School.
Cade Estep, a well-recognized wide receiver and cornerback on the football team, is in his second year and the only male in the program. Estep hopes to follow in the footsteps of her mother and sisters and enter the medical field. He also wants to add sports to his career by becoming a physical therapist.
“Especially athlete rehabilitation. I like working with athletes, I like working with coaches. I want to help athletes regain their full potential.” said Estep.
Wayne High School students said education is the best medicine, whether you're looking for a job in nursing, dentistry or emergency response.
