Representatives from WSMDA visit the MVHS Careers and Health classroom to teach phlebotomy procedures.

"Anyone who is a phlebotomist technician has so much opportunity for work,” said Fabian Rodriguez, an admissions representative for Westchester School for Medical and Dental Assistance (WSMDA). Two representatives from WSMDA visited the Career and Technical Education wing at Mount Vernon High School to perform a live phlebotomy demonstration for career and health students this Tuesday. 

A fake arm was set up on the table for students to watch as Catherine, a student from WSMDA, demonstrated how to use several medical tools and devices. Students observed intently as she wrapped the tourniquet around the mannequin's arm. Catherine gave the career and health students valuable advice such as how to find a vein properly and how to keep everything clean and sanitized.

After a demonstration was performed on a fake arm, Fabian offered a chance for the students to watch his own blood be drawn. Catherine then showed students how to measure blood pressure, how to use a glucose monitor, and how to use different types of needles for their patients while demonstrating phlebotomy on Fabian. 

Fabian urged the careers and health students to take advantage of phlebotomy courses to jumpstart their careers in health. Becoming a certified phlebotomy technician can open doors in several fields of medicine such as in hospitals, laboratories and for insurance companies, traveling from home to home. 

Students as young as 17 can register for the dental and medical assistance programs and receive their phlebotomy certifications from WSMDA. This is beneficial for racking up clinical hours if they choose to pursue careers in health or medicine. 

After the lesson, a couple of students tested their phlebotomy skills on the mannequin arm, getting hands-on experience using needles and practicing safety.