Emma Eddy, a junior at Frontier High School, is charting an exciting path in health care, largely inspired by her early experiences at the Washington County Career Center. Her journey kicked off with a week-long Career Camp in 2022, where she explored various career options hands-on.
“In the camp, we picked three or four careers to explore,” she shared. “Each day had different programs I could see and ask about.” Emma first considered patient health care, but she also peeked into welding, inspired by her dad’s profession. “I found out it wasn’t for me,” she admitted with a smile. Instead, she gravitated back to patient care and medical college prep in her subsequent visits.
One highlight was a phlebotomy simulation, where students practiced drawing blood from a fake arm. “The teacher said I had good technique, and I loved it,” Emma said. Starting her Career Center classes as a sophomore was rare but made possible by a few open spots and an encouraging school counselor. “It felt special—I was the only student from my school who applied and got in,” she recalled.
In her classes, Emma has delved into medical terminology and human anatomy, all while aiming for phlebotomy certification. By the time she graduates, she’ll be prepared to work as a phlebotomist. Last summer, she interned at Marietta Memorial Hospital, observing lab procedures. “It was eye-opening to see how they test and culture blood,” she noted. “That experience built my excitement for my future.”
Emma credits her mom, a certified medical assistant, for providing insights into the healthcare field. “She’s been my guide,” she said. “I want to be hands-on, helping patients directly.”
For her senior year, Emma plans to shift to a medical college prep program. “I want to complete College Credit Plus courses so I can jump straight into nursing or radiology post-high school,” she explained. With additional online classes in anatomy, Emma hopes to graduate with credits equivalent to a second-semester college freshman.
Looking ahead, she aims to get into the radiology program at Washington State College of Ohio. Even if plans change, she’ll have her phlebotomist skills ready to go. Besides her classes, Emma is very active in her school—serving as a student ambassador, playing on the basketball team, and participating in the National Technical Honor Society and FFA program.
Emma’s journey mirrors a growing trend among high school students engaging in technical education as a pathway to successful careers. According to a recent survey by the National Center for Education Statistics, nearly 70% of high school students participate in a career and technical education program. This aligns well with Emma’s focus, showcasing how early exposure and practical experiences shape future ambitions.
In today’s job market, healthcare fields like radiology and phlebotomy are in high demand. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 22% growth in employment for phlebotomists from 2020 to 2030. Emma’s pursuit of this field places her at the forefront of a promising career.
As she prepares for graduation in 2027, Emma Eddy embodies the spirit of exploration and determination. Her story serves as a testament to how hands-on experiences in career-focused programs can shape young people’s futures in meaningful ways.
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