Vermilion Parish AHEC of a Summer Program Gives Students Hands-On Look at Healthcare Careers

This summer, a group of Vermilion Parish students stepped out of the classroom and into the real world of healthcare, thanks to a hands-on program hosted by the Area Health Education Center (AHEC). 

Throughout the program, students had the opportunity to visit several local healthcare and community service facilities, including Fresenius Dialysis Clinic, Vincent Funeral Home, Abbeville General Hospital, and Abrom Kaplan Memorial Hospital. Each stop gave students a different perspective on the many paths available within the healthcare field—from patient care to behind-the-scenes operations. 

One of the most memorable experiences came during a suturing session, where students learned how to stitch wounds, giving them a true feel for clinical skills used by medical professionals every day. 

The program is designed to spark interest and open doors for students who may be considering a future in healthcare, while also helping them better understand the important role these services play in their own community. 

Students participating in this year’s program included:  Emily Fernandez of Erath High School, Hanna Bourque, Nina Adams, Ashley Rosales, Abby LeBlanc of Kaplan High School; and Gillam Nariah, Kau Hai, and Huynh Tom of Abbeville High School.  Brandon Billeaud, Vermilion Career Academy Teacher, was the program instructor.