Healthcare education Nicole Weber, Motley and Jade Hangge, are students in the newly established Medical Assistant program at Staples CLC. An open house will be held Oct. 20. The Staples campus of Central Lakes College is now home to a second health care education program. Joining the Nursing program located in the second level of the Staples campus is Medical Assistant, a one-year diploma program.

Nicole Weber of Motley and Jade Hangge of Staples are among the 19 students enrolled and being taught by Coordinator/Instructor Dawn Michel.

They're preparing for clinical, laboratory and administrative work. They will be trained to collect medical histories, take and record vital signs, explain treatment procedures, prepare patients for exams and x-rays, administer medications, remove sutures, change dressings, sterilize medical instruments, prepare exam room equipment and assist the physician during exams, prepare lab specimens, draw blood and perform basic lab tests.

The Nursing and Medical Assistant programs will welcome guests to an open house Oct. 20 during Medical Assistant Week.