The best of both worlds: Marietta’s Mattigan Ward begins his healthcare journey after his high school career

(Photo provided) Mattigan Ward working in one of his classes in the medical college preparatory program at the Washington County Career Center.

Mattigan Ward, a senior at Marietta High School, finds herself in two worlds: one as a high school student and the other as a career center student taking her first steps into the health care field.

Ward participates in the medical college preparatory program at the Washington County Career Center and is a cheerleader and student ambassador for the career center.

Even though she is a high school graduate, she passed the state examination for a nursing assistant certificate in 2023 as a junior, i.e. in her first year of working at the career center.

“I am certified in cardiopulmonary resuscitation, first aid and bleeding stop, and this year I am working on my phlebotomy certification.” she said. “Two days a week we work and learn about the body systems and how each organ works as part of the program.”

At the end of the current semester, Ward announced she would enter an early internship program as a phlebotomist or state-certified nursing assistant (STNA).

(Photo provided) Mattigan Ward holds memorabilia from the cheerleading competition.

Ward said she would be able to work independently because of her background.

“I passed the STNA, so I can do everything myself.” she said.

Ward said she hopes to attend a two-year nursing degree program to become a registered nurse. She said she hasn’t decided whether she will go to Washington State College in Ohio or anywhere else.

“If I had to choose a four-year college, I would have a bachelor’s degree in nursing.

“I plan to eventually reach that level.” she said.

(Photo provided) Mattigan Ward, a junior at Marietta High School, in one of her senior portraits.

Ward said that due to age restrictions, her early placement would place her in a nursing home or assisted living facility.

“Since I will only be 17 when I graduate, I cannot work in a hospital” – she said. “You must be at least 18 years old to work in a hospital.”

Ward said that when she first went to the career center, she wasn’t sure what she wanted to do, but she realized it was holding her back from achieving her dream career.

“At first I wanted to go into radiology.” she said. “I interned at Marietta Memorial, looked around the area and decided I didn’t like it.

“I thought there was too much sitting for me and not enough patient interaction.”

(Photo) Mattigan Ward holds the 2023 OSHAA Spirit State Championship trophy in the third division.

Ward stated that while observing the nurse’s work, she liked what she saw and made her decision.

After graduation, Ward said she planned to stay in Marietta for a few years and would like to work at Marietta Memorial Hospital.

“I really want to work in post-anesthesia care.” she said. “It’s a difficult job.”

Ward also serves as a student ambassador for the career center.

“As a student ambassador, I helped build a bridge between my alma mater and the career office.

(Photo included) Mattigan Ward with family at the recent OSHAA Spirit State Cheerleading Championships

“I assist in the recruitment process of second-year students approaching their first year of studies” she said. “Then they qualify for the career center.”

Ward said she gives prospective students tours of the center and answers questions they may have about the center and its various programs.

At one time, Ward said, she was heading toward early childhood education.

“Last year I coached a cheerleading squad of preschoolers.” she said. “I just thought I had to become a kindergarten teacher. I wanted to go into education and work with preschool children, but I quickly returned to the medical program.”

In addition to her job, Ward is also a cheerleader at Marietta High School. In addition to her studies at the career center, being a cheerleader keeps her busy.

(Photo provided) Mattigan Ward, a junior at Marietta High School, in one of her senior portraits.

“It Can Be Hard Sometimes” she said. “It depends on what’s going on at school.”

Before becoming a cheerleader, she took dance lessons.

“I’ve been a cheerleader since eighth grade.” she said. “I took dance from the age of 3 to 13, in the eighth grade.”

Ward said there was one person who influenced her decision to enter the medical program.

“Our program teacher who retired earlier this year, Mrs. Robin Wright.” she said. “I will be one of the first in my family to do this.

“I have a cousin who just graduated from nursing school, but I wanted to do it before she went to school.”

(Photo provided) Mattigan Ward, a junior at Marietta High School, in one of her senior portraits.