2002

.\.::d.. c.'f F~b :1s c ) students fulfill aspiratioHs

Gerontology Technology

Now in its third year as part of the college's curriculum, the purpose of the gerontology degree program, according to instructor Mary Boulton, is "to provide the community with well-trained individuals who have an in-depth understanding of the aging process and its physical, mental and psychoso– cial implications as well as the skills to apply this knowledge to a diverse elderly population through the process of referral, advocacy and problem-solving." Boulton said the program is designed "to meet the stan– dards and requirements fo r careers in gerontology, and students completing the pro– gram should be able to find employment in jobs related to gerontology.·· For more information con– tact Jimmy Dempsey. vo-tech counselor, phone 635-2111 or call toll free, (877) 462-3222, ext. 214. Interest in the college's Medical Office Technology Program is growing rapidly, according to Elizabeth Breland, one of three instructors for the program. Breland said graduates with an Associate of Applied Science degree in medical office tech– nology are prepared for posi– tions as medical transcription– ists, medical secretaries. nwdical file clerks, medical recep' •nists or medical office as.:;istan s Students who become tran- scriptioni-.t' can expect .. rewarding careers. "The calb we get for nwdical transcriptionists cannot be met ' because the demand " so great," Breland said. "For a good transcriptionist. the sk}~ ic:: the limit as far as a fu11ncial career: For more intormation con– tact Jimmy Demp...ey, "o-tech coun..;e}or, phone 635-2111 or call toll free, (~77) 462-3222, ext 214. Medical Office Technology

SUBMITT£0 PHOTO

FUTURE LPNS Debbie Munn, right, checks Debbie Blais' heartbeat during a license practicing nursing class at East Central Community College in Decatur. A nursing career is a llf ong dream of both students. The nontraditional students, both in their 40s, plan to graduate in A1 ust 2002.

cpares an individual to rve as a member of a sur– cal team, ac;cording to '>tructor LeAnri Shirley. Graduates of the 12-month •gram are awarded the Cer– -cate of Surgical Technology 'le Associate of Applied Sci– e ce Degree in Surgical Tech- logy will be awarded to suc– ssful graduates of the _ •-month program. Shirley noted that qualified -aduates may apply to the ....socialion of Surgical Tech– logics for the National Cer· cying Examination and ecome a cer.iified or regis· red technologist For more information coo– t Jimmy Dempsey, vo-tech un:.elor. ph e 63!;-2111 or call toll free. -- 462-3?22, ext. 214

Gilmore said.

"We are now experiencing the effects of the nursing shortage in Mississippi. All of our graduates from the Asso– ciate Degree ~ursing Program are being employed and many of them are being recruited from out of state as well. We have had recruiters from Atlanta and Florida recently on our campus." She said more dfort b needed to convince young people to consider a nur-.iug career fourth- and fifth-!!Tader.... male and female - to pur....ue a career in nursing and health– care. Then continue to attract middle school and high :-chool students into nursing. Right now. the employment opportu– nitie"' are there.~ Gilmore said. For more information about th ege J\5 .... ociate Degree ct T U41..LICJ..IL...,, encounage }Oung pe p

ASS1:rCiote O~t: re Nursing Program

East Central Communitv College also offers Associate Degree ~ursing, and recently added the LPN to Rl\ Upgrade/Bridge Program to further meet the increased need for nursing professionals. Melanie Gilmore. dean of Assr:ri<:e Degree ~!ng. said e