SANFORD — The sense of accomplishment was palpable as Continuing Education medical programs students at Central Carolina 社区 大学 gathered for their graduation.
学生们, from the college’s service area of Chatham, Harnett and Lee counties, as well as four other near-by counties, all earned their certificates through the medical programs offered by the college’s Continuing Education Department in Lee County.
Dr. Teronda麦克尼尔, the college’s Lee County director of Continuing Education, gave the graduation address at the event, held in the Dennis A. Wicker Civic Center Dec. 17. She spoke of the “aura of success” she felt from those receiving their certificates.
“If you have want, will power and willingness, you can succeed,” she said. “You have done a great deed; you have completed your first step. Now, go out and spread your aura of success.”
The graduates plan to do just that. Many will continue their education, either by earning additional certificates to make them more valuable to employers, or moving on to earn a diploma or degree in their field of study.
阿曼达乔鲁姆, 哈内特县, said she was feeling “relieved” after achieving her goal of receiving her Nursing Assistant-I certificate. She got a congratulatory hug from her fianc�, 肯尼·丹尼尔, 和女儿, Nikole, for her accomplishment. She plans to continue her nursing education.
Graduate Tracy McCormick, of Sanford, also earned her NA-I certificate.
“There’s a profound joy to accomplishing something yourself,” she said. “My next step is to earn my NA-II, then enroll in the nursing program at the college.”
A total of 261 students completed Continuing Education-Lee County medical programs during the fall. Of those, about 116 attended the graduation ceremony. Certificates were awarded in pharmacy technician, 放血, NA-I, NA-II, 医疗保险, medical coding and billing, 心电图, 先进的心电图, and 心电图 monitor technician.
The department also graduated its first class of nine students earning Health Business certificates. The new course prepares people for an entry-level position in a medical billing office or to work in billing from home. The graduates can take exams to become a Certified Coding Specialist or Certified Coding Associate.
Tamicha McKinnon, 迦太基的, received her NA-I.
“It feels good to finish,” she said with a smile. “Now I’m going for a certificate in 放血, then for my Associate Degree in Nursing — and then for a registered nurse degree.”
朱迪的农民, Continuing Education health program coordinator, understood well just how much the graduates had achieved.
“Medical programs are demanding,” she told the graduating students. “I count it a privilege to have worked with you, and I wish you well in the future.”