Hinds CC is the perfect place to begin a health-care career

Anna Schell, of Brandon, is building her skills one precise move at a time.

A trained martial arts instructor, Schell is now looking to a health-care career to round out her resumé.

“I’m looking at being a physical therapist assistant and continue to help people, which I like to do,” said Schell, among more than 150 other current and prospective students, parents and others at the spring 2020 Nursing Allied Health Showcase held March 5 at the Jackson Campus-Nursing/Allied Health Center.

Held each semester at the Chadwick Drive complex, the event allows prospective students and others to tour the campus’ learning labs, speak with faculty, explore the college’s 12 health-related and two short-term programs and get the latest on requirements and deadlines.

“Guests spoke with our faculty one-on-one to learn about our programs of study and the promising careers in health care that Hinds graduates obtain,” said Kathryn Cole, district director of Enrollment Services.

Programs showcased included Associate Degree Nursing (RN), Dental Assisting Technology, Diagnostic Medical Sonography, Emergency Medical Science, Health Care Assistant, Health Information Technology, Medical Laboratory Technology, Physical Therapist Assistant, Practical Nursing, Radiologic Technology, Respiratory Care Technology, Surgical Technology, and two short-term programs, Nursing Assistant and Phlebotomy.

“We are excited to offer nursing and allied health programs that provide excellent employment opportunities for our students,” said Nursing and Allied Health Dean Kathy Elliott. “Graduates of our programs are employed at rates of 90 to 100 percent within a year of graduation and consistently meet national benchmarks for licensure/registry pass rates.”

The event draws potential students across a wide spectrum of ages and professional experience. Growing up in medical families is the background on which T’Angelo Miller, of Vicksburg, and Cory Cooper, of Raymond, are drawing as they consider health-care careers.

“My sister is a nurse, and Cory’s mom is one as well,” said Miller.

Several prospective students at the event are looking to switch careers to reflect either a change in passion or add to their earnings potential.

“I’m coming from the legal field to health care,” said Cheyenne Tran, 27, of Mendenhall. “For me, I’m open to starting with the LPN program or even respiratory therapy. I have a sister who came here for nursing and allied health, so I’m familiar with the programs.”

Kayla Hulett, of Braxton, sought information on how to build on her current job in a rehab clinic.

“It’s my first time coming to this event, but there’s a lot here to pursue,” Hulett said.