By Melissa Pendergast

NURSING
Community: It's Our Middle Name

When officials at Southwestern Community College became involved with the Western North Carolina Health Network, they witnessed the critical need for more nurses in Jackson, Macon and Swain Counties.

"A large portion of our current healthcare workforce is approaching retirement," said Gary Bowers, Executive Director of the WNC Health Network. "Couple that with the rapid growth of our elderly population in western North Carolina, and you'll see why we are in dire need of nurses and allied health professionals. And, when we expressed this need to Southwestern, they stepped up to the plate."

With the WNC Health Network's support, SCC officials began making phone calls, and without hesitation, Angel Medical Center, Highlands-Cashiers Hospital and WestCare Health Systems offered generous financial support to expand the nursing education options at Southwestern, allowing the College to accept 36 nursing students this year, versus 15 from previous years.

"We're constantly monitoring the job market in our service area to ensure we're offering programs that meet our community's needs," said Dr. Gene Couch, Vice-President of Instructional Services at Southwestern. "We try to stay proactive, offering programs that offer our graduates jobs and offering the community in which we live graduates to fill their job opportunities."

And the job market is screaming, "Nurses!"

"We've expanded the RN Program to include an alternate scheduling option," said Klavohn. "Students who are accepted into the alternate scheduling program are held to the same rigorous requirements as our traditional class, they just take their courses in the evenings and on the weekends. This format also requires that they attend one additional semester."

But, if you're looking to enter the nursing field in one year or less, Southwestern has options available for you, too.

In addition to the RN program, Southwestern also offers a Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN) diploma and a Nursing Assistant (NA) certificate.

LPNs perform many of the same tasks as an RN; however, LPNs must work under the direction of an RN or a physician. LPNs can find employment in physician's offices, hospitals and nursing homes. Southwestern's practical nursing program begins each August and concludes the following fall.

NAs can complete their initial certification (NA I) in less than six months. A level II certification is also available and can be completed in about the same amount of time.

Southwestern offers the NA I program 3-4 times a year and the NA II program twice a year. NAs will find local employment opportunities in long term care, acute care, home health and working in a physician's office.

RESPIRATORY THERAPY
We're Breathing a Little Easier These Days

Hopefully, for you breathing comes second nature--an involuntary reflex. But for the thousands of Americans who suffer from breathing problems, each breath is a major accomplishment. And caring for those with respiratory problems requires extensive training on expensive equipment.

Thanks to monetary donations from WestCare Health System, Haywood Regional Medical Center, Mission St. Joseph's Health Systems and Pardee Memorial Hospital, SCC's Respiratory Therapy Program recently purchased a TYCO Puritan Bennett 840 Ventilator, just like the ones used in local hospitals, to add to the extensive hands-on training equipment in the respiratory lab.

"Our students aren't just sitting at their desks learning theories and concepts," said Sharon Hatfield, SCC's Respiratory Therapy Program Coordinator. "They're putting their hands on equipment and practicing skills. When they graduate, they'll be performing tasks on people whose lives depend on their knowledge and understanding. We're going to ensure they have that knowledge when they graduate."

Respiratory therapists perform diagnostic and therapeutic procedures to aid in the breathing process. The need for respiratory care professionals is expected to grow in the coming years due to the large increase in the elderly population; the impact of environmental problems that have already contributed to the yearly rise in number of reported asthma cases; and technological advances in the treatment of heart attack, cancer, accident victims and premature babies.

A Day in the Life of a Respiratory Therapist by Melissa Pendergast As she walks through the door, she greets her colleagues and reaches for her report-her lifeline for the next 12 hours. Blain Hoyle, SCC Graduate Every night it is different-different patients with different problems. Sometimes it's 10 patients, sometimes it's 30. She's never sure until she reaches for that report. For the next couple of hours she's up and down the hallway administering medications and breathing treatments, assessing the patient's current status and performing chest physical therapy. But from one moment to the next, she's unsure of what's coming. "You can get called away at any time to help with a patient in distress," said Blain Hoyle, a Certified Respiratory Therapist at Mission St. Joseph's and graduate of SCC's Respiratory Therapy program. "Anything can happen, and I mean anything!" Hoyle spends her shifts responding to "codes" where she will perform CPR and other lifesaving procedures. She may witness the beginning of a life or the ending of a life. She may bag someone or place someone on a ventilator. She may teach a child how to use an inhaler or draw blood to survey oxygen levels. "You never really know what will come your way," said Hoyle. "But, at the end of the day you know you've helped someone breathe a little easier. And, there's a lot of satisfaction in that."

MEDICAL LABORATORY TECHNOLOGY
Detective for Hire

How many times has it happened to you?

"Your lab results will be back in two days. We'll call you with the results."

Gulp.

So, just where is this lab? And just exactly what are they doing with your blood sample?

Working under the supervision of a medical technologist, a medical laboratory technician hunts for clues to the absence, presence, extent and causes of diseases.

"MLTs must be problem solvers," said Andrea Kennedy, SCC's MLT Program Coordinator. "They must like challenges and responsibility, perform both accurately and reliably, and above all they must work well under pressure."

SCC offers the first on-line MLT program in North Carolina, and perhaps the nation. Students complete all coursework on-line for the first three semesters. During the fourth semester, students spend five weeks on-campus performing lab procedures. The remainder of the fourth semester and all of the fifth semester are spent at an approved lab within the students' geographic location performing clinical rotations.

EMERGENCY MEDICAL SCIENCE
The Hardest Job You'll Ever Love

No, it is not the Peace Corps, but those who have made careers as Paramedics will be quick to tell you, "It's the hardest job you'll ever love."

"There's really nothing else like it," said Tonya Clark, EMS program coordinator. "You experience such an adrenaline rush to know you've made a difference in someone's life."

When the pager sounds, Paramedics could be responding to anything--an infant seizure, a multi car accident, a stroke victim…the list is countless. Couple adrenaline with 12- 24-hour shifts and you'll see why Paramedics have to be outgoing and resolute.

"Not only do have to be strong willed, but you've got to be willing to accept the challenges that come with the job," said Clark. "You may have to make life or death decisions in the blink of an eye. That's never an easy choice, but as you gain experience, you learn that it's part of your responsibility to the patient."

Southwestern offers an A.A.S. degree in Emergency Medical Science that can be completed in two years. Students in the program earn their EMT Basic, EMT Intermediate (optional), and Paramedic Certifications and are typically already working in the field by the time they graduate. Additional certifications, such as BCLS, ACLS, PALS, BTLS/PHTLS, & PEPP are scheduled within the program.

In addition to the A.A.S. Degree, Southwestern offers a variety of courses in basic/advanced life support and CPR. Or, you can earn certificates in Medical Responder, EMT-Basic, EMT-Intermediate or Emergency Medical Dispatcher.

RADIOGRAPHY/SONOGRAPHY
Beneath the Surface

Imagine a ten-year old boy who broke his arm on the monkey bars. He's trying his best not to cry, but between the pain and the fear, the tears are winning.
Now imagine being the one asked to take this young man's x-rays. Yes, take him away from his momma, down the hall, position him and ask him to remain still while you take x-rays of his arm.

To say that a radiographer has to have good people skills is a huge understatement.

"Establishing a rapport with your patient is essential in performing radiographic exams," said Sherry Floerchinger, SCC's Radiography Program Coordinator. "You've got to be able to take the patient's mind of their pain and/or fears while you get your job done."

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics Job Outlook Handbook, radiologic technologists will experience a faster than average growth over the next several years as the population ages.

In addition to RTs, there is also a growing need for Medical Sonographers.

Two years ago, regional hospitals faced a critical shortage of Medical Sonographers, inspiring Southwestern to offer a diploma in sonography. WestCare Health Systems, Haywood Regional Medical Center, Mission St. Joseph's Health System, Highlands-Cashiers Hospital, Pardee Memorial Hospital, Murphy Medical Center and Transylvania Community Hospital funded the startup costs of the program.

Sonographers perform a variety of procedures using sonography--the use of sound waves to generate an image-including obstetrics and gynecologic sonography (female reproductive system), neurosonography (the brain), abdominal sonography (the liver, kidneys, gallbladder, spleen and pancreas) and ophthalmologic sonography (the eyes). Additionally, sonographers may specialize in vascular technology or echocardiography.

Southwestern's sonography diploma is open to anyone who holds an associate degree in an allied health profession or a baccalaureate degree.

PHYSICAL THERAPY ASSISTANT
Body, Mind and Spirit

"I can't do it!"

"Yes, you can. Just take a deep breath and try again."

With the encouragement and support of a physical therapy assistant, the patient is able to perform one more set.

"Ha! I did it!"

"I knew you could! I'm so proud of you."

PTAs spend their days helping to rehabilitate people who have suffered from car, work and sports accidents, burns, amputations, back and neck injuries and more. PTAs work under the direction of a licensed PT, providing services to improve strength, flexibility, relieve pain, promote fitness and quality of life of people suffering from injuries or diseases.

"To make it as a PTA, students must be willing to throw their heart, soul and body into their job," said Deb Klavohn, SCC's Dean of Health Sciences. "It's a physically demanding job, but it certainly has tremendous rewards."

Licensed PTAs are eligible to work in hospitals, schools, outpatient clinics, nursing homes, rehabilitation facilities, sports facilities and home health agencies.

THERAPEUTIC MASSAGE
We've Got Your Back

The weekend is here, and finally you can sleep in. But by dawn Saturday morning you wake up in knots. Perhaps it was the work week--a little more stress than usual--or maybe it was the weed eating, or the last few curls you did at the gym? Whatever it was, your back resembles a toddler's attempt at tying shoestrings.
There is only one solution. You need a massage.

Today, more and more people are turning to massage therapists with help in dealing with a wide range of ailments including back pain, arthritis, asthma and poor circulation.

Southwestern's Therapeutic Massage diploma program prepares graduates to work in direct client care setting to provide manipulation, methodical pressure, friction and kneading of the body for maintaining wellness and treating alterations in wellness throughout the lifespan.

In one year, students can earn their diploma and begin a career in a health environment, spa, sports club or private practice. Graduates may be eligible to take the National Certification for Therapeutic Massage and Bodywork.


HEALTH INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
Taking Care of Business

So you're interested in entering the healthcare field, but you don't necessarily want to be on the front line? Perhaps you should consider a career in Health Information Technology.

Rated as one of the fastest growing jobs in the Dept. of Labor's Job Outlook Handbook, HITs make it possible for healthcare providers to do their jobs.
"A person seeking to enter the HIT profession should be well-organized, detail oriented, and enthusiastic," said Penny Wells, SCC's HIT Program Coordinator.
"With the advent of computerization of personal health information, there are many new opportunities for persons entering the field."

Hits perform numerous tasks including classifying, coding and indexing diagnoses and procedures; coordinating information for cost control, quality management, statistics, marketing and planning; monitoring governmental and non-governmental standards; facilitating research and designing system controls to monitor patient information security.

Graduates may find positions in acute care, ambulatory care, rehab facilities, long term care, hospice, outpatient clinics, physician offices, mental health facilities, pharmaceutical companies, insurance companies or managed care organizations.

HUMAN SERVICES TECHNOLOGY
Good Works

Changing lives. That's the goal of graduates in the HST program at Southwestern.
Whether it's through counseling in a mental health, childcare, rehabilitation, correction or education institution, graduates of the HST program work to help people.

" The purpose of our program is to increase the abilities of human service workers to make a difference as advocates in community policy, program and finances that will positively effect people in need," said Tim Quiring, SCC's HST Program Coordinator.

Students may also opt to earn a substance abuse concentration. This will prepare to students to assist in drug and alcohol counseling, prevention-oriented education activities, rehabilitation with recovering clients, etc.

Recent graduates of SCC's HST program are finding employment at agencies such as REACH, Family Resource Centers, Job Corps and wilderness programs.

Call SCC's Career Counselor at (800) 447-4091, Ext. 212 to explore more career options for you!

Career Focus Table of Contents - Fall 2003

Back to CareerFocus Home

Return to SCC Home Page