Healthcare careers highlighted at nursing showcase

JACKSON – Karey Mosby is keeping the bills paid working in property management these days, but knows what she wants to pursue next.

“Nursing and healthcare is my passion,” said Mosby, 29, of Byram, currently taking core academic courses online but with an eye toward her future. “COVID-19 has made a big impact on me, so I want to help people take care of themselves.”

Mosby was among about 55 visitors to the spring 2021 Nursing Allied Health Showcase held April 29 at the Jackson Campus-Nursing/Allied Health Center. This year’s event was held outdoors, in the facility’s breezeway, in accordance with current COVID-related protocols. The annual event has allowed prospective students to speak with faculty, explore the college’s 12 health-related and two short-term programs and get the latest on requirements and deadlines.

“Guests visited outdoor booths to speak with faculty and staff about our programs of study and the promising careers in healthcare that ��Ĺ��ý graduates obtain,” said Kathryn Cole, 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 ��Ĺ��ý healthcare program’s stellar reputation regularly attracts students from all corners of Mississippi.

“I’m here to try to get into practical nursing when I start working in the field,” said LeFera Holt, 28, of Philadelphia, Miss.

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 working as an assistant to an obstetrician right now, but want to work with geriatric care,” said Jennifer Green, 37, of Madison. “It’s been a passion of mine, plus it will be an obvious increase to my earnings.”

Karey Mosby, of Byram, visits with Wanda Sanford, standing, Practical Nursing instructor, and Joycie Wilson, admissions processor, both of the Nursing/Allied Health Center
LaFera Holt, left, of Philadelphia, Miss., chats with Valeria Winston, Dental Assisting Technology chair and instructor, and Jana Honea, Admissions Processor.
Jennifer Green, of Madison, chats with Joycie Wilson, admissions processor, during the Nursing Showcase.
Abby White, left, and her mother, Shannon Taylor, both of Puckett, chat with Wendy Lingle, Director of Associate Degree Nursing.
Madison Mitchell and Dyneshia Lester, both of Holly Springs, chat with Dr. Melissa Tillson, Dean of Nursing, at the Nursing Showcase.
Roben Younkins chats with Wanda Sanford, Practical Nursing instructor.