Healthcare students celebrate certification

Beaufort County Community College turned out more qualified healthcare workers as students from the nurse aide I, nurse aide II and phlebotomy programs achieved their certificates. The Continuing Education Division held its second ceremony to congratulate all of the program graduates on December 18.

Six students finished the nurse aide I program, four completed the nurse aide II program and eight completed the phlebotomy program. Nationally, the Bureau of Labor Statistics expects these fields to grow by 17 percent by 2024. Rural areas have a high demand for these fields, as they tend to have older populations in need of routine healthcare and long-term care. To meet this growing demand, BCCC will offer nurse aide I and II classes at the Washington County Center in Roper.

Graduates of the nurse aide programs can provide personal care and perform basic nursing skills for elderly adults. Phlebotomy students learn to draw blood. BCCC now offers in-facility testing, meaning students can take state certification tests at the college. Previously, students would have had to wait until testing was offered in Greenville or travel to locations like Hickory or Charleston before they could begin employment.

Students participate in clinical internships as part of the program in locations such as Agape Community Health Center in Washington, Vidant Family Medicine in Chocowinity or Vidant Multispecialty Clinic in Belhaven. Three of the sites, Vidant Multispecialty Clinic, Vidant Beaufort Hospital and Carolina Medical Associates in Greenville, have already hired their respective interns.

“Whether this is a first step into the healthcare field or an opportunity to expand their skills, these students are moving into promising careers that will sustain their families and our community,” said Jackie Butcher, director of healthcare programs for continuing education. “By expanding these classes to the Washington County Center, we are making it easier for people in Roper and surrounding areas to pursue careers in these fields.”

The next programs will start in January. For more information about BCCC’s nurse aide program, interested persons should contact Jackie Butcher, 252-940-6263.