Tyler Junior College recently hosted students from the UT Health Northeast Medical Scholars Academy to learn about TJC’s educational opportunities in health related careers.
The 19 students toured TJC’s Rogers Nursing and Health Sciences Center where they met with department chairs who discussed careers in radiology, respiratory therapy, physical therapy and medical laboratory technology. The students also learned about health occupations in TJC’s professional and technical division, which includes EMT certification and paramedic training.
Now in its fifth year, the academy gives incoming juniors and seniors from local school districts the opportunity to learn about the medical profession and all the job opportunities and educational resources available in this area. The 19 students attending this year’s academy represent 11 school districts including Arp, Henderson, Hughes Springs, Lindale, Martin’s Mill, Quitman, Tatum, Troup, Union Grove, Waskom and Winona.
“It is our belief that students should be given every opportunity to continue their education and careers in this area of the country,” said Patricia Maddox, SUPERNet Coordinator with The Northeast Texas Consortium (NETnet).
“This will positively impact the students in realizing monetary savings by obtaining their education while living at home where they have a support system. Furthermore, it positively impacts the community with trained professionals that are passionate about their careers.”
TJC department chairs in each division explained functions of each specialty, courses needed, expected salary range and specific attributes that a person might need to be successful in certain careers. Students were able to observe several skills demonstrations with TJC paramedic students while class was in session.
TJC’s Rogers Nursing and Health Sciences Center is a state-of-the-art facility where students can earn certificates and associate degrees in nursing and various health related fields. The Rogers NHS Center also houses the program for Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene. TJC’s Professional and Technical division also offers health related programs as a first-responder. Students in this division can earn certifications as an EMT and paramedic as well as an Associate of Applied Science as a paramedic.
“While many students choose to enter nursing school first, some students choose the EMT certification as their first path in order to develop needed skills and obtain hands-on experience. Students with an EMT certification can also support themselves as they further their medical career,” Maddox said.
Shay Steel, TJC’s professor/coordinator of emergency medical service professions said, “TJC’s EMT program teaches basic life support skills, and a student can earn a certificate in as little as one semester. The paramedic certification normally is an additional three consecutive semesters and students can earn an Associate of Applied Science as a paramedic.”
TJC also offers a program for students who are already paramedics but would like to become registered nurses.
“The paramedic to RN program is primarily online, which allows a working paramedic who usually has a shift schedule to take our courses,” said Paul Monagan, dean of TJC’s School of Nursing and Health Sciences.
“In addition, employers like having our paramedic to RN students since they already have patient care experience.”
TJC offers more than 120 degree and certificate programs including 22 in health related fields. For information, go to www.tjc.edu/nhs or www.tjc.edu/emsp.