Graduates Celebrate

After a challenging year of study, practical nursing graduates celebrated with staff, family and friends as they received their certificates.   Fall graduation ceremonies were held at South Tech on September 12, 2014 for the Wellston campus and September 19, 2014 for the South campus.  Valedictorians included LaToya Thompson (Wellston campus) and Tiearra Nobles (South campus).  Leadership awards, which are voted on by the students, were presented to Alicia Douglas (Wellston campus) and Daphine Dortch (South campus).  Presiding over ceremonies was Ms. Kim Rau, Site Coordinator.  Also in attendance, Mr. Dennis Mix, Administrator-Adult Education, and special guests Dr. Paul Bauer, Assistant Superintendent of SSD, and Mr. Don Bohannon, Superintendent of SSD.

Fall 2014 Advisory Council Meeting

A cornerstone in developing and implementing high quality occupational education, advisory councils serve to tie the needs of business and industry to a school’s instructional objectives and are essential in ensuring educational programs fully meet the needs of the community.

Applied Tech’s Practical Nursing program advisory council meeting was held on October 10, 2014 at South Tech in Sunset Hills and included 18 advisory council members from acute and long-term care facilities, hospitals, and home health agencies. Other advisory council members included South and North Tech High School Health Science teachers, Applied Tech faculty and staff,  SSD staff and administrators, and Dr. Paul Bauer, SSD Assistant Superintendent.

Dr. Paul Bauer and Kim Rau, Applied Tech LPN Coordinator, presented Recognition Awards to companies for their continued support to Practical Nursing education with Applied Tech. The following companies were recognized:  Delmar Gardens and Christian Hospital received a 10 year award; Green Park Senior Living/Advance 360, Ascension Health Senior Care (Alexian Brothers), Children’s Home Society of Missouri, Friendship Village, Bethesda, and Mount Carmel Senior Living received 5 year awards.

Council members reviewed and discussed Applied Tech’s key performance indicators, curriculum updates, clinical partnerships, technology and students resources, faculty and professional development, as well as workforce placement.  Additionally, information regarding the marketing strategy, PN leadership program, and the announcement of the Health Career Expo to be held on March 11, 2015 were shared. Finally, a discussion on acute and long-term care needs, the challenges facing facilities, and the future role of the LPN in the community was initiated and methods to meet those needs were discussed.

The staff at Applied Tech would like to thank the members of the advisory council for their continued dedication in strengthening our PN program by sharing their wealth of knowledge, providing significant guidance, and helping our students to become successful nurses in our community.

Spring 2014 Career Expo

Applied Technology Services Health Career Expo continues its success again this year. The Expo included 89 participants representing 40 employers, 5 community resources, and 7 schools. Survey results from participants include 100% overall satisfaction; 100% would attend next year; 100% would recommend to other businesses. 44 companies had current job openings for CNA, CMT and/or LPN and 25 companies noted they currently employ our CNA, CMT or LPN graduates. Attendees commented that they enjoyed the the ability to network with others, the high number, wide variety, and professionalism of students in attendance and the organization of the event to include the buffet lunch.
	Also, in attendance more than 275 current/previous students and staff from the Applied Technology Services Practical Nursing program, Certified Nurse Assistant (CNA) program, Certified Medication Technician (CMT) program, and Health Science students from North Tech High School and South Tech High School. Students were provided the opportunity to fill out employment applications and distribute their resumes in an effort to secure employment.
The complimentary buffet lunch was catered by the South Tech Culinary Arts Department.