Applied Tech’s 2016 Health Career Expo and Spring Advisory Council Meeting were held on March 15, 2016 at South Tech located in Sunset Hills. The Expo included over 100 participants representing 47 employers, 12 community resources, and seven schools. The spring advisory council attendance included 56 individuals from 26 employers, four resources, two schools, the Applied Tech faculty and staff, and South Tech High School Health Sciences’ faculty.
Health Career Expo survey results indicated 100% overall satisfaction, 97% would attend next year, and 100% would recommend expo participation to other businesses. Ninety-four percent of employers specified that their companies had current job openings for CNA, CMT and/or LPN. Companies commented they enjoyed the ability to network with other employers, the high number and wide variety of interested students, the quantity and quality of students in attendance, the size and organization of the event. Advisory members enjoyed an informative meeting with dedicated staff who showed they are committed to the success of the students and the program.
Also, in attendance at the Expo included were more than 265 students/graduates and staff from the Applied Tech Practical Nursing program and the Health Science students from North and South Tech High School.
A complimentary buffet lunch was catered by the South Tech Culinary Arts Department to all participants.
After a challenging year of study, practical nursing graduates celebrated with staff, family and friends as they received their certificates. Spring graduation ceremonies were held at South Tech on March 18, 2016 for the Wellston campus and April 8, 2016 for the South campus. Valedictorians included Tecia McKinney (Wellston campus) and Jennie Hayes-Hewing (South campus). The Dedicated Leader award and the Leadership award, which are selected by the students, were presented to Ashley Odom and Tecia McKinney (Wellston campus); ShaRonda Johnson and Shavonne Byrd (South campus). Presiding over ceremonies was Ms. Kim Rau, Site Coordinator. Also in attendance, Mr. Don Bohannon, SSD Superintendent, Dr. Paul Bauer, SSD Assistant Superintendent and Mr. Dennis Mix, Director-Adult Education.
A cornerstone in developing and implementing high quality occupational education programs, 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 November 13, 2015 at South Tech in Sunset Hills and included 24 advisory council members from long-term care facilities, health centers, and home health agencies. Additional advisory council members included South High School Health Science teachers, Applied Tech faculty and staff, and Dr. Paul Bauer, SSD Assistant Superintendent.
Dr. Paul Bauer and Kim Rau, Applied Tech PN Coordinator, presented a Recognition Award to Manor Grove for their continued support to Practical Nursing education.
Council members reviewed and discussed Applied Tech’s mission statement, vision, and strategic plan. Members were updated on key performance indicators, curriculum, clinical partnerships, technology and students resources, faculty and professional development, workforce placement, as well as Applied Tech’s new preceptor program. Additionally, information regarding the PN leadership program, employer panels, and the announcement of the Health Career Expo to be held on March 15, 2016 were shared. Council members broke into small groups and headed discussions on education with simulation, nursing documentation, and nursing career paths. Finally, questions about the needs of business and industry were addressed.
The faculty and 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.
