*Health Care Open House introduces second career options *

 

People of all ages, from high school juniors to retirees, attended an Open

House at Panola College on Tuesday, March 29, to learn about health care

career options.

 

The Health Sciences Division of Panola College hosted a “Second Career Open

House” for community members who are interested in finding out more about

options for health careers. Participants toured the Health and Natural

Sciences Building, and visited simulation labs equipped with the latest

medical equipment. Academic and financial advisors were on hand to assist

people with degree plans and to provide information about how to apply and

register for classes.

 

“People sometimes think college is just for young people,” said Dr. Barbara

Cordell, Dean of Health Sciences at Panola College. “We have many students

who fit the non-traditional model of people who are older and who may have

decided to launch a new career, or change from their existing career to the

field of health care.”

 

In fact, medical careers offer higher pay and job security that appeal to

midlife career changers. Careers in health care also offer additional

benefits in terms of job satisfaction and personal fulfillment because of

the mission of helping people, according to Dr. Cordell.

 

A study by Johns Hopkins University revealed that 73 percent of health care

employees across the nation express satisfaction with their jobs, an almost

30 percent increase over other American workers.

 

Denise Welch, Panola College Director of Financial Aid, said determining

financial aid packages available to students must be handled on a

case-by-case basis. Some students may qualify for Pell Grant funding or

other scholarship opportunities. In addition, displaced workers may qualify

for funding through Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) and

other types of job-retraining financial aid. The Texas Workforce Commission

(TWC) administers these programs. Interested individuals should visit their

local TWC office, or visit the website at http://www.twc.state.tx.us.

 

The health related programs offered at Panola College include Nursing

leading to LVN and RN, Occupational Therapy Assisting, Emergency Medical

Technician (Basic and Paramedic), Medical Laboratory Technician, Medical

Assistant, and Health Information Technology. Other certificates offered

through Continuing Education include Phlebotomy, EKG Technician, Dental

Technician, Massage Therapy, and Certified Nurse Aide.

 

For more information call 903-694-4000.