Health Careers Exploration Night spotlights STCC’s programs

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. – The Allied Health Careers Exploration Night at Springfield Technical Community College offered a close-up look at the hands-on medical programs that prepare students for rewarding, in-demand careers.

The open house on Nov. 30 attracted residents from the region as well as STCC students curious to learn more about the nearly two dozen healthcare degree and certificate programs.

STCC student Sandtino Wright, of Springfield, took time to visit the open house to learn more about specialized programs. He is enrolled in health science, an introductory program at STCC that allows students to explore specialty areas for a career in healthcare. Students often move from health science to a concentrated program such as respiratory care or health information technology, among others.

Wright said he’s motivated to pursue a healthcare degree because he’s interested in helping other people.

“I like to help people, and there’s always a need to help others. I will always be able to have a job,” Wright said. “What’s great about going to STCC is they have so many certificate programs. I can get a certificate – or multiple ones – and go out and be able to work at different hospitals around the area.”

Wright said he discussed phlebotomy while at the exploration night event and learned that he could get a job right after completing the program. “It gives you a good feeling,” he said.

Christopher Scott, Dean of the School of Health and Patient Simulation, said he was happy to see the community turn out for the event to learn about the programs.

“We have so many terrific and affordable programs that align with the needs of the healthcare industry in the region,” Scott said. “We are proud to showcase the programs as well as our talented faculty. The open house we hold each fall is a wonderful opportunity to learn more, but we invite people to contact us anytime with questions.”

This is a great night for people to come and actually see the programs in person. They can see what we do hands-on. Sandi Croteau, Nursing student at STCC

The event attracted career-changers like Theresa Moran, of Ludlow. She has worked as a cosmetologist and is considering enrolling in the dental assistant program, which is returning to STCC in January.

“I’m 36 and have been a cosmetologist for 18 years, and I’m ready to change things up,” Moran said.

She ultimately would like to work as a dental hygienist and sees the dental assistant program as a good start. Moran could transfer into the STCC dental hygiene program after earning a certificate in dental assisting.

“I would like to help people so they can take care of themselves better,” Moran said. “I know that dental hygiene is the gateway to your overall health. It’s a great career for the hours and the pay.”

Those who came to the event were able to talk with students and staff from the different health programs. Visitors could move to different areas of the building to see classrooms and the tools used by students. For example, students Diagnostic Medical Sonography program demonstrated with ultrasound machines that can examine organs inside the body.

They were able to tour the SIMS Medical Center in Building 20 on the STCC campus and observe demonstrations with patient simulators. STCC students use the state-of-the-art patient simulators in the Medical Center as part of their experiential learning process.

Nursing students were on hand to talk to visitors about their experience at STCC.

Sandi Croteau, of Springfield, started taking pre-requisites at STCC about five years ago and worked her way up to the nursing program.

“This is a great night for people to come and actually see the programs in person,” she said. “They can see what we do hands-on.”

Croteau noted that the pandemic has created a significant demand for trained healthcare workers. STCC, she explained, is a valuable local intuition that provides the needed preparation for students interested in entering a variety of fields.

“It’s really important for people to explore the programs here,” she said. “If it’s not right for you, that’s fine. You can say that you did, and then check it off your list.”

Brittany Cortis, of Westfield, is another nursing student who was helping to answer questions for visitors.

“There are so many different aspects of our programs and people do have a lot of questions,” she said. “Tonight’s event is a great opportunity for people to get answers from the people who are actually doing it. The students can give them feedback. So far, my experience has been fantastic with the program. Working in healthcare has been extremely rewarding. It’s very important right now, obviously, with everything going on. I would encourage anyone who does have questions and is thinking of enrolling in one of our programs to talk to us.”

Cortis said her late father’s battle with cancer inspired her to pursue a healthcare career.

“My dad passed away from gastric cancer, and I saw the importance of the nurse’s role during that experience. That made me absolutely want to do this,” she said. “The compassion and connection you make with patients and their families is truly life changing.”

For more information about STCC’s healthcare programs, contact the School of Health & Patient Simulation. Email SHPS@stcc.edu or call (413) 755-SHPS (7477).  Visit stcc.edu/apply/open-house/allied-health.

About Springfield Technical Community College

STCC, the Commonwealth's only technical community college, continues the pioneering legacy of the Springfield Armory with comprehensive and technical education in manufacturing, STEM, healthcare, business, social services, and the liberal arts. STCC's highly regarded workforce, certificate, degree, and transfer programs are the most affordable in Springfield and provide unequalled opportunity for the vitality of Western Massachusetts. Founded in 1967, the college – a designated Hispanic Serving Institution – seeks to close achievement gaps among students who traditionally face societal barriers. STCC supports students as they transform their lives through intellectual, cultural, and economic engagement while becoming thoughtful, committed and socially responsible graduates.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Jim Danko, (413) 755-4812, jdanko@stcc.edu

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