Sharita Williams, who owns a beauty shop in Franklin County, had always wanted to go back to school. Her daughter, Taylor, a senior at Franklin County High School, is interested in becoming a nurse.
Together, they plan to achieve both goals at Hinds Community College.
“One of my 80-year-old hair clients graduated from community college last year,” Sharita Williams said. “She motivated me to go back.”
Sharita Williams, center, and Taylor Williams, center right, take a tour of facilities during the Hinds Community College Nursing/Allied Health Center Showcase event on Tuesday, Sept. 8, 2015. The event was an open house for prospective students interested in programs offered at the campus. Information booths and learning lab tours were available. The Williamses are interested in the nursing and phlebotomy programs.
Mother and daughter were among about 200 people who attended the 2015 Nursing and Allied Health Showcase on Tuesday at Hinds’ Jackson Campus-Nursing Allied Health Center. Prospective students and others toured the campus’ learning labs, spoke with faculty, explored the college’s 13 health-related and two short-term programs and got the latest on requirements and deadlines.
“Our faculty spoke with people one-on-one to learn about our programs of study and the promising careers in healthcare that Hinds graduates obtain,” said Kathryn Cole, district director of Enrollment Services.
Programs of interest included Medical Assisting Technology, Medical Laboratory Technology, Physical Therapist Assistant, Associate Degree Nursing (RN), Dental Assisting Technology, Diagnostic Medical Sonography, Emerging Medical Science, Health Information Technology, Healthcare Assistant, Practical Nursing, Radiologic Technology, Respiratory Care Technology, Surgical Technology, and two short-term programs, Phlebotomy and Nursing Assistant.
Taylor is already taking a class that is preparing her for a medical career.
“We practice checking vital signs and things,” she said. “I like helping people and making them feel better if I can.”
Annalese Burton, a senior at Philadelphia High School, made the trip from Neshoba County with her mother, Crystal, to find out more about a program that she says virtually runs in the family.
Annalese Burton, center, a senior at Philadelphia High School, and her mother, Crystal, talk with District Director of Enrollment Services Kathryn Cole at the Nursing and Allied Health Showcase Tuesday, Sept. 8, 2015 at Hinds’ Jackson Campus-Nursing Allied Health Center.
“I have several, several people in my family in the nursing field,” Burton said. “I’ve researched Hinds. It’s small and seems like a family. I feel like I’ll really excel here.”
Technical and associate degree programs at NAHC are nationally accredited by specialty accrediting organizations. The career programs meet state accreditation/approval guidelines.