RAYMOND – When former California telecom company president Daren Harris and his family moved to Mississippi eight years ago, he had a difficult time finding work. There were no jobs that matched his college education and years of technology experience, Harris said.
Hinds Community College Nursing Allied Health Surgical Technology Program Chair Jamie Tidwell poses with NAH program graduate Daren Harris on July 23 at a pinning ceremony on the Raymond Campus. Harris, 58, a former technology company executive, will begin a new career as a surgical technology assistant.
The Crystal Springs man enrolled in a practical nursing program but said it wasn’t a good fit. Not one to give up, Harris then decided to give Hinds Community College’s Surgical Technology program a try. On July 23, the 58-year-old stood alongside about 60 other Nursing and Allied Health (NAH) students at a pinning ceremony launching them into the health professions.
Harris is now qualified to work as a surgical technologist supporting surgeons, anesthesiologists and other medical personnel before, during and after surgery. The new career also will relieve some of the financial pressure Harris and his wife, Grace, have been experiencing.
The income Harris will bring home after he is employed is the difference between the family “surviving and thriving,” Grace Harris said. Harris said he will now be able to provide health care for his family and put money away for retirement.
“It’s great. I’ll be making lots of extra dough,” Harris said.
Hinds Community College students, from left, Nilah Coins of Edwards, Natalie McLendon of Pearl and Sabrina Horton of Jackson graduate from the school’s Nursing and Allied Health Dental Assisting Technology one-year program. Each was honored on July 23 at a traditional pinning ceremony held on the Raymond Campus at Cain-Cochran Hall.
Hinds NAH offers various one-year credentialing programs designed to prepare students for careers in the healthcare field including dental assisting technology, diagnostic medical sonography, emergency medical sciences, practical nursing and surgical technology.
The pinning ceremony on July 23 is a cherished tradition, symbolizing the transition from student to professional health care provider.
Sabrina Horton of Jackson received her pin for completion of dental assisting technology course and program requirements. She plans to work for a dentist, finish her pre-requisites, become a dental hygienist, then tackle dental school.
“I want to be a dentist. This is a steppingstone,” Horton said.
Hinds Community College Nursing Allied Health program graduate Brooke Redington of Brandon gets a hug from boyfriend Tyler Seavey following a pinning ceremony honoring students receiving health care profession credentials. The ceremony was held on July 23 at the Raymond Campus’ Cain-Cochran Hall auditorium.
Brooke Redington of Brandon moved to Mississippi from New Jersey to be with her boyfriend and complete the Hinds practical nursing program. The pair began dating when she was 17 after connecting online. Redington’s family and friends celebrated her accomplishment following the ceremony. She hopes to work in a neurology clinic.
“They all flew from New Jersey, my mom, grandma and three best friends,” Redington said as she beamed with pride.
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With six campuses in central Mississippi, Hinds Community College is a comprehensive institution offering quality, affordable educational opportunities with academic programs of study leading to seamless university transfer and career and technical programs teaching job-ready skills.
Our Mission: Hinds Community College is committed to moving people and communities forward by helping develop their purpose, passion and profession.
Our Vision: Hinds Community College will be a catalyst to create a competitive economy and a compelling culture for Mississippi.
Our Values: Hinds Community College aspires to the following IDEALS: Integrity, Diversity, Excellence, Accountability, Leadership, Stewardship.
To learn more, visit www.hindscc.edu or call 1.800.HindsCC.