April 1, 2016 - 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.
