“Pursuing A Vision … And I Am Confident It Will Be Achieved One Day.”
– Bruce Springsteen
by Alicia Wanek
What career aspirations do you have? (Or what does your soon-to-be graduate envision for themselves?) It’s not always necessary to have a college diploma to pursue your ideal profession. However, you may require some specialized training, and a community college like Richland is an excellent place to discover programs that can help you prepare for your future. Their career advisors are available to assist you in exploring potential pathways.
In a world that is constantly evolving, one field continues to provide consistent job security – the healthcare industry. Richland offers a range of ten certificate programs in its Healthcare Professions department, each designed to help graduates transition directly into the workforce. For Debbie Bunim, a mother of two from McKinney, the medical assistant program at Richland was an ideal option. After spending twelve years as a stay-at-home mom, Debbie was eager to re-enter the job market. “I have always had an interest in the medical field,” she shares. “My mother was a nurse, and her dedication to helping others has inspired me. Re-entering the workforce after a long hiatus can be daunting, but this seemed like a suitable program and a great school to facilitate that transition successfully.”
There are options for attending classes at little to no cost, including a “pay as you go” plan, which makes it manageable without overwhelming financial burden. Kamesha Harris, an Enrollment Specialist for the Pharmacy Technician program, manages apprenticeships funded through a grant that Richland received in collaboration with CVS Health. This grant covers all tuition for one semester and arranges a 4-week internship at a local CVS pharmacy, which often leads to job placement. “My role is to ensure that this opportunity is a rewarding experience for students,” says Kamesha.
Ericka Cuellar, a current student in the pharmacy tech program, expresses her gratitude for the support she receives from her instructors and the program staff. “The professors are exceptional. They are always ready to help you understand any topic that may be challenging… I feel very fortunate to be a part of such a remarkable program, which equips me for a fulfilling career that allows me to assist others in my community.” With medical assistants and pharmacy technicians cited by AllHealthcare.com as two of the top five “in-demand healthcare jobs,” these graduates are on track to work in their fields – and achieve their aspirations – very soon.
