MONTICELLO, Ark.—The University of Arkansas at Monticello College of Technology-McGehee held its semi-annual allied health commencement ceremony at the Fine Arts Center on the Monticello campus on Monday, May 2. A total of fifty-six students were conferred a Technical Certificate in Paramedic or a Certificate of Proficiency in Emergency Medical Technician, Phlebotomy or Nursing Assistant.
The Technical Certificate in Paramedic is awarded to students who successfully complete four semesters of coursework and clinical rotations. Certificates of proficiency in allied health programs, which include emergency medical technician, phlebotomy and nursing assistant, are awarded to students who successfully complete the required coursework and clinicals for the program within six to sixteen weeks.
Six students in the emergency medical services program earned certificates. One student earned a Technical Certificate in Paramedic, and five students earned a Certificate of Proficiency in Emergency Medical Technician. Graduates of these programs are prepared to sit for the National Registry of Emergency Medical Technician certification exam. After certification, they will enter the workforce to provide pre-hospital emergency care.
Eighteen students earned a Certificate of Proficiency in Phlebotomy. Graduates are prepared to take the National Healthcare Association certification exam. To complete this program, students participated in eight weeks of theory and eight weeks of clinicals, where they performed a minimum of 50 venipunctures and ten capillary blood sticks. Ten of these students were participants of the adult education program—a new program offered this spring.
Thirty-two students earned a Certificate of Proficiency in Nursing Assistant. Upon completion of the training program approved by the Arkansas Department of Human Services Office of Long Term Care, graduates can take the certified nursing assistant exam in Arkansas. These graduates enter the workforce with the ability to provide basic patient care under the supervision of licensed nurses and providers.
The UAM College of Technology-McGehee will offer nursing assistant courses beginning May 31. All other allied health programs begin on August 17. For information about how to apply and enroll in any of these programs, please contact 870-460-2130.