The College of Southern Maryland (CSM) forged a new tradition in December when it held its first recognition and pinning ceremony for students completing their Continuing Education and Workforce Development Healthcare program. The event celebrated students who received certifications to become clinical medical assistants, nursing assistants, geriatric nursing assistants, dental assistants, electrocardiogram technicians or phlebotomy technicians.
“What an exciting day for our 52 completers of our Continuing Education and Workforce Development Healthcare programs,” said CSM President Dr. Maureen Murphy. “For many of you, this is a milestone you have dreamed of, and on behalf of the college’s dedicated team, we are delighted to help make your dreams become your reality. We appreciate the educators, clinical partners, staff, families, friends and guests who join us today to celebrate with you.”
“There is no better time to be in healthcare,” added CSM Vice President of Continuing Education and Workforce Development Dr. Dan Mosser. “The U.S. will need to hire 2.3 million new health care workers by 2025 in order to adequately take care of its aging population, and according to research by global health care staffing consultancy Mercer, a persistent shortage of skilled healthcare workers translates into hundreds of thousands of positions that remain unfilled.”
“Each of your healthcare programs are a vital part of patient care,” Mosser continued. “These programs have opened opportunities for continued growth in your career,” he said. “And the industry needs you now, more than ever.”
“The College of Southern Maryland is fortunate to have dedicated staff and adjunct healthcare faculty working with our students to help them achieve success,” said CSM Healthcare Program Director Lori Proctor. She went on to recognize CSM instructors Dr. Marvin Becker, Connie Conner, Brenda Gentles, Jennean Hodge, William Rush, Darlene Rush, Jamie Smith, Cindy Summers, TiKeya Williams and Brenda Wilson.
Before recognizing the completers with their healthcare pins, CSM Healthcare Course Manager Jill Lassiter thanked the various clinical partners across the Southern Maryland region who play vital roles as trainers and employers of CSM’s healthcare program participants.
“As you can imagine, there are many partners involved to help make our program a reality and I would like to take a moment to recognize their support,” she shared before pointing to Calvert Health Systems, DATS, Genesis Healthcare Waldorf Center, Labcorp, Sagepoint Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Solomons Nursing Center and St. Mary’s Nursing Center Inc.
During closing remarks, CSM Workforce Development Director Kelly Winters shared, “What type of advice could I offer you all as a 20-year career nurse? If you treat your patients how you would like your family to be treated, you will always be right.”
Participants completing CSM’s Continuing Education and Workforce Development Healthcare programs include:
Certified Clinical Medical Assistant Program
Samantha Alecknavage, Stefany Martinez, Oneyda P. Ortiz and Crystal M. Street.
Nursing Assistant/Geriatric Nursing Assistant Program
Shelly M. Bridgett, Daniel J. Carter, Bailey Cantrell, Caitlin Demarr, Abigail M. Dodato, Melissa Flerlage, Gabriel T. Gonzales, Hannah E. Harms, Deanna M. Jones, Ashley N. Kackley, Karlie M. Knott, Caley Landrum, Suzanne L. Lucero, Dipila Panday, Julie N. Pham, Eileen J. Radtke, Tabitha Rea, Sophia Rice, Rupali P. Shah, Danielle Sikorski, Karen Tippett-Dillon, Edelyn Y. Valencia and Jade C. Wilson.
Dental Assistant Program
Cali R. Brett, Jasmine Brockington, MacKenzie K. Clark, Crystal C. Cavanaugh, Jalynn A. Cristaudo, Angela E. Garner, Carmelia B. Johnson, Kemarmi Jones, Karen A. Laperch, Katherine Murphy, Taylor A Peterman, Lauryn N. Stancil and William Strong.
Electrocardiogram Technician Program
Brianna N. Rackey and Alexis K. Reid.
Phlebotomy Technician Program
Ashely Freeman, Kaitlyn T. Hall, Saki N. Hilario, Bryce G. Jones, Sahrai L. Mendiola, Michelle A. Routt, Angela L. Scott, Shaunda C. Wentz, April Y. Whiting and Orchid Wilkes.
For information about CSM’s healthcare programs, visit www.csmd.edu/careerdevelopment/healthcare.
To view photographs of CSM’s Continuing Education and Workforce Development Healthcare recognition and pinning ceremony, visit https://csmphoto.zenfolio.com/18fallcewdpinning
About CSM
The College of Southern Maryland is a regionally accredited community college that provides programs and services with a special focus on local workforce development to maintain and grow a healthy economy and community. CSM serves more than 24,000 credit and continuing education students at its campuses located in Hughesville, La Plata, Leonardtown and Prince Frederick, as well as a Higher Education Center shared with University of Maryland University College in Waldorf and a Center for Transportation Training in La Plata. For information about CSM, call 301-934-7765 or visit www.csmd.edu.
Congratulations students. You worked hard to fulfill your dreams. CSM provides a wonderful opportunity for workforce development and continuing education for citizens in the tri-county area and beyond. The students are our present and our future. SMCPS and CSM do a phenomenal job in bringing out the best in our students and citizens. Best wishes. Learning never stops. Thank you CSM.