Stuttgart Career & Technical Center students engaged in career exploration
Students in the PCCUA-Stuttgart Career & Technical Center have been engaged in several learning activities as they continue their career exploration in several different areas with special guest speakers.
Shirley Henderson, a dialysis registered nurse from Fresenius Kidney Care in Stuttgart, served as a guest for three Medical Professions classes, sharing her personal education journey and expertise working in this field. As a former PCCUA student herself, Henderson emphasized the opportunities available through PCCUA. From starting as a CNA, to becoming an LPN, and eventually completing her RN degree, she brought various dialysis supplies for the students to handle, allowing them to gain a hands-on understanding of the equipment. During her presentation, Ms. Henderson covered the causes, symptoms, treatment options, life expectancy, and quality of life associated with kidney failure. The students thoroughly enjoyed and learned a great deal from her visit.
Also presenting was Katie Richardson, a dental hygienist and Arkansas County native. Mrs. Richardson spoke to three Medical Professions classes, shedding light on a career in dental hygiene. She discussed the educational requirements for the profession and emphasized the importance of maintaining good oral health. Mrs. Richardson also highlighted how oral health is connected with the overall well-being of our bodies. Through visuals, she conveyed the significance of dental hygiene, inspiring our students to rush home and brush their teeth!
In addition to inspiring guest speakers, we are excited to introduce new technology at our secondary center. One such advancement is the virtual reality headset, which enables our students to engage in hands-on curriculum training and career exploration. With this tool, students can apply the concepts they have learned in practical scenarios. For instance, they can practice hand hygiene, wound care, and even be on scene as an EMT in an automobile accident. Our advanced manufacturing and robotics students can utilize the headset to learn skills, such as material measurement, electrical equipment installation, robot programming, and even diesel engine maintenance. The enthusiasm for this technology among our students was exciting to see, and we look forward to seeing their growth using this new technology. As we reflect on the first nine weeks, we are filled with excitement for the upcoming term. We are grateful for our guest speakers and the time they took to come and educate our students on their careers. Here's to a promising second nine weeks filled with growth, exploration, and endless possibilities!
