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Driver’s Education at Heart of Georgia Technical College is ongoing this summer.  Pictured are students in the classroom with instructor, Gil Allen.  After students complete the 30 hour classroom course, they are then prepared to take the driving part.  Pictured is Shannon Barr and driving instructor, Mrs. Mildred Jackson.  The next Driver’s Education class is schedule for July 21-24, 2008.  For information, call 478-275-6592 or email lgreen@heartofgatech.edu. 

Respiratory Therapy Program Recognized

              The Respiratory Therapy program at Heart of Georgia Technical College was recently notified by the Committee on Accreditation for Respiratory Care of the program’s success in meeting and/or exceeding the outcomes of the program assessments at their annual review. The evaluation system includes nine areas the program is tested on including success in passing of exams, retention in the program, and  job placement, among others. Program graduates at HGTC have earned 100% pass rate for the Certified Respiratory Therapist exam for the last four years.

HGTC offers a Respiratory Care Technology Associate of Applied Science Degree that generally takes eight quarters to complete. Respiratory Care Technology graduates find a variety of employment opportunities in hospitals, home health companies, physicians’ offices, pulmonary function laboratories, and medical equipment sales.

              In addition to coursework, the Respiratory Therapy students are encouraged to use their skills in educating and serving the public through health fairs and demonstrations for high school students to promote understanding of their field. The students have actively participated in the March of Dines walk-a-thon and most recently worked at an asthma camp.

              According to the American Association for Respiratory Care, the demand for Respiratory Therapists is strong. The field provides hands-on care that helps patients recover from a wide range of medical conditions involving pulmonary function. As a crucial part of a health care team, respiratory therapists work with sophisticated medical equipment while using skills and knowledge to help their patients breathe easier.

              Respiratory Therapists may enter their field and earn a license to practice with the Associate’s Degree offered at HGTC. According to the AARC, as the demand for Respiratory Therapists continues to rise, salaries are following suit. The 2005 Human Resource study from the AARC stated projected annual earning of Respiratory Therapists working in the U.S. is $56,222. In the same study, therapists just beginning careers reported an average annual salary of $41,538.

              HGTC’s program graduates have experienced excellent job placement opportunities according to instructors Dianna Robbins and Natalie Smith. Information on the program may be obtained by calling 478-275-6589 or by visiting the Allied Health department at HGTC on the website www.heartofgatech.edu.

Pictured:  Respiratory Therapy student, Dominique Coley, performing a procedure on an intubation head.

Learning and growing

A way of life for McGowan

            For Paula McGowan, learning is a way of life. Although she earned a Masters and Specialist degrees in Education years ago, she continues to pursue learning and growing in all areas of her life.

              After earning her Bachelor’s Degree in Home Economics from the University of Georgia, McGowan moved to Dublin with her husband, John, in 1972. She began her career in Dublin teaching Occupational Food Service with the Laurens County schools where she worked until she decided to stay home with her daughters.

              When McGowan returned to work, she taught in the Laurens County school system for 17 years, first at Southwest Laurens Elementary, then East Laurens High and later at West Laurens High. She currently serves as Public Service Department Chairman at Heart of Georgia Technical College where she has been since 2002. The department consists of Early Childhood, PRE-K, After School and Evening Child Care, Criminal Justice, Culinary Arts, Horticulture and the new Cosmetology program set to begin in the Fall.

              McGowan’s desire to learn has kept her busy throughout the years with interesting jobs, community activities and hobbies. In the late 1970’s when microwaves were first introduced to the consumer market, she worked with Litton microwave cooking schools in retail stores where Litton microwaves were sold. She currently serves on the Advisory Council for Childcare Resource and Referral, a grant funded advocacy agency for childcare that assists in licensing childcare providers. McGowan is a graduate of Leadership Dublin-Laurens and is a member of New Bethel Baptist Church. She and John have been married for 37 years. They met while at the University of Georgia.

              In her spare time, McGowan enjoys doing anything that relates to her family and home, “Family is the most important thing to me,” says McGowan. Her love of family and home is evident in her home that is beautifully decorated with antiques she and her husband have acquired over the years including tools and sewing machines. When building their home, the McGowans used wood boarding from an old house that was torn down.

              McGowan loves reading and says she relieves stress by cooking and gardening. She also loves to sew and enjoys feeding her family at her dining room table chosen to  comfortably seat sixteen. When designing their home, the McGowans planned the layout of the house to accommodate entertaining friends and family. They have three daughters and 6 grandchildren and love to have them visit.

              When the McGowans are not at home in Laurens County, they enjoy spending time at their cabin north of Dahlonega.

              HGTC  now offering IV therapy course

              Heart of Georgia Technical College is now offering an eight hour review course in IV Therapy to licensed healthcare providers. The course is presented through the Community Training Center (CTC), a division formed by the American Heart Association and HGTC to provide organizational support and function as a local resource for the American Heart CPR courses.

              The IV Therapy course is the result of a need seen by local business owner, Bent Gay of Gayco to ensure excellence in IV therapy for patients, “Nursing homes needed more training to provide quality IV therapy. The resident is the true benefactor. The more training the more capable the each nurse will become. There are not the numbers of IVs in nursing homes that you find in hospitals so the nurse can quickly lose their IV techniques and self-confidence.”

              When Gay recognized the need to keep IV skills current, HGTC was a natural fit to provide the needed education, “Who better than a nursing instructor to provide the education and training. HGTC has also purchased a Chester Chest and geriatric arm that provides true hands on training.”

              HGTC has agreed to use Gayco’s IV policies and procedures along with their IV pumps, IV ekits and supplies so the medical professional is familiar with Gayco provided IV products and policies and procedures.

             The IV Therapy course includes insertion and management of peripheral IVs; management of Central IV lines, such as Triple Lumen Catheters, Groshongs, Hickmans, Port-a-caths and PICC lines; and guidelines for peripheral and central IV medication administration. The course offers hands on practice of insertion of IV’s using a Geriatric  IV  manikin, “Chester Chest,” complete with blood return to ensure correct insertion and  management of a Central Line.

             The CTC also offers Basic Life Support and Advanced Life Support Courses designed by the American Heart Association.                                                                    

              For information on the IV Therapy class or any of the courses, contact the CTC at HGTC at 478-275-5148 or 1-800-200-4484. Information is also available online at www.heartofgatech.edu under Business and Community in the Community Training Center link. Manager of the CTC, Beverly Trevisol, may be contacted at the above numbers or by email at btrevisol@heartofgatech.edu.

Telfair County earns highest scores in region on Work Ready test

              Telfair County High School seniors scored highest on Work Ready assessment tests given to seniors in the eight county region including Bleckley, Dodge, Johnson, Laurens, Telfair, Treutlen, Wheeler, and Wilkinson counties. Scores for the senior class included 63% scoring at gold level or higher in math and 65% scoring at gold level in reading. Levels for scoring include platinum, gold, silver, and bronze.

              The Work Ready Initiative, the result of a partnership between Governor Sonny Perdue and the Georgia Chamber of Commerce, is designed to meet economic and workforce needs. Comprised of a skills assessment and certification for job seekers, along with a job profiling system for businesses, Work Ready is designed to “identify the needs of businesses and the available skills of Georgia’s workforce,” according to Perdue. The program goals include: develop the workforce pipeline within the education community, engage at risk and out of school youth, increase life long learning, remove barriers to work, align workforce to economic development, and increase public awareness.

The assessment of seniors is the first project of the half million dollar grant received by the Work Ready Initiative for the Heart of Georgia Advanced Manufacturing Region. Assessments for those who have already graduated or have earned their GED are free of charge and are given at any Heart of Georgia Technical College site.

              HGTC Work Ready and Community Education Coordinator, Amy Harrelson, and Work Ready Project Manager, Bob Dixon, spent the last few months of the school year educating school administrators and administering the Work Ready assessments, “It has been great to see principals and other educators get excited about the program,” says Dixon, “we want these graduates to have a certification that is recognized throughout the nation.” The basic assessment given to seniors has four parts: reading, locating, applied math, and work habits. Once the assessment is given, GAP training is available for those who would like to improve their score.

           Telfair County High School principal Tim Deep is pleased with the performance of the seniors, "The Telfair County High School Faculty, Staff, and Administration would like to commend the 2008 Senior Class for a magnificent performance on the work ready assessment.  The seniors took a very serious approach to doing their best, and over the years they have been well prepared by the faculty and staff of TCHS, and the results are indicative of the hard work they have put in.  I am very proud of the overall results and challenge the TCHS class of 2009 to put their best foot forward to match or surpass the high standards for work readiness established by the class of 2008."

Information on the Georgia Work Ready Initiative can be obtained by calling Amy Harrelson at HGTC at 478-274-3010.

David Taylor, criminal justice department chair at Heart of Georgia Technical College, is shown presenting a program to the Dublin Board of Realtors.  “Safety for Realtors” was the topic.   Speakers are available for clubs and organizations through the HGTC Speakers Bureau at no charge.  For information, contact Jenny Shuman, 478-296-6117 or jshuman@heartofgatech.edu. 

Summer Educator Academy at HGTC

Summer Educator Academy 08 was held June 2, 3, and 4, 2008.  The academy is held to assist teachers in bringing information about industry needs, employment trends, and new technologies to the classroom to share with students.  This year, teachers from Wheeler, Wilkinson, Bleckley, and Laurens County schools enjoyed a lecture from Randy Avera who works with the FAA.  He shared the value of teachers relaying complex information to students as it pertained to his experiences working at NASA with the Space Shuttle Program.  Teachers also visited the Georgia Power Resource Center to see how education and student choices have a direct influence on the economy and overall wellness of their communities.  Teachers also visited the Fort Valley Aquaculture center and medicinal greenhouse to learn about new crop ideas for local farmers in Georgia.  Finally, teachers attended Lane Peach Packing Company to see how farmers can adjust their business and fruits and nuts to overcome climate and economy to changes.

Summer Fun at Summer Camp at Heart of Georgia Technical College

These students and helpers are having a great time doing crafts at the Summer Camp being offered by the Heart of Georgia Technical College Early Childhood Education Program.  The camp, which is open to 3-6 year olds, will continue through August 8.  For more information call 478-274-7774, 478-274-7799, or 478-274-7800. 

HGTC Radiologic Technology students pinned

 Heart of Georgia Technical College’s Radiologic Technology Program held their annual Pinning Ceremony on May 16, 2008.  This event marks the soon program completion of our Senior Students.  Dr. Randall Peters, HGTC president, was the guest speaker.  A special gift of medical testament Bibles was presented by our local Guideon Representative, Mrs. Rebecca Senn.  Mrs. Deb Thompson, HGTC practical nursing instructor, provided photography for the event.  Pictured:  Top row:  Brandy Stokes (Telfair), Leigh Scott (Washington), Ashley Mullis (Laurens), Lindsay Tanner-Elliott (Washington), Casey Spires (Telfair), Carla Rachels (Johnson).  Bottom row:  Corey Thomas (Washington), Jim Cole (Bleckley), Jason Clark (Toombs), Terry Kesler (Houston), Jacob Pool (Johnson), David Chapman (Baldwin), Maria Tucker (Telfair).

Awards presented by HGTC Radiologic Technology Program

The Heart of Georgia Technical College Radiologic Technology Program recently presented three awards. 

Brian McDonald, RT (R) of the Carl Vinson VA Medical Center was honored with the Clinical Instructor of the Year Award.  This is his 3rd consecutive year receiving this award.  The clinical instructors at the various clinical sites supervise the students during clinical instruction hours and act as liaisons between the students, hospital and HGTC instructors.  Mr. McDonald is a valuable asset to the Radiology Program.

Jim Turner, RT (R) of the Carl Vinson VA Medical Center was honored with the Technologist of the Year award.  He was chosen by the Senior students for his dedication to the students’ clinical education.  The technologists assist the students with applying positioning techniques, radiation protection and quality patient care during their clinical rotations.

Ashley Mullis was honored with the Radiologic Technology Program Student of the Year Award.  The clinical education sites vote for a Senior student each year that excels in imaging procedures, patient care and professional work ethics.  

Pictured from Left:  Brian McDonald, Ashley Mullis, Jim Turner

The Heart of Georgia Technical College Allied Health Department recently assisted with athletic physicals.  Pictured are students at West Laurens High School.  The HGTC students also assisted with athletic physicals at East Laurens Middle School and East Laurens High School. 

“A Safer and Healthier YOU” was held at the Heart of Georgia Technical College Little Ocmulgee Instructional Center on May 29.  Students in the HGTC nursing program provided blood pressure screenings and David Taylor, HGTC criminal justice instructor, presented a program on safety and provided some demonstrations. 

The Little Ocmulgee Instructional Center of Heart of Georgia Technical College held a Spring Fling on May 28, 2008.  Evening students Mary Wilcox, Christy Mullis, Terry Hullet, Terry Wilcox and Instructor Dr. Martha McBride enjoy hamburgers and hot dogs at the event.

Dr. Randall Peters, president, Heart of Georgia Technical College, is shown presenting an appreciation plaque to James Malone of Laurens County.  Mr. Malone served one full term  (3 years) on the HGTC Board of Directors.  Dr. Peters thanked James for his commitment to technical education. 

HGTC Public Service program offers many choices

              The Public Service department at Heart of Georgia Technical College offers Associate degrees, diplomas and technical certificates of credit in a diverse group of studies including Criminal Justice, Environmental Horticulture, Culinary Arts, Early Childhood Education, and Cosmetology, beginning in fall.

              The Criminal Justice Technology program focuses on providing knowledge of criminal justice systems and operations with local, state, and federal law enforcement, judicial processes, corrections and security services. The program offers an Associate degree, diploma program and certificates of credit. A variety of employment opportunities exist with local, state, and federal law enforcement along with corrections and security fields. Some examples are police officer, deputy sheriff, detention officer, state trooper, probation/parole officer, correctional office and loss prevention specialist. The program is popular in several of the counties within the HGTC service area and is offered through joint enrollment with high schools enabling students to graduate from high school with a technical certificate of credit and be well on their way to a diploma and degree.

              A technical certificate of credit is offered in Environmental Horticulture focusing on growing, maintaining, and designing with plants and flowers. Focusing on skills and knowledge necessary for entry-level positions within the horticulture industry,

the program prepares students for jobs in environmental horticulture. An online class in Pest Management is currently offered to prepare students for the State Pesticide License. Occupations within the horticulture industry include floriculture, nursery production, landscaping, sales, park maintenance, turf grass management, research, education, and retail nursery and floristry.

Two technical certificates of credit are available through the Culinary Arts program including Culinary Nutrition Manager and Culinary Nutrition Assistant. The program focuses on food and nutrition planning along with the supervision of preparation and serving of meals. Culinary nutritionists work to help prevent and treat illnesses by promoting healthy eating habits and recommending dietary changes.

The Early Childhood Education degree program is designed to qualify students to apply for a Paraprofessional position in Georgia Public Schools or to become a director of a licensed child care facility. Graduates may also qualify to teach pre-K in a private facility. Coursework includes studies in human growth and development, planning and implementing developmentally appropriate activities for young children, practicum and internship experiences, and resource file development. A diploma and four technical certificates are also offered through the program. An after school and evening care program is available at HGTC through Early Childhood Education.

              The Cosmetology program at HGTC will begin in fall of 2008. A diploma program is offered in cosmetology and the course study requires five quarters. The program will accept twenty students starting in the fall and will initially be offered during day classes. A technical certificate will be available for students interested in becoming a Nail Technician or Cosmetic Aesthetician. Cosmetology classes will be held in the new Louie Livingston Allied Health Building.

              Information on any Public Service programs may be obtained through HGTC by calling 478-274-7842.   

West Laurens High School students were presented their Georgia Work Ready Certificates by Mr. Bob Dixon, Work Ready Project Manager at Heart of Georgia Technical College. The students’ skill levels were assessed using the ACT WorkKeys Program.   Pictured are the top 40 students, who all earned a “gold” level, along with Mr. Dixon and Mr. Kight, WLHS principal, who also took the assessment. 

HGTC is a family affair for Shepherds

              Deborah Shepherd was the first of her family to enroll at Heart of Georgia Tech in 1996, sixteen years after graduation from Adrian High School. That was just beginning of the Shepherd family education at HGTC.

              After working in a factory and then in the lunchroom for a local school, Deborah knew she wanted to make a change. She enrolled at HGTC and completed the requirements for Business and Office Technology with a specialization in the Medical Secretary program. She currently works at a local physician’s office as Receptionist. While at HGTC, Deborah was a member of the National Technical Honor Society and received the Perfect Attendance award, “I enjoyed the challenge and the excitement of learning something I decided to do for myself and discovered that I was good at it.” Deborah’s success encouraged her husband and son to enroll at HGTC.

              Deborah’s husband, Ricky, graduated from East Laurens High in 1980. He currently works as an Account Manager for Coca-Cola where he is responsible for the ordering for over 50 stores along with ensuring product rotation and effective customer service among other duties. Ricky chose to take classes for Management and Supervisory Development and has three quarters left before graduation, “I enjoy the way the instructors help me to better understand the courses. I would encourage anyone no matter what age that it’s never too late to go back to school. I had been out of high school for almost 25 years when I decided to go to HGTC.”

              Deborah and Ricky’s son, Derrick, chose to enroll at HGTC after graduating from East Laurens High in 2004, “I chose HGTC because I wanted a career that I could have fun doing with the shortest amount of time in school. Also, HGTC is a very convenient place to go to college in the community.” Derrick studied Respiratory Therapy and graduated with an Associate of Applied Science. While at HGTC, he earned an Honors’ Externship at the Medical Center of Central Georgia and received the Tools for Outstanding Occupational Leadership Award. Derrick currently works at the Medical Center of Central Georgia as a Registered Respiratory Therapist. He would like to continue his education to earn a bachelor’s degree.

              Derrick’s wife, Ashley, also attended HGTC. She moved from Dallas, Texas as a senior at West Laurens High. Ashley enrolled at HGTC shortly after graduation, “I had always heard really good things about HGTC. When I went to register everyone was just so nice and I knew it would be a great school.” Ashley earned a diploma in the Medical Office Specialist program and currently works as Receptionist with Dublin Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Associates and with Rite Aid part-time in the pharmacy. She will enter the Licensed Practical Nursing program at HGTC in July and hopes to continue on to become a Registered Nurse. Ashley has two younger brothers at Dublin High. One is a senior, “I’m trying to talk him into going to HGTC. He’s still trying to decide what to do.”

              The Shepherd family believes in the value of the education they have each received at HGTC and the new opportunities they have found because of their educations. Deborah says, “I have a daughter named Hilarie. She hasn’t taken the challenge of going back to school as of yet, but I feel that in the near future she most likely will. I am thankful for the opportunity I had at HGTC. If anyone wants to do something for themselves, they can if they want it badly enough.”

Radiologic Technology grads find rewarding careers

              Radiologic Technologists are in high demand and according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics employment opportunities are estimated to grow by 24% over the next eight years.

              The Rad Tech program at Heart of Georgia Tech offers an associate degree and diploma programs for students. Graduates Jodi Knight, Dannell Barwick, and Lizzi White are employed with Fairview Park Hospital.

              After graduating from East Laurens High in 1993, Jodi Knight went to college locally and worked before enrolling in the program at HGTC. She chose HGTC because of the convenience of the college, “It is a great opportunity for local people to get a great education.” While at HGTC, she was a member of the Radiologic Technologist Society and graduated with honors. Knight currently works with patients receiving heart catherizations, assisting cardiologists. Her other responsibilities include ordering supplies, completing charges, and assisting radiologists with special procedures.

              Dannell Barwick graduated from West Laurens High in 1992 and went to college locally while she worked retail before enrolling at HGTC, “I was interested in being an

x-ray tech and HGTC was beginning a new program. We were the first class.” While attending college, Barwick worked two jobs and still managed to graduate with honors and is considering continuing her education. She has worked in x-ray for 11 years with cross training in CT, bone densitometry and mammograms.

              Lizzie White’s decision to enroll in HGTC came from seeing her factory co-workers develop carpal tunnel syndrome. She graduated from Dublin High in 1972 and worked with two factories before choosing a career change at age 42, “I was the oldest student in my class, but I was determined to keep up with my classmates.” She received a certificate of achievement for outstanding alumni for maintaining a 3.88 grade point average and was an honor graduate. Before she graduated from HGTC, White had started working in her field and upon graduation accepted a position with Fairview Park. She currently works as a Mammography Tech and plans to “broaden my knowledge of mammography by learning a special procedure known as stereotactic biopsy.”

              Typical coursework for the Rad Tech program includes radiographic procedures, patient care, clinical education, and radiation biology. Information on the Radiologic Technology program may be obtained by calling HGTC at 478-275-6589.

Jeff Cannon, president of Citizens Bank of Laurens County, recently spoke to students enrolled in the Heart of Georgia Technical College Entrepreneurship class.  The course is a part of the Business and Information Technology Program and is taught by Mr. Bill Hoyt.