By Mike Hutchens, UC Schools Communications Director
Union City, Tenn.–Several students in Jessica Tuck’s Nursing Education classes are ready for the real world.
Seven Union City High School seniors recently passed the Certified Patient Care Tech exam, making them eligible for a handful of healthcare industry jobs after they graduate.
Kaigan Davis, Lizzy Jones, Mary Morgan Hale, Lydia Runions, Emilia Maldonado, Julissa Hurtado and Maddie Killion all earned passing grades on the NHA (National Healthcareer Association) exam that consisted of 120 questions with a two-hour time limit.
Those students now may seek employment at assisted living facilities, doctor’s offices and/or hospitals following their UCHS graduation on May 21.
While most will choose higher education before entering the job world, Tuck is sure that her class was beneficial to those who had good scores on the CPCT test.
“This is the first year for this particular program, and I was really proud of the students and pleased with their desire to learn,” she said of her class which included 14 students – 10 of whom sat for the test. “They’ve learned so many patient-care skills. In addition to transferring and feeding patients, they’re also capable of administering EKGs and can draw blood.
“Those things certainly make them marketable to possible employers, but they will also serve as a great basic foundation before pursuing a future in nursing for those with those intentions.”
Tuck, who is a certified RN and has job experience in that field, expects her class size to reach as many as 20 next year.