Month: October 2018


High Demand, High Reward – Preparing the Next Generation of Medical Assistants


October 30, 2018 | Campus News

The growth of the aging baby-boom population continues to increase demand for medical services across the state. The demand for highly-skilled workers has grown with it.

St. Robert native Morgan White had always been drawn to the medical field, but she had a hard time trying to figure out the right path forward.

“I tried other programs – surgical technician and LPN – but becoming a medical assistant really caught my eye,” she said. “It is such a hands-on occupation. You really get to know the patient as a person.”

She enrolled at East Central College in Rolla and started taking classes.

“East Central College has been a great experience,” White said. “If I am ever struggling, my instructors spend extra time with me to make sure I am feeling comfortable and confident with the assignment. They are truly preparing me for the real world.”

One of those instructors is Courtney Baxter. She’s been teaching core medical assistant classes for the last three years, and she’s seen the impact the program can have.

“The medical assistant field is growing fast, so with this program, there are many job opportunities,” said Baxter. “This program is the door to endless possibilities in the medical world.”

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the number of jobs available in the field will jump nearly 29 percent by 2026. East Central College is helping train the next generation of workers to meet the demand.

“I love preparing students like Morgan with the knowledge, practice, and supplies to perform important clinical duties. There is nothing better than watching students become proficient in these skills and build confidence. It makes teaching worthwhile,” said Baxter.

Available at its Rolla (evening) and Union (day) locations, the medical assistant program trains competent professionals to meet the needs of an ever-expanding allied health field. It combines both formal education and practical experience to help participants master the complex body of knowledge and specialized skills necessary for a successful career. Students can pursue an associate’s degree or a one-year certificate.

The East Central College Medical Assistant Program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs upon the recommendation of the Medical Assisting Education Review Board.

Enrollment for the spring semester is now open! Check out the medical assistant program, apply online or meet with your advisor today!


Register for Classes Early and Win Free Lunch for an Entire Semester!


October 26, 2018 | Campus News

Do you want free lunch for a semester? Now is your chance!

Current East Central College students who register for Winter Intersession or Spring Semester classes between October 22 – November 2 will be entered in a drawing to win free lunch for a semester!*

Two winners will be announced each week. Union students will be able to devour free, tasty sandwiches at either Jimmy John’s or Planet Sub. Students in Rolla will win free lunch from either Panera Bread or Jimmy John’s.

Next semester’s schedule is currently available for viewing. Take a peek, and make an appointment with your advisor today!

*one free lunch a week – monetary value determined by participating restaurant


East Central College Hosts International Day Festival November 10


October 25, 2018 | Campus News

Join East Central College as it celebrates cultures from around the globe! The International Day Festival will take place in the Donald Shook Student Center Cafe on November 10 from 10 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

The event is free, open to the public, and offers games, music, art, cultural exhibits and more in celebration of people and customs from other countries. A student performance of Asian Marimba music will take place at 11 a.m., and St. Louis-based “Grupo Atlantico” will perform Latin music and dance at 11:30 a.m.

The event helps kick off International Education Week, a week designated by the U.S. Departments of State and Education to promote and celebrate international exchange. It takes place November 12-16. Several events will take place on campus for students to enjoy throughout the week!


John Hardecke Honored with Governor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching


October 24, 2018 | Campus News Inspiring Excellence

He considers his job, quite literally, as one of the best in the world.

“I have always seen East Central College as the jewel in our community crown,” explained John Hardecke. “We support our students in innumerable ways – encouraging them to enhance their lives through education and cultural experiences.”

For more than 20 years, Hardecke has shared his expertise to hundreds of students in English Composition, Literature and Developmental Writing as a faculty member.

“Good teachers engage their students enthusiastically,” he said. “We are here to help them understand the real value of the subject they are studying and how such knowledge can be applied to improve their understanding of the world and themselves.”

In his classroom, it’s easy to see the respect and admiration he receives from his students. Outside the classroom, he is revered by fellow faculty members and staff at East Central College. For those that know him well, it came as no surprise when he was selected for the Governor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching in 2018!

The Governor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching is presented to an outstanding faculty member from each participating higher education institution in Missouri. Winners are chosen based on effective teaching, effective advising, service to the college community, commitment to high standards of excellence and success in nurturing student achievement.

Hardecke will be presented with his award at the annual Missouri Community College Association Awards and Recognition Ceremony in Branson in November.


Alumni Spotlight – Starting Out Strong: Recent Graduate Already an Award-Winning Journalist


October 16, 2018 | Alumni Spotlight Campus News

She came to East Central College to play volleyball and use A+ Scholarship funds. She left East Central College with more than just a degree. She found a passion.

“East Central College provided me with countless opportunities to become a better learner,” said alumna Ginny Ward. “I became friends with dozens of international athletes who educated me on their home country and culture.”

The Walnut Shade native became more curious every day of the world around her. Growing up, she never connected with mathematics or science but was hungry for information. Even though she started college without much of an idea of what she wanted to do with her life, it quickly became apparent.

Finding a Path Forward

“During my freshman year, I enrolled in African American literature to fulfill my humanities requirement,” she explained. “That’s when I met Leigh Kolb, and I wouldn’t have even considered journalism if she hadn’t pointed me in the right direction.”

“It is important to show students how being open to new experiences and thinking critically about the world can transform their lives,” said Kolb. “Ginny is the type of student who leaps into every opportunity and has ambition to change the world by telling stories that matter. Journalism was a natural fit.”

Kolb invited Ward to get involved in the East Central College Student Newspaper on campus, The Cornerstone. That’s when she discovered her love for journalism, and she dove right in.

“Alongside the introductory journalism courses I took, I was able to apply critical thinking skills that my instructors had fostered in me at East Central College,” she said. “I learned to ask more questions and become more involved in class discussions.”

Aside from her coursework, newspaper assignments and volleyball practice, Ward kept searching for more opportunities to put her skills to work. She interned at a local news station and the college public relations department.

“By forming relationships with my professors, I was given unique opportunities to build my resume,” she said.

Moving on to Mizzou

Ward graduated from ECC in 2016 and transferred to the University of Missouri, where she was accepted into the prestigious journalism program. She is now working toward her bachelor’s degree, spending much of her time at the Columbia Missourian newspaper.

“Journalists wouldn’t exist without the communities they serve. I want to help make newsrooms more transparent by interacting with readers through social media and community events,” she explained.

She’s already making her mark in the field. Ward recently won first place in the Missourian Press Association awards in the Best News or Feature Obituary. Her touching story was about Brian Simpson, a beloved coach who tragically died in a car accident. Read the story.

Outside of her coursework, Ward stays busy volunteering. She has participated in several service trips to underserved areas of the United States. This November, she will get the chance to lead a service trip to the Women’s Intercultural Center in Anthony, New Mexico. The organization helps women learn English and attain technical skills, higher education or employment. Next semester, she will travel abroad and work at a data visualization internship in Brussels, Belgium.


Get Free Financial Aid Help at FAFSA Nights!


October 15, 2018 | Campus News

Getting financial aid for college can be stressful for many people. What forms do I fill out? What scholarships and grants am I eligible for? When are the deadlines?

East Central College wants to make the process easier! We will be holding a series of workshops to help students fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA.

FAFSA Nights will be held in Buescher Hall from 5:00 – 6:30 p.m. on the following dates:

  • October 4
  • October 18
  • November 1
  • November 15
  • November 29

“Because students are able to file the FAFSA as early as October 1 for the 2019-2020 school year, we want to make sure they feel comfortable going into the process,” said Director of Student Financial Aid Karen Griffin. “These workshops are open to all students – not just those planning to come to East Central College.”

The FAFSA priority deadline for Fall 2019 is July 1, 2019. However, East Central College Financial Aid encourages students to complete the process sooner than later!

What should I bring?

  • Social Security Number
  • Driver’s License
  • W-2 Forms
  • 2017 Federal Income Tax Return
  • Your Parent’s Federal Income Tax Return (if applicable)
  • Veterans Non-Education Benefit Records
  • Child Support Received and/or Paid
  • Worker’s Compensation
  • Current Business and Investment Information
  • Alien Registration or Permanent Resident Card

In regards to scholarships, East Central College’s priority scholarship deadline is December 1, 2018.

 

The FAFSA priority deadline for Fall 2019 is July 1, 2019.

Questions? 636.584.6588 or FinAid@EastCentral.edu


National Apprenticeship Week Celebration!


October 14, 2018 | Campus News

East Central College invites the public and business community to celebrate National Apprenticeship Week on Friday, November 16 from 8:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. at its Business and Industry Center, 42 Prairie Dell Plaza Drive in Union.

“Apprenticeships can work for all industries, not just manufacturing,” said Joel Doepker, Vice President of External Relations.  “By utilizing a registered apprenticeship program, employers are able to recruit, train and retain world-class talent.”

The event will feature keynote speakers from the U.S. Department of Labor Office of Apprenticeships, Missouri Department of Workforce Development and East Central College Center for Workforce Development. There will also be a chance for attendees to hear from a panel of local businesses who are currently participating in an apprenticeship program as well as their employees.

“There is currently a funding opportunity for apprenticeships,” said Doepker. “East Central College can help area businesses create successful credit or non-credit programs on any scale and for any industry.”

Significant talent shortages and skills gaps can limit the ability of a business to expand, innovate and excel. Apprenticeships can help close that gap.

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, more than 150,000 employers and labor management organizations benefit from apprenticeships every year. Workers who complete apprenticeship programs earn $300,000 more over a career than their peers who don’t.

Tours of the East Central College Business and Industry Center will also be available during the event. Refreshments and a light breakfast will be provided.

If you are interested in attending the National Apprenticeship Week Celebration, please RSVP here!


Alumni Spotlight – Nurse Honored with International Recognition for Patient Care at Mercy Hospital


October 9, 2018 | Alumni Spotlight Campus News

Like many students that come to East Central College, Miranda Pickens wasn’t quite sure what she wanted to do with her life. “I got my associate of arts degree in general studies,” she explained, “and then I transferred to Mizzou.”

She started in marketing. She moved on to fashion and design. Then, she went over to business. Nothing seemed to stick. “My advisor suggested nursing,” she said. “I wasn’t so sure. I couldn’t even handle the pain and panic of getting a splinter in my finger!”

Regardless, she gave it a shot. Even with the overwhelming smell of formaldehyde in her first anatomy class, she was intrigued about the possibility of learning something about the human body. She decided to officially pursue nursing, and she knew exactly where she wanted to do it.

Coming Back Home

“I went back to East Central College,” she explained. “I knew it was a great school with small class sizes.” She was accepted into the nursing program and hit the ground running.

In order to achieve success in the nursing program, a student is expected to spend an additional average of 20-30 hours per week outside of class studying, practicing and preparing. That didn’t stop Miranda.

“She was very engaged as a student,” said Instructor Judy Bieker. “She challenged herself on a daily basis.”

“My instructors were so phenomenal and were always willing to help,” Miranda said. “Judy stayed with me one day after class because I just did not understand the heart and its rhythms. She sat with me for nearly two hours until I understood the material.”

In The Field

Miranda graduated from East Central College and began working at Mercy Hospital in Washington.

“I love the patient interactions,” she said. “I get to spend a lot of time at a patient’s bedside and really get to know them and their families. Because I am able to create a strong, trusting bond with them, the patient feels more comfortable in an often uncomfortable situation.”

She immediately felt right at home in her new career.

“Every day, she embodies the characteristics of a highly skilled, compassionate nurse,” said Nancy Mitchell, Dean of Health Sciences. “Miranda is an amazing practitioner, and we are blessed she is serving patients in our community.”

Mitchell isn’t the only one with that opinion.

Award Winner

In August 2018, Miranda was honored with the DAISY Award for Extraordinary Nurses. She was nominated for the award by the family of a patient who had been in her care.

“It was a very surprising and rewarding experience,” Pickens explained. “I take care of all of my patients the same, and I always strive to take the absolute best care of them.”

The DAISY Foundation was founded 16 years ago by the family of Patrick Barnes to recognize nurses and the extraordinary care that they experienced as a family. The goal of the award is to ensure all nurses know how deserving they are of society’s respect for the education, training, brainpower and skill they put into their work every day.

She was recognized in a ceremony at the hospital in front of patients and colleagues and received a certificate to proudly hang for all to see.

Congrats to Miranda! We are proud of you!


Occupational Therapy Receives Full Accreditation, Other Programs Receive Official Visits


October 5, 2018 | Campus News

East Central College is proud to announce its Occupational Therapy Assistant Program has earned its full accreditation! The program received full approval from the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) this semester and will remain accredited for the next seven years. The program consists of a combination of general education, professional level coursework, classroom and laboratory practice and clinical fieldwork experiences.

Meanwhile, other programs in the Nursing and Allied Health Department are also going through the accreditation process. In September, the Paramedic Technology Program received an on-campus visit from the Committee on Accreditation of Educational Programs for the Emergency Medical Services Professions (CoAEMSP).

“The formal report will take a few weeks to process,” said Robyn Walter, Interim Vice President of Academic Affairs, “but the site visitors shared comments during their exit review.  They were highly impressed with the quality of the program, student outcomes and community reputation.”

Students in the program receive instruction in the recognition, treatment, and transport of patients with medical emergencies and trauma.

The team from CoAEMSP will soon make accreditation recommendations to the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Programs (CAAHEP). The process is a five-year cycle.The program was last accredited in 2015, which is good through February 2020.

The Nursing Program also recently received an approval visit. In early October, members of the Missouri State Board of Nursing (MSBN) came to campus.

Vice President Walter believes the continued success of the program should lead to full accreditation.

“They were very impressed with our well-developed curriculum, excellent use of evidence to inform the systematic evaluation of the program and students and strong student-centered approach,” she explained. “We expect the MSBN to make a recommendation for a full five-year approval.”

Walter also added the program NCLEX RN exam pass rates are higher than the national average.

East Central College offers two programs leading to an Associate of Applied Science Degree in Nursing.  The main campus in Union, as well as the Rolla site, offers a complete pre-licensure program for those interested in becoming a registered nurse. A LPN to RN Bridge program is also available at the Rolla location for LPNs interested in becoming registered nurses.


#InspiringExcellence – ECC Softball Team Named All-America Academic Team


October 4, 2018 | Campus News Inspiring Excellence

The East Central College Softball has been honored by the National Fastpitch Coaches Association by being named to the 2018 Easton/ NFCA Top Ten Academic Team Rankings!

“Our team from last spring had a 3.57 GPA,” said Dr. Jay Mehrhoff, East Central College Athletic Director, “which was the sixth highest in the nation for the junior college classification!”

Additionally, several players were individually recognized for being 2017-2018 Scholar Athletes by the organization. Congrats to Alayna Abney, Marissa Boyd, Jensen Crenshaw, Kori Fiedler, Ashley Miller, Taylor Ruth, Amber Struemph, Jordyn Vrba and Samantha White!

Established in 1983, the National Fastpitch Coaches Association (NFCA) is the professional growth organization for fastpitch softball coaches from all competitive levels of play. The NFCA boasts more than 5,500 members from all 50 states and nine international countries- Canada, Czech Republic, Germany, Great Britain, Ireland, Netherlands, New Zealand, Singapore and Sweden.