ACTC expands credential offerings in surg tech, business
April 13, 2021
ASHLAND, Ky. – Ashland Community and Technical College (ACTC) is excited to announce new credential opportunities for students enrolled in two of the college’s programs.
During a recent college-wide professional development, Dr. Larry Ferguson, ACTC President/CEO announced the college’s Surgical Technology program would be offered as an Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree. He also announced that the college would be offering two diploma options in the Business Administration program.
“Adding credentials is always a cause for celebration, and our diplomas bridge the gap for students who need something a bit more robust than a certificate but wish to complete their program of study as quickly as possible,” said Rebekah Michael, Business Administration Program Coordinator. “These diplomas create yet another pathway to success, and I am thrilled that my students have access to this option.”
The new diploma options will be implemented beginning fall 2021, and include Organizational Leadership and Small Business Management diplomas.
“Employers in our local area often look at education or training as a way to select the best potential employees. The largest employers in our area are primarily based in healthcare and education, and both industries have multiple opportunities for entry-level college educated employees to thrive,” Michael said.
She added, “Organizational Leadership makes sense in both settings, because medical practices and schools are expected to adhere to stringent ethical codes, operate on an unwavering schedule, and support professional development opportunities for staff members. Small Business Management lends itself well to these settings as most healthcare organizations and schools are fragmented into multiple locations which are run similar to small businesses, and the diploma's focus on entrepreneurship allows students to bring a spirit of creativity and innovation into industries that are being pushed to their limits to provide viable responses to the Covid-19 global pandemic.”
The Surgical Technology program has been approved to offer the AAS in Surgical Technology.
“Prior to offering the AAS, ACTC had been offering the diploma, which required fewer general education courses, but did not have a degree option unless students opted to continue their education and aim toward the General Education/Technical Studies (GOTS) degree for the AAS,” said Heather Cantrell, Surgical Technology Program Coordinator. “The AAS-ST is more student friendly. It is more cost effective than the GOTS, as it is a direct pathway to achieve the AAS in their field of study. The completion of the AAS can only set these graduates up for further success, as they can use this degree as a pathway to further their education and advance their career in healthcare.”
“Offering the AAS-ST not only shows our growth as a program and institution, it is an example of the progression and advancement of Surgical Technology as a profession not just locally but nationwide,” Cantrell added.
To learn more about the programs offered at ACTC, visit https://ashland.kctcs.edu/education-training/program-finder/index.aspx
Cantrell can be reached via email at hcantrell0013@kctcs.edu. Michael can be reached via email at rmichael0005@kctcs.edu.
