I'm a Pathfinder: Shad Mitchell
Published on Jan 14, 2025
Most students choose Ashland Community & Technical College as the launching point of their educational journey.
But for some, like Shad Mitchell, ACTC is an opportunity to start something new.
Mitchell grew up on a small farm in Milton, West Virginia and was homeschooled from kindergarten through his senior year.
“I spent a lot of time in the library, learning about new technology, and exploring outdoors as a child,” Mitchell said. “I always had an interest in science and technology. I knew from a young age that I would end up in a career where I could learn and develop in those fields.”
After completing his homeschool program, Mitchell enrolled as a student at Marshall University, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in microbiology and molecular biology.
He later earned a master’s degree in immunology from Rowan University, a public research university in Glassboro, New Jersey.
After grad school, Mitchell says he wanted to change his career path and attend nursing school with the goal of pursuing anesthesia school and becoming a certified registered nurse anesthetist.
To meet the prerequisites for nursing school, he enrolled as an ACTC student.
“ACTC offered a fraction of the cost of other colleges in the area while still providing highly qualified professors to teach the required courses,” Mitchell said.
After completing courses at ACTC, Mitchell enrolled in St. Mary’s School of Nursing while simultaneously externing in the Open Heart Recovery Unit at Charleston Area Medical Center.
After passing his nursing boards, he moved to Lexington and joined the team at the University of Kentucky’s Neuro ICU. While there, he earned his Critical Care Registered Nurse (CCRN) certification.
“While I was happy with my nursing career, I recognized the importance of continued education, Mitchell said. “I applied to anesthesia school on the deadline of the admissions cycle. Despite my apprehensions, I made a valiant effort and was pleasantly surprised to receive an acceptance letter.”
He says the subsequent months were a whirlwind, marked by his father’s deteriorating health and eventual passing. Because of that, Mitchell says he returned to West Virginia earlier than anticipated.
Three weeks later, he began anesthesia school at CAMC. He will soon earn his doctorate degree in nurse anesthesia practice.
“Being able to complete my prerequisites at ACTC certainly helped me reach a better life, but the faculty at ACTC turned that coursework into a truly meaningful educational experience,” Mitchell said.
He added, “The courses are affordable, and whether you need a few extra classes or want to finish the whole program at ACTC, you’ll be well on your way to success.”
Written by: Megan Smedley
