Indianola Career and Technical Center

      Allied Health is a two year program that teaches basic skills for healthcare fields. This program is designed to introduce a multitude of careers in the health care industry. The students after completing a two year course will earn a certificate in nursing assisting skills. The areas of ealth care that are introduced in this program are nursing assistant, first aid and CPR, dental assistant. physical therapy assistant, veteinary assistant, and pharmacy assistant. The students also have reinforcement in job seeking skills and as well as interviewing and resume skills.

The students are encouraged to participate in the student organization HOSA (Health Occupations Students of America). This gives them experience in being competitive and a sense of self pride. They become ambitious and strive to be the best at what they do. HOSA organization and competitions on multi-levels helps to deelop effective communication, social skills, and a sense of fellowship, by establishing friendships that will last a lifetime.

This January, the Indianola Chapter of Allied Health competed on a district level. Thirty-two students went to Itawamba Community College, and several came back winners. Jennifer placed first in prepared speaking and Shannon brought home third place in the same category. Winnie placed 3rd in nursing assistant catagory. Thiry-four students were signed up to compete and all took a written test, only the top ten were abe to perform actual skills. Winnie was 8th of the top ten and placed third. Princess will also compete in Jackson with these students. Princess placed 5th in the veterinary assistant. " I was so proud of them, but I feel like all of the students were winners for all of their dedication and hard work" says Mrs. Hooper.

I plan to work hard to build the Allied Health Program at Indianola Career and Technical Center. I ahve a few "non-traditional" students, but I hope to have many more in the years to come. I came to the ICTC just this year, but I bring with me 15 years of experience in many areas of nursing. The best part of my job is when a student tells me that they helped someone, maybe even saved a life because of what I have taught them. That is a jewel in both of our crowns.