Application deadline approaches for ICC health science programs

            Itawamba Community College’s School of Health Science programs are designed to prepare individuals for employment in the healthcare field, and the application deadline for fall 2025 is rapidly approaching for 10 of the 11 programs.

            Students interested in ICC’s Associate Degree Nursing, Diagnostic Medical Sonography, Health Information Technology, Occupational Therapy Assistant Technology, Physical Therapist Assistant Technology, Practical Nursing, Public Health Technology, Radiologic Technology, Respiratory Care Technology and Surgical Technology must submit their online application and meet the requirements by May 1.

            According to Tonya Vaughn, Dean of Health Science Instruction, the only exception is Emergency Medical Sciences, which has an application deadline of Aug. 1 for the fall class.

            “Those who complete ICC’s health science programs earn either a certificate of completion or an Associate of Applied Science degree at the conclusion of their programs,” Vaughn said. “With our sophomores in all programs nearing the end of their study and preparation to enter the workforce, it is both a sad and happy time. We are excited for them as they take their place in the health field, and we appreciate the opportunity that we have had to share their journey.”

            Among those who will complete programs in a few short weeks are Lahteisha McCoy of Tupelo, Physical Therapist Assistant, and Marlee Hoing of Pontotoc, Occupational Therapy Assistant. Although both have different stories and different paths on their journey, they are eager to utilize what they learned and make a difference.

            Before starting the PTA program, McCoy earned a bachelor’s degree in exercise science from the University of Mississippi. “I chose exercise science because I have always had an interest in fitness, health and wellness,” she said, “but I struggled to find a job in the field. I applied and made it through the interview process but was never chosen as a candidate.”

            During the job search, McCoy said that she researched other career paths, among which was physical therapist assistant because of its similarity. As she job shadowed at Longtown and Acute Care at the North Mississippi Medical Center, she said that she became ‘more intrigued.’ In 2018, she again applied for ICC’s PTA program but wasn’t selected during that academic school year.

            In April of that year, McCoy applied for a rehabilitation technician position at NMMC, and she was hired in May. “I gained experience working with geriatrics, neurological and orthopedic patients. I learned that I genuinely embodied care and compassion for the health and well-being of patients who are recovering from trauma, disease and limited functional mobility. I also found out that my suspicions were confirmed, that most people with bachelor’s degrees in exercise science go back to college to become a PTA and that most don’t get into ICC’s program on the first attempt due to the competitiveness of the program requirements.”

            Once again, McCoy applied to ICC’s PTA program in 2019, but with the same results. “I wasn’t discouraged,” she said, “but as the years passed, one day she decided to try again.” This time, she noted, that she didn’t tell anyone and completed the application the week it was due. “I said a prayer and hit submit. I finally received the email I had been waiting for…’Congratulations! You have been selected for an interview for the PTA program.’ I was overjoyed and shocked at the same time.”

            During her first year, she continued to work full-time as a nurse assistant on the pediatric unit at NMMC. McCoy attended class through the week and worked 12-hour night shifts on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. “I worked, studied and repeated every week. Although I completed the year with all As, but during my sophomore year, I worked only part time because I knew the program would be more demanding. Throughout my journey, I have become more resilient.” McCoy credits ICC’s faculty and clinical opportunities for experiencing the role of a PTA in outpatient, inpatient, SNF and acute care.

            Hoing’s journey was a bit different, but she shares with McCoy in meeting the end goal. Growing up, she knew that she was meant to work with children, but unsure of the field. “After praying and job shadowing, God showed me occupational therapy. That’s when I researched and came across ICC’s program. Through my journey in the OTA program, I have learned many things such as increasing patients’ functional status in activities of daily living as well as how to be creative, how to be a teammate and leader, how to communicate effectively and how amazing and personable occupational therapy is.”

            Hoing said that her program choice was the BEST! “Throughout the past two years, my classmates, teachers and I have become a family. We always lean on each other, are open and uplift one another. We’ve learned throughout our courses about each other, which teaches us the importance of knowing your patient holistically.”

            One of the most important parts of clinical rotations, Hoing noted, is getting to know the patients and what makes them unique. “You learn what they enjoy and what they strive to do. As an OT practitioner, you can address the goals the patient would like to accomplish such as driving, being able to hold their grandchild again, brushing their hair, writing the letters of the alphabet and simply being able to manipulate buttons and fasteners, for example.”

            Although she and McCoy are about to graduate from two different programs, perhaps Hoing says it best, “My chosen profession and the ICC program have transformed me in the best way, but it will touch others who come into contact with you. I now get to make a difference in this world, and I can’t wait to see where it takes me. Thank you, ICC!”

            For more information on ICC’s health science programs, call (662) 620-5239 or email healthsciences@iccms.edu.