30 September ICC's Surgical Technology program adds laparoscopic simulator September 30, 2020 By Thomas, Donna S. General 0 Itawamba Community College’s Surgical Technology majors will now benefit from top-of-the line equipment as they prepare to enter their field of study. ICC’s program is the first in the state that has added a laparoscopic simulator, which is a tool that demonstrates virtually all major abdominal surgical procedures, chest procedures and pelvic procedures, allowing learners to begin to familiarize themselves with performance methodologies. Simulation training services can augment learners’ dexterity and visualization; eliminate the ergonomic discomfort of long surgery services and work to turn simulators into an essential technology for the patient, learners and hospitals. “Access to this simulator, which is used in medical schools across the country, will enable our students to develop advanced technological literacy as they train to become vital members of the surgical team,” said Tonya Vaughn, program director. “It is absolutely remarkable.” Vaughn said that simulation offers a way for learners to master new skill sets without practicing on real-life patients. “This is important because often the complexity of laparoscopic procedures in a clinical setting can lead to challenging circumstances for which professionals must be fully prepared.” Use of the simulation equipment provides a more comprehensive laparoscopic education while emphasizing safe and skilled techniques, Vaughan said. Simulated clinical experiences can take place outside of the operating room and offer strong insight into what is expected during these procedures. “The simulator allows students to experience 11 surgical areas and many more surgical procedures,” said Rilla Jones, dean of health science instruction. “Gaining experience before the clinical rotations makes the time in the operating room more efficient and can accelerate the mastery of the needed clinical skills.” ICC’s Surgical Technology three-semester program prepares individuals to serve as members of surgical teams where they work with surgeons, anesthesiologists and certified registered nurse anesthetists, registered nurses and other surgical patient care with responsibilities before, during and after surgery. Graduates receive a certificate of completion and are eligible to take the national credentialing exam to become a certificate surgical technologist. With some additional academic courses, the graduate may receive the Associate of Applied Science degree. Related Articles ICC's Surgical Technology program achieves 100 percent pass rate Itawamba Community College has received the annual merit award from the National Board of Surgical Technology and Surgical Assisting for achieving a 100 percent pass rate on the Certified Surgical Technologist examination for the cycle of Aug. 1, 2017-July 31, 2018. Graduates obtaining national certification as a CST demonstrate by examination understanding of the basic competencies for safe patient care in the operating room. The CST is widely recognized in the healthcare community as the foremost credential for surgical technologists in the nation. The CST is required for employment within many local, state and national healthcare organizations. “Receiving the Merit Award from NBSTSA is the highest professional honor bestowed upon accredited Surgical Technology programs,” said Tonya Vaughn, ICC Surgical Technology program director. “This honor is a reflection of the unmatched dedication of our program’s students, many of whom have work and family obligations in addition to academic and clinical responsibilities. I am both extremely proud and profoundly honored to help prepare and encourage these capable students as they work to become indispensable members ... TAG Truck Center Tupelo facilitates rolling chassis donation to ICC's Diesel Equipment Technology program TAG Truck Center Tupelo (TAG Tupelo) recently facilitated the donation of a rolling chassis training aid to the Itawamba Community College Diesel Equipment Technology program for hands-on training while studying chassis repair during its core diesel curriculum. The chassis, originally used in Daimler Truck North America’s Service Training Academy, was in Tooele, Utah and was due for placement at a college or school which applied for it and would use it for training purposes. TAG Tupelo provided the logistics and transportation costs to have it delivered to ICC’s diesel shop. “Our program’s partnership with TAG Tupelo is strong, and we thank them and Higgins Logistics for facilitating this donation. It will allow for practical hands-on experience for our Diesel Equipment students, which is vitally important for their knowledge growth,” said Jason Gholston, director of ICC’s Diesel Equipment Technology program. ICC’s Diesel Equipment Technology program, which was created in 1985, is an instructional program that prepares students with competencies required to maintain and repair a variety of industrial diesel equipment. The program includes instruction in inspection, repair and maintenance of engines, power trains, ... ICC's Paralegal Technology program is in the nation's top 10 Itawamba Community College’s Paralegal Technology program has been selected as one of the top 10 online Paralegal degree programs in the nation by BestColleges. ICC offers two degrees in paralegal studies: an online Associate of Applied Science degree in paralegal technology and an Associate of Arts degree in general studies with a paralegal studies emphasis. The two-year A.A.S. degree in paralegal technology includes coursework in legal research, civil litigation and legal writing. Coursework in wills and estates, family law, torts and real property introduces students to subsets of the legal field while providing information about legal principles and procedures, according to program director Jamie Hall. Students gain the analytical, communication, research and technical skills needed to work alongside legal professionals. The program also includes an internship during which students apply learned concepts. ICC’s online paralegal technology program prepares students for entry-level positions as paralegals and legal assistants in law firms, government agencies and businesses. Students can complete the 61-62 hour credit program in two years. “ICC’s general studies associate degree with an emphasis ... ICC's Public Health Technology program joins in Apr. 7-13 national celebration Itawamba Community College’s Public Health Technology program will join those in the profession in celebrating April 7-13 as National Public Health Week. According to program director Cassie Alexander, the theme is “It Starts Here.” She said the commemoration recognizes the contributions of public health in improving the physical condition of the people of the United States and for ICC’s nationally-recognized Public Health Technology program, the residents of Mississippi, specifically those in Chickasaw, Itawamba, Lee, Monroe and Pontotoc counties; and achieving health equity. “Public health starts with each of us making a difference in our homes and communities,” Alexander said in summarizing the information provided by the American Public Health Association. “It’s how the places we live, work and play affect our well-being. It’s the way we are all stronger – and healthier – together through the efforts of organizations like the APHA and others that advocate for healthy communities.” Alexander, who serves on the Mississippi State Department of Health Community Health Worker Taskforce, is excited about recent legislation that will help advance the educational and career opportunities for ... ICC's Paralegal Technology program ranks second in the nation Itawamba Community College’s Paralegal Technology program has been ranked second in the nation by College Values Online. ICC has been identified as having one of the top most affordable accredited online paralegal certificate programs, according to ICC President Dr. Jay Allen. “The elite ranking is a testament to the innovative programs that ICC offers as we ensure that our students have the best start in their careers.” The ranking considered tuition and return on investment. College Values Online’s mission is to provide assistance in selecting the best college for each individual situation by offering rankings of schools and various degree programs in addition to information on numerous career options from a value perspective. Its list of the top 20 affordable online accredited paralegal certificates began with certificate programs with costs under $13,000 (based on tuition reported to College Navigator). The programs were then ranked according to the quality of the program based on graduation rate and student-to-teacher ratio. ICC offers two degrees in paralegal studies: an online Associate of Applied Science in Paralegal ... ICC's Public Health Technology program to join in national celebration with local events Itawamba Community College’s Public Health Technology program will join those in the profession in celebrating the week of April 1 as National Public Health Week. According to program director Cassie Alexander, the theme is “Protecting, Connecting and Thriving: We Are All Public Health.” She said the commemoration recognizes the contributions of public health in improving the physical condition of the people of the United States and for ICC’s Public Health Technology program, the residents of Mississippi, specifically those in Chickasaw, Itawamba, Lee, Monroe and Pontotoc counties; and achieving health equity. “Community health workers are the backbone of public health, bridging the gap between healthcare systems and the communities they serve, ensuring that no one is left behind in the pursuit of well-being and equity,” said Caroline Newkirk, ICC adjunct instructor and Evaluation Specialist with the Mississippi Public Health Institute. “ICC’s Public Health Technology program fills a critical gap in Mississippi by offering a curriculum that prepares its students exceptionally well with the knowledge and skills to be invaluable community health workers. In a state that is medically underserved, ... Comments are closed.