KSU's Continuing Education Healthcare Programs Help Change Lives

The College of Continuing and Professional Education at Kennesaw State University provides a substantial selection of healthcare career options. With 12 classroom-based professional certificate programs and more than 25 online-based programs in health care training, the college offers prospective students several paths to a successful career at a fraction of the time and cost of similar programs. Classroom-based healthcare certificate programs at the college range from Medical Assisting to Certified Nursing Assistant to Phlebotomy Technician and Pedorthist, the only program of its kind in the state.

Irina Fiore is making a daily impact in the rapidly expanding healthcare field with a Medical Assisting Certificate she earned at the college. “I enjoy helping people improve themselves, and I’ve always liked the medical field. KSU was very convenient, the hours were good and the price was very affordable,” Fiore said. “The class gave great direction. The externship provided a great experience. The instructors really want to work with you and see you succeed.” Fiore was hired full-time after completing a 2-month, 180-hour externship at an internal medicine practice in Marietta.

The Pedorthist Certificate program at the college is uniquely partnered with Foot Solutions Academy of Pedorthic Science. It is one of only four accredited training courses in the country and the only one in the state of Georgia. Terry Reed, 2014 graduate, is currently bridging the healthcare gap in eastern Arkansas with his educational training.

“I work in a part of Arkansas which has a very high rate of diabetes. It is also mostly rural, causing people to have to travel a good distance to get the pedorthic help they need,” Reed said. “It was my desire to help bring quality foot care to this region and, in doing so, increase the quality of life for the good folks who live here.”

Although most students have chosen the healthcare programs at the college for career development and advancement, Morgan Barr, Certified Nursing Assistant graduate, took the course for more personal reasons. “My mother has MS, and I take care of her,” Barr said during an interview just before graduation. “I didn’t know how to take care of her using the proper techniques, so I got in the class to learn how to take care of her.” Barr, who hopes to one day use her experience and newly earned certificate to assist others now knows how to provide suitable care for her mother.

Free information sessions on healthcare programs will be held on July 28, 2016 at the KSU center located at 3333 Busbee Drive. The information sessions are part of the college’s biannual Open House. Attendees will have the opportunity to speak with instructors and graduates, participate in career coaching sessions, receive a 10 percent discount, enter a drawing for Braves tickets and more. For more information on healthcare offerings or to register for Open House, visit ccpe.kennesaw.edu or call 470-578-6765.