El Paso Community College (EPCC) is currently basking in the accomplishments of its first graduating class of Patient Care Technicians (PCTs). The pinning and stole ceremony, a momentous occasion marking the end of an intensive program, was notably held at the college's Mission del Paso Flexitorium. Among those in attendance were dignitaries from various educational institutions, signifying a collective endorsement of the program's value to the community. These new graduates are now equipped to enter the healthcare industry with a robust set of skills and certifications, as reported by EPCC News.
The PCT program is rigorous, designed to fully prepare students for a variety of roles in healthcare. With 448 hours of instruction, spanning classroom learning, lab work, and clinical practice, students are also to garner no less than 15 college credits during their educational journey. This inaugural class walked away with four healthcare industry certifications, positioning them to immediately contribute to the field post-graduation. "I am very excited about all our students who are completing the program," EPCC Emergency Medical Services Program Coordinator Tony Ayub said, as per EPCC News.
This first class of PCT students is composed entirely of EPCC Dual Credit scholars, split between San Elizario High School and Bel Air High School. They have navigated a challenging landscape of courses and licensing exams, indicative of the commitment required to excel in this track. Dr. Souraya A. Hajjar, EPCC's Rio Grande Dean for Health, Career & Technical Education, Math, and Science, told EPCC News, "So proud of our young graduates, they will make the best health professionals addressing EKG administration, Phlebotomy techniques, assisting nursing skills, and patient care taking!"
Each graduate received a distinctive PCT pin, a symbol of their diligence and prowess, presented to them by their parents during the pinning ceremony. The teal stone at its center is more than an aesthetic element, it represents EPCC's strong commitment to health education and the graduates' dedication to upholding professionalism in patient care. Looking ahead, these trailblazers are set to be honored once more at the EPCC Commencement, scheduled for May 16, at 9:00 a.m., which will be held at the Don Haskins Center.
