Medical Records, Surgical Tech pinnings held

Published or Revised May 18, 2010

The Medical Records Coding and Surgical Technology programs held pinning ceremonies and presented certificates of completion to graduates in ceremonies held at Paris Junior College on May 13. Paris Junior College Health Occupations Director Marcia Putnam opened the pinning ceremony with a welcome and recognized instructors. "We are celebrating these special graduating classes today," she said. The next step for the Medical Records Coding graduates is to sit for the national certification exam administered by AHIMA. Upon passing, they will be identified as a Certified Coding Associate (CCA). This credential demonstrates a commitment to the coding profession as well as a strong basic coding foundation that will allow them to build their career as they strive to reach for the mastery level. Medical Records Coding graduates include Kristn Michelle Steed and Crystal Lynn White of Paris; Christie Lois Whitsell of Deport, and Charlie Amber Turner of Commerce. Ron Vrba, coding instructor, said, "I am very proud of these people. These graduates are the ones who had the drive and perseverance to finish this program." Surgical Technology graduates are Jaszmon Blake, Joshua Green, and Shalanda Miles of Paris; Angela Benson and Elizabeth Wisdom of Greenville; Michelle Wheeler of Hugo; Katie Warren of Caddo Mills; Kimberly Jones of Klondike; and Kevin Burchfield of Como. Surgical Technology students complete curriculum accredited by the Council of Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP). The graduates represent two of the Allied Health Professions that students are prepared to enter after training received at Paris Junior College. Surgical Technology graduates are trained to work together with surgeons, nurses and others to deliver direct patient care in the peri-operative environment as part of a team approach to safe and efficient surgical treatment. Surgical Technologists provide diligence in maintaining a sterile field around the operative-site and passing surgical instruments and supplies within that field. Prevention of wound infection and attending the needs of surgeon and patient alike are paramount responsibilities. The nine graduates attended clinical training sites in four northeast Texas cities and participated in over 2,200 surgical procedures during the past nine months. They are eligible for National Board Certification as Certified Surgical Technologists (CST or equivalent) upon graduation, a condition of new-hire employment in Texas hospitals as of September 2009 (Texas HB 643). Program Coordinator Norman Gilbert said of the graduates, "We get to know each other very well over the course of this program. We share the ups and downs, and they have come through and accomplished a great thing. I am proud of them for finishing and they are embarking on a great career." Following the ceremony, those in attendance joined in a reception.