PJC Coding and Surgical Tech graduates pinned

Published or Revised May 13, 2011

Paris Junior College Medical Records Coding and Surgical Technology programs held pinning ceremonies for graduates on May 12. Both of these health occupations courses experienced a record number of graduates this session. Medical Records Coding graduates are now eligible 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 Coordinator/Instructor Ron Vrba, in a brief explanation of the coding program, said, "Coding is the transfer of the written word to a numerical value. These graduates will help influence national policies in health care while pursing their profession as a vital part of the medical team." Medical Records Coding graduates and their hometowns are: Jenifer Allen of Sumner; Deborah Berry, Terry Henson, Wendy Hogan, Kathryn Wooten and Barbara Yates, all of Paris; Susan Bozeman of Como; Gwendolyn Crutcher of Cooper; Linda Cunningham of Klondike, Diana Patricia Evans of Brashear; Rita Gantt of Arthur City; Regina Wilkerson of Powderly; and Beverly Williams of Forney. 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 pass surgical instruments and supplies within that field. Prevention of wound infection and attending the needs of the surgeon and patient alike are paramount responsibilities. The graduates attended clinical training sites in four Northeast Texas cities and participated in over 2,800 surgical procedures during the past nine months. They are eligible for National Board Certification and Certified Surgical Technologist (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, "These young ladies have entered what is known as stealth care because the general public is unaware of what they do during and after surgical procedures. They know more about the human body than anyone prior to the twentieth century and more than 95 percent of the population today. They are bound by moral, ethical and legal restrictions pertaining to their chosen profession. They have managed a hard balance between family life, clinical experience and academic diligence to obtain their training." Pinning the Surgical Technology graduates were Gilbert and Ginger Edwards, surgical technology instructor. The graduates included: Kristi Carter, Jessica Harris, Kendra Jones and Rachel Sulsar, all of Paris; Carmin Bryan of Clarksville; Britny Caviness of Wolfe City; Shanna Clark of Powderly; Lindsay Hoover of Pattonville; Kendrick Whitney of Sulphur Springs; Shayna Huff and Silvia Salinas of Greenville; Haley Lemon of Cumby; Traci Rowland of Emory; Deborah Renee Sohl of Bonham; and Jessica Salmon of Hugo, Okla.