When Harry Kalkai began First Coast Technical College’s Practical Nursing program in January 2012, he had no idea his Army National Guard unit would be called to duty the week before he was to graduate.

“Harry commuted daily from Ocala and these students have gone through the entire program together and looked forward to completing together,” said Patricia Rench, FCTC Health Careers Coordinator.

FCTC’s pinning ceremony was scheduled for May 30th and Kalkai had to report for duty on May 24th.  “During rehearsal on May 23rd, there was sadness within the class because they all wouldn’t be together to be recognized for their achievements,” Rench continued.

Therefore, it was a total surprise to all when Mrs. Rench presented Harry with his personal pin, symbolizing the “rite of passage into the nursing profession”.   “This is a symbol of the care and devotion nurses provide,” Rench told Kalki.  “You’ve earned the recognition and it’s my honor to present it to you.”

With the knowledge and skills learned in First Coast Technical College’s Massage Therapy program, Sally Butts, a life-long athlete in track/field sports, understands how the body can be healed through massage and supplements.

Sally graduated FCTC in 2009, achieved her MBLEx certification and went to work in PonteVedra.  “I didn’t like loosing two hours a day to a commute and was delighted to begin my clinic in the World Gym Beach on A1A.”

Long Life Massage opened in Nov. 2012 and has been profitable since, as Sally implements methodology to relieve the majority of client joint pain.  Her customized techniques bring improved blood flow to injured areas through a form of reflexology.  Clients say Sally’s recommended supplements have helped with weight loss, sleep and fatigue.  “After four months of massage and supplement therapy, one client lost 50 pounds and is free of joint pain, diabetes 2, asthma, and acid reflux.”

Sally can be reached at 806-8602 or moc.oohaynull@m008suezhtebazile

Applications accepted for FCTC’s Massage Therapy program with financial aid for qualifying students.  For gainful employment disclosures, please visit the Consumer Information page at www.fctc.edu.  For info, call 547-3282 or ude.ctcfnull@ofni

First Coast Technical College’s Patient Care Technician and Paramedic students are flying high as a result of a recent experience at Putnam Community Medical Center.

While on-duty performing their clinicals, PCT students Brenda Raber, Cassie Gilbert, Judy Beach, and Michelle Sanders had the opportunity to view a ShandsCair Flight Helicopter.

FCTC Paramedic students perform their clinicals in PCMC’s emergency room, so Tina Corcoran, Steven Wallace, and Lance Robinson joined the tour.  A combination of intensive care and rapid transportation, the helicopter has helped care being rendered in the hospital emergency rooms.

“This was a great opportunity for FCTC students to get a closer look at the options available to them in the ever-changing healthcare industry,” said Leslie Vinson, FCTC Instructor.

Applications are accepted for FCTC’s Patient Care Technician and Public Safety programs with financial aid for qualifying students.  Call 386-326-9000 or 904-547-3282 or email ude.ctcfnull@ofni

First Coast Technical College’s Voluntary Pre-Kindergarten program, known as Tech Tots, will receive their diplomas on June 4th.

Under the direction of Jennifer Spess and Curemia Dailey, children are prepared for kindergarten using a variety of activities that include thinking skills, exploring, creativity, reasoning, language, math, and social interaction.

Tech Tots is also a training center for high school students working toward a child-care worker certificate in the Early Childhood Education program.

“It’s FCTC’s hope as these children enroll in kindergarten, they do so with a joy for learning which will enable them to become leaders in our society,” said Teresa Woodward, Supervisor.

Open to the public, FCTC is accepting enrollment for childcare, pre-school and free VPK programs, license #C07SJ0040.  Call 547-3490 or email ude.ctcfnull@drawdoow.aseret

FCTC Tech Tots class of 2013:  Addison Giles, Damirah Evans, Drostan Mitchell, Emileah Vojodich, Emma Fischer, Gabryl Besherse, Jack Salce, Josiah Vargus, John McGaughey, Kaileigh McCall, Kylie Fox, Lillian Wiley, Lily Galloway, Maryah Hartley, McKaylee Major, Michael Moore, Nolan Simms, Sara Montague, and Taliah Mitchell.

Sometimes soldiers who give their best to our country return from active duty abroad to face a new kind of challenge at home, that of finding gainful employment.  Palatka resident and First Coast Technical College student, Jamie Edwards served a 2007-2008 tour in Iraq to return home with hopes of finding a job.

“Combat engineer skills do not transfer much to the civilian world,” said Edwards.   After several years of minimum wage jobs and now with a 3 year old son to support, in March 2013, Edwards enrolled in FCTC’s Air Conditioning, Refrigeration and Heating Technology program in Palatka, using the post 9/11 GI Bill.  This program pays for tuition plus an additional stipend to the veteran.

“People in Florida cannot live without air conditioning and refrigeration,” Edwards stated.  “I enjoy tinkering with equipment, so I chose to expand my skills in the HVAC industry to become employable.”

“In Iraq we worked quickly and did our jobs well,” Edwards continued.  “These principals apply to the HVAC industry too.  Customers want service quickly and efficiently.”

FCTC is accepting applications for the HVAC program, located in the Putnam BargePort facility, with financial aid for qualifying students.  To learn more, call 386-326-9000 or  ude.ctcfnull@ofni.  For Gainful Employment Disclosures, please visit the Consumer Information page at www.fctc.edu.

First Coast Technical College’s Tech Tots program holds a fundraiser each year for St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital while teaching cycle safety and charity.  Trike-A-Thon was developed for early childhood educators and childcare centers to teach children riding safety tips while helping to continue St. Jude's efforts of eradicating childhood catastrophic diseases.

Last month, Tech Tots donned their helmets and collected $2250.70 for their efforts. FCTC has raised a total of $24,973.59 over the last 14 years.

“FCTC’s Trike-A-Thon is a remarkable learning experience for young children,” said Teresa Woodward, Tech Tots supervisor.  This is a wonderful way to teach bike safety while instilling in children the important lesson of helping others.”

Enrollment accepted for Tech Tots childcare, ages 2 thru 5, with meals and snacks prepared by FCTC’s Culinary Arts program (L#C07SJ0040).  For info, call 547-3490 or email ude.ctcfnull@drawdoow.aseret

Attached photo:  FCTC Tech Tots Trike-A-Thon fundraiser for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital included Jules, Emileah, Lily, and Emma.

First Coast Technical College’s students recently provided Putnam Community Medical Center healthcare employees with an afternoon of relaxation to help celebrate Nurses Week.  Massage Therapy students performed neck and back massages while Cosmetology students from FCTC’s Palatka campus treated participants to manicures.

Health Careers Coordinator, Patricia Rench stated, “We were proud to support our partners in healthcare at Putnam Community Medical Center.”

Octavia Hollinger, Cosmetology Lab Instructor at FCTC’s Palatka campus added, “It was a wonderful opportunity for our students to practice their skills while providing a community service to our valuable Putnam health professionals.”

FCTC offers 28 career programs at four Palatka and St. Augustine campus locations.  For info, call 904-547-3282 or 386-326-9000, www.fctc.edu or ude.ctcfnull@ofni

Attached photo:  Krystal Lowe was one of the employees from Putnam Community Medical Center to receive a manicure from Jessica Miller and Jeanie Gignon, FCTC Cosmetology students.

First Coast Technical College recently presented the Garnett Scholarship to Demetria Bueno during our annual Awards Ceremony.  This scholarship was created in memory of Palatka resident, Mary Garnett, a devoted educator at FCTC’s Putnam County Campus for many years.  “Ms. Mary” as she was affectionately referred to by most of her students, passed away in November 2003.

Demetria, a participant in the Career Navigator program, graduates Crescent City High next month and plans to attend FCTC’s Medical Assisting program August 2013. 

Since its inception, Ms. Mary’s daughter, Nadia Garnett, flies in from Washington, D.C. to present the scholarship.  “It’s apparent that this young lady exemplifies dedication and dependability.  Mother would be proud to see her receive assistance to achieve her career objective,” said Garnett.  For Gainful Employment Disclosures, please visit the Consumer Information page at www.fctc.edu.

Attached:  Nadia Garnett presents the Garnett Scholarship to Demetria Bueno, who plans to attend FCTC’s Medical Assisting program after her Crescent City High graduation.

Over 200 people gathered recently for an annual Awards Ceremony as First Coast Technical College recognized students for outstanding achievement.  Thirteen students also received scholarships from community organizations to continue workforce training.

Instructors from FCTC’s St. Augustine and Palatka campuses select students that represent their career pathway in the most positive and influential ways.  Students were also recognized for placing in regional and state competitions throughout the year.

Top honor, the Award of Excellence, was bestowed upon Cyrus Bowie, from the Massage Therapy program.  Bowie achieved his Massage and Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx) certification and plans to walk at FCTC’s May 28th commencement ceremony.

“Cyrus has demonstrated exceptional skills throughout his training to achieve national certification with one of the highest scores his instructor has ever seen,” said Sandra Raburn, FCTC President. For Gainful Employment Disclosures, please visit the Consumer Information page at www.fctc.edu

Attached :  Cyrus Bowie, Massage Therapy student, receives FCTC’s Award of Excellence from Sandra Raburn, President, and Tim Davidson, Instructor.

Each May, First Coast Technical College recognizes practical nursing students as part of National Nurses Week.

“The nursing profession embraces dedicated people with varied strengths and passions, so FCTC honors nursing students for their chosen career path,” said Patricia Rench, FCTC Health Careers Coordinator.

From hospital bedsides and long-term care facilities, physician’s private practice, to the halls of research institutions, FCTC’s health career programs foster high standards to meet the expanding employment needs in our community. FCTC partners with Putnam Community Medical Center and Palatka Health Care Center for students to conduct on-site, clinical training.

FCTC is accepting applications for nursing classes with financial aid for qualifying students.  Applications available at www.fctc.edu, click Health Careers, call 386-326-9000 or email ude.ctcfnull@drol.eigna

Attached photo, l-r:  Practical Nursing students in FCTC’s Putnam County program celebrate Nurses Week.

Front, l-r:  Bridgett Nelson and Heather Harris.

Center, l-r:  Brandi Byers, Erica Hudson, Melissa Calender, Lynn Strong, Tia Griswell, Shelley Musgrove, and Jennifer Kelly.

Back row, l-r:  Lauren Adduci, Andrea Campbell, Marshell Williams, Melissa Dear, Troy Henry, Amber Burgess, Kathryn Krebs, and Lynn Proulx.