Wildcat Radio

Pearl River Community College is expanding its health care workforce training with a new Certified Patient Care Technician program beginning in January at the Woodall Advanced Technology Center in Hattiesburg.

Chuck Abadie visits with Tasha May, Workforce Project Manager at PRCC, to discuss the 12-week hybrid program, which combines nursing assistant training with phlebotomy and EKG instruction. Students can earn nationally recognized certifications in patient care technology and phlebotomy while gaining hands-on experience through a clinical externship.

They also discuss program requirements, career opportunities in hospitals and long-term care facilities, and how the certification can serve as a starting point for further training in nursing and other health care fields.

More information: Certified Patient Care Technology

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The holiday season brings special traditions to Pearl River Community College, with events that bring students, employees and community members together to celebrate.

Dr. Kari Eve Valance, Director of Marketing and Recruitment, and Alex Kennedy, Assistant Director of Marketing and Communications, take over the Wildcat Radio Show to preview two upcoming events: Wildcat Wonderland on the Poplarville campus and Making Spirits Bright at the Forrest County Campus. They share what visitors can expect, from holiday characters, train rides and family activities to live music performed by PRCC students, faculty and staff.

They also discuss the people and community sponsors who make these events possible, as well as the Stock the Sleigh food drive, which supports the Carol Williams Market for students experiencing food insecurity.

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Scholarships are an important part of the Pearl River Community College Development Foundation's work, but they are only one way the organization supports students and the college.

Chuck Abadie visits with Delaina Harris, Executive Director of the PRCC Development Foundation, to discuss how the foundation connects donors with scholarship recipients, supports campus projects and helps meet student needs through resources such as the campus Market and Career Closet.

They also highlight alumni chapter fundraisers that provide scholarships for students in Forrest, Lamar, Marion and Jeff Davis counties, along with ways community members can get involved.

Visit the Alumni and Development Foundation Page.

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Choosing a career path can be difficult when you're not sure where to start. Pearl River Community College's new Compass Pathways program gives learners an opportunity to explore career options, gain hands-on experience and build confidence before taking the next step.

On this episode of the Wildcat Radio Show, Chuck Abadie talks with Jennifer Culpepper, Compass Pathways Navigator at PRCC, about the program's seven career pathways, including health care, advanced manufacturing, construction, welding and shipbuilding, heavy equipment and transportation, business and technology, and utilities and broadband.

They also discuss the program's short-term format, one-on-one guidance, potential internship opportunities and how learners can use the experience to prepare for further training or employment.

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Pearl River Community College is helping introduce students to the people, programs and careers shaping the future of manufacturing in South Mississippi.

On this episode of the Wildcat Radio Show, Chuck Abadie talks with Rebecca Jackson, Workforce Project Manager at PRCC, about Manufacturing Month and the many manufacturing industries connected to the college’s six-county district. They discuss industry partnerships, hands-on training, paid internships and efforts to strengthen the pipeline from middle school to college and the workforce.

Rebecca also previews PRCC’s Built for the Future career expo on Oct. 29, where middle school students will have the opportunity to explore manufacturing careers through interactive demonstrations, technology and hands-on activities.

Workforce Training at PRCC

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What does it mean to live your legacy while you're at Pearl River Community College? 

On this episode of the Wildcat Radio Show, Director of Marketing and Recruitment Dr. Kari Eve Valance and Assistant Director of Marketing Alexx Kennedy talk about the many experiences that shape a student's time at The River, from a first campus tour and first class to making friends, joining a club, exploring a career pathway, and becoming part of the Wildcat Family.

They also discuss PRCC's record enrollment of 7,142 students, the opportunities available across three campuses and online, campus tours, scholarships, FAFSA, flexible learning options, and why every student can take a different path at The River.

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Pearl River Community College's growth is a college-wide effort. From enrollment management and dual enrollment to career and technical education, student services, and campus operations, people across The River have a role in serving more students.

Dr. Jeff Long, Vice President for the Poplarville Campus, joins Chuck Abadie to discuss PRCC's growth to 7,142 students, the challenges that accompany a larger campus community, and the teamwork required to keep pace with that growth. 

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Student success is about more than academics. It's also about finding connections, getting involved and knowing where to turn for support.

On this episode of the Wildcat Radio Show, Chuck Abadie visits with Dr. Kady Pietz, Vice President for Student Services at Pearl River Community College. They discuss the role of Student Services in a growing college, including residential life, student engagement, wellness, mental health resources, leadership and opportunities for students to get involved.

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High school students across PRCC's six-county district are taking advantage of opportunities to get a head start on college. On this episode of the Wildcat Radio Show, Chuck Abadie visits with Karen Bond, Director of Dual Enrollment, about the tremendous growth of dual enrollment and Middle College at Pearl River Community College.

Karen explains how students can earn college credit while still in high school, including the opportunity for qualified students to complete an associate degree before graduating from high school. They also discuss eligibility, planning for the program, the support available to students and families, and the growing partnerships between PRCC and local high schools.

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With more than 40 career and technical pathways across three campuses, Pearl River Community College offers students opportunities to prepare for in-demand careers in healthcare, skilled trades, advanced manufacturing, and more.

On this episode of the Wildcat Radio Show, Chuck Abadie talks with Dr. James Collum, Dean of Career and Technical Education at the Forrest County Campus, about new and expanding programs, flexible day and evening options, upcoming Allied Health Tour Days, and how PRCC works with industry to prepare students for careers.

Allied Health programs at PRCC
Career and Technical Education programs at PRCC

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