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MOORHEAD, Miss. (May 4, 2023) – Mississippi Delta Community College (MDCC) held its Health Science Pinning and Graduation Ceremony Thursday, May 4, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. in the J.T. Hall Coliseum on the Moorhead Campus. The ceremony included graduates from the Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) Program, the Dental Hygiene Technology Program, the Medical Laboratory Technology (MLT) Program, the Radiologic Technology Program and the Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) Program.

The processional was performed by Beverly Terrell and Gabby Hays provided the invocation with opening remarks by MDCC President Dr. Tyrone Jackson.

In total, seventy-four students graduated from one of five health science programs. Each program prepares students for an exciting healthcare career. Graduates of these programs are awarded an Associate of Applied Science Degree from Mississippi Delta Community College.

Before MDCC Vice President of Instruction Teresa Webster presented the candidates for graduation, a commencement address was given by Senator Lydia G. Chassaniol.

Forty-three individuals completed the ADN Program. The ADN Program is designed to provide educational opportunities to qualified students for a rewarding career that will help meet the expanding health care needs of the community. The program prepares the individual to practice as a Registered Nurse, according to the State of Mississippi Law. Graduates receive an Associate of Applied Science Degree.

Seven individuals completed the Dental Hygiene Technology Program. The Dental Hygiene Technology Program provides students with a general education and a comprehensive clinical dental hygiene experience that prepares them for a career in the dental hygiene profession. The program includes clinical experience in treating patients throughout the lifespan with normal oral care and general systemic conditions. All phases of dental hygiene education are covered and practiced by clinical experience.

Seven individuals completed the MLT Program. In the laboratory, a highly skilled team of pathologists and medical technologists, MLT and specialists work together to solve the mysteries, put the puzzles together, and answer the critical questions of medicine. Seventy to eighty percent of medical decisions made by physicians are based on laboratory findings. In fact, the practice of modern medicine would be impossible without the tests performed in the laboratory. Every day, new advances in genetic testing, biomarkers, and polymerase chain reaction technology are creating more challenges and job opportunities for clinical laboratory science professionals. It is a fast-growing field, and there will be great demand for clinical laboratory professionals in the future. Clinical laboratory professionals are the researchers, the investigators, and some say the real heroes of medicine.

Nine completed the Radiologic Technology Program. The Radiologic Technology Program provides a general education and clinical training program that prepares students for a career in radiography. The technical program combines theory through traditional classroom instruction and laboratory experience on campus and clinical experiences in affiliated hospitals to provide opportunities for students to develop skills needed to enter the Radiology profession. The Radiologic Technology Program commences in August of each year and runs for 22 consecutive months.

Eight completed the PTA Program. This is only the second class to complete this new program. The PTA Program prepares graduates to be highly competent entry-level physical therapist assistants able to work under the direction and supervision of a physical therapist, and who can serve the community by improving the quality of life of a diverse patient population. The program has an unwavering commitment to evidence based on contemporary practice, professionalism, ethical behavior, compassionate care, and life-long learning.

After each group recited their respective pledge, were pinned, and received their diplomas, MDCC Dean of Health Sciences Patricia Kelly gave closing remarks.

For more information about our health science programs, visit www.msdelta.edu/health-sciences.

Students interested in enrolling in a health care program should register for New Student Orientation by visiting nso.msdelta.edu.