SANFORD - "Never give up" was the message graduates took away from Central Carolina Community College's May 22 Continuing Education Medical Programs graduation at the Dennis A. Wicker Civic Center.

A total of 292 certificates were conferred by the college's Division of Economic and Community Development's Continuing Education Medical Programs in the fields of Direct Care Basics, EKG Technician, EKG Monitor Technician, Nurse Aide I and II, Phlebotomy Technician, Sleep Disorder Technician, and Pharmacy Technician.

One after another, student speakers described situations in which they were at a crossroads in their lives when they arrived at CCCC.

In December 2011, Nurse Aide-I graduate Lessie Richmond, of Lee County, was laid off from her job. Not knowing what to do next, a friend asked her if she was interested in attending Central Carolina Community College. Richmond enrolled in CCCC's Direct Care class and went on to receive her certification as an EKG monitor technician and nurse aide-I.

"I found that when one season of your life is over, the door of opportunity can still be open," Richmond said. "I tell people that if anyone is interested in learning new skills or improving the skills they already have, never give up - contact Central Carolina Community College."

Angela Horton, of Chatham County, a 2012 nurse aide-I graduate, went on to become a licensed practical nurse. She also made the decision to go back to school after being laid off from her job in 2011.

"I was secretly glad," said Horton. "I had always wanted to be a nurse and losing my job made me realize that there was still time to pursue the career I really wanted. My motto is, 'don't give up.' It's easy to just drop something, but with hard work and a positive attitude, you can realize your dreams."

Dr. Pamela Senegal, CCCC's vice president of Economic and Community Development, told the graduating students, "This is the beginning of an exciting time for you and the beginning of what, we hope will be a lifelong commitment. We hope you will continue your education in the health care industry. The opportunities are endless."

Dedicated to improving the economic outlook, workforce and continuing education programs for business and the community, Central Carolina Community College's Division of Economic and Community Development offers a variety of programs and services that vary according to community need.

These include high school completion, professional development courses, small business counseling and customized training for industry. With the construction of the new Central Harnett Hospital and the rapid growth of the health care industry in the surrounding area, the division's medical programs courses take on new significance.

Medical programs courses such as phlebotomy, nurse aide, pharmacy assistant, and many others are currently in demand. They provide students with marketable skills that can lead to lifelong careers in the health care industry.

CCCC's Continuing Education Department graduates many students each semester with training in a wide variety of medical occupations. The college provides certification or re-certification for those entering or continuing in these fields. Courses can be completed in a few weeks or months.

CCCC also offers CPR for the professional rescuer, drug collection specialist, geriatric aide, health care activity director, optometric assistant, physical/restorative therapy aide, biowork process technician, medical records-health information management and many other programs.

Nurse Aide-1 graduates, sisters Yadira and Rubi Patino, of Wake County, said they are eager to get out into the workforce. Both would like to work in either a doctor's office or hospital setting.

"The course was great and the teachers were excellent," said Yadira. "I like helping people; that's why I went in to nursing training. I'm really excited to get started in my career."

For more information on the college's Continuing Education Medical Programs, contact Health Program coordinators Joy McPhail, Lee County, 919-777-7787, jmcphail@cccc.edu; Cindy Smith, Chatham County, 919-545-8682, cssmith@cccc.edu; or Lennie Stephenson, Harnett County, 910-814-8833, lstephenson@cccc.edu. For information on summer Continuing Education programs see the schedule online at www.cccc.edu/ecd/schedule.