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in DACC ’ s nursing program by removing as many barriers as possible that prohibit students from entering , or completing , the program .
One barrier is a previously required entrance exam . Per the state , potential students have to demonstrate an eighth grade educational level .
“ That could be verified through transcripts ,” he said . “ We don ’ t have to give an entrance test to verify that information . So I ’ ve removed that test as a barrier .”
There ’ s also a financial barrier , and Watson said he ’ s coordinating with the local unemployment office on scholarship opportunities .
“ They have scholarships to help individuals get back to work ,” he said , adding that the money could help defray the cost of tuition , supplies , fees and other costs associated with higher education . “ If we have a person who is out of work , it gives them an opportunity to get back to work and have it be paid for .”
Those interested in applying for
scholarships can visit www . dacc . edu / finaid / scholarships .
More health-related careers
DACC also offers other programs in health care professions . There are the medical imaging programs like echocardiography , sonography and radiologic technology , and health information programs like cancer registry , along with other data-driven subjects .
“ I feel like very often people think about health ( careers ) as just primary health providers and face-to-face interaction , so my side is more behind the scenes ,” said Manuel Rodriguez , DACC ’ s dean of math , science and health careers . “ Although with taking images , you ’ re still working with patients , but instead of focusing on the patient , it ’ s more just getting equipment working and getting things going .”
Careers in the health field can be beneficial early on , Rodriguez said . Students often don ’ t need very high degrees to actually get a good paying , stable job .
“ I remember growing up , my parents were always telling me , ‘ Go for a career where you can find a job ,’” Rodriguez said . “ These types of careers will give you a job anywhere . If you are a city person , you can get a job in the city . If you are a small town person , you can find a job in a small town .” He said in most careers , higher wages often come with higher education degrees , but that ’ s not necessarily the case for a lot of health-related fields .
“ These types of careers , especially imaging , you get your associate degree and after that it ’ s all certifications ,” he said . “ So you don ’ t have to go back to get your bachelor ’ s , you don ’ t have to go back to get your master ’ s . I mean , you can , but to get those pay raises , you can achieve those by getting certified in something new , so that ’ s very handy .”
For more information on DACC ’ s health care programs , visit www . dacc . edu / programs .
DACC currently offers a certificate program in diagnostic medical sonography , but Dean Manuel Rodriguez said the college will begin offering it as an associate degree program in the fall 2024 semester , along with echocardiography .
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