Posted by Centura College on Feb 1, 2019 in Adult Education, Centura College, Centura Richmond, Medical Assisting
It’s always fulfilling to see one of our Centura College students graduate and find employment in their chosen field of study. Today’s spotlight features just that: Centura Richmond graduate, Sten Harris.
Centura Richmond grad Sten Harris
Initially, Sten went to school in North Carolina with aspirations of becoming a veterinarian assistant. Eventually, he decided to switch gears, and wound up enrolling in the Medical Assistant program at the Centura College campus in Richmond.
During his time at Centura, Sten was a model student and demonstrated signs of being a leader. He arrived to school every day ready for class and prepared to help others through times of struggle.
Tragedy struck the Richmond campus during Sten’s time at Centura, with the passing of a fellow student (and classmate of Harris). At the commencement ceremony, Harris was one of the students that volunteered to speak to his fellow graduates about the impact the loss of his classmate had on him.
Following graduation, Harris returned to North Carolina, where he was hired as a medical assistant as a part of the Duke Early Phase Clinical Research Unit. Early Phase works with pharmaceutical, biotech, medical device, government agencies, foundations, technology companies, investigators, and academic centers to conduct a broad range of studies in its 34-bed research unit. This state-of-the-art site enables Early Phase to execute high-intensity, continuous monitoring, and procedure-heavy studies.
A big congratulations goes out to Sten for fulfilling his career goals!
Posted by Centura College on Oct 11, 2018 in Adult Education, Campus Connections, Career Change, Career Services, Centura College, Centura Richmond, Community Connections, Spotlight Feature
Centura Richmond Campus Executive Director, Rob Jones and Sarah Irby.
Centura College Richmond is passionate about the work at Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) Children’s Hospital. VCU Children’s Hospital is Central Virginia’s only comprehensive, full-service hospital devoted to the care of children. It’s ranked among the nation’s top children’s hospital by U.S. News and World Report and is Virginia’s only Level 1 pediatric trauma center.
Last year, the Richmond campus collected over 75 children’s books for the many kids undergoing care at the facility. This year we decided give back to the young patients again, by collecting everyday school supplies. Our students and faculty rose to the challenge presented and we outdid our donations from the previous year!
Student Services Representative Kelvin Lee and Sarah Irby.
With so many school supply drives, the children are unfortunately unable to attend those types of events due to the efforts concentrated on their recovery. Student Services Representative Kelvin Lee and Campus Executive Director Rob Jones decided to visit the Children’s Hospital to present Ms. Sarah Irby (Volunteer & Community Outreach Coordinator) our donations. With the incredible job this hospital performs on a daily basis we truly look forward to partnering together with Ms. Irby for future events. This was a great way to kick off the new school year by providing much needed school supplies to the hospital’s young patients.
About Centura College
Centura College has been part of an organization dedicated to helping men and women develop careers since 1969. By training working adults in healthcare, technology, business, and skilled trades, they connect communities with some of the fastest growing career fields in today’s marketplace. The school offers professional facilities, knowledgeable instructors, day or evening classes, job placement assistance and is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC). To learn more, visit www.CenturaCollege.edu or like them on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/centura.edu.
Posted by Centura College on Jul 31, 2018 in Adult Education, Campus Connections, Career Change, Centura Richmond, Community Connections, Dental Assistant, Dental Assisting, Press Release, Spotlight Feature
By Kelvin Lee, Student Services Coordinator, Centura College Richmond
A quiet, shy, and very soft-spoken individual, Ms. Danielle Young enrolled in the Dental Assistant program at the North Chesterfield campus in March 2017. As a child, Danielle set her sights on pursuing a career in the dental field. Her grandfather was a practicing dentist for many years, so she wanted nothing less than to live up to his legacy.
While enrolled in the program, Danielle flourished. With a firm grasp on the curriculum and the hands-on training, she applied her knowledge in both the classrooms and in the labs. Danielle was on the North Chesterfield campus’s Director’s List for academic achievement and was nominated (and chosen) for the Alpha Beta Kappa Honor Society, all while maintaining a 3.92 grade point average.
Before our annual commencement ceremony in June, we held auditions to determine which students would serve as speakers at the ceremony. Students were encouraged to write a motivating and uplifting speech about their success at Centura College. I was quite surprised and excited when I realized that Danielle might be one of our speakers. This modest graduate would later deliver a soul-stirring speech about humility, encouragement, and what hard work can accomplish.
Incidentally, Danielle was a referral from one of our medical assistant students who later went on to graduate and is now pursuing a bachelor’s degree in nursing. There is an old saying by an unknown author that suggests that if you believe in yourself, others will follow.
I’m proud to say that Danielle has been accepted into the School of Dentistry at Virginia Commonwealth University, where she plans to continue her education. She decided not to include this great news in her graduation speech, and while I was on stage, I wondered why she left it out. It just goes to show the type of person that Danielle is. As a student and as a graduate of the Dental Assistant program, she wanted to highlight the support that she received from the administrators and the advisers that she met while at Centura College rather than her own achievements.
Congratulations Ms. Young. We all wish you the best of luck in your future pursuits!
Posted by Centura College on Apr 17, 2018 in Adult Education, Campus Connections, Career Change, Career Fair, Centura College, Centura Richmond, Community Connections, Press Release
Centura College will be holding a career fair for its students, graduates, and individuals in the community who are seeking employment.
By Brian Stauss
Centura College will be holding a career fair on Saturday, April 21 at its campus located at 7914 Midlothian Turnpike, North Chesterfield, VA 23235. The fair begins at 10 a.m. and will continue until 4 p.m.
The event will feature companies from a variety of industries. Employers attending will lend guidance regarding the application process for their companies, and may even hold on-site interviews for qualified applicants. Guests are expected to attend the career fair professionally dressed, with copies of their resumes and prepared to network. A list of participating employers can be found at https://www.facebook.com/events/587435664966929.
“Centura College strives to connect communities and careers, so we are encouraging both our students, and the public to attend,” says Steve Worrell, Campus Executive Director at Centura College’s Richmond campus. “We will have many employers on-site, hiring for a variety of entry-level positions.”
Career fair attendees are also invited to take a tour of the campus’s training facilities and to meet with admissions staff to discuss the benefits of career-focused training and the various program options available at Centura College.
This event is free and open to the public. For more information regarding Centura College’s career fair, contact the Richmond campus at (804) 330-0111.
About Centura College
Centura College has been part of an organization dedicated to helping men and women develop careers since 1969. By training working adults in healthcare, technology, business, and skilled trades, they connect communities with some of the fastest growing career fields in today’s marketplace. The school offers professional facilities, knowledgeable instructors, day or evening classes, job placement assistance and is accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC). To learn more, visit www.CenturaCollege.edu or like them on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/centura.edu.
Posted by Centura College on Mar 6, 2018 in Adult Education, Campus Connections, Career Change, Career Services, Centura Chesapeake, Centura College, Centura Columbia, Centura Newport News, Centura Norfolk, Centura Richmond, Centura Virginia Beach, Financial Aid, GI Bill Benefits for College, Lifestyle, Military Friendly School, Spotlight Feature
By: Esperanza Poquiz
The faculty that forms the Student Services Department plays a key role in helping you through your college journey. Student Services includes different branches of a campus to aid you in addressing specific needs. Below you can find information on the departments that help maintain order on campus:
- Career Services – If you are a graduate, or you are about to graduate, Career Services can provide assistance when it comes to searching for jobs. They help with writing resumes and will coach you on proper interview attire and etiquette. They will even performing mock interviews in preparation for the real thing. Career Services arranges opportunities for employers to come to the campus to encourage you to meet with them face to face.
- Bursar – The Bursar Department assists with billing, monitoring your account balances and collecting balances due.
- Financial Aid – The Financial Aid Department breaks down the specifics on your financial aid options. They will also provide information on grant or scholarship opportunities.
- Librarian/Learning Resource Center Assistant – A Librarian, or Learning Resource Center Assistant, provides tools, books and other reference materials that can help you with studying or assignments.
- Registrar – The Registrar Department maintains order when it comes to things like: attendance and student records, grades, transfer/transcript information, and class enrollments.
- Student Services – A Student Services Coordinator establishes relationships with the community as resources for you. Using their connections, they will help you in finding housing information, transportation and daycare options, as well as, part time jobs options to have while attending school.
- Veteran Services– Veterans Services equip veteran students with information on what educational benefits are offered to them. They accommodate veterans to help create a smooth transition from military life to civilian life.
Equipped with the proper knowledge of what each Student Services Department does, you now know which department to turn to for the proper guidance.
Posted by Centura College on Jul 11, 2017 in Business Accounting Degree, Business Management, Centura Chesapeake, Centura College, Centura Columbia, Centura Newport News, Centura Norfolk, Centura Richmond, Centura Virginia Beach, Tips & Tricks
By Jul DeGeus
Some might argue that professionalism is one of the keys to success in the business world. Knowing the rules of business etiquette can set you apart from other employees, but one of the most commonly abused etiquette rules is the use of cell phones. While you should refer to your company’s rules and regulations for instruction regarding cell phone usage, these are some best practices:
Cellphone Volume and Ringer/ Ringtone
There’s nothing worse than sitting at your cubicle, working on a report in a silent office and having your phone ring. Anxiously, you bustle around through your personal items, quickly trying to hush it. You apologize for disturbing everyone and, red-faced, you get back to work hoping you won’t be made fun of later for your choice of ringtone. Two main rules of etiquette can be learned in this situation:
- Always remember to silence your phone- Make turning your phone to “silent mode” part of your morning routine to save you some shame. Breakfast, shower, brush your teeth, check your phone, grab coffee and head to work.
- Pick a professional ring/text tone- While you might know all the words to “Baby Got Back,” and even have a choreographed dance paired with it for special occasions, your ringtone reflects your professionalism. Keep it generic to keep it professional.
Also keep in mind that setting your phone to “vibrate” is not the same as “silencing” your phone. While it is harder for some to pick up the sounds, vibrations are audible, especially if sitting on a tabletop surface.
When and Where to Use Your Cell
Prime Time
Lunch time is the perfect time to take or make personal calls. Most lunches are “off the clock” which is the ideal time to make your calls. Just be aware of your surroundings and understand that in a cafeteria or restaurant setting, others have the opportunity to hear part or all of your conversation. A personal or secluded space, such as your car, will allow for more privacy.
Be Cautious
Most companies allow you to use your phone on break, but take into consideration how long you use your phone. Generally, breaks are 15 minutes. If you exceed this time, it is likely that your boss will notice and could result in discipline.
Avoid Usage
It’s not the best idea to use your phone when in your cubicle. A neighbor can pop their head over the separator and gaze your screen or overhear a chat you are having. Additionally, you do not want to interrupt your peers’ concentration by carrying out a loud, disruptive dialogue.
People often use restrooms to have conversation on their phone. While this seems private, voices can carry through the buildings ventilation system. Not to mention, if your office shares a single or limited number of stalls, you could be holding up someone who needs to use the restroom.
There’s always an exception to the rule and when it comes to cell phones, emergencies are the exception. If there is some sort of emergency that causes your phone to ‘blow up,’ communicate this with your boss so they are aware of why you are on your phone.
Avoid Rudeness
Say you are in a meeting and someone vaguely refers to information you know you have access to via your cell phone. In situations like this, it’s ok to use your phone to access the information, so long as you announce that that is what you are doing. Something as simple as, “I’ll get those exact numbers for you,” or, “I have that email, let me pull it up,” will let everyone in the meeting know you are using your phone to enhance the meeting, rather than ignore it.
When interacting with people, give them your full attention. Try not to use your phone as a timepiece and avoid your smart watch; if you spend too much time looking at your smart watch, people will assume you are checking a text message and ignoring them. Finally, as sneaky as you may be, don’t read text messages under the table, behind a coffee cup or in back of portfolio or clip board.
