Middle Georgia Technical College

MGTC Allied Health Programs Featured at 3rd
Annual ΄Taste of the Technical Colleges΄

Atlanta - Middle Georgia Technical College, along with representatives from 32 other colleges in the Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG), gave state legislators a look of what technical colleges do best at the 3rd annual Taste of Technical Colleges. Technical education΄s “wow“ factor was center stage for more than 400 state legislators and other dignitaries participating in the event.

The event was held January 29 with college representatives and visitors filling the historic Atlanta Freight Depot across from the State Capitol. TCSG officials, college presidents, faculty members, college staff and students were on hand to talk to guests about the new age of technical education in Georgia.

Lawmakers were able to view program demonstrations from each college in high-demand fields like healthcare, electronics, logistics, digital technology, and more. Some of the interactive displays allowed guests to actually utilize the same equipment that students use as part of their hands-on training at their technical college. This equipment mirrors that which is used in today΄s workforce.

In addition to experiencing different program areas, guests were also able to dine on foods prepared by chefs and students from the 12 technical colleges with Culinary Arts programs. This year΄s culinary display featured American Regional Cuisine where each of the 12 culinary programs prepared foods from different regions of the United States.

Because of the great need for medical professionals, Middle Georgia Technical College chose to highlight Allied Health Programs. Surgical Technology Instructor Lorna Cox and Practical Nursing Instructor Fredia Wimsatt, along with two students, Sasha Henderson and Kelly Keener of Warner Robins, traveled to Atlanta to share information about these programs with the legislators. Visitors to the MGTC booth were able to learn about joints and knee replacements and were able to interact with “Michael,“ a baby manikin that has the technical capabilities for the students to hear and diagnose various children abnormalities and display this information on a monitor.

TCSG Commissioner Ron Jackson said the event showcases the kind of learning opportunities that are attracting more people to the state΄s technical colleges and allows the legislators a first-hand look at the different technological training that is offered across the state.

“Last year, our colleges educated more than 140,000 Georgia students and our enrollment is growing,“ said Jackson. “The technical colleges΄ exceptional level of training, and the in-demand, high-paying jobs that result, is a big reason why more students than ever are making a state technical college their first choice for a college education.“

Practical Nursing Instructor Fredia Wimsatt , students Kelly Keener and Sasha Henderson, and Surgical Technology Instructor Lorna Cox are pictured in front of the MGTC display with two Practical Nursing students who attended to help showcase the College΄s Allied Health Programs.