Instructor:  Ms. Stephanie Coleman

Ms. Coleman has 20 years of experience in the healthcare profession.  She began her career as a Certified Nurse Assistant and later received a Licensed Practical Nurse certificate and an Associate’s RN degree from Bevill State Community College.  After gaining several years of experience in various healthcare settings, she went back to college and received both Bachelor’s and Master's Degrees in Nursing with a specialty in Nurse Education from the University of North Alabama.  Previous work experiences include hospitals, long-term care facilities, home health, and the school setting.  She is also a proud Army veteran who served a tour in Iraq in 2003 in addition to spending 13 years in the Alabama Army National Guard.

What is the goal of the program: The health science program trains students to enter many fields in the area of health care.

Requirements to enroll: Any 10th through 12th grade student in the Lamar County School System is eligible to enroll as well as home-school students who meet the qualifications at their feeder school.

Cost of program to students: Classroom donation:  $40.00 Health insurance is required.

Certificates/Credentials offered: Upon earning three credits in Health Science, a student will earn completer status.  Second-year students in Health Science, provided they meet age requirements, will work to earn a nationally recognized CNA credential.  The students must pass a rigorous written examination as well as a skills examination.

Employment Potential: This program prepares students for a range of careers in the healthcare industry.  CNA students pursue careers in nursing homes, hospitals, and private medical clinics with no further training after high school.  Many health science students continue their education at the collegiate level earning two-year RN degrees and four-year RN degrees.  Students may choose to continue their education to earn upper-level degrees in many healthcare fields.