SANFORD - Approximately 175 people are the most recent graduates of the Central Carolina Community College's Division of Workforce Development Continuing Education Health and Professional Services Programs, which held its graduation on Dec. 14 at the Dennis A. Wicker Civic & Conference Center.

The certificate areas include Cardiovascular Monitor Technician, Introduction to Sonography, Medical Billing and Coding, Medical Math, Nurse Aide I, Nurse Aide II, Pharmacy Technician, Phlebotomy Technician, Rehabilitation Technician, and Therapeutic Massage II.

Danni Xu, a Nurse Aide I and Phlebotomy Technician graduate from Chatham County, was one of the student speakers. An immigrant from China, this is her third year in the U.S. She had this advice for her fellow graduates. "Do not give up. If people say there is no solution, do not be sad. There is support from the instructors, the staff, your classmates, and your friends. You are talented, and you can achieve your goal," she said. "Thank you again to all the people who helped me, my instructors and classmates, college staff. Thank you CCCC -- you make me strong."

Medical Billing and Coding graduate Satara McDade from Harnett County also was a student speaker. "As a mother and wife, I wanted to be able to pursue this goal without missing time with family, so I decided to research community colleges in the area that offered the course. I came across CCCC and not only was the price reasonable, but the time offered was after business hours and online which is exactly what I was looking for," she said. "This course taught me how to take accountability for not only what I learned but retained. I have been able to gain the necessary knowledge to become certified in medical billing and coding."

Jason Haskins, CCCC Director of Health and Professional Services Programs, had the welcoming remarks and led the graduates in the Health Occupations' Pledge.

Introduction of Faculty was by Beverly Brock, CCCC Nurse Aide/Health Programs Coordinator.

Gregory Singleton, CCCC Dean of Workforce Development and Continuing Education Programs, introduced the student speakers.

The presentation of students was by Felicia Crittenden, CCCC Dean of Workforce Development and Continuing Education Operations.

CCCC President Dr. Lisa M. Chapman presented certificates to the graduates.

Margaret Roberton, CCCC Vice President for Workforce Development, had closing remarks.

To learn more about Central Carolina Community College and its programs, visit https://www.cccc.edu.