When Ashley Honeycutt graduated from Rowan-Cabarrus Community College a few years ago, she didn’t know she’d already have her dream job.

Today, Honeycutt is a pediatric nurse practitioner at Salisbury Pediatric Associates. She graduated from Rowan-Cabarrus in 2008 as a registered nurse and went on to graduate from Duke University with her master’s degree.

“I pretty much have my dream job – I love working with kids. As a pediatric nurse practitioner, it is so rewarding to help kids go from sick to well,” said Honeycutt.

Honeycutt chose to pursue her nurse aide I certification while still in high school.

“One great component of choosing the Rowan-Cabarrus nursing program, especially while you’re in high school, is that you can get your nurse aide certifications and immediately start working. Then, you can continue your education while working, essentially getting years ahead of those who simply attend four-year schools for their nursing degrees,” said Honeycutt.

Not only is the certified nursing assistant (CNA) certification a prerequisite for nursing school admission, it also provides a way for students to work in the health care field and pay for college.

“Rowan-Cabarrus is committed to helping students. Through partnerships with local high schools and four-year colleges like the University of North Carolina at Greensboro, Rowan-Cabarrus can facilitate your nursing career right here,” said Wendy Barnhardt, dean of health and education programs at Rowan-Cabarrus Community College.

The college offers a variety of health occupations courses that are designed to provide aspiring health care workers the additional education and skills needed to be employed in the medical, nursing and allied health fields. These programs are designed to prepare students for employment in hospitals, long-term facilities and home health agencies.

The calendar includes the following health occupations courses scheduled to be held this fall:

• Nurse Aide I course – Tuesdays and Thursdays, 5:30-10 p.m., Oct. 6,  Feb. 23, West Avenue Center
• Pharmacy technician – Mondays, 6-9 p.m., Oct. 12-Jan. 27, South Campus
• Nurse Aide I refresher – Tuesdays and Thursdays, 8 a.m.-12:30 p.m., Oct. 13-Nov. 12, West Avenue Center
• Nurse Aide I course – Tuesdays and Thursdays, 12:45-5:15 p.m., Oct. 20-Feb. 25
• Nurse Aide I course – Fridays and Saturdays, 8:30 a.m.-1 p.m., Nov. 6–March 25, North Campus
• Nurse Aide I course – Fridays and Saturdays, 10 a.m.-2:30 p.m., Dec. 4-April 22, North Campus

For more information about health occupations courses at Rowan-Cabarrus Community College, including how to register and a constantly updating course schedule, visit www.rccc.edu/healthoccupations or call 704-216-7222.