LA PLATA, Md., May 15, 2025 — The College of Southern Maryland (CSM) celebrated 80 students on May 8 at its La Plata Campus during the Health Career Readiness Recognition ceremony. These students completed programs in 10 high-demand healthcare fields, including veterinary assistant, certified medical administrative assistant, health information system, certified nutrition coach, certified personal training, Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) and Geriatric Nursing Assistant (GNA), dental assistant, phlebotomy technician, certified clinical medical assistant, and medical laboratory technology.
“Tonight, we celebrate more than your academic accomplishments,” CSM President Dr. Yolanda Wilson told students at the ceremony. “We celebrate your commitment to entering fields that improve lives and strengthen communities. These professions require not only technical knowledge, but also compassion, patience, and resilience. Your success reflects all of those qualities.”
The recognized programs prepare students for careers projected to grow faster than average through 2033, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. These fields are expected to generate hundreds of thousands of job openings nationwide, reflecting the critical need for skilled healthcare professionals. “Your skills are needed, your work matters, and your future is full of opportunity,” Wilson said.
Students balanced rigorous coursework with jobs, family responsibilities, and other commitments. “We know that many of you balanced school with jobs, families, and other responsibilities and reaching this moment is a tremendous accomplishment,” Wilson said. “So, take pride in what you have achieved and enjoy every moment of this recognition. You have earned it.”
The ceremony highlighted students across various programs. In the Certified Clinical Medical Assistant program, graduates included Olivia Bruns, Jaelynn Murray, MarQuita Williams, Morgen Boone, and Courtney Smith. The Certified Medical Administrative Assistant program recognized Alexandra Fisher, Michelle Higgs, Remy Jones, Z’Khyia Lucas, and Amanda Morris. The Certified Nutrition Coach program, with one of the largest cohorts, honored 22 students, including Sara Allwine, Trent Barbour, and Lexi Reeder.
Certified Personal Training graduates included Trent Barbour, Chancellor Howard, Ava Kane, Nyla Parker, and Zoi Whitsett. The CNA/GNA program celebrated eight students, such as Cayla Kriner and Owen Whalen. Dental Assistant graduates included Camryn Eckard and Thu Nguyen, while the Health Information System program recognized Caniesha Barnes, Michele Gibson, and Krisann Mullican.
The Medical Laboratory Technology program honored Haven Kloiber-Hirshman and Fiona Ross. Phlebotomy Technician graduates included Cassidy Conte, Arianna Rice, Victoria Young, and Hannah Robinson. The Veterinary Assistant program, with 16 graduates, recognized students like Regann Ambrister, Chelsea Bassford, and Kaylee Wynne.
“Whether your next steps include entering the workforce, continuing your education, or pursuing new certifications, you are well prepared for the path ahead,” Wilson said. The ceremony underscored the students’ readiness to contribute to healthcare fields that demand both technical expertise and empathy.
CSM, serving Southern Maryland since 1958, offers a range of workforce development programs to meet regional needs. The college’s healthcare training aligns with industry demands, equipping students for immediate employment or further education. Photos from the ceremony are available at CSM’s photo gallery.
The event reflected CSM’s commitment to fostering career-ready graduates who strengthen the healthcare infrastructure of Southern Maryland and beyond. With certifications in hand, these students are poised to address the growing demand for healthcare professionals in their communities.
