The College of Southern Maryland honored 89 new healthcare professionals January 15, 2026, during the Health Career Readiness Recognition Ceremony at its La Plata campus in Charles County. The event celebrated graduates from seven workforce development programs designed to meet regional demand for entry-level healthcare roles.
Graduates earned certificates and pins in Dental Assistant, Certified Administrative Assistant, Phlebotomy Technician, Certified Clinical Medical Assistant, Community Health Worker, Certified Personal Trainer, and Certified Nutrition Coach. The programs blend classroom instruction with hands-on clinical training, preparing participants for immediate workforce entry or further education while delivering industry-recognized credentials.
CSM President Dr. Yolanda Wilson addressed the class, underscoring their readiness and community impact. “You are entering professions that strengthen communities in real and lasting ways,” Dr. Wilson said. “Candidates, you are ready for this moment. You are prepared for the responsibility that lies ahead, and you are needed now more than ever.”
Healthcare continues as one of the fastest-growing U.S. industries. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported more than 22.5 million workers employed in the sector in 2024, reflecting an addition of about 4.5 million jobs since 2014. This growth positions healthcare as the nation’s largest and most rapidly expanding employment sector.
Kelly Winters, Executive Director of Workforce Development at CSM, highlighted the timing and purpose of these careers. “Your work will help keep health systems running, improve access to care, and strengthen the well-being of our communities,” Winters said. “That is meaningful work, and it is work that matters.”
Candi Hume, Health Programs Chair, praised the graduates’ preparation and character. “Our graduates are not only equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to excel but also embody the compassion and integrity that are the hallmarks of this noble profession,” Hume said.
The ceremony reflects CSM’s focus on addressing Southern Maryland’s healthcare workforce shortages through accessible, career-oriented training. Programs serve residents in Calvert, Charles, and St. Mary’s counties by providing pathways into stable, in-demand occupations that support local hospitals, clinics, and wellness services.
Winters closed with practical guidance for career success. “First: Own the profession you’re entering. Healthcare depends on individuals who show up prepared, reliable, and patient-centered,” she said. “Second: Stay curious. Healthcare evolves quickly, and continued learning is how careers advance. CSM is always here for your next credential.”
The recognition marks a key step for graduates entering a field where demand remains high across the region. Southern Maryland’s healthcare facilities, including MedStar St. Mary’s Hospital in Leonardtown and the University of Maryland Charles Regional Medical Center in La Plata, rely on such trained professionals to maintain service levels amid ongoing population growth and aging demographics.