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After 25 years at Durham Tech, Sue Cheng, Director of the Occupational Therapy Assistant program and Assistant Dean of Allied Health, is starting a new chapter in her career – retirement.
There are 10 admission steps for Non-US/International students to enroll at Durham Tech.
English for Academic Purposes (EAP) is a program designed to help students improve their skills in U.S. Academic English. Students entering this program already have the basics of English (or speak another variety of English), but need to improve their skills as it relates to college-level reading, writing, research, grammar, listening, and speaking.
Behind every new clinical trial is a team of individuals trained to interview, collect data, enter data, monitor programs, and ensure everything adheres to government mandates and industry standards.
In the mid-1990's, the City of Medicine was in dire need of clinical trials professionals due to the boom in clinical research from institutions like GlaxoSmithKline, Duke Medical Center, and UNC Hospitals.
Demand for jobs skyrocketed and Durham Tech was ready to respond.
Lee Ferrell, a board member with the local chapter of the Society of Clinical Research Associates, said there were thousands of trials going on in the area and the need for comprehensive training was great. At the time, the Society was providing continuing education programs through Duke University Medical Center but could not keep up with demand.
Ferrell approached Durham Tech in 1996 with the idea of starting a two-year degree program for clinical trials, and in 1998, the program was approved.
In the mid-1990's, the City of Medicine was in dire need of clinical trials professionals due to the boom in clinical research from institutions like GlaxoSmithKline, Duke Medical Center, and UNC Hospitals.
Demand for jobs skyrocketed and Durham Tech was ready to respond.
Lee Ferrell, a board member with the local chapter of the Society of Clinical Research Associates, said there were thousands of trials going on in the area and the need for comprehensive training was great. At the time, the Society was providing continuing education programs through Duke University Medical Center but could not keep up with demand.
Ferrell approached Durham Tech in 1996 with the idea of starting a two-year degree program for clinical trials, and in 1998, the program was approved.
When the COVID-19 pandemic slowed down college enrollment around the country, Cosmetic Arts programs at Durham Tech flourished – growing more than 300% since 2019.
Maria Steele, Director of Cosmetics Arts at Durham Tech, said it was likely due to a growing interest in entrepreneurship after so many people lost their jobs.
“COVID affected so many large businesses, that people wanted to start working for themselves, and becoming a cosmetologist allows them to specialize in multiple areas and become entrepreneurs,” she said. “You will always be able to make money in this industry because cosmetologists can do anything. You will never be stagnant. You can always reinvent yourself. It's such a versatile field, you can be an independent contractor at different salons and do everything.”
Steele is the driving force behind all Cosmetic Arts programs at the College, including cosmetology, esthetics, and manicuring – an industry that has remained resilient through both a recession and pandemic.
Maria Steele, Director of Cosmetics Arts at Durham Tech, said it was likely due to a growing interest in entrepreneurship after so many people lost their jobs.
“COVID affected so many large businesses, that people wanted to start working for themselves, and becoming a cosmetologist allows them to specialize in multiple areas and become entrepreneurs,” she said. “You will always be able to make money in this industry because cosmetologists can do anything. You will never be stagnant. You can always reinvent yourself. It's such a versatile field, you can be an independent contractor at different salons and do everything.”
Steele is the driving force behind all Cosmetic Arts programs at the College, including cosmetology, esthetics, and manicuring – an industry that has remained resilient through both a recession and pandemic.
Durham Tech student Juan-Pablo Quintanilla Ha began his interest in the Fidelity Scholars program during high school, when a guidance counselor shared information on the program.
“After learning about the Fidelity program from a high school counselor of mine, I researched the program and found I was a fit because of my Latino-Asian descent, but also because of my academic excellence and it helped that I am a go-getter,” said Ha, who was one of the Durham Tech students selected for the program. “I was then all about the program and how it could help me get a college education.”
Ha saw Fidelity’s program as a way to receive money for college, but quickly learned it was much more.
“After learning about the Fidelity program from a high school counselor of mine, I researched the program and found I was a fit because of my Latino-Asian descent, but also because of my academic excellence and it helped that I am a go-getter,” said Ha, who was one of the Durham Tech students selected for the program. “I was then all about the program and how it could help me get a college education.”
Ha saw Fidelity’s program as a way to receive money for college, but quickly learned it was much more.
Dr. Micara Lewis-Sessoms has led efforts in Work-Based Education at Durham Tech since 2007.
The idea behind Work-Based Education was to connect students with employers while enrolled at the College so they could gain invaluable work experience before graduating and ensure their chosen career path was a good fit for them.
“I want to have the impact of a connector of students to employers. That connection can change the trajectory of their whole lives. It can change their legacy,” she said. “I always tell students, ‘you’re about to embark on a 160-hour interview.’”
The idea behind Work-Based Education was to connect students with employers while enrolled at the College so they could gain invaluable work experience before graduating and ensure their chosen career path was a good fit for them.
“I want to have the impact of a connector of students to employers. That connection can change the trajectory of their whole lives. It can change their legacy,” she said. “I always tell students, ‘you’re about to embark on a 160-hour interview.’”
Find information about College Performance, Performance Measures, Systems Excellence Levels, and other college statistics.
The Goodnight Scholars Program scholarship, valued at up to $21,000 per year, is awarded to approximately 20 transfer students each year.
View the agenda for the Teaching and Learning Professional Development Day.