ADVISING & TRANSFER NEWS
Grays Harbor College Counseling Center

Spring 2003

Health Professions Available to You!

 Nursing

Are you interested in becoming a registered nurse or certified nursing assistant?  The nursing program at Grays Harbor College can help you.  The nursing program is a “ladder” program which allows you to start with your C.N.A. and build up to the R.N. requirements.  Students must meet coursework requirements and admittance is competitive.  Students must also be able to pass a state background check.  For more information on this popular program, please contact Penny Woodruff in room 635 or at 538-4148.

How much money can a nurse make?

According to the Washington Occupational Information System (WOIS), entry level nurses in Washington State make an $15.00-19.25 per hour ($2,600-3,337 month).

What is the job outlook for nursing?

Nursing is expected to grow as fast as the average as other occupations.  Currently, there is a high demand for nurses in Washington State.  Many hospitals and clinics even offer nurses hiring bonuses.

Are there advancement opportunities?

Nurses do have advancement opportunities through training and education.  Nurses with a Bachelor’s degree or specialized training are able to perform more medical procedures and typically receive higher pay.

 Medical Assisting

What if you are not sure you want to be a nurse and are interested in the medical field?  Well, medical assisting might be the job for you.  Medical assistants help nurses in hospitals and clinics with routine medical exams.  They gather medical histories from patients, check weight and blood pressure, and may administer medications or injections.  They often help with administrative and billing duties as well.

Medical assistants do not make as much money as nurses, averaging $8.00-10.00 to start.  The average medical assistant in Washington State makes $10.16-13.72 per hour.  Depending on the employer, medical assistants can receive insurance, vacation, sick leave and continuing education benefits.  This field of employment is also expected to grow faster than average and currently there is a high demand for medical personnel.  The closest training program for medical assisting is located at South Puget Sound Community College, but you can take prerequisite courses here first.  If you are interested in this occupation, visit a GHC college counselor for more information.

Dental Assisting

Are you interested in being a dental assistant?  South Puget Sound Community College has a program that will have you ready for a dental career in two years if you have the right prerequisites.  Dental assistants in Washington State make an average of $13.60-18.30 per hour.  They work in clinics or private offices and there are opportunities for advancement with experience and education.  If you are a detailed person who is a crazy about oral hygiene, stop by the counseling center to find out what prerequisites for the program you can take here.

Computers
Computer aided drafting courses are available to students interested in learning something new or who want to add to their current computer skills.  It is recommended that students have knowledge of at least Windows 95 before taking courses.  Instructor permission is required to register for the Autocad series.  For more information, stop by the Workforce Education Office or contact the instructor, Brion Buisman.

Writing Lab
Are you having trouble with the writing assignments in your class?  Do you need some help with that big research paper?  Do you want to improve your writing skills?  If so, sign up for Writing Lab (English 100).  Writing Lab is an open-lab tutorial course emphasizing the principles and skills necessary for preparing informative and argumentative writing for college courses.  The lab is staffed by an English instructor from the college (Mr. Watson).  Check the quarterly schedule for times and sections.

Student Services Survey
The annual Student Services Survey will be available in April to students wanting to give feedback about the resources available to them on campus.  This is your opportunity to rate the services you receive on campus from admissions, the bookstore, the counseling center, food services, advising, the business office, financial aid, disability support services, and student programs.

Are you looking for a good job?
Visit the State of Washington home page for county and state jobs.  Go to www.wa.gov. and click on the Employment link.  From there you will be able to view open positions and add your name to the job register.  Some positions even have applications online.  If you still need help, stop by the Counseling Center.

Transfer Update

Western Washington University

Western Washington University transfer deadline is April 1.  It is to your benefit to apply before the deadline.  If you already applied and have not heard back, the lack of decision is not bad news.  Most decisions will not be made until after April 1.  If you need help with your application or have questions, visit Western’s website at www.wwu.edu or stop by the Counseling Center for assistance.

Evergreen State College

If you are planning to attend Evergreen next fall, you’d better get your application in quick.  The priority deadline was March 3rd, but Evergreen will accept applications as long as they have space or until May, whichever comes first.  Evergreen has one more “Transfer Friday” scheduled for March 14th.  It is a great opportunity to meet admissions counselors, faculty and students, to take a tour of campus, and get an overview of curriculum.  Please call ahead of time to reserve yourself a space (360) 867-6170 or email www.admissions@evergreen.edu.

Washington State University

Priority application deadline for both freshmen and transfer students was March 1st.  However, transfer applications received after March 1st  will be admitted on a space-by-space basis.

Central Washington University

Priority admission deadline for fall quarter for both freshmen and transfer students is May 1st.  Central strongly advises applying before the deadline.  Visit their website at www.cwu.edu for information on applying, campus visits, housing, and more.

Eastern Washington University

Priority admission deadline for fall quarter at Eastern was March 1st for both freshmen and transfer applicants.  If you apply after the deadline, you will be considered for admission the following quarter.  Eastern has a very friendly website that lists application steps for freshmen and transfer students.  Check it out at www.ewu.edu.

The Counseling Center will be hosting a Transfer Table in the HUB on Tuesday, March 11th from  9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m.  Counselors will be available to answer questions about transferring and applying to schools.  Please stop by and take advantage of the information they have to share. 

It is never too late to start planning ahead.

Transfer & Advising News is published periodically by the Counseling Center.  Short articles and reminders are written by counselors and GHC staff.  For more information, call the Counseling Center at (360)-538-4049.