Going Pro initiative spotlights MCTC students entering the workforce

Published on Apr 1, 2025

Throughout April, May and June, Maysville Community and Technical College will feature 12 students graduating in May 2025 who will enter the workforce soon after. 

This is a Going Pro initiative, which strives to bring awareness to the possibilities unlocked as a traditional-age college student with little to no experience in the workforce. 

With many different programs offered at MCTC, prospective students can enter the workforce right after finishing their credentials. 

Carrie Planck, 25, is a student enrolled in the registered nurse (RN) program on the Maysville campus. Starting her nursing prerequisites in 2019, Planck began her journey with MCTC on the Rowan campus, seeking credentials to become a licensed practical nurse (LPN). 

According to Planck, she returned to MCTC to further her career because of the flexible schedules offered as a student with a full-time job. 

“The convenience with the online program for LPNs (LPN to RN) is really nice because, as an employee, I get to continue to work my hours at my job and continue to take my classes online,” Planck remarked. 

She continued to discuss the convenience of the program. 

“It’s (the program) very lenient with my work schedule and they’re (her employer and MCTC) willing to work around that,” Planck said. “I think that’s the biggest thing for a lot of people, being able to work and continue the program.”

After Planck finishes the RN program this spring, she will move into a full-time position as an RN with Fleming County Hospital (FCH), her current employer. 

According to Planck, she was 18 years old when she first began working with FCH. 

Beginning her career in registration, she met several coworkers who received their credentials from MCTC and felt inspired to go down a similar path to stay close to home for an affordable price while seeking higher credentials.

She noted her enjoyment of what the nurses at FCH do and the support she has received from her supervisors and coworkers. 

“Everybody here has always been so supportive of me in school,” Planck explained.

Mary Purdon, the senior nursing officer at FCH, shared her experiences with MCTC as Planck’s employer and a partner to the college. 

Coming to FCH from Meadowview Regional Medical Center (MRMC), Purdon has had good experiences with the college in her 26 years at the organization.

“We’ve always had a great relationship between both hospitals with the college. We like to support the nurses and have them here in the learning environment. The instructors are always very good, always present with the students and available to help give direction,” Purdon began. 

She noted the benefits of students working with the hospital, allowing nurses to teach alongside the instructors. 

“It’s a really good collaborative environment,” Purdon remarked. 

According to Purdon, FCH is currently seeking to fill four more positions with MCTC graduates. With several night shift positions open, she said it can be a good place to learn time management and “get your feet wet.”

“Coming from school and to the environment of work, it’s very different,” she said.

While Planck has had to cut back on hours to balance her work and school life, Purdon feels the process is an investment. 

“Anytime you can invest in somebody you want to invest in; you just have to wait to get the return,” Purdon said.

MCTC is proud to recognize the achievements of students who are entering the workforce or entering a new role soon after graduation.