Category Archive

Career Services is pleased to announce a new affiliation agreement between ATA College and Baptist Healthcare. This exciting relationship allows ATA students to participate in externship programs at more than 20 Baptist Medical Associate facilities, 4 Baptist Urgent Care facilities and 4 Baptistworx locations.

This is a great opportunity for ATA students in our various allied health programs to gain hands-on experience at one of Louisville’s largest healthcare providers. Baptist employs a large number of ATA graduates and I expect this trend to continue as Baptist managers are able to get to know our students and see them in action during the externship.

We are very excited about this opportunity and look forward to further developing this relationship.  

–Brett Weber

Director of Career Services

Pictured L to R: Katie Bechtold, Kathy Johnson, Brett Weber and Bree Couch (Not pictured Lee Ann Wilson)

Some of you recognize him as the president of ATA College, while others of you see him as “the boss.”   When I see him, I’m more inclined to view him as the boys in the green pride at Camp Boggy Creek do; they recognize Don Jones as one of their summer camp counselors.  What you might not know about Don Jones is that he spent this past June volunteering a week of his time at Camp Boggy Creek in Eustis, Fl.  Camp Boggy Creek is no ordinary camp-It’s a magical place that serves seriously ill children ages 7-16.  Boggy is a year round facility that offers both family weekends and week long summer sessions.  The children served at Boggy suffer from heart problems, hemophilia, cancer, epilepsy, severe asthma, spinal bifida, sickle cell, and have immune deficiency problems.

                This was Don’s second time volunteering at Boggy, having spent a week in the summer of 2007 in the green pride, during Asthma week.  Don returned to the green pride this summer working with the oldest campers during the week of Hemophilia.  At Boggy, the volunteer’s description is very simple: Make sure the kids have the best week of their lives.  No one spends time at Boggy and calls it volunteering or work.  If you’re at Boggy, you’re simply playing with kids 100% of the time and that’s exactly what Don did with his boys who ranged in age from 13-15.  He let his boys paint his bald head green for Silly Olympics, he danced to Justin Bieber in the dining hall, and participated in late night sneak outs with his cabin, even though it was way past his bedtime.  If you saw him at camp you’d never know that the man playing basketball in the pool or eating spaghetti without hands or utensils is 55 years old.  You’d never convince his 13, 14, and 15 year old boys that he normally wears a tie and dress shirt to work.  His boys would laugh at his professional attire as they’re used to a guy in a baseball hat that takes them fishing in the morning and attempts to dance the Dougie, despite his lack of rhythm.  His boys would never believe you if you said Don is worried about people messing up his painted walls at work because the Don they know isn’t afraid of a food fight and is a fierce competitor during the camp “aquatic activity,” also known as the water fight.  One of Don’s campers said it best during the afternoon web of kindness, “I’ve been a camper for seven years and Don is the best camp counselor I’ve ever had.”  That’s pretty powerful stuff, especially since it’s coming from a 15 year old boy who wasn’t afraid to stand in front of the whole camp and say it.

                When he wasn’t playing with his boys, he spent time helping them to deal with their illness.  Hemophilia is a medical condition in which one’s blood struggles to clot, often due to a lack of factor VIII.  Those suffering from hemophilia may bleed internally especially at their joints: knees, elbows, ankles etc.  The bleeding can damage organs and tissues and may be life threatening.  Children at Camp Boggy Creek are given the unique opportunity to learn how to self-infuse.  Self-infusing is an injection of factor that gives blood the ability to clot.  The kids at camp learn how to self-infuse by infusing others.  Don volunteered to let one of his boys, Jacob, practice sticking him.  While he was willing to let Jacob practice for however long, the camper only stuck him twice because he didn’t want to hurt Don.  I was interested to know if the experience was painful and when I asked Don, he responded, “Saying goodbye to my boys was the hardest part of camp, not getting stuck with a needle.”  Don poured his heart into his week at camp and with that he made life- long friendships.

                It’s a tradition at camp to end the day and night with a cabin chat.  During this nightly ritual, both campers and counselors go around the room and reflect on the day.  Don was shocked to hear one of his campers, who had been recently placed in foster care, announce to the cabin that he would like to have a dad like Don.  Perhaps if you are reading this now, you too are shocked because you’ve only known Don Jones to be the business type.  Despite your understanding of Don Jones, you should know he’s much more than president of your school and much more than just your boss.  He’s a man that really wants to leave a positive mark on this world.  Don wants his character to be revealed in every avenue of his life whether it’s his relationship with his family and friends, or how he runs a school community.   And with that, the boys comment in the cabin chat that night came as no surprise to me, as it seems to only reaffirm my three favorite words to say when Don’s near:  “That’s my dad!”

Dad and I at boggy 2007 during his first volunteer experience

As you ladies and gentlemen know, we have introduced a new schedule here at ATA.  Student Services gave us these quick details to explain it a little bit better, so check them out below:

Students beginning NEW courses on June 27^th, 2011:

• You will be taking 1-2 courses/ 2 days a week for a 5 week period.
• Tests (midterms and finals) will be taken in the classroom for this 5 week term.
• You will then go back to your regular 10 week terms beginning August 1^st, 2011.

 ALL students will begin NEW courses on August 1^st, 2011 so everyone will be starting each term at the same time.

• This is going to provide students a break in between quarters
• Students must come in on week 10 to complete their final exams in our Testing Center.

(For example: If you take all of your exams on a Monday or a Tuesday, you will have the remainder of the week off until the new term begins on the following Monday.)

• You will schedule a time to come in to the Testing Center so you know you will have a computer reserved for you at the time you come in to take your tests.
• Students may be given the option to take some tests from home. This is at the discretion of the instructor and/or Program Director.

This will not affect your financial aid over the course of your program. If you have individual questions for financial aid, you can make an appointment to see FA via email at financialaid@ata.edu or call 502-371-8330, ext. 1420.

If you have any other questions please visit Evelyn Kaufman, Tom Mott, or Pamela Roberson in Student Services on Main Campus.

(From Left to Right) Ebony Bell, Candace Bensel, Rennay Cooke, Tricia DeGeorge, Lauren Breslin, Meredith Breslin, Alex Witcpalek, and Kyle Weber

To say we have the best team here at ATA is an understatement- and this week we want to focus on our Admissions Team. Not only are they a great looking group, but they are the face of our college, and we are extremely proud of all of their hard work!

So let’s get you acquainted with them!

Name:Candace Bensel

Where are you from? Marion, Ohio

If you were an ATA student what program would you enroll in and why?I would probably be a nurse or a phlebotomist.  I think I would start with phlebotomy and get my feet wet and then decide exactly what I wanted to do.  I think these fields have a lot of the same characteristics and I appreciate the role these individuals fulfill.  They’re dealing very closely with patients and are key to making the patient as comfortable as possible, often in a situation where that patient has a lot of anxiety.  Let’s face it, people don’t like having blood drawn and they don’t like being in the hospital, but often that experience isn’t so bad when you have great people calming you and taking care of you.  

What do you love about ATA? Graduation!  The thing I love most about admissions is knowing where that student is going to be in such a short period.  One of the phrases we use a lot around here is “begin with the end in mind.”  That’s what it’s all about.  I know the students we enroll will love the classes and make life long friends, but it’s all about that great career at the end.

Derby vs. Oaks: Derby

Favorite Quote: “Whether you think you can, or you think you can’t…you’re right.”  Henry Ford

Name: Lauren Breslin

Where are you from? Louisville, Kentucky

If you were an ATA student what program would you enroll in and why?I would definitely enroll in medical coding because I love that it is the business side of health-care and there are just so many job opportunities. 

What do you love about ATA?  I love the people that make up the ATA community.  The staff, faculty and students make this an enjoyable place to come everyday.  I also love that ATA is committed to customer service and that we strive everyday to provide the best for each of our students.

Derby vs. Oaks: Derby- Go big or go home.

Favorite Quote: “There is only one success: to be able to spend your life in your own way, and not to give others absurd maddening claims upon it.
- Christopher Darlington Morley

Name: Tricia DeGeorge

If you were an ATA student which program would you enroll in and why?Medical coding because it creates opportunity for many different types of facilities for the business side of health-care.

What do you love about ATA? Working with the students, seeing the change education makes in their life.

Derby vs. Oaks: Derby

Favorite Quote: “The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.”- Eleanor Roosevelt

Name: Meredith Breslin

Where are from? Louisville, Kentucky

If you were an ATA student what program would you enroll in and why? I would definitely want to be a dental assistant so I could make everyone love their smile and not be afraid of the dentist!

What do you love about ATA? I love that ATA is still a small school and that we have the opportunity to really get to know all of our students!

Derby vs. Oaks: Definitely Derby!

Favorite Quote: ” The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams.” -Eleanor Roosevelt

Name: Ebony Bell

Where are you from?Elizabethtown, Kentucky

If you were an ATA student what program would you enoll in and why? If I were a student at ATA College I would start off in the medical office assistant program and then possibly bridge to the medical assistant program to help me advance my career. I could see myself working in a doctor’s office and providing great customer service to a patient. Having a career that allows me to interact with people as well as help them excites me, and would give me great fulfillment.

What do you love about ATA? I love that everyone is very friendly at ATA College and willing to help one another. It’s very much like a family atmosphere here.

Derby vs. Oaks: I prefer going to the Oaks over Derby any day! Oaks is more laid-back, less crowded, and less expensive. I can watch the derby race at home.

Favorite Quote: When I feel stressed to the max I always remember this verse, 1 Corinthians 10:13 “God will never give you more than you can handle.” It lets me know anything is possible with faith and I can overcome anything in life.

Name: Kyle Weber

Where are you from? Louisville, Kentucky

If you were an ATA student what program would you enroll in and why?   I believe all the programs provide you with a long and meaningful career.  I would choose MLT or LMR, because I like the technical and science aspects of those professions.

What do you love about ATA? Helping students take the first step in reaching their career goals and I enjoy the people I work with.

Derby vs. Oaks: Derby

Favorite Quote: “Do not be misled: Bad company corrupts good character.” 1Corinthians 15:33

Name: Rennay Cooke

Where are you from? I never know how to answer this question. I’m originally from Staten Island, NY then spent my elementary school years in Beltsville, MD which is right outside of D.C. I spent middle and high school in Florence, KY (northern, KY) so it’s usually a tie between being from Maryland and being from Northern KY.

If you were an ATA student what program would you enroll in and why?  Definitely MLT! I think it would be really fun to figure things out and be able to work independently or one-on-one with other co-workers to come up with a conclusion. Plus, I love light blue scrubs!

What do you love about ATA?  I love that we are actually able to sit down one-on-one with students and prospective students. I think it’s great that we can actually get to know students as people other than “just students” and I think it’s fun to be able to talk about myself too and be a little informal at times.

Derby vs. Oaks: OAKS. HANDS DOWN.

Favorite Quote:  “Aerodynamically, the bumblebee shouldn’t be able to fly, but the bumblebee doesn’t know it so it goes on flying anyway.” – Mary Kay Ash. I used to work at a place called The Kids Center for Pediatric Therapies and this is one of their main quotes and I love it because most of being able to do something is convincing yourself that you can. A bumblebee doesn’t know any better than to fly so we shouldn’t know any better than to succeed.

Name: Alex Witcpalek

Where are you from?Oswego, Illinois

If you were an ATA student what program would you enroll in and why? If I were to enroll in a program I would have to choose Medical Office Assisting. MOA appeals to me because the various rolls and responsibilities that an office assistant has make for a workplace where no two days are alike.

What do you love about ATA? The most enjoyable part of ATA is the diverse personalities that create a unique and positive atmosphere

Derby vs. Oaks: Both.

Favorite Quote: “It’s easy to have faith in yourself and have discipline when you’re a winner, when you’re number one. What you got to have is faith and discipline when you’re not a winner.” – Vince Lombardi

It’s easy for us to recognize that the success of ATA College comes from the entire organization- but without our Admissions Team, success would be impossible!

Name: Jessalyn White

Medical Laboratory Technician (MLT)/ Instructor at ATA College

Educational Background/Certifications: I have my Associates of Applied Science Degree, I am an AMT certified Medical Laboratory Technician, and I also hold a certificate in Phlebotomy.

Tell us a little bit about your background: I first worked as a Phlebotomist at a downtown Norton physician’s office for 2 years.  After my experience there, I was transferred to another physician’s office in the Norton Health care system as a phlebotomist and cross trained as a Medical Assistant for the next 3 years. In this position I was also taught many MLT duties, including running the hematology and chemistry instruments. Once I completed my degree as a MLT, I started my first job in a hospital holding the official title, Medical Laboratory Technician. I worked as a generalist in the hospital laboratory for another 3 years and then became an instructor at ATA College. I now teach and prepare phlebotomy students for certification as well as assist in running the labs for the MLT program.

What are some of the things you do as a MLT? As a MLT you get to do many interesting things such as: Analyze blood and body fluids, interpret results (not diagnose), identify cells and microorganisms, run different instrumentation, and even trouble shooting if something doesn’t seem correct according to your training.

What is your day like as a MLT? Ordinarily as a MLT you begin your day by running controls on instrumentation and  preparing for patient specimens. You then start processing the specimens and analyzing them for the appropriate departments. You may also send tests out to a reference laboratory. During this process you will use the reference labs manual for storage and handling information depending on the type of specimen.

Where can you work as a MLT? As a MLT you have a lot of options for employment. You can work at places like hospitals, physician’s offices, and facilities that perform what is considered to be moderate to high complexity procedures.

After students graduate from the MLT program where should they look for jobs? Are there any special certifications needed? In my personal opinion, hospital positions give you the most experience and hands on knowledge. You can work with a lot of different departments and keep up with the most up-to-date and accurate technology. As a MLT you must obtain your Associate Degree in a science category and be certified by an accredited certification agency such as, American Society for Clinical Pathologist (ASCP) or, American Medical Technologist (AMT). You also need to have great working knowledge and understand theory about procedures and results according to the patient specimen.

Call ATA College today at 371-8383 to get started in our Associate of Applied Science Medical Laboratory Technician program. CLASSES START IN MAY!

Name:Candace Bensel

Job Title: Director of Admissions

How long have you worked at ATA? I’ve been with ATA since 2007

Any hobbies you’d like to tell us about? I LOVE having friends and family over and everything that comes with that (except cleaning up afterward but luckily my saint of a husband does that without even being asked!).  I like serving people and hosting events (baby showers, birthday parties, family gatherings, etc.) because I like the challenge of trying to please everyone regardless of how diverse their tastes are and seeing everyone have a great time.  

What do like most about your job? Being an Admissions Representative was one of the most rewarding jobs I had ever had.  In that position I had the opportunity to meet some of the most amazing people I’ve ever known (our students) and help them along their path to reach their goals.  The stories I heard each day about why students wanted to continue their education inspired me and it always made me want to do more.  In my current position as the Director of Admissions at ATA College, not only do I still get to work with our students, but in training new Admissions Representatives and working with them to help students overcome obstacles preventing them from starting school, the ability to help people attain their goals is multiplied through the amazing team of Reps I have the privilege of working with.     

What does education mean to you?  I think many people see education as a way to achieve job security and stability and I certainly agree with this, but to me it’s something much more powerful.  To me, education is self esteem knowing you can accomplish anything you set your mind to.  It’s not having to worry about how you’re going to provide for your family because you know your career is in demand.  It’s that sense of pride you get knowing you have the knowledge to help make someone else’s world a little better by using the skills you learned in college.  And it’s feeling good about your career and loving what you do each day when you go to work.  Education is something no one can ever take away from you and it’s something that will always work for you in your future.

How has education changed your life?  Without an education I certainly would not be where I am today.  My education has allowed me to work in a field I love and interact with amazing people.  I think the most important thing I learned in college was that I need to take every opportunity I have to keep learning because every piece of knowledge will help me find success along the way.

Any quotes you live by?  Whether you think you can, or you think you can’t…you’re right. – Henry Ford

Favorite story about ATA:  There are so many amazing stories I really don’t think I could pick!  That’s the great thing about admissions, every day brings another story about a student that’s so excited about their new career or a student that has figured out a way to overcome a great obstacle and make their dream a reality.  I have a great story from yesterday and I can still tell you about the first student I ever met with at ATA and how I knew then that I was going to love this place.  To pick from these and a hundred others for my “favorite?”…I can’t and that’s why I know I’m where I’m supposed to be.

If you see Candace, take a minute to tell her congratulations, her hard work and dedication to ATA College is definitely appreciated!

What is your name:  Jacob Pickett

What is your job title:  Marketing Specialist

Where are you located in ATA:   Main Campus near the awesome admission reps.

How long have you been with ATA:  Over one year, surprise surprise!

Hobbies: Where to begin…I’m a man of many trades and a master of none.  I enjoy all sports especially baseball.  I enjoy coaching and helping kids on my baseball team.  I like to run, lift and bike ride.  I’m starting to go to concerts and have recently been to Hallabalou, Eric Church, Luke Bryan, CKY, and Amos Lee. All were awesome.  I like to hangout with friends and grill all types of food.  I enjoy doing new things and like to live by the motto “If you aren’t bleeding or sweating, you aren’t trying hard enough.” 

What does ATA mean to you?

Before moving to Kentucky ATA was only a job opportunity for me.  Upon arriving here and learning the culture of the school I found that ATA College is much more than just a business.  It is a center with excellent educational integrity and prioritizes our students first.  It has become my home away from home.

What do you love about your job?

I like interacting with our students.  Everyone has a past or story of why they are deciding to turn their life around or simply bettering themselves.  You don’t know if you don’t ask and the students at ATA College are awesome.  There are some that will blow your mind if you knew the adversity they conquered to get where they are today.  This is a shout out to those of you who have faced adversity and some motivation to keep on going.  We’re proud of you guys!

What is your most memorable story about ATA students?

I know if this person reads this story they will know who I’m talking about. ATA College decided to sponsor a baseball team at Lyndon Recreations  for 8-9 year old machine pitch.  Thank you again by the way!!! We were the ATA Angels, fitting name if you ask me, but I was in the middle of coaching one of our practices when I feel rocks hitting me in the legs.  I looked at our catcher and he was preoccupied with shagging balls to be the one throwing the rocks so I look up when I hear, “Hey Bird Legs!”  I looked at her not knowing at first who it was and then realized it was one of our ATA students giving me a hard time outside of work.  Being new to the area, I don’t know a lot of people outside of work but to hear one of our students giving me a hard time was music to my ears.  So what did I do when I realized who it was? I threw larger rocks back.   

What does education mean to you?

Education is the stepping stone from a job to a career.  Education is one of the few intangible services you can spend money on that will give you a return. 

How has education changed your life?

I wouldn’t be where I am today if it wasn’t for the education I received over the years.  I graduated from Oklahoma State University, the real OSU. GO COWBOYS!  Unfortunately, the Sooners won a well played Bedlam this year.  I am planning on continuing my education to stay competitive in the work force. 

If you had a superhero power which one would it be and why?

I would like to be Wolverine.  Never die, always heal, walk everywhere like I own the place, and always have a can opener.

What is your favorite quote/motto you live by? 
“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It’s not just in some of us; it’s in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”
-Nelson Mandela

What is the coolest thing you have ever done?

The coolest thing I have ever done is hangout with TI, Yung Joc, T-Pain, and Lil Jon when I worked for Crunk!!! Energy Drink (shout out to all my coworkers at Crunk).  I lived in Atlanta for a summer and ran the streets at night setting up promos.  It was honestly a time in my life I will never forget!   (If you happen to like energy drinks try Crunk they are pretty tasty {DISCLAIMER: ATA College has no affiliation with the previously stated comment about Crunk.  It is my recommendation and only my recommendation.  I would not recommend Crunk if you are pregnant/ have heart problems/ or are already hyper active.})

Where is the coolest place you have ever been?

It is a toss up.  I like to travel to new places and learn about different cultures.  Here’s a list of places I love going to:

 Italy, Germany, the Grand Canyon, Sturgis, South Dakota (for biker’s week.  It was another internship that was a BLAST!) Edisto Island in South Carolina, the Biltmore Estates, Yellow Stone, Clemson, Stillwater, Nashville, Tampa Bay, Atlanta, Aiken

There are too many to list.  If you have any questions about these places or have a recommendation for a place to visit please let me know.

What do you like most about Louisville?

Louisville is a cool city.  It really is a large city with a small town feel and that is what I like most about it.  There is always something to do whether it is music related, arts related, sport related, school related, or food related.  Not to mention Louisville has some of the prettiest girls I’ve ever seen. (Please note the previous DISCLAIMER.  Again this is my interview and I don’t want anyone to construe this view for the view of ATA as a whole.)

I thought it would be nice for you to know a little bit about the new face at the front desk. My name is Grace and I started working here at ATA June of this year as an admissions representative. I moved to the Louisville area from Lexington and graduated from The University of Kentucky in May. Go CATS!!!!

While I attended college at UK and lived in Lexington I had the opportunity to do some pretty cool things. Three years in a row I participated in a no-sitting, no-sleeping 24 hour dance marathon called DanceBlue. DanceBlue is a non- profit organization that raises money for pediatric cancer. In just four years DanceBlue has raised more than $1.3 million dollars for pediatric cancer research in Kentucky! I interned for Coach Calipari last year during one of the most exciting seasons of Kentucky basketball and yes, I met John Wall!! I love to bake and have been baking since I was just 6 years old. I have always wanted to enter the Kentucky fair since I moved here five years ago. I decided to do so for the first time last year and was shocked when I won a blue ribbon for my Red Velvet cake.

Since moving here from Lexington I have sure fallen in love with this city and the people here at ATA. I loved working with the all the reps and enrolling students here at ATA in admissions. In October I was given the opportunity to work as an administrative assistant. I am so excited to get to meet and work with all our students and staff in a different light. Please stop by and say hi and tell me some interesting things about you.

-Grace

First, let me introduce myself.  My name is Bree and for the past year I have been an admissions representative here at ATA College.  Most of you probably know me from being a student I enrolled, or by seeing me around campus at different events such as orientation or, most recently, our “Grill and Chill”. 

Well guys…it’s a time for change.  Starting July 1^st I will no longer be an admissions representative; I will be a Career Services advisor.  This means you guys will still see me around but I will be doing something entirely different for ATA and its students.

The transition from admissions to career services will be a challenge and let me tell you, I will definitely miss admissions.  Admissions is such a great department at ATA and I can sincerely say we have the most fun!  I can’t believe the relationships I have built not only with my co-workers but also with my students.  Yes, if I enrolled you, you are MY student.  I check your progress and I am always thrilled to see any of you on the President’s list or Honor’s list and eventually at graduation and our success job stories board!  It’s such a great feeling seeing the people I helped get started in school, succeed. 

Another thing I will miss about admissions is hearing all of our student’s wonderful stories.  I can’t believe some of the challenges I have heard our students face daily.  I have never met people in my life as strong and as determined as all of you.

Anyway, although I am sad about leaving admissions, I can’t wait to start working in Career Services to see what doors I can further open for our students and our college.  I am sure it will definitely be a wonderful journey for us all!

Yours truly,

Bree Couch

ATA College is proud to announce a new addition to our Limited Medical Radiography Program. We have recently purchased a full body x-ray phantom for our lab. It is a life size model with a synthetic skeleton, heart, lungs, kidneys and liver embedded in a soft tissue substitute. All the joints are fully moveable for all basic x-ray positions. It can be broken down into 10 individual parts. The phantom can be radiographed by the students and the x-rays resemble that of an actual patient. We are very excited to introduce this and incorporate it into our LMR classes.  It is the ONLY phantom of its kind in Louisville.  Look in the x-ray lab and check it out to see if you think it is CREEPY or COOL.  I happen to think it’s pretty cool (but I’m an x-ray nerd).  -Sarah Heming