May 16, 2025 | Stay Connected, Stay Informed | | NETC Graduates 27 from Associate Degree of Nursing Program | | |
Northeastern Technical College held their Nursing Pinning Ceremony for the ADN Class of 2025 on Thursday, May 8. During the ceremony 27 students graduated with their Associate Degree in Nursing and received their pins.
Mrs. Kristie Dixon, RN, CEN McLeod Health Cheraw and McLeod Regional Medical Center, was the guest speaker for the pinning ceremony.
Nursing instructor and head of NETC’s nursing department, Hope Pigg, presented two graduates with achievement awards. Cynthia Cassidy Young of Cheraw received the Award for Outstanding Clinical Performance. Jalysha Wilkes of Bennettsville received the Award for Registered Nursing Academic Excellence.
During the ceremony, graduates wore the traditional nursing cap and received both a pin and symbolic lamp, which was then lit as graduates recited the Nightingale Pledge in memory of Florence Nightingale.
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The Associate Degree of Nursing graduates include: Emilee Allison of McBee, Candace Ayres of Dillon, Nicole Blakeney of Mt. Croghan, Christian Brigman of Patrick, Brandie Lee Brock of Wallace, Alyssa Chapman of Bennettsville, Jessica Corizzo of Hartsville, Kendra Cox of Cheraw, Alyssa Curry of Chesterfield, Hunter Gainey of McBee, Kenyata Graves-Keitt of Dillon, Hannah Gulledge of Chesterfield, Chelsey Haire of Bennettsville, Acie Tiffany Hargrove of Wallace, Carlin Hubbard of Cheraw, Alexyss Loflin of Chesterfield, JaQuala Watts Merriman of Ruby, Renika Pendergrass of Society Hill, Kimberly Vionne Ponds of McBee, Tara Quick of Cheraw, Amanda Rodano of Chesterfield, Kaleigh Thompson of Hartsville, Carrington Tucker of Chesterfield, Hailey Vaughn of Pageland, Nabi Watson, Sr. of Cheraw, Jalysha Wilkes of Bennettsville, and Cynthia Cassidy Young of Cheraw
| | Norton Receives SCATCC Professional Board Staff Award for 2025 | | |
Northeastern Technical College (NETC) Foundation Executive Director Elizabeth “Lib” Norton has been named as the 2025 recipient of the Professional Board Staff Award by the South Carolina Association of Technical College Commissioners (SCATCC).
Ms. Norton’s 57-year career with NETC began even before the college opened it’s doors and welcomed its first students in 1968. Over the decades, she has served in numerous roles at the college, including Assistant to the President under four administrations. Known as the college’s institutional memory and trusted advisor, she is a respected source of both historical knowledge and present-day insight.
Beyond her administrative contributions, Ms. Norton has been a tireless advocate for educational access and community engagement throughout Chesterfield, Marlboro, and Dillon counties. Her leadership continues to have a lasting impact on the region through her work with the NETC Foundation.
In 2021, she was honored with the South Carolina Order of the Silver Crescent, one of the state’s highest civilian awards, recognizing her distinguished service to the people of South Carolina.
| | 113 NETC Students Receive Industry Certification and Credentials for Spring | | |
Northeastern Technical College (NETC) held its annual Spring Industry Credential Ceremony on May 14 in Cheraw. The event celebrated students who worked hard this fall to earn important job certifications. Families, friends, and teachers came together to cheer on the graduates and their achievements.
During the ceremony, students received credentials in many areas, including healthcare and skilled trades. In Allied Health, students earned certifications like Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), Medical Assistant (MA), and Phlebotomy. These skills prepare them to work in hospitals, clinics, and labs to help patients and support doctors. Other students earned certifications in Welding, OSHA safety training, and National Coalition of Certification (NC3) programs, showing their readiness for careers in manufacturing and construction.
In total, NETC awarded 113 industry certifications to students during the spring semester. Each certificate represents the time and effort these students put into learning new skills and preparing for their future careers. These credentials will help graduates find good jobs and make a difference in their communities.
The ceremony was a proud moment for everyone involved. Graduates walked across the stage to receive their certificates as family and friends applauded.
| | NETC Celebrates Second Year of Massage Therapy Program with Spring Graduates | | |
Northeastern Technical College’s Allied Health offerings continue to grow as its Massage Therapy program enters its second year and celebrates a major milestone. 8 students will graduate this spring, ready to launch careers in one of today’s most in-demand wellness professions.
“Expanding our allied health programs with massage therapy enhances student career opportunities, supports the region’s healthcare workforce, and promotes overall wellness in the community,” said NETC President Dr. Kyle Wagner. “Having 8 students graduate this year is a testament to the success and relevance of the program.”
Massage therapy is more than relaxation. Massage plays a vital role in modern healthcare. It supports pain relief, rehabilitation, stress reduction, improved circulation, and immune health. NETC’s program equips students with practical skills and clinical experience that align with growing demand in the healthcare and wellness industries.
Launched in 2023, the Massage Therapy program was established by Janet Copelle, a seasoned health and wellness educator. Copelle previously served as Health and Wellness Director at Stautzenberger College in Ohio and later as Massage Program Supervisor at Intellitec College in Colorado.
“I love seeing the spark in students as they realize they’re building a future doing something meaningful—whether it’s launching their own business or joining a wellness clinic,” said Copelle.
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The full-time, two-semester certificate program introduces students to Swedish massage, kinesiology, pathology, and anatomy specific to massage practice.
Courses include:
Fall Semester
- Essentials of Anatomy and Physiology for Massage Therapy
- Principles of Massage I
- Massage Therapy Seminar
- Kinesiology for Massage Therapy
Spring Semester
- Pathology for Massage Therapy
- Clinical Applications of Massage
- Massage Practicum
- Anatomy and Physiology for Massage Therapy II
Upon completion, students are eligible to take the Massage and Bodywork Licensing Examination (MBLEx) required for licensure in South Carolina.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, massage therapy continues to grow as a career field, with an average annual salary of around $55,000. Licensed therapists work in a wide range of environments—from medical offices and spas to mobile practices serving clients in their homes.
To learn more about NETC’s Massage Therapy program, call 800.921.7399 or visit netc.edu.
| | BECOME A NETC TRAILBLAZER! | | | May 16 | College Closed
College Alternative Schedule | | May 19 | 10-Week Summer Semester Start | | May 26 | College Closed
Memorial Day Holiday | | June 12 | NETC OPEN HOUSE
Cheraw Campus | | |
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EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES
Northeastern Technical College provides affirmative action and equal opportunity in employment for all qualified persons regardless of race, color, sex, - including the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions, national origin, age, religion, or disability.
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NORTHEASTERN TECHNICAL COLLEGE
1201 Chesterfield Highway Cheraw, SC 29520
www.netc.edu (843) 921-6900
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