A Patent and a No-Cell-Phone Policy: Five Things You Didn’t Know About EMS Program Director Don Guillette
Let’s get this straight from the start: Don Guillette did not want this article to be written. In fact, the very behind-the-scenes director of Polk State’s Emergency Medical Services program is dreading seeing his face…
Polk State EMS Honors Its Instructor of the Year
For his professionalism and demonstrated dedication to his students, the Polk State EMS program has selected James Maxwell as its Instructor of the Year. “He’s the kind of instructor who goes home and makes a…
Nursing Alumnus Started Over at Polk State — And He’d Do It All Again
Like so many students do every semester, Thomas Stross came to Polk State College to start over, and like so many students find, doing so wasn’t easy. He had to let go of who he…
Two Years in a Row: Polk State Alumnus Named Manatee County EMS Rookie of the Year
For the second consecutive year, a Polk State alumnus has been named Manatee County Emergency Medical Services’ Rookie of the Year. Earl Kulpa completed his paramedic certification at Polk State in 2014. In May,…
The Man Outside the Cath Lab: Six things You Didn’t Know about Cardiovascular Program Director Kevin Ferrier
As director of Polk State’s Cardiovascular Technology (CVT) program, which prepares students to assist physicians in such highly complicated procedures as catheterizations and stenting, Kevin Ferrier is used to sharing his academic and professional credentials.…
House, Car, Confidence: Polk State Nursing Made All Three Possible for This Alumna
The difference Polk State College makes in the lives of its students is often expressed in numbers: At $112 per credit hour, Polk State offers the region’s most affordable tuition. Eighty percent of students graduate…
For Polk State-Trained EMT, Career Plan B “Happened for a Reason”
When her application to medical school was rejected, a lot of thoughts went through Ada Bobola’s head: Maybe if I’d studied a little harder. Maybe if I’d gotten a B in chemistry instead of a…
Polk State Nursing Alumna: Profession Requires Scientific Mind, Compassionate Heart
Nearly five decades ago, as a way to pay her tuition, Ivadene Howell went to work as a certified nursing assistant. It was just a job. Nothing more than a way to pay the bills…
Polk State Imaging, Medical Coding Specialist Programs Holding Open House on April 26
Polk State Airside Center West will host an open house from 5 to 7 p.m. on April 26 for anyone interested in learning more about the programs based at the location. Polk State Airside West…
Community Celebrates Opening of Center for Public Safety
The ribbon has been cut and the Polk State Center for Public Safety is officially open for business. Polk State celebrated the grand opening of the state-of-the-art, 101,450-square-foot facility with a ceremony on Friday,…