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NCU med tech students celebrate ‘pinning’

Published:Sunday | March 10, 2019 | 12:00 AM
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Aneka Messam, speaking at the pinning ceremony for medical technology students, held at Northern Caribbean University on February 27.
Students and faculty members at the pinning ceremony for trainee medical technologists, held at Northern Caribbean University on February 27.
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Mandeville-based Northern Caribbean University (NCU) pinned 27 medical technology students at a recent pinning ceremony. This is held annually to celebrate the students’ transition into the clinical year of their studies, having completed all first- and second-year core and general education courses.

One of the awardees, Aneka Messam, an aspiring clinical pathologist, expresses her elation at making the transition into her fundamental year. “It was very exciting being pinned. I felt very accomplished to know that I reached a milestone,” Messam said.

She recounted enduring many long days and sleepless nights to reach this point in her studies. However, she noted that NCU has equipped her with the requisite skills needed to reach this point.

“NCU has really given me that foundation needed to pursue my dreams. Medical technology is really good, and it is a course that you have to put your mind to. You have to work really hard. I am grateful to my lecturers and classmates who were patient with me and helped me to get this far,” Messam said.

NCU President Dr Lincoln Edwards congratulated the medical technology students on their accomplishment, urging them to continue on this path of success and make Jamaica a better place. He said NCU prided itself in producing quality medical technologists and this batch of students will surely leave a lasting impact in the medical field.

Chair of the Department of Medical Technology, Kerene Walker, echoed the president’s remarks. “We want to commend our students and to celebrate with them for having reached this stage in their journey to attain the Bachelor of Science Degree in Medical Technology,” Walker said.

Students have to meet all the requirements stipulated by the Department of Medical Technology and apply to be pinned before taking part in the ceremony. The event was held under the theme ‘One Blood, One Unit: Innovators of Medical Technology’. The students are expected to graduate in 2020.

During the ceremony, students also presented their parents with pins in appreciation for their continuous support during the past three years of studies. Other students received the NCU CARES awards in categories such as admirable display of Christ-centredness, improved academic performance, respectful conduct, and the top male and female academic achiever for each year.