A special ceremony was held for two Kauaʻi-based graduates who were unable to attend Kapiʻolani Community College’s 5 p.m. commencement ceremony (the final of three) on May 15 because stormy weather delayed their flight to Oʻahu.
The celebration later that evening reflected leadership’s commitment to put students first, and honored Krystle Pascua and Kailee Lapitan. They were among eight Kauaʻi students who completed Kapiʻolani CC’s Medical Assisting (MEDA) program this spring after innovation and inter-campus collaboration helped save their educational pathway.
“When the future of our program became uncertain, I felt overwhelmed and worried that my opportunity and pathway for a better future might be put on hold indefinitely,” said Pascua. “What helped me stay committed was our instructors who swiftly welcomed us into their program on short notice and worked tirelessly to accommodate us.”
Keeping on track
Last fall, Kauaʻi CC’s medical assisting program lost its director just one week before the semester started, leaving students uncertain about how they would complete their training.
Kapiʻolani CC stepped in to ensure the Kauaʻi-based students could continue their education and stay on track for healthcare careers. The campuses worked together closely to transition the students into Kapiʻolani CC’s accredited MEDA program. Faculty adjusted teaching schedules, delivered online instruction and traveled weekly to Kauaʻi to provide hands-on laboratory and clinical skills training.
“We felt it was important to ensure students could complete their education without interruption and graduate on time,” said Kapiʻolani CC MEDA Program Director Jennifer Au Hoy. “These students had already invested so much into their education.”
Securing a critical pathway
The collaboration preserved a vital healthcare workforce pathway for Kauaʻi and enabled the cohort to graduate with a Certificate of Achievement in Medical Assisting through Kapiʻolani CC.
“The success of these students demonstrates the power of University of 麻豆传媒 campuses working together as one system,” said Kapiʻolani CC
Chancellor Misaki Takabayashi. “Kapiʻolani Community College is committed to serving as a hub-and-spoke partner in healthcare education. By collaborating in this way, we can expand educational access, strengthen workforce pathways, and help ensure that every community has the healthcare professionals it needs.”
—By Lisa Yamamoto