HCTC success story: Shannon Herald-Combs

Going back to college can be an intimidating decision, but for Shannon Herald-Combs it was a success story. Shannon is a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner at Primary Care Center and has had other professional jobs at Kentucky River Community Care and Hazard ARH Psychiatric Center and she s thankful to HCTC for her success.

In August 1997, Shannon decided to return to Hazard Community and Technical because she was raising two small boys as a single mother with very little income. In May 1999 she graduated with an Associate of Applied Science degree in Nursing.

After graduating she began working at Buckhorn Children s Center as the campus nurse. During her second year she was promoted as clinical director. After four years she decided to work closer to home and transferred to the Hazard Psychiatric Center. After becoming a Nurse Manager, she returned to college in 2001 for a bachelor s degree through HCTC s Distance Learning Program and graduated in 2003. She returned to school in 2004 and in 2007 she obtained a master s degree in Nursing.

Shannon says, The education I received at HCTC was outstanding. I was given a strong foundation which allowed me to expand my horizons and open up more opportunities for my career choices. The faculty at HCTC is, without a doubt, some of the best in the world. They are all dedicated to their jobs and helping the students learn and become prepared to enter the workforce. From the financial aid office, to the registrar, to the janitorial staff, everyone at HCTC is kind, friendly, and willing to go out of their way to be of assistance. I continue to remain very close to my nursing instructors. They went above and beyond to help me achieve my goals and did not forget about me after I graduated.

Shannon grew up in Perry County where both of her parents taught school for more than 30 years. She graduated valedictorian from Buckhorn High School in 1989 and is now married with two sons and two daughters.

She encourages others to attend HCTC. The opportunities within the healthcare field are constantly expanding so anyone choosing that type of career definitely has a bright future.

Want to become the next success story? Begin by enrolling. Call 487-3102 today.