EDUCATION
Students in the medical assisting program at Treasure Coast Technical College use lifelike, high-tech models to practice but must also be “stuck” themselves,
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Trends In Education
CHRISTINA TASCON PHOTOS
TECH ADVANTAGE
Programs at technical college will make
the difference for students in Indian River
and surrounding counties
Just one tiny pebble will cause a wave along the shore.
The hope for the new Treasure Coast Technical College,
located in the heart of Gifford, is that those who
take advantage of its programs will be on that wave to
their future.
Hundreds of students have gone through its doors since
it opened in 2018. Although the effect on the local economy
is yet to be seen, the expectation is that it will have a noticeable
impact.
TCTC is an immaculate facility which not only has all
the bells and whistles but the backing of state education officials
and the School District of Indian River County as an
educational beacon.
“We currently have 41,000-square feet with 20 classrooms
which include designated lab areas,” says Christi Shields,
principal at the college. “We have a student lounge with
plans of turning it into a full-service cafeteria next year with
the addition of a culinary arts and hospitality program.”
Career programs currently offered are in practical nursing,
medical assisting, nursing assistant, phlebotomy,
pharmacy tech, welding technology, building trades and
construction design. They also offer GED classes, adult
education and commercial driving licensing.
“I’m in awe,” says the Rev. Ronald T. Young after visiting
the new TCTC campus with the Pastor’s Association of Indian
River County. “That school has so much to offer. After >>
drawing and having blood drawn from each other in the class.
BY CHRISTINA TASCON