When Karley Niemeyer graduated from Patrick Henry in 2011, she wasn’t sure what her future had in store. What she did know was that she would need a college education, a little time and the flexibility to explore her career options.
Fortunately, Northwest State Community College offered her all of these benefits and also allowed her to save money by living at home and working while enrolled in classes. Two years later, Karley has a career plan in place and is ready to transfer her credits to Bowling Green State University to complete her bachelor’s degree.
“Teaching is something I’m really, really excited to do.”
“When I first applied to college, I had the intention of becoming a nurse,” said Karley. “My mom and sister are nurses. I thought it would be a good profession to go into, but my heart wasn’t all there.”
What changed her mind? While taking classes at NSCC, Karley began working as direct support staff at Filling Home in Napoleon. Filling Home is a facility that provides care for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Karley is responsible for the day-to-day care of fourteen residents, ranging from children to adults.
In addition to the personal relationships she’s formed with the residents and her coworkers, Karley found herself drawn to working with children and discovered that her heart is in teaching. “Teaching is something I’m really, really excited to do,” she said.
In order to realize her dream of becoming a teacher, Karley began taking classes in the pre-kindergarten program at NSCC. She will transfer her credits into the newly created inclusionary early education program at BGSU. The program combines concepts from early childhood education and early childhood special education, in order to prepare graduates for working with children from infant to third grade.
“I’d like to be an early childhood special education teacher,” said Karley. “I have an interest in working with people who have disabilities, and I want to teach younger kids. This program allows for all of that,” Karley said.
Karley will start classes at BGSU in the fall. “I saved money while I was living at home, and I am really excited to move out,” said Karley. In addition to saving on tuition, room and board while attending NSCC, Karley received a special scholarship to BGSU, just for being a transfer student.
While she is excited to meet new people and be on a new campus, Karley enjoyed her time at Northwest State. “It’s a good environment. I think the teachers work with the students really well. They’re understanding,” she said. She also appreciated the campus atmosphere, citing the many places to study, relax and meet with friends.
Karley isn’t sure where her educational path will lead after she graduates from BGSU. While she has no immediate plans, she is considering getting a master’s degree in the future. “I’ve always wanted to start my own preschool. We’ll see where my career takes me,” she said.
From undecided student to future teacher, things have really come together for Karley, and she couldn’t be happier with her decision to start at NSCC and transfer to BGSU. “I’m really glad I chose to go this route. It saved me money and time.”
As for other students who plan on starting at Northwest State and transferring to another college, Karley has a few recommendations. “Apply early to the college you want to transfer to. Keep them in the know. Keep in regular contact with your advisor at both schools, and send transcripts regularly for review.”
Preparing Graduates in Allied Health & Public Services
The Allied Health and Public Services Division offers a variety of majors in the fields of criminal justice, early childhood education, human services, and health care. Many of the graduates from these programs are ready to join the workforce after they earn their diploma. However, there are also opportunities for these graduates to transfer on and earn their bachelor’s degree from a four-year college or university.
Community and technical colleges across the country educate the majority of the nation’s first responders. According to the Ohio Association of Community Colleges, close to 85 percent of law enforcement officers, firefighters and EMTs receive their training from community colleges.
Degree and certificate programs offered through the Allied Health and Public Services Division include:
Associate of Applied Science
- Paraprofessional Education
- Human Services
- Medical Assisting
Associate of Applied Science: Early Childhood Development
- Child & Family Specialist
- Pre-Kindergarten
- Program Administrator
Associate of Applied Science: Criminal Justice
- Criminal Justice
- Law Enforcement – Academy Option
Certificate Programs
- Emergency Medical Services
- Phlebotomy
Northwest Ohio Allied Health Education Consortium
- Health Information Technician
- Medical Laboratory Technician
- Occupational Therapy Assistant
- Physical Therapist Assistant
- Radiographic Imaging
- Respiratory Care Practitioner
