For Ashley Register, the loss of a grandfather sparked an interest in healthcare career. The Administrative Assistant for Health Programs at Sampson Community College says she spent most of her time as a child with her grandparents in Autryville, N.C. So, when her grandfather came under hospice care, Register took note and knew that healthcare would be in her future— she just wasn’t quite sure which field. 

In 2012, two years after graduating from Lakewood High School, Register began taking Workforce Development and Continuing Education courses at Sampson Community College. There she was able to dip her feet into the career she would fall in love with, taking courses in Medical Coding and Billing, and cementing the thought that she wanted to work in medical office administration. The next year, Register applied to begin taking curriculum courses.   

“I was nervous about applying to the curriculum side of the college. Student Services offers great counseling services to help direct students in the right direction,” Register commented. 

As a student, Register excelled. She graduated with honors with degrees in Medical Office Administration and Office Administration. She received the Outstanding Graduate Award and graduated as a member of the Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society. 

Now, Register works as the Administrative Assistant to Healthcare Programs, where she assists with everyday tasks that arise. She processes nursing applications, contacts applicants about admission decisions, and much more. Director of the Associate Degree Nursing Program, Dr. Lisa Smith, says that Register immediately showed dedication, and became an asset to the division. 

“She jumped into her role without hesitation. With the growth of our division, she has embraced learning about each department, being available to assist all faculty members. She excels in her role and is knowledgeable beyond her years…We are blessed to have her,” Smith shared.

Because of her years of experience and her studies, Register teaches a Medical Terminology course to healthcare division students. But the most exciting part of her role is sharing the news with applicants that they have been admitted to one of the prestigious healthcare programs.

“Over the years I have enjoyed contacting students to let them know that they have been accepted into the nursing program. They are excited and appreciative to receive a seat into the nursing program,” Register remarked.

Dr. Veronica Stevens, Healthcare Programs Division Chair, says Register always goes above and beyond in her role. In her transition from student to employee, Stevens says Register fully embodies the mission of the College.

“Ashley consistently applies creative solutions to concerns that arise on a daily basis. She supports our faculty, staff and students in amazing ways so that our complex, multifaceted efforts are collectively unified. She is dedicated to the mission of the College and the Division and is certainly a treasure,” Stevens said.

To anyone to who visits the second floor of the Technology building at SCC, the family-like atmosphere of the Healthcare division is evident. When she began, Register fell right into place. Almost immediately, she says she was encouraged to continue her education and pushed to realize her greatest potential. In 2018, she received her Associate in General Education from SCC, which she calls the steppingstone toward receiving her Bachelor’s in Business Administration.

“I feel like I have full support from the faculty in the Healthcare division. We are all family here at SCC, and we encourage each other every day. If anyone feels that they would like to academically advance themselves, SCC is a great opportunity,” Register shared. “Students have support from both faculty and staff to reach their goals. The dedication and hard work by both faculty and staff enable the students to have a great experience.”  

For more information about Medical Office Administration and Healthcare Programs visit the Sampson Community College website.

About Sampson Community College: Sampson Community College is a member of the North Carolina Community College System, located in Clinton, NC in Sampson County. The college offers many programs to include two-year degrees, college transfer, continuing education and workforce development options, and early college education.