The 13th cohort in the Beaufort Memorial PATH program celebrated a milestone on Aug. 19 recognizing five new graduates.
The PATH program (“People Achieving Their Highest”) is an investment by Beaufort Memorial into the Lowcountry healthcare workforce, providing the opportunity for the organization’s employees to receive support and training to transition into high-demand clinical and support roles.
Developed in response to healthcare staffing shortages during the pandemic, the PATH program helps Beaufort Memorial to expand its workforce from within, building career pathways that ultimately expand access to healthcare in the region.
The program has received national recognition; in March, Becker’s Hospital Review ranked the Beaufort Memorial PATH program as one of the top 93 in the nation.
Beaufort Memorial President and CEO Russell Baxley congratulated the five PATH graduates, noting that the unique program provides an opportunity to advance within the healthcare industry while building a career close to home.
“It’s not easy to go back to school, but we could not be prouder of you all and of this program,” Baxley said. He emphasized that graduation is just the beginning of each PATH participant’s career journey, driven by their hard work, dedication and a commitment to serving the community.
Cohort 13 PATH Graduates
Clinical Medical Assistant (CMA)
- Daniela Peters
Patient Care Technician (PCT)
- Crystal Wilson
Endoscopy Technician
- Crystal Jackson
Surgical Technicians
- Marion Willis
- Gabriel Bryant
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![Daniela Peters, Clinical Medical Assistant, and Russell Baxley at PATH Cohort 13 Graduation]()
Daniela Peters, Clinical Medical Assistant
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![Crystal Wilson, Patient Care Technician, and Russell Baxley at PATH Cohort 13 Graduation]()
Crystal Wilson, Patient Care Technician
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![Crystal Jackson, Endoscopy Technician, and Russell Baxley at PATH Cohort 13 Graduation]()
Crystal Jackson, Endoscopy Technician
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![Gabriel Bryant, Surgical Technician, and Russell Baxley at PATH Cohort 13 Graduation]()
Gabriel Bryant, Surgical Technician
Newly Certified Healthcare Professionals
The following Beaufort Memorial team members were pinned at the ceremony for earning national certifications:
Certified Patient Care Technician
- Alan Culbertson, CPCT
- Agripinah Oporia, CPCT
- Cherokee Welch, CPCT
Certified Clinical Medial Assistant
- Brisa Barrientos, CCMA
- Zyaire Gordon, CCMA
- Shanya Moultrie, CCMA
- Krystal Reid, CCMA
- Shetara Rhodan, CCMA
Certified Surgical Technician
- Vashti Bolden, TS-C
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![Alan Culbertson, CPCT and Melissa Bramblett]()
Alan Culbertson, CPCT
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![Agripinah Oporia, CPCT and Melissa Bramblett]()
Agripinah Oporia, CPCT
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![Cherokee Welch, CPCT and Melissa Bramblett]()
Cherokee Welch, CPCT
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![Brisa Barrientos, CCMA and Melissa Bramblett]()
Brisa Barrientos, CCMA
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![Zyaire Gordon, CCMA and Melissa Bramblett]()
Zyaire Gordon, CCMA
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![Shanya Moultrie, CCMA and Melissa Bramblett]()
Shanya Moultrie, CCMA
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![Krystal Reid, CCMA and Melissa Bramblett]()
Krystal Reid, CCMA
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![Krystal Reid, CCMA and Melissa Bramblett]()
Krystal Reid, CCMA
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![Vashti Bolden, TS-C and Mary Beth Smearman]()
Vashti Bolden, TS-C
A Continuing ‘PATH’
The program’s second external nursing school graduate, Paula Madrid, RN, was also recognized at the ceremony, as well as the five Beaufort Memorial employees who joined the 14th PATH cohort.
Also celebrated at the graduation were PATH graduates who have chosen to continue their education in clinical fields through nursing and radiation technology programs at the University of South Carolina Beaufort, Technical College of the Lowcountry and Galen University.
Learn more about career growth through the Beaufort Memorial PATH program or explore open positions.