In the Season One finale of The SHIFT Podcast, host Saxton Keitt is joined by Dean Sundblad (School of Arts & Humanities), Dean Wild (School of STEM), Dean Ferguson (School of Business & Professional Studies), and Dean Whitehouse (School of Health Sciences) for The Big Table: Deans, Decisions, & the Student Journey. Together, they unpack the purpose of general education, explain how courses fit within each academic school, clarify transfer credit questions, and share practical advice to help students navigate college with confidence and stay on the path to graduation.

Every second counts—and so does the person who answers the call. In Episode 7 of The SHIFT Podcast, host Saxton Keitt sits down with EMS Program Director Teri Censoplano to discuss the launch of Nashville State's new Emergency Medical Services program. From hands-on training and career opportunities to the real-life impact of first responders, discover what it takes to become the calm in the chaos and why the future of EMS starts here.

Not all healthcare heroes work at the bedside. In Episode 6 of The SHIFT Podcast, host Saxton Keitt sits down with Leigh Watson, Director of Healthcare Management, to explore the world of Healthcare Management and Medical Coding. Discover how these in-demand careers help drive healthcare forward through leadership, operations, data, and innovation—proving that you can make a lasting impact behind the code.

Inside The Scrubs: The Nursing Pathway features host Saxton alongside Nursing Director Beth Youngblood and faculty members Bob Spencer and Tammy Young as they provide an inside look at the journey to becoming a nurse. From prerequisite courses and admissions requirements to clinical experiences, student success strategies, and career opportunities, the episode explores the dedication, resilience, and compassion required to thrive in nursing. Through faculty insights and student perspectives, listeners gain a deeper understanding of what it takes to succeed in one of healthcare’s most impactful and rewarding professions.

Part 2 of the 2-Part Series: Sterile, Skilled & Essential features host Saxton in conversation with Van Bates, Director of the Surgical Technology program, exploring the fast-paced world of Surgical Technology and the vital role Surg Techs play inside the operating room. From maintaining sterile fields to assisting surgeons during procedures, Van breaks down what it means to work “under the lights” as part of a surgical team. The episode also covers prerequisite courses, clinical training, how to apply to the program, and the different educational pathways available through the Surgical Technology Certificate and AAS degree options. Discover how precision, preparation, and teamwork make Surgical Technology one of healthcare’s most essential professions.

Listen in as we begin with Part 1 of our 2-Part "Sterile, Skilled & Essential" series. Part 1 features host Saxton in conversation with Jay Chambers, CSPT Program Coordinator, exploring the critical role Central Sterile Processing Technicians play in healthcare. Before the operating room lights come on, CSPTs are responsible for cleaning, sterilizing, and preparing the instruments that make surgery possible. Jay discusses what the profession entails, the prerequisite courses and hands-on training required, how students can apply to the CSPT certificate program, and why this fast-growing pathway is becoming increasingly essential to patient safety and surgical care.

Step into a career that restores independence and purpose. In this episode of The SHIFT Podcast, Saxton sits down with OTA Director Piper and 2nd year OTA student Ryan Wilson to explore the Occupational Therapy Assistant pathway. From hands-on learning and fieldwork to real student advice and career insight, discover what it takes to succeed in this impactful healthcare field. Small shifts, big impact.

Episode 1 — Host Saxton Keitt and Dean Donna Whitehouse introduce The SHIFT Podcast: a hub for clear, accessible info about Nashville State’s School of Health Sciences. They outline available programs (Nursing, OTA, Central Sterile, Surgical Tech, Healthcare Management, Medical Coding, plus new EMS and Surgical Tech certificates), explain the podcast’s goals—clarity, transparency, and student support—and invite listener engagement (questions for future episodes, peer mentoring, clubs, and a “Why I Chose My Program” voice memo campaign). Follow for season previews and interviews with faculty, students, alumni, and healthcare professionals.