Sticks Diagnostics Opens Its Doors to Opportunity: Ketra Parson is Transforming Healthcare Education in Henry County
- Game Changers
- Aug 3
- 3 min read
Updated: 6 days ago
By Game Changers Media Network
Stockbridge, GA – For many people, the dream of working in healthcare feels out of reach because of the cost, time commitment, or uncertainty surrounding traditional college programs. But one local business is proving there is another path.
Game Changers Media Network recently visited Sticks Diagnostics & Healthcare Training Center during its monthly Open House, where Owner and Director Ketra welcomed prospective students, community members, and future healthcare professionals to learn about the organization's growing impact across Metro Atlanta. With more than 26 years of experience in healthcare, She has built a training center focused on helping people quickly enter one of the nation's fastest-growing industries while avoiding years of college debt.
A Mission Born From Experience
Originally from Virginia, She spent 16 years working at Emory Healthcare before transitioning into occupational health as a medical case manager for a major railroad company. During the COVID-19 pandemic, she recognized an opportunity to serve the community differently. "I knew teaching was one of my paths," Ketra shared. "Everything that I teach, I have a certification in, and I wanted to create a place where people could gain valuable healthcare skills without spending years in school." That vision became Sticks Diagnostics & Healthcare Training Center, a state-approved training facility that now serves students throughout the region.
Fast-Track Healthcare Careers
Unlike many traditional healthcare education programs that can take 10 months to four years to complete, Sticks Diagnostics offers accelerated certification courses designed to prepare students for employment in just weeks.
Programs include:
Phlebotomy Technician – 4 weeks
EKG Technician – 3 weeks
Medical Assistant – 12 weeks
Medical Billing & Coding – 8 weeks
Upon completing their coursework, students are eligible to sit for nationally recognized certification exams through organizations such as the National Healthcareer Association (NHA) or National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT), depending on the program. Beyond technical instruction, the center also provides career preparation to help graduates confidently enter the workforce.
More Than a Classroom
Ketra believes healthcare education should be both challenging and supportive.
"We're family-oriented," she explained. "We're going to teach, we're going to have fun, and we're going to make sure our students leave with what they need to succeed." That culture has helped the center maintain the graduation standards required as a state-approved educational facility while continuing to grow its reputation throughout the community.
Why Students Choose Sticks Diagnostics
According to Ketra, there are three major reasons students enroll:
A faster pathway into healthcare without committing to a four-year degree.
A cost-effective education that helps students avoid overwhelming student loan debt.
A lifelong career opportunity with practical skills that can immediately open doors in the healthcare industry.
For individuals looking to make a career change, enter the workforce quickly, or expand their medical knowledge, the center provides an accessible alternative to traditional education.
Serving the Community Beyond Training
In addition to healthcare education, Sticks Diagnostics provides a variety of professional services, including:
Diagnostic Testing
DOT & Non-DOT Drug Testing
DNA Testing
Mobile Phlebotomy
Occupational Health Services
The organization hosts monthly Open House events to introduce prospective students to its programs, instructors, and training environment while answering questions about enrollment and career opportunities.
Get Started Today
Enrollment is currently open for upcoming healthcare training cohorts.
Sticks Diagnostics & Healthcare Training Center
📍 5459 North Henry Boulevard, Suite C Stockbridge, GA 30281
📞 943-245-1378
Email Us At: Labs@prettysticksconcierge.com
Prospective students can also register online and learn more about available programs through the Sticks Diagnostics website and social media platforms. As healthcare continues to be one of the nation's most in-demand industries, Ketra is helping ensure that opportunity is within reach one student, one certification, and one career at a time.
Game Changers Media Network is committed to highlighting the businesses, organizations, and leaders making a difference throughout our communities. Through storytelling, community journalism, and multimedia coverage, we continue to showcase the people creating positive change across Georgia and beyond.
Testimonial About Sticks Diagnostics
"The moment I walked into Sticks Diagnostics, I knew this was different. I wasn't just looking at a training center I saw God's presence. The scriptures on the walls, especially 'For I know the plans I have for you' (Jeremiah 29:11), gave me peace and confirmed that my daughter was exactly where she needed to be. This isn't just a place to learn a career; it's a place of purpose, hope, and fresh starts. As a mother, seeing my daughter take this next step means everything, and I know she's in the right hands."
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