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HAMMOND, LA — Northshore Technical Community College (NTCC) has provided many short-term Healthcare trainings (Certified Nurse Assistant, Certified Clinical Medical Assistant, Psychiatric Technician, to name a few) across the Northshore region. The college is pleased to announce the addition of a new Allied Health Instructor within its Workforce Training and Development Division to expand those trainings and continue to directly address the high demand for skilled healthcare professionals in the region. Filling this vital role is McKenzie Flash, an NTCC alumna and Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) whose personal journey of resilience embodies the college’s mission of student success and community impact.
A Journey Rooted in the Northshore
A native of French Settlement, Flash’s path to the classroom was anything but linear. After finding large university settings disconnected, she discovered her place in NTCC’s Medical Assistant (MA) program in 2019.
“Coming from a small town, I felt anxious in large settings,” said Flash. “I chose NTCC because of its personal learning environment. I truly believe God had me exactly where I needed to be.”
Flash continued her education through NTCC’s innovative MA-to-PN Bridge program in partnership with North Oaks Health System (NOHS). Despite the challenges of navigating a pregnancy during the rigorous program, Flash graduated in December 2023, crediting the "instrumental support" of NTCC leadership and her family.
Overcoming the Unthinkable
Only five months into her career as an LPN at North Oaks, Flash’s life changed instantly following a traumatic ATV accident that resulted in the amputation of her left arm below the elbow.
“Nursing was my identity, and I didn’t know what my future looked like anymore,” Flash shared. Driven by a determination to return to her calling, she was back on the hospital unit just four months
later. While the transition required her to relearn clinical skills and rebuild her confidence, it also provided her with a unique gift: the perspective of the patient.
“The accident changed how I practiced, but it did not take away my ability to care,” said Flash. “It deepened my empathy and reshaped my perspective. Nursing is not defined by what we lose, but by how we show compassion.”
From Bedside to Classroom
After a period of healing and a brief tenure helping fellow amputees at a prosthetic company, Flash felt the pull back to the medical world. In September 2025, she accepted the full-time role of Allied Health Instructor at NTCC while continuing to serve patients PRN at North Oaks Health System.
“The opportunity to join NTCC fell into place, and I felt a sense of peace I hadn’t had in a long time,” Flash said. “I once sat in these classrooms trying to find my direction. Now, I get to help students find theirs and shape them into compassionate healthcare professionals.”
As NTCC continues to grow its Workforce Development initiatives, Flash’s expertise and indomitable spirit will serve as a cornerstone for the next generation of Allied Health students at NTCC.
