The Pre-Medical Careers Major at ATA teaches students both academic and technical skills necessary for a career in healthcare.  Students participate in a work-based learning internship as well as earn certifications in CPR, Stop the Bleed, and OSHA for Healthcare Providers. Students will also have the opportunity to obtain CMAA and/or EKG Technician certification if they so choose.

This major is intended for students who plan to pursue a 4-year degree and beyond in healthcare, veterinary medicine, dentistry, forensics, or pharmacy. 

 Dr. Teresa Nirenstein, DC,  Instructor

After attending Winthrop University and Sherman College of Chiropractic, Dr. Nirenstein began in private practice in Loris, S. C. in the winter of 1988.  In 1991, she was selected by The National Board of Chiropractic Examiners to participate in research for the compilation of an analysis of Chiropractic practice and rehabilitation.  During her 14 years of active practice in Loris, Dr. Nirenstein treated thousands of patients from Horry County.  Her patient base extended from the regions west to Florence, north to Wilmington, and south to Charleston.  Due to the development of ulna neuropathy, she sold her practice in 2005.  She began working for Horry County Schools in 2007, at Daisy Elementary.  She began her employment at the Academy for Technology and Academics in 2009 teaching the Pre-Medical Careers Portion of the Health Science curriculum.

Dr. Nirenstein was selected by Phillips Healthcare Corporation North America for their honor of distinction in 2012. She was The Challenge Coin recipient. She was chosen to acknowledge her ability to adapt to an evolving environment, her long hours of hard work, and her professionalism while in the teaching profession.

In 2013, she was elected the region’s Outstanding new Health Science Teacher. She has twice been honored, 2012 and 2020, by Outstanding Seniors as the Most Inspirational Teacher as recognized by the Conway Chamber of Commerce.

At the Academy for Technology and Academics, Dr. Nirenstein is actively involved with HOSA student organization.