They’ve supported me through all my trials and tribulations and keep cheering me on
Medical assistants do a little bit of everything. They support patients face-to-face, keep clinics running, and help providers stay organized—from scheduling to health records to direct patient care. It’s a much-needed field, and at Lane Community College, students in that program are training for work that matters.
For Lizz, the pull was simple: opportunity and momentum. “It’s a growing field,” she said. Lane was also close by, making it easier to start a bold new path in life.
Lizz has her eyes on the future, too. She’s working toward becoming a Radiology (X-ray) or Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Technologist. The Medical Assisting program is her first big step, and she’s not doing it alone. Career Pathways, a department that helps students make plans and connect with resources, including personal coaching, has been a huge help. “They’ve supported me through all my trials and tribulations and keep cheering me on,” Lizz said.
When it comes to the program itself, Lizz doesn’t hesitate about who’s helped her most: instructor and program coordinator, Gloria Northup. “She is extremely passionate and knowledgeable,” Lizz said. “Despite having an entire program to run, she is able to be there for all of her students individually. Gloria is why I’m getting through my program.”
For Kya (photographed above), the decision to go into health care has been a long time coming. “I’ve always been super interested in the medical field,” she said, “and I love helping people.” She chose Lane because the program was strong and it matched what she wanted to do.
Kya wants to become a Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) after Lane’s one year program, and perhaps a Physician Assistant (PA) down the line. She explained: “I love the medical field and want to create a compassionate and welcoming experience for all patients no matter what.”
To make it through the busy weeks, Kya leans on a couple key supports: “Study rooms at the Library and a fantastic program director,” she shared. And like Lizz, she credits Gloria for helping make the material stick. “Gloria shares tidbits about her experience in the field,” Kya said, “as well as helpful ways to remember different things in our studying.”
When asked what they’d tell someone thinking about a CTE program at Lane, both students landed in the same place.
Lizz: “It’s worth it!”
Kya: “It can be challenging and is a lot of work but 100% worth it.”