Medical Assistant Student Stories
Candace - Medical Assistant, Class of 2008
"You’re always young enough to pursue your dreams. Take it from me. Since I was a 16-year-old candy striper (volunteer) at a hospital in Idaho, I have wanted to work in the medical field. But when I graduated from high school, I couldn’t afford to attend the only college in the area with medical training. So, when I retired from Verizon after 29 years, I decided to pursue my dream. I chose EvCC over other shorter medical assisting programs because I believed a college education would provide me with a broader, more thorough knowledge of the skills required and that employers would prefer a certificate and degree from an accredited college. My choice paid off. I earned a certificate in medical assisting plus an associate degree in technical arts at EvCC. Now I’m working in the Everett Clinic Dermatology Department. My education provided me with the administrative, clinical and personal skill sets required for a successful career as a medical assistant. My advice for anyone considering medical assisting is: “Never stop learning.” - Candace
Michelle – Medical Assistant with a Health Care Risk Management Certificate, Class of 2008
"I decided to become a medical assistant to have the opportunity for quality one-on-one contact with patients
and their families within a clinic setting. When I researched the medical assisting field, I learned that it would be most beneficial for me to receive training from a two-year program like EvCC’s instead of a shorter, more expensive program that doesn’t offer associates degrees. My education also prepared me for national certification through the AAMA — American Association of Medical Assistants. My biggest challenge while attending college was balancing study time and family time. The best part? I have an amazing husband and two children who cheered me on through the entire process. Because of EvCC, I was prepared for all aspects of medical assisting beyond the technical side of obtaining vitals and administering medicine. I also gained an understanding of legal and ethical issues, cultural differences and communication skills, plus front office administration and billing skills, disease management and risk management knowledge." - Michelle