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Interview with a Medical Assistant Entering Nursing School

How long have you been a medical assistant?  Can you describe what you do? 

I have worked as Medical Assistant for 19 years at the same location.  I draw blood,  assist the doctor with biopsies, triage patients, take vitals and record patients’ medical histories, perform lab testing, sterilize instruments, practice sterile technique, assist in most office procedures and schedule appointments.

How did you become interested in health care?

Honestly, I was interested in the money, however, I continued for 19 years because I realized how much I enjoyed helping people and making them feel better.  I really enjoy meeting new people every day and have gotten paid back by the compliments I receive on how welcomed I have made them feel, especially if it was their first time in our office.

After receiving your medical assistant certification, what degree did you achieve after that?

So far, I received an Associates Degree in Science and my phlebotomy license.   

How long did it take?  What were some of the courses related to your field of study?

It took me 10 years part-time, one class a semester to receive my Associates with a goal of applying to a Nursing program.  I took Micro, Anatomy I and II, Sociology, Childhood Development, Science and some other Biology classes.

What degree will you be pursuing in January?  How long do you expect it to take to complete? 

A Bachelors of Science in Nursing.  I expect it to take two years. 

What is the most demanding aspect of your educational path?

Juggling 3 kids, sports, husband, finding time for my best friend (my Great Dane), time for my human friends, time to study, time for work and especially, time for myself.

How has pursing an education helped your career?

I am more knowledgeable in my field.  I have a better understanding of certain things done in the office, such as continuing testing for problems, patience and experience. I am more confident about the job I am doing due to the fact I have had to take Biology, Anatomy, Physiology and other classes pertaining to the medical field. I can give explanations to patients when I was unable to do so before, about questions they have regarding testing or blood work - what tests are for and why they are being done. 

What advice would you give to certificate students looking to advance their degree?

If you like where you are but are not getting paid what you’re worth or not appreciated by others, when you know you should be, when you work so hard and get little in return from your employer, when you find yourself doing everything a Nurse does, but only the Nurse gets the credit, then pursue the dreams that you have always had, but never thought you could reach, regardless of your age. I never thought I would reach my goal of being accepted into a Registered Nursing program when only 60 applicants are accepted, out of 800-1100 applicants, that apply EVERY semester. 

What do you believe is the most important component of providing service to an underserved community?

Feeling good about what you have done for that day and every day.  Wanting to get up and go to work.  Enjoying  your job and feeling that you've made a difference to someone who has come to your office for the first time.  Listening to patients tell you that you made them feel so comfortable when they felt so nervous.  Having them take time to find you and thank "you" for being so nice as they leave the office. Regardless of hourly rate, that is payment enough for me.  It confirms that, although I joined the Medical field for the wrong reasons 20 years ago, I stayed with it for the right reasons and will continue to do so.  The only way I can to that is to continue my education, otherwise, I will be stuck in the same place.

Posted by: Laura Wagner