Feature
Students Speak Out on Career Training
Read on for advice and inspiration
Nick Acosta
Medical Assistant, National Career College
I enrolled in the Medical Assistant Program to have the opportunity to help others. I was looking for a career and not just a job, and healthcare is a great field to be in. After researching many schools, I realized that this was the right choice for me because the school offered very competitive tuition, small class sizes, and the faculty and staff were very nice and helpful.
The best part about the program is that I’m learning many new things about the human body and health. I’m learning about medical terminology and other aspects of the medical field. I’m also learning about injections, vitals and EKG. I do not find it challenging because if you put your mind to it and it is something you really want to do, then it is not difficult. It is very enjoyable.
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Salpi Guedikian
Licensed Vocational Nurse
CES College
The best part of the program is having a great group of classmates. We help and support each other through challenges. The quality of the education I am receiving shows the dedication of my instructors. The challenge is to give yourself time to study and avoid procrastination. That is the key to success in an LVN program.A career in nursing is very rewarding. You have the responsibility, knowledge and ability to care for people and to make a difference in their day.
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Kenneth Varela
Phlebotomist
Meridian Institute
I’m an HIV/STD testing counselor on a mobile testing unit. My job sent me to Meridian to further my skills and better serve my clients as a phlebotomist. The best part is having great instructors. My advice for others is to enjoy what you’re doing wholeheartedly!
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Amber Enox
LVN, RN or Nurse Practitioner
CES CollegeI enrolled in this program because I was working as a CNA and wanted to move up in my career, and provide a better future for my son and myself. The best part is knowing that once I am all done I will be an LVN, and on my way to improving myself. The most challenging part is cramming all the information into a short period of time.
In the nursing career, you are not limited to one field. There will never not be a need for a nurse. Many people won’t remember their doctor when they go to the hospital or are admitted to an assisted living home — but they always remember their nurse.
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Francisco Herrera
Associate’s Degree in Paralegal Studies
National University
My career goal is to first work in the paralegal field and then eventually attend law school. After researching various programs, I believe that National University’s Paralegal Studies Program offers a competitive edge among other programs with respect to beginning a career in the paralegal field. Another reason I enrolled was due to the program being approved by the American Bar Association.
The best part of the program is the way in which it is set up, one course a month. This makes it easier to concentrate on one aspect of law at a time. The most challenging part is learning the many aspects of law and how they all differ. However, I love a challenge and therefore it motivates me even more to want to succeed. You don’t have to necessarily work as a paralegal. This training allows you to work in different types of settings. You can be a law clerk, a legislative clerk, etc. It allows you also to work in various types of law.
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Vanessa Pineda
Medical Assistant
Career College Consultants, Inc.
I enrolled in CCC because I wanted a better future for my daughter. I want a stable job and a career that I can be proud of. The best part of coming into class is the knowledge I receive and how it will help me in the future within the medical field. You learn about the human body, its functions, and its diseases and disorders. The training benefits you in the long run because if your child or a family member gets sick, you know what to do.
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Arpine Gasparyan
RN with CPT-1 License
Meridian Institute
I am currently doing intern work collecting hours toward my RN license. The best part about this school is the fast-paced environment and the hands-on training during Lab. My advice is to be prepared to learn!
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Gevork Arutinyan
Surgical Technologist
CBD College
I really enjoy working with patients and being in the medical field. This program interested me the most, because you get to become part of the operating room team. The biggest challenge is trying to remember all the things we learn! Everything is interesting to me about this field, but one example is instrumentation, and how each instrument is used for specific surgeries and procedures.
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John Pickrell
Dental Laboratory Technician
National Career CollegeI enjoy sculpting the teeth, as you have to be detail-oriented, precise and meticulous. Our program is mostly hands-on and we have the latest equipment to prepare us for a job. The most challenging aspect is the wax and porcelain part of the program. However, it pays off once you grasp the idea. it’s extremely rewarding and fun once you can comprehend the process.
My advice is for everyone to be committed and focused. Come to school every day and practice your hand skills. Be professional and have an open mind to prepare to learn new things and ideas. Overall this program is fast, challenging, and most of all rewarding. It’s a great experience for people who are serious about having a career, not just a job. Immediately after graduating from National Career College as a dental lab technician, they helped me in securing a job. Now I am working and enjoy my new career very much.
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Natali Rodriguez
Surgical Technologist
American Career College
I have always been interested in surgery and love to help people. The best part about the program is learning something new every day and challenging yourself. The instructors are a great part of the program and are there for you when you least expect it. I want to become a surgical technologist so I can be involved in saving people’s lives.
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Helen Noriega
Cosmetologist
Palace Beauty
Since I was a little girl I dreamed of having my own salon. Yet, coming here seemed like nothing special — that is, until the first day of school. When the teachers came to introduce themselves, they offered all of their support and that’s when I knew this was the place to be. Not so long ago my family had some tough financial problems. I thought the only way to help was to drop out and get a job, but my instructor helped me get that crazy idea out of my head. She pushed me to do my best everyday and offered time out of her personal life to help me.
I plan to finish school and start my chain of salons. I hope to make all my instructors proud and succeed in this field. This experience has not only changed my career, but has helped me meet amazing people and build long-term relationships that I will cherish for life.