After struggling with college, a student discovers her passion and purpose with a medical assistant certificate program
Iveth Gonzalez had just started college when she felt beset by a swirl of new responsibilities and unfamiliar experiences. On top of this, her beloved dog died, adding to Gonzalez’ sense of dejection. As she struggled, Gonzalez decided she was unable to continue her studies, and dropped out to reevaluate her future.
“I was overwhelmed because college was very new to me and everyone in my family—no one has attended college in our family before,” says Gonzalez, 19. “It felt like a lot of pressure at the time.”
A few months later, while trying to decide her next step, Gonzalez learned about the medical assistant certification program offered by the Lompoc Adult School and Career Center (LASCC).
When she realized the class, with the help of scholarship assistance, would be free, she immediately registered.
Gonzalez’ aunt and sister work in the medical field, and she’d always been curious about a related career thanks to a somewhat rough-and-tumble childhood.
“Growing up, I was always getting hurt and ending up in the hospital,” she says. “I broke my arm, bruised my rib cage and I always loved just being there.”
“The free books and supplies are great—so we don’t feel pressured to purchase an expensive book right away.”
Iveth Gonzalez, Medical Assistant Certification Student, Lompoc Adult School and Career Center
Now, Gonzalez juggles full-time work with school. She works during the day as a substitute teacher in elementary schools then takes online classes from each evening, where an instructor facilitates lessons, reviews notes and assigns homework. Once a week, Gonzalez goes on campus to get hands-on training in the many tasks medical assistants handle ranging from administrative office work to checking vital signs and drawing blood.
Gonzalez says she appreciates the balance of online education with in-person instruction as it allows her to learn on her own schedule while still getting practical experience. LASCC also offers students scrubs, books and other materials they need for the course.
“I thought the free supplies are great—so we don’t feel pressured to purchase an expensive book right away,” Gonzalez says.
She adds she also appreciates that LASCC helps students find an established medical institution for the 160-hour externship they must complete as part of their course, where they get real-life experience under the guidance of seasoned medical professionals.
The middle child of five siblings, Gonzalez lives at home with her parents who are supportive of her pursuing her medical assistant certification as she decides how to proceed with her education.
In the future, after she completes the course and receives her certification, Gonzalez says she might pursue becoming a licensed vocational nurse with a focus on pediatrics.
For now, she says taking this course has helped her get a better understanding of the expectations of higher education. As a result of attending the LASCC, she feels more prepared to give college a second chance.
“I wasn’t ready yet,” she said. “But now I am.”
For more information on the Lompoc Adult School and Career Center’s high school degree program visit https://adulteducation.lusd.org/.
Written by John Flynn
| Regions | Classes & Topics |
|---|---|
| South Coast California | Careers in Health Care |
