Don’t Let Anything Stand in Your Way! The MA Pathway
Date: October 20, 2022
When Karelly Escoto began the Medical Assistant (MA) program at Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts, Modesto Campus, in July 2021, she didn’t know how to use a computer. However, with a bit of guidance, she caught on fast. During her academic tenure, she overcame and exceeded several obstacles that might have easily held her back. Yet, she refused to give up.
Overcoming Obstacles
Obstacle one manifested as how to manage her time with school and home life—especially with the responsibilities of a young child. Simultaneously, obstacle two was learning how to use a computer. Specifically, she mastered navigating the campus’s Moodle learning platform. Finally, obstacle three, and not so small, was overcoming the language barrier. All in all, there were difficult times.
However, Karelly didn’t let anything stand in her pathway or keep her from doing amazingly throughout the MA program. The work she performed was nothing short of perfection, say her teachers. In addition to being a good student, she was fundamentally a kind classmate. Her peers attest she helped them again and again as they struggled.
Graduation
Ultimately, Karelly graduated with her certificate in Medical Assisting on February 15, 2022. Additionally, she received a front office medical assistant position upon completing the program. She was hired at the place of her externship in the specialty of internal medicine with Dr. Chaitanya Mahida, MD, Inc., and Dr. Upinder Basi, MD, in Oakdale, Calif. She continues to work there today.
Inspiration
For inspiration, Karelly quotes motivational speaker Zig Ziglar, “If you are not willing to learn, no one can help you. If you are determined to learn, no one can stop you!!”
Adding to this, Mrs. Lisa Fizzell, MA program coordinator at the Modesto Campus, says, “When I think of Karelly, I think of her determination and perseverance to overcome any obstacles that get in her way to become successful in whatever she sets her mind to!”~
FAQ with Karelly
What made you take the MA program?
I wanted to show my daughter that it’s never too late to go back to school and be a professional in my chosen career field.
What encouragement would you give to future students?
I would say, “Never quit, no matter how hard it is. Believe in yourself, and you will get through it.”
What are your long-term goals in allied healthcare?
I want to continue my education to become a Registered Nurse.
What was the best part about the Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts’ MA program?
The best part is you get to meet amazing people that share the same goals and passions.
What was the most challenging part of the program?
For me, it was overcoming the language barrier and, with that, the medical terminology.
MA Program Advantages
Gurnick Academy of Medical Arts’ Medical Assistant program takes approximately eight months* to complete. Both our San Mateo and Concord campuses currently offer evening classes. The goal of our program is to prepare competent entry-level Medical Assistants in the cognitive (knowledge), psychomotor (skills), and affective (behavior) learning domains. Further, the course seeks to prepare students for the Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA-NHA) and Certified EKG Technician (CET-NHA) national exams.
Interested in our MA Program?
Think you might be interested in our MA program? Contact us today.~
*30 Approved Instructional Weeks
