Tomika Young does a little bit of everything in her job as a registered medical assistant at an ears, nose, and throat clinic (ENT clinic) in Charlottesville, Virginia. “I make sure the patient has a great visit from the time they step in the door till the time they leave,” she says, summarizing the many administrative and clinical tasks she handles into one overarching goal. It’s a role that Tomika was well-prepared for, having finished her medical assisting degree at National College’s $$Charlottesville Campus and completing her externship at the clinic before being hired on after her graduation.
“I got a lot from the [medical assisting] program,” Tomika says about her preparation at National for her current job. “I liked the medical terminology class,” she shares about the classes that taught her what she needed for her position. “I liked the procedures classes more than anything – being able to do hands on,” she explains – noting how learning to draw blood, take blood pressure, etc. are a part of her daily interactions with patients.
Beyond training her for her career, Tomika felt like she became a part of a community at National. The small-class sizes allowed her to get to know her instructors and her fellow classmates. “I enjoyed all the staff [at National],” Tomika says, “and each student was like family.” She completed her program quickly, within two years, and states that she had a good time through the entire experience.
The same close community environment has continued into the office at the ENT clinic, with Tomika being one of four workers who assist the doctor in running the clinic. “We all work together,” she shares, explaining how everyone keeps the schedule so that they can all have time with family and keep the clinic running smoothly.
Looking ahead to the future, Tomika states that she wants to continue on: “I really like this field – ENT is where it’s at,” she says with a smile. She looks forward to learning more, expanding her ability in the field, and adding to the skills she’s already gained as a graduate of National College.
