Marjorie Abela is a 2019 graduate of our Renton campus’ Dental Assistant (DA) certificate program. She enrolled at Pima Medical shortly after graduating high school and says, thanks to her experience she now has a career she loves. Here is her story.
“A couple months after graduating from high school I enrolled in the DA program at Pima Medical in Renton. My sister had gone to school there to become a Medical Assistant, but I felt that the DA program might be a better fit for me. I have no regrets!
It was different having many of my classmates be older than me, but we adjusted and my instructors were encouraging and super helpful. I was terrified when it came time for me to go out on my externship at a clinic with real patients, but I did it. I was eager to start my new career and applied everywhere. I remember where I was when I got the call from my doctor asking me to come in for an interview resulting in a job. I have been with Dr. Joseph Lee at Burien Family Dental Care for three years now and he has taught me so much!
I love assisting the doctor and taking care of my patients and I am now one of the lead assistants. We have convenient hours for our patients, so I work four days from 8 am to 7 pm and get to enjoy three-day weekends. I feel appreciated; my hourly rate has nearly doubled and the doctor even took us to a dental conference in Las Vegas.
The whole staff at Pima Medical was so wonderful. I was not a great student, but my instructor, Ms. Shalon, pushed me and believed in me and she is the reason I am where I am. I am so grateful to Pima Medical Institute for providing me with a career that I love.
Are you considering a career in healthcare? Check out what an education with Pima Medical could mean for you!
