Grad Spotlight: Medical Assisting

Meet Rebecca Riddick.

She works full time as a patient recruiter for Drug Studies America. Before Rebecca landed this unique position she was a member of our College’s first Medical Assisting class. The training she obtained gave her the confidence and skill set needed to succeed in the healthcare industry.

Rebecca reflected on her time in our program and shared what a typical day in her life is like now.

Share your experience in our Medical Assisting program.
My experience in the Medical Assisting class was great. I loved my instructors. They really made class fun and interesting. We all passed our exam on the first attempt — which really tells you a lot about how well we understood the material.

How did the externship benefit you?
My externship was amazing. I couldn’t have asked for a better placement. I served at WellStar Internal Medicine off Tower Road in Marietta with Dr. Trottier. They really worked with my schedule so I could work and go to school at the same time. Everyone at internal medicine was eager to teach us.

I was also with Irina Fiore, one on my fellow classmates, as we had the same externship placement. My nurse Erin and Dr. Trottier did everything in their power to make sure I had the opportunity to have a fulfilling experience. When I had questions they answered them and then showed me how to accomplish the task I was asking about.

How did the program help you with your career goals and aspirations?
I’ve always wanted to be in the medical field and I wasn’t sure where to start. One day, while stressing about what I was going to do next, I received KSU information in the mail for their new Medical Assisting program. I said, “Why not!”

Just like any school, it was very hard and time consuming, but I stuck through it and we all graduated. I became very confident in what I do and gained the hands-on experience I needed.

With the KSU name behind me, I knew I could find a job. I was hired at my first interview. I’m not sure where I’ll end up, but I do know I’m on the right path.

What are you doing now?
I am a patient recruiter at Drug Studies America. I love where I work. This is a great company to work for.

It’s different then what I expected coming into the MA program. I didn’t realize all the different opportunities I would have at the time. As a patient recruiter as Drug Studies America, my job is to enroll patients into our studies, gather their medical history, get their vitals and assist the coordinators.

I also work on our social media and marketing efforts. In working with other offices, I travel around updating nurses on all of our current studies.

What would your advice be to potential students considering our MA program?
Become friends with the fellow students. They will really help you finish this program. My class became one big family pushing and motivating each other to finish. Also, do not give up. It will be over before you know it. Don’t be scared to ask questions. When you’re at your clinicals, treat it like a job. You never know who may be watching!