After graduating high school with experience working in retail, Kate Tucker was interested in pursuing a career in the medical field, inspired by her mother’s career as a nurse practitioner in Mesa County. However, the prospect of hefty student loans and uncertainty about her future career direction made her hesitant to commit to a two- or four-year program. That all changed when she started work at Family Health West (FHW) and found a career ladder in the medical field that would enable her to earn a living while moving up in her field.
Kate began her journey with FHW in April 2023 as a Medical Office Specialist (an entry-level position at the Front Desk) in FHW’s Primary Care Group. It quickly became evident that Kate had a natural talent for interacting with patients and would excel in a medical role. Recognizing her potential, FHW offered her an apprenticeship to transition into a Medical Assistant (MA) role, providing her with the necessary education while allowing her to continue working.
“I find being a Medical Assistant really rewarding because we support so many parts of the patient’s experience, and every day is different. To anyone considering an apprenticeship, I would say go for it. I think this is a great opportunity to get real-life experience and get your foot in the door of the medical field. I’ve gained so many skills and am looking forward to the future with my new career.”
Kate took the significant step of enrolling in the MA Apprenticeship program in November 2023 and successfully completed her program in June 2024, earning her Registered Medical Assistant certification from American Technologist. Today, she continues to be a valuable part of the team as a Medical Assistant at FHW Primary Care. Innovative Workforce Solutions and the Mesa County Workforce Center provided invaluable support for Kate's journey.
Reflecting on her apprenticeship experience, Kate shared her relief and excitement about her new career. "Doing the apprenticeship program removed so much stress because I was able to learn while working instead of juggling hours at school. I find being a Medical Assistant really rewarding because we support so many parts of the patient experience, and every day is different,” Kate noted. She offered, “To anyone considering an apprenticeship, I would say go for it. I think this is a great opportunity to get real-life experience and get your foot in the door of the medical field. I’ve gained so many skills and am looking forward to the future with my new career.”
Comments