From Retail Worker to Certified Medical Assistant: How NYSMDA Helped One Student Transform Her Career
From Retail Worker to Certified Medical Assistant: How NYSMDA Helped One Student Transform Her Career
When Maria Santos walked into The New York School for Medical and Dental Assistants in Queens, she felt stuck. At 27 years old, she had spent years working retail jobs across New York City while struggling to find a stable long-term career path. Despite working hard, she faced unpredictable schedules, limited income growth, and little opportunity for advancement.
“I wanted a career where I could help people and actually build a future,” Maria explained. “I knew healthcare was growing, but I didn’t think I could realistically get into the field.”
Everything changed after she discovered NYSMDA.
A Flexible Path Into Healthcare
Maria enrolled in NYSMDA’s Clinical Medical Assistant program after attending an admissions information session near the school’s Queens campus. The location near the 7 train made commuting manageable while continuing part-time work.
Initially nervous about returning to school, Maria quickly found support from instructors and classmates.
“The teachers really cared,” she said. “They understood many of us were balancing jobs, family responsibilities, and school all at once.”
Hands-On Training Built Confidence
Throughout the program, Maria trained in vital signs, patient intake procedures, phlebotomy blood drawing, EKG procedures, infection control, and clinical patient care. NYSMDA’s hands-on learning environment helped her gain confidence quickly.
“At first I was terrified to draw blood,” Maria recalled with a laugh. “By the end of the program, I felt prepared and professional.”
The school’s focus on practical clinical skills helped bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world healthcare settings. Students practiced procedures repeatedly while learning how to communicate professionally with patients and medical staff.
Career Services Opened New Doors
As graduation approached, NYSMDA’s career services team helped Maria prepare her resume, practice interview skills, and connect with employers across New York City.
Within weeks of completing the program and earning her certification, Maria secured a full-time position at a busy urgent care clinic in Queens.
Her starting salary exceeded what she earned in retail, and for the first time, she had access to healthcare benefits, a stable schedule, and long-term career growth opportunities.
“Now I wake up excited to go to work,” Maria said. “I’m helping patients every day and building a future I’m proud of.”
A Growing Healthcare Career
Today, Maria continues working as a Clinical Medical Assistant while exploring future opportunities in nursing and healthcare management. She credits NYSMDA with helping her completely change the direction of her life.
“I didn’t just get a certificate,” she said. “I gained confidence, stability, and a real career.”
Stories like Maria’s reflect why so many students choose NYSMDA to begin their healthcare journey. With practical training, supportive instructors, and career-focused education, the school continues helping students throughout New York City prepare for in-demand careers in the medical field.
The College that works.
Your future starts here! At The New York School for Medical and Dental Assistants we'll support you every step of the way as you train for a rewarding career in Medical Assisting, Dental Assisting, and more. Let us help you achieve your career goals.
