When Tiara Horton of Goldsboro, a recent high school graduate, walked through the doors of Wayne Community College for the first time, she faced an uncertain future.
Ten years later, as a medical assistant, she exudes confidence knowing she chose the right path.
When Horton was 18 years old, she wasn’t sure what educational path to pursue. Her mother encouraged her to attend WCC, and she took general education classes while finding her long-term goals.
Having an interest in the medical field, she became interested in the university’s medical support program and enrolled in it in 2015.
Fast-growing field
Medical assisting is a rapidly growing field in which individuals work in the administrative, clinical, and laboratory areas of healthcare. Professionals in this field can expect to find employment in clinics, clinics, hospitals, and other medical facilities.
WCC’s Certified Medical Assistant program offers a two-year degree and certificate, and graduates of the degree program are eligible to take the exam to become a Certified Medical Assistant.
“The medical support at WCC is amazing,” Horton said. “Once you walk out that door, you’ll know how to do your job.”
personal and practical
In this program, students receive hands-on clinical training using concepts learned in class. Students are prepared to learn everything from how to draw blood and take blood pressure to how to work with doctors.
As a student in WCC’s medical assisting program, Horton remembers learning the importance of kindness and good bedside manner, along with the more clinical aspects of the job.
“Patients come in because they don’t feel well,” Horton said. “Even if you’re having a tough day, you can be a gentle listener.”
work towards success
After graduating from the program in 2017, Horton became a certified medical assistant.
She currently performs bone density tests and answers the phones at UNC Orthopedics in Goldsboro. Mr. Horton’s expertise in both clinical and administrative areas will help him gain a deeper understanding of how a medical office functions as a whole.
Horton recalled the stress of working in the medical field during the coronavirus pandemic, when temperature checks and mandatory mask-wearing became the new normal.
“It was tough because the rules changed every week,” Horton said. “It was tough, but if you can get through that, you can get through anything.”
A self-described “go big or go home” mindset, Horton furthered her responsibilities as a full-time working mother by taking online classes at East Carolina University starting in August 2020.
She graduated in 2023 with a bachelor’s degree in healthcare management.
growing leader
WCC Medical Assistance Program Director and Instructor Heather Odom believes Horton has “found his calling” in his current role.
“When Teara was a student, she was a very hard worker and very dependable,” Odom said. “My current students love working with her in their clinical placements.”
Horton hopes to take on more leadership roles in the future, using her medical support experience and interest in management to help others become efficient and kind workers. I’m here.
“I never expected anything like this to happen in August when I started attending WCC,” Horton said. “My experience there pushed me and showed me what I was capable of.”
For more information about WCC’s medical assistance program, visit waynecc.edu/medical or contact Odom at 919-739-6782. (email protected).
