EVIT training leads to jobs, college for medical assistant

Working as a medical assistant, Rochelle got her start at EVIT
Posted on 01/26/2022
Rochelle built her foundation with training at EVIT, now a medical assistant

Rochelle Demarest was looking for a way to support herself financially while going to college when her family learned about the East Valley Institute of Technology. After completing the EVIT Medical Assistant program in 2019, she is now working for Wee Care Pediatrics while taking classes at Central Arizona College.

 

“It was while I was studying at EVIT that I fell in love with health care and wanted to continue in the field,” said Demarest, 22, who attended EVIT as an adult student after graduating from the charter school Chandler Preparatory Academy.

 

EVIT provides tuition-free career education for high school students and tuition-based training for adults. Adults can take high school programs if space is available, or enroll in one of a dozen post-secondary programs.

 

“I was first initially looking into environmental sciences for my degree but wanted something to support me financially while I was studying. My mom suggested EVIT after hearing about the school from her coworker,” Demarest said. “We went to look at the programs together and, ultimately, decided on medical assisting. My mom is an RN and used to work as a medical assistant before she became an RN so it also helped with choosing the program.”

 

In the Medical Assistant program, students learn how to perform administrative and clinical skills in a variety of settings, including doctors’ offices, hospitals and clinics. They learn medical terminology, body systems, EKG, phlebotomy, autoclave, CPR and first aid, OSHA safety standards and other medical specialties. They also learn about office procedures such as patient billing and filing of insurance claims, and they do a clinical externship in the second year of the course.

 

“I enjoyed the times we spent in the lab learning how to do certain procedures such as ear lavages, vaccinations, phlebotomy, and more. I especially enjoyed clinicals,” Demarest said. “It was fun learning through this experience and seeing the difference in the field versus in the classroom.”

 

Medical Assistant is one of EVIT’s most popular and successful programs. It has an average 93% completion rate, with many of the students going on to work for hospitals and medical practices while continuing their education in college.

 

After completing the program, Demarest returned to EVIT to work as an instructional assistant. Then she started working as a medical assistant at various clinics until she found her current position at Wee Care Pediatrics, where she takes vitals, give vaccines, sends out labs, helps the doctor with procedures, educates parents and much more.

 

“I'm very happy with the work that I'm doing and the impact I'm making in my patients’ lives,” she said.

 

Demarest divides her time between her job and classes at Central Arizona College, where she plans to join the Radiology Technician program. “After that, I want to go for my doctorate in radiology as well,” she said. “I honestly wouldn’t have considered this field if it wasn’t for my first steps into the medical field at EVIT.”

 

Demarest said EVIT is “definitely worth it. It can help you explore your career more and get your foot through the door.”

 

EVIT students have a 98% high school graduation rate, two out of three go on to college and 94% are in jobs related to their training, college or the military within a year of completing their program.

 

Enrollment for 2022-23 is under way. Start the process at www.evit.com/enroll.

 

Rochelle’s Career Path:

  • Graduated from Chandler Preparatory Academy
  • Enrolled at EVIT as an adult student
  • Completed EVIT Medical Assistant program in 2019
  • Worked as an instructional assistant at EVIT
  • Worked for various medical practices
  • Enrolled at Central Arizona College
  • Currently a Medical Assistant for Wee Care Pediatrics
  • Future plans: Pursue doctorate in radiology

 

Get started on a career while in high school:

 

How to enroll in high school programs at EVIT:

  • Complete and submit application online at www.evit.com/enroll
  • Parents/legal guardians of new students will need an active email account to access and use the online registration system
  • Upload attendance record, discipline record, current unofficial transcripts and proof of immunizations
  • Admissions office will inform students via email once application is approved or if more information is needed
  • EVIT is for all high school students – public, charter, private or home-schooled – who reside in one of 11 East Valley school districts: Apache Junction, Cave Creek, Chandler, Fountain Hills, Gilbert, Higley, J.O. Combs, Mesa, Queen Creek, Scottsdale, Tempe
  • More information: Call (480) 461-4108

 

How to enroll in adult programs at EVIT:

  • Schedule appointment to meet with an advisor by calling (480) 461-4110
  • Complete online application form at www.evit.com/enroll
  • Tuition rates vary by program. Apply for financial aid by visiting www.fafsa.ed.gov and using school code 035723
  • Send questions about financial aid to [email protected]
  • More information: Call (480) 461-4110