Student Success Stories
Andrea Garnica
I attended North-West College right out of high school; with this education, I was able to get several jobs with medical doctors from various fields.
After a few years, I attended a community college. Later on, I transferred to Cal Poly, Pomona, where I majored in Sociology with an emphasis in Social Work. This is my last quarter at Cal Poly, and I just applied for graduate school at the University of Southern California for a Master’s degree in Social Work. If I am accepted, I will start in the Fall of 2007.
I have used much of what I learned while I worked in my jobs in clinics, convalescent homes, and doctor’s offices in my writings of social inequality and social work.
The knowledge base I gathered while at North-West College allowed me to experience unique perspectives of the medical field.
Angelica Burgos
I attended North-West College in 2003 to help me get a better career for myself. The day after I started, I got in a car accident and totaled my car. I was injured pretty bad. I didn’t give up on school though. I graduated with perfect attendance and all As. I now work at the same place where I interned. Thank you North-West!
Anita Torrez
I graduated in 1998 and began working as a back office medical assistant in the facility I interned with. I worked for the same private practice for over seven years. I gained plenty of hands-on training as a back office M.A, front office M.A, and even some billing. My boss deceased in 2005. His practice was sold and I got plenty of job offers, but I chose to stay home for a year and raise my little one and go to school part time for my RN license.
Anna Marie De Jesus Andal
When I started at North-West College, I was a single mother with two children. I had to work part time and take care of them, plus go to school. The evening program at the school is great and helped me a great deal. I took the pharmacy technician course and graduated with good grades. I was hired at the site where I did my internship hours and I’m still there now. I am in charge of the majority of the things in the pharmacy. I am the semi-buyer for my facility and handle the paperwork. I am very happy and do not regret going to school. I encourage everyone to study hard and become successful.
Antoinette Viramontes
When I first started at North-West College, I was nervous. It was the first step I took to be where I am now. I look back now, after 5 years later and realize that was the best step I ever took. I am a mother of two, I have a great job as a Medical Insurance Biller and I am still continuing my education to become what I have always wanted…a Registered Nurse! I guess my teacher was a bit of an inspiration to me…she always said to never give up and keep going. I haven’t stopped yet!
Betty Chavarria
I have enjoyed being a Medical Insurance Biller ever since I graduated back in 1991. I have helped many medical businesses to get started. I have met so many exciting people and made so many friends along the way. Graduating from North-West College was the best decision I’ve ever made.
Blanca Moscot-Adame
I got my first job as a Medical Administrative Assistant right after graduation. I worked in an Orthopedic Surgeon’s office for 2 years. Then changed jobs to a higher paying employer (once I had 2 years experience) and have been employed by them for the last 7 years.
C. Scott Thomason
Excellent program! Awesome classmates and staff too. I joined the US Navy - Medical. Trained/worked nursing, NICU, L&D, Gen Surgery, Pharmacy, ER, EMT/Paramedic, Flight Surgery and Aerospace Medicine, Family Practice. Onboard ships, tours with the Marines, Navy Seals, Navy Aviation. I traveled the world! Retired from the Navy 2002 and worked as an MRI technologist, Registered MA in outpatient Family Practice clinics, eye surgery clinic, insurance medical examiner, and instructor at medical assistant colleges.
I'm now living in the Pacific Northwest, Washington State, Puget Sound area, a very beautiful area in Silverdale. Would like to contact old school mates 1975-76. (Judy Inman! Where are you?!!) Had Ms. Phyllis Anast as my main instructor - excellent teacher! Hi Mrs. Fuerst! Hope you're doing well!
Carol Lee Anstey, CMA
I graduated from your program in 1977 and have been working in the medical field ever since! I have held positions in hospitals, private practice and a national clinical laboratory! I took the start provided by your institution and ran with it! I took the AAMA certification exam in 1988 and became a CMA. I have held supervisory positions and managed departments and offices. Currently I am a Clinical Laboratory instructor for a Medical Assistant Program at a school in the Portland Oregon area!
Thank you for opening the door to what has become my life’s work.
Christopher E. Arredondo Jr.
Well I completed North-West College in 2001, and since then I have done a lot. I enlisted in the United States Navy as a Hospital Corpsman in June of 2002 and am enjoying every moment of it. I deployed to South America in January 2003 and just returned in July from a 6-month operation. My training that I received from this course was very beneficial. I am 1 of 3 Medical providers on the ship and I have responded to 1 heart attack, 1 stroke, 6 suicide attempts, 8 spontaneous abortions, and 1 compound fracture to the hand. I am responsible for the routine and emergency care of Sailors, Marines, and Coast Guard members. I ensure I instruct them on preventive measures to stay healthy. Now that I am back I will volunteer at nearby hospitals as I gain much experience. Thank you for listening to my story on how North-West College helped me.
Diana Arriola
When I started attending North West College, I was not sure how my accounting courses would help out in the future. Well, I must say that I am grateful that I attended North West College. Thanks to the accounting courses, I have been able to obtain great accounting job experience and I have a great job that I enjoy.
Diana Nakatani
I graduated from North-West College West Covina Campus in 1988 and was placed in an office in Covina for internship. I was hired in that office and worked there for 12 years—initially as a Dental Assistant but I moved up to back office supervisor in 2 years and eventually became back office manager. After the dentist retired, I moved to a group practice where I decided to utilize my front office skills. I was the Insurance Administrator there for 5 years. Next, I went back to a private dental practice and was the Office Manager there for 5 years. I currently work in a dental laboratory where I am the Customer Service Manager and have been there for 4 years. I use all the skills that I learned at North-West College to this day and I am very thankful to the staff for teaching me everything I needed to know to build a very successful career for myself!
Diantha Polley
I was a student in the Medical Assisting program. I am pleased to say that I developed great self-esteem working with the staff and instructors of North-West College. You helped me so much to develop great study skills. I was able to move back to my home state and was employed by the first employer that I submitted my application with.
Thank you so much for the learning experience that I received from your school.
Dr. Peter C. Yanes
I attended North-West in West Covina. I went as a ROP student. Then I attended Loma Linda dental and graduated in 1997. Thank You !!!!!
Eddie Howard
I have enjoyed several positions as a Pharmacy Technician including, IV compounding, hospital, and home infusion. I am currently an intake coordinator for Walgreen’s Homecare. Now, I’m enrolled at the University of Phoenix in the business degree program to further my education!
Elizabeth (Holiday) Lewis
After overcoming huge obstacles throughout my training and still coming out the top of my graduating class, I lucked out and served my externship with a dentist who chose to pay me. He was an incredible dentist and he taught me so much about taking the "perfect" mold for crowns (what not to do, what to do, etc.), and painting/tinting/ baking porcelain crowns to match the surrounding teeth. So, I still felt blessed to have had that opportunity. After leaving there, I went to work at a huge dental clinic in Covina. Within 6 months, I had been promoted up to the Office Coordinator, and ended up holding the record for keeping that position the longest without getting fired. I worked there for nearly 6 years, until I decided it was time to move on. I married and moved to a small town with one dental office, and found myself in an Office Manager position. I soon discovered that the front office was where I belonged. I received straight As at North-West because reading, studying, and writing were my forte. I still took x-rays and assisted once in a while, but for the most part, I stayed up front. We later moved to another town, and I was hired as an Office Manager for a pedodontist. Wow, I loved it! He specialized in newborns to 6-year-olds. I'd still be working there if I could, but my husband decided to move to Texas. My experience in the front office, as well as experience working closely with customers, gave me the head start I needed to end up where I am today. I'm now making over $70k/year as an Executive Assistant just outside of Dallas. I've been here for almost 16 years, and I couldn’t have done this without the foundation I received at North-West College. Thank you SO MUCH!!!!
Elizabeth V.Ruiz
I came to North West College Riverside campus not knowing what I wanted to do in life. Now I'm a few months away from graduating and I could say I know what I want to do as a living. I learned to have compassion and understand the patients. I have a job now as a Medical Assistant and all I could say is I'm very grateful that I attended this college.
Gabrielle Maria Romero
When I decided to attend North-West College, I must admit I was slightly apprehensive at first, but it was probably one of the best decisions that I made in my life. Initially, when I graduated from North- West College, I worked for an industrial medicine clinic for four years. I decided to apply the skills I acquired from that facility and applied at Kaiser. I’ve been working for Kaiser for almost 6 years now, and I love it. I am currently working on my college degree and have plans to be a social worker. Thanks to North-West College, I’ve had the opportunity to acquire skills that I needed to be successful! Thanks North-West!!
Genevieve Trujillo-Amstutz
I was one of the first groups of students back in 1972. I took the Dental Assisting course and I worked in the field for five years, then I took three years off to raise my two daughters. Ten years later, I found myself going back to North-West for Medical Assisting. I’ve been a Medical Assistant for twenty-four years and it has been very rewarding.
Medical Assisting has given me the chance to meet many great doctors and people who have enriched my life. Two years ago, I finished a course for limited x-ray tech. I’m currently working at greater Covina Healthcare clinic.
Graciela Juarez
I attended NWC in a time of need when I had been laid off from my past employer. I needed an education in what I liked doing, which was helping people. I graduated from NWC in 1999. Since then I’ve been working as a Medical Assistant at a Community Clinic for 7 years now. I received my phlebotomy license in 2005, and became a Certified Clinical Medical Assistant in 2007. All this has earned me a good income. Thank You North-West College! I couldn’t have done it with out you and your wonderful
Irma Hochstetler
I took the Dental Assisting course the end of my senior year. A few years later I received my RDA license. I have worked in several different specialty offices, but love the orthodontic field. Over 30 years later, I am still in the field and still loving it. I am currently a financial coordinator in a very busy orthodontic practice and I am still learning something everyday. Going to North-West College has been one of the best decisions I have made.
Jenny Allen
Hired at the office I interned for where I quickly became the office manager and I’ve have been here for 5 years now.
Jenny Allen
I graduated from the Dental Assisting program in 2000. The office I interned with hired me full time and I was quickly promoted to office manager and managed 4 locations for six years. I left the dental office environment to pursue a career w/Patterson Dental. I started as a software trainer and six years later, I am now the Regional Technology Advisor and responsible for over 25 trainers in 3 western regions. I now lecture at state dental shows as the 'expert' and I would never have had that opportunity prior to attending North-West College!
The skills I acquired at North-West College have placed me in a very good position with a very stable company. The dental industry does not see recessions like some other industries do. When people are in pain they go to the dentist! I feel very blessed to have the education and resources that North-West College provided me!
Joan Scorse
After graduation and internship from the Pomona campus, I went to work for Edinger Medical Group. There I had great hands on training in every aspect of the medical field. After nine years there I went on to get married and had four children. Returning to work for Southern Orange County Pediatrics. In all the years I spent in the medical field I have done everything from assisting in minor surgeries to immunizations. I have also done procedures like EKG, venipuncture, cryo therapy and much more. I think I have done it all. I have had great exposure to so many things. It’s been great!
Kathleen Goodrich
I graduated from the North-West College Riverside Campus Vocational Nurse program in 2005. I have worked in mental health clinics, mobile vaccine clinics, CDC and now am working for a school district as a health Technician/LVN. My favorite saying is you can do anything you put your mind to.
Kathleen Morales-Burton
Within the first week I graduated, in 1984, I began working in Glendale at Glendale Adventist Medical Center and loved it,…. then I went on to Santa Maria California and worked at Marian Medical Center for 11 years. I just love this work as a Pharmacy Technician and would recommend it to anyone.. North-West College is the best starting off point for all…
Keryx Llobrera
It has been almost 9 years since I left North-West (Pasadena). I went to college to attend Boston University to go into the health sciences field. However, like most plans, things changed and I ended up with a B.A. in English and business, and somehow found my way into educational administration and student services, after receiving a master’s degree in education from Harvard University (not quite a far cry from medical assisting, but without the needles and vacationers). I am now at mid-career and in the process of applying for a second master’s degree, this time in nursing (a CNS/NP program) at Yale. Eventually, I may actually realize my initial goal of going to medical school!
Kimberly Whitaker
I have been working as a Pharmacy Tech since graduating from North-West College. I have worked for hospitals from Glendale to Orange County. I have experienced every aspect of pharmacy. It’s been great. I have also made many friends along the way. The most important part, I was employed by Bryman College for 6 months, what an experience and how thankful I am that I went to North-West. You have a great internship program that Bryman cannot compare to as I’ve sent three people to North-West so far for your Pharmacy program. The difference was in the way I was treated as a student. My career speaks for itself!
Kristi Jones
After completing my training, I moved to Arkansas and obtained a job as a secretary at the largest hospital in Jonesboro. I have worked at this hospital for 9 years now and have worked my way into a position as an Office Manager at our Hospice. Without the training and diploma I received from North-West, I wouldn’t have been able to get my foot in the door. I can now take my experience both on the job and from school and do anything I want with it. In the clerical world, Office Manager was what I strived for and I have finally achieved it. I have gone back to school to get my Associate degree in Business.
Lauralie Zorrilla
By attending North-West College I was able to land a job with Sav–On Pharmacy. I was taught what I needed to know to succeed in the field. I learned about drugs and billing, and the basic laws of dispensing medications. I am glad that I attended North-West and was able to gain the knowledge I needed to be successful in the pharmacy field.
Leah Medeiros
I graduated from the West Covina Dental Assisting program in 2001. Since then, I have moved to Texas and am happily raising my family. Thanks for everything!
Linda Frias
After I completed the program at North-West College, I worked in the Dental field for 12 years. The program prepared me for the opportunity to work with many wonderful people (both office staff and patients). I left the dental field to stay home with my children. Now that they are both in school, I am ready to go back to Dentistry. Even though I was away for a while, I still have the knowledge to continue what I learned and I am excited to meet many new people. Thanks North-West!!
Mardonio Rosal
Worked in various hospitals such as Kaiser, Temple Community Hospital, Inter-Community Hospital and Saint Joseph Hospital. Currently working at Baxter Healthcare Corp. Started as Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Technician, then as Manufacturing Coordinator and presently as Environmental Health and Safety Associate. My training and certification helped me a lot and be successful in the pharmaceutical field.
Marvella Ramirez
Hello, I graduated from North-West College in 2001. It was the best school. I had a job before I even graduated and stayed there for 4 years. Now I have been at my current job for 3 years. I’m the office manager for 4 doctors at 3 different locations making really good money. This was the best thing I ever did. I recommend this school to anyone who is serious about finding a new career and looking for a better future. I look forward to returning to North-West College for the LVN program.
Mason Jones
I began my Journey many years ago when I met a man at the college who gave me the idea of going to Pharmacy Technician school. I knew of the college because my Mom had also graduated from there. I was not much into the school thing but knew I needed to do something with my life. I tried college but it was not going well.
I started pharmacy tech school in Pasadena and enjoyed it so much that I never missed a day. The next 9 months were very educational and fun. When I look back on the time I spent I made a lot of new friends and my life style did a 180.
Once finished with school I started my internship at a Inter-Community Medical Center. Once I completed that I was given the opportunity to work at the facility. I worked at this job for 9 years as a Pharmacy Technician, IV technician, Chemotherapy Technician, and also assisted in purchasing and auditing of medical charts for billing.
After the 9 years at ICMC I was given a new opportunity at USC where I was a technician supervisor and pharmaceutical buyer. During this time I also became the president of the technician division of CSHP and was published in many pharmacy magazines. While working at USC I decided to give the college scene another try and completed my BS in Business Administration.
Once I completed this I was given another opportunity as an installation specialist for Baxter Healthcare working for their SureMed division. This position leads me to my current Job as a project Manager for Omnicell. This job allows me to work in many facilities across the nation. I have seen many different practices of pharmacy including some that out of the US. I continue to grow my knowledge of healthcare and cannot believe where this trail has taken me. They say that when you open a door to success you never know where it may lead.If I would have never opened the door at the Pasadena campus many years ago who knows what I may have been doing now. It has been a great Journey so far and I am always looking for that next opportunity. Heck it went so well that both of my sisters joined up to.
Michael Van Thiel
I’m a graduate from 1983 and have been living in Las Vegas for the last 5 years and worked as a buyer for a hospital pharmacy for the first 2 years. I have been working for a company called McKesson Medication Management for the past three years. I am a Regional Purchasing Manager, I manage 20 buyers and their million dollar drug inventories all across the United States. I travel about two weeks out of the month and work from home the rest of the time.
I have grown so much professionally and have seen so many places across the US. All of these things could not have been achieved without the knowledge base that I received in the Pharmacy Technician program from North West College. Best Wishes!
Milagros I. Lee
I'm from the first Vocational Nursing class that graduated from the West Covina campus. I would like to thank all of you guys for the good training I had. When I took the board test my computer stopped at 85 questions; I passed!!!! I was very well prepared, I had excellent teachers and the best of all, I would like to send special thanks to Alice Kreitz (from the Career Services department) for the wonderful resume she put together for me.
I'm very proud to let you know that I'm working for Kaiser Permanente at Ontario Medical Center, in the Anesthesia Pre-op department.I always state very proudly that I graduated from North West College....Thanks a lot!!!!!
Phoebe Robinson
This is a great school with very good hands on training. The course was the best and the teachers were very helpful.
Rachel Washington
I have been in the dental field for 17 years now and I love it! I was a chairside assistant for 13 years and now I’ve been a front office manger for the last 4 years but I still keep up with all of my back office duties just in case. Over all I’m happy I went to North-West to help me with my career! Much success for all other grads from our school (if any grads looking for a job call me I am always hiring!) keep smiling! KEEP IN TOUCH!
Regina Moore
When I first came to North-West College, I didn’t have a high school diploma, wasn’t really interested in anything, and was recovering from some very traumatic issues that had taken place in my life. When I started school, no one thought I would succeed and I proved them all wrong. I began studying and then I really enjoyed the work as well as my instructor, who was an inspiration to me. She helped me to develop myself into a responsible adult and I looked forward to what was to come. I went and earned my high school diploma instead of my GED because I knew I could and I have been taking other college courses since graduating from North-West. I am very much interested in all aspects of nursing and hospitals and I owe it all to God, North-West College, and my instructor.
Robyn Crute
I moved to California in 1985 with a little boy 3 years old. I knew 1 person. I had no money and a big dream. I registered in NW College taking the Pharmacy Technician program. I graduated with 5 gold stars on my diploma. And had perfect attendance. My classes, class mates, teachers and staff, were so interesting, I did not want to miss one day. It turned out to be the best time in my life. We all stuck together as class mates, and formed great study groups. I learned so much. Education was what I needed to pull my life together. I did my internship in New Jersey. I quickly was able to put all of my school training to work. As I worked as a certified pharmacy technician, I continued my education in computers. I was able to combine my pharmacy knowledge together with my computer knowledge and today I am the CEO of my own company CRUBELL {Intern Service} and also the Pharmacy Technician Program Director at JSR Community College in VA. NW College is where it all began for me. Thank you my class mates, teachers and staff for making my life work.
Roslyn Zeeman
I graduated from North-West College’s Pomona Campus in November 1999 and quickly got a job with a small Medical Billing company in Covina. I have been with them for 9 1/2 years and LOVE it! I completely enjoy what I do….I went to school for medical billing and that is exactly what I do 4 days a week 10 hours a day. I also have started doing medical billing from home part-time for independent doctors. I can honestly say that making the decision to go to North-West College changed both my life and my family’s life!
Samia Thomas
I began working as a Medical Assistant, then as a Medical Receptionist, then promoted to office manager all in the office you found for my intern! From there I went on and have been a billing manager and the department of interview/admissions lead at St. Joseph’s Medical Center. From there I moved to Las Vegas and also had different positions such as a medical assistant, medical assistant instructor, physical therapy front office assistant/marketing, etc.
I have taught Medical Assisting off and on throughout my career, which allowed me to help others gain this amazing opportunity to improve their lives.
The Medical Assisting diploma I received at North-West College is well worth every penny due to the vast variety of positions that we can gain and acquire.
I thank North-West College and my teachers there for all my success!
Samuel Pascual
At first, I was so skeptical in choosing the LVN program because I don’t have any background in healthcare; even my wife asked me if I’m really sure of this decision. But then, I choose to take this course in spite of foreseeing the conflict I might face while working full time at night. After those hectic schedules and non-ending quizzes and exams I graduated as valedictorian of our class Jan. 2006. Thanks for the encouragement and full support of our Instructors in Riverside campus. I’m working now as a charge nurse in 140 bed capacity skilled nursing facility here in Riverside.
Shannon Barkley–Frantz
It has been a long time since graduation and I have great career as a Medical Assistant. I have had steady work ever since I finished the classes. I just wanted to say thank you to the school for all they did to help me through the years. I also enjoy helping people with the skills I learned at North-West College. Thank you.
Sharon Stewart
I attended North-West College in 1984 and completed the Medical Assistant program. I believe this training afforded me the opportunity to work in medical offices or in a non-medical setting. Today, I am a successful Administrative Analyst for a large state university system. I am still very knowledgeable in medical practices and terminology. North-West College was instrumental in preparing me for my life career.
Shontek Clay
I am currently working as a Corporate Paralegal for a small boutique biotech company in Brentwood. Since I have graduated I have worked steadily as paralegal in many different areas of law. Prior to join the team here at CytRx Corporation I was a consultant for many companies and law firms.
Stacy Griffis
I worked as a Medical Assistant until I moved to Lake Havasu City almost 15yrs ago. I was a die hard back office person as I really enjoyed being hands on with patient’s. When I moved here, I ended up taking a job as a medical records coordinator in a home health agency. As it turned out, it was one of the best jobs I ever had! I really liked the administrative aspect of it. At the same time I started taking classes at the local college in accounting as well as other business classes. I worked for a short time in the admitting dept of our local hospital until I started with my current employer, The Arizona Heart Institute. I have been the office manager here for 8 years now. Who would have thought when I went to school for Medical Assisting that I would become the Office Manager ! I have a staff of 10 employees and although I don’t have much time, I sometimes still work in the back office, just to keep up my skills. Had I not attended NW College to become a Medical Assistant, I would not be in the position I am today. I make a descent salary, have excellent benefits and 4 weeks of vacation a year! Thanks NW College!!
Teresa Bustamante
After graduation my family and I moved to Phoenix, Arizona and thanks to the amount of knowledge and training I received from North-West College, I have had the opportunity to work in just about every medical field and specialty imaginable. I’ve worked for Primary Care, Gastroenterologists, General Surgeons, Pediatric Orthopedic, Ophthalmologists and I scheduled Anesthesia for hospitals and Surgeons. I have been able to utilize all of skills I learned at North-West College and then some. To be perfectly honest, I don’t think I would have been given these vast opportunities if it weren’t for the extensive training and education I received there.Thank you for giving me knowledge and skills to be the best at what I do. Not to mention I really love being a Medical Assistant.
Teresa Liddell
I love being a Medical Assistant. North-West College was the first step to a loving and caring job.
Terry Forbess–Hooper
I have worked in an OB-GYN clinic in Jacksonville Arkansas now for 15 years. The rewards of my job are so numerous, the thrill of having a mother bring in her newborn baby is such a joy. I have ran into patients at the store that I don’t remember their names but recognize their face and they tell me how thankful they were to have someone who cared so much and made their pregnancy go so easy. There is so many rewards it’s hard to put into words without sounding like I’m patting myself on my back, but at the end of the day, it all boils down to, I love my job, I love the type of work I do, and feel this is what GOD called me to do. Thank you so much for educating me and giving me the life I now have.
Theresa Sarreal
I have been a Medical Assistant for 12 years now and I am now going to Nursing School in Guam for my RN, BSN. I have really enjoyed the medical field.
Tracy Blue
I worked for a number of clinics, during college, as I took my North-West classes. I am now working toward my doctorate in education. Since the early 1980’s I have remained friends with my first mentors in the dental industry.
Tracy Hawthorne
Since graduating from your program, I have had many great blessings in my career. I have been working for Kaiser Permanente for the last 16 years! I am grateful for all the help & schooling you have given me! Right now I am in the process of getting my teaching credential & would love the opportunity to come & give back to the new classes of Medical Assistants! If you have any evening job openings, especially in the Glendale area, contact me! I now work in the Glendale area & would love to become a part of your organization & help others, like you have helped me!
Veronica Rhodes
After completing the North-West College Medical Assistant program at the Pomona campus in 1983, I went to work at Queen of the Valley Hospital in Labor and Delivery, NICU, and Well Baby ER. The things I saw made me want more, so I decided to go back to school. Then I became an LVN and worked as a nurse for 24 years.
Xuan T. Huynh
When I went through the Pharmacy Tech program at North-West College, I still wasn't sure if medicine was where I wanted to go in life, but it seemed like something that could help me to decide.
I loved my instructor (Michelle Landeros) and what ended up happening after I finished my Pharmacy Technician program was I finished my Bachelor's Degree at UCR and decided that, yes, medicine was my path. Now I am a first year grad student at Western University of Health Sciences in the Physician Assistant Program (yes, right down the street!).
Funny where life takes you...