Kelly Negron-Dickinson, a Keiser University Daytona Beach campus student is thankful for the strong foundation her education has provided as she begins her role as a Medical Assistant (MA) in the healthcare field in Lake Mary, Florida. “Upon completing my MA program externship, COVID-19 had spread throughout the United States and many businesses were forced to close, so my education and training helped me land a fulfilling position in the field as demand continued to increase,” said Negron-Dickinson, whose duties include crucial community outreach to inform the public about disease prevention, obtaining plasma antibodies from survivors, and more.

Diana Livingston who serves as the program’s Interim Director and Practicum Coordinator shared that although the pandemic has presented challenges, the students have progressed through their classes and their clinical experience has remained uninterrupted which enables them to fulfill vital industry roles. “We are thankful that many of our Medical Assisting students have found opportunities in the healthcare field to serve as front-line workers in the battle against COVID while also working collaboratively to ensure proper social distancing and infection control practices,” she said.

For Negron-Dickinson, the outcome of entering the healthcare field during a pandemic has included a variety of emotions, including a feeling of satisfaction. “Having had the opportunity to care for and educate patients while combating the pandemic has been one of my greatest rewards,” said Negron-Dickinson who is scheduled to graduate from the program in February.

Keiser University’s Associate of Science degree in Medical Assisting prepares students to perform medical assisting duties under the direct supervision of a physician, including preparing examination rooms, taking vital signs, assisting in minor surgical procedures, giving injections, performing venipuncture, assisting in laboratory operations, performing a urinalysis, pregnancy testing, blood sugar, and various other waived laboratory tests, taking x-rays and administering electrocardiograms. Medical Assistants also learn to function in an administrative capacity, including patient communications, maintaining patient records, billing, scheduling appointments, ordering supplies, and processing insurance claims.

Keiser University is a private, not-for-profit university, serving nearly 20,000 students and employing 2,900 faculty and staff members. Co-founded in 1977 by Chancellor Arthur Keiser, Ph.D., and Evelyn Keiser, the university currently offers more than 100 degrees at 21 Florida campuses, as well as online and at two international sites. Keiser University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges as a level VI institution to award certificates and degrees at the associate, baccalaureate, masters, specialist, and doctoral levels. For additional information regarding Keiser University, visit http://www.keiseruniversity.edu.