THREE SUCCESS STORIES

At 36, Theresa Clayton of Ferndale already had a busy life taking care of a husband and three growing children. But she wanted something more – a career where she could care for other people, but still accommodate the needs of her family.

Nursing seemed to be the answer for her for a lot of reasons. "I’ve always been interested in biology, chemistry and math, and knew that nursing would put that information to use in practical ways. I also knew that with OCC’s program I could be in the work force and earning money in three short years." And best of all, she knew that "although nursing is a 24/7 activity, there was flexibility in the hours I could work."

Theresa currently works on 6-East, a medical-surgical unit at Providence Hospital in Southfield. Her schedule of three 12-hour midnight shifts a week gives her time for her family…and time to continue on for a bachelor’s degree in nursing at Wayne State where she’s on scholarship.

"My course work at OCC definitely prepared me for nursing. Every day I am faced with patients who are being treated for things we covered in school." And while classes were extremely practical, Theresa values highly "the clinical work that gave us the opportunity to apply the theory we learned."

One other aspect of Theresa’s years at OCC also helped her in her job: her involvement with the OCC Nursing Students Association (NSA). "Not every nursing school has an active NSA, so I was fortunate at OCC. Nursing requires a lot of people skills. You need to coordinate the efforts of many while offending as few as possible," she says. "The skills I learned working on a bylaws committee and a pinning committee helped me a lot."

Last year, Theresa was named Student Nurse of the Year in a contest run by the Detroit Free Press, says Myrna Holland, Providence’s Director of Nursing Education and Quality Assurance. Holland got to know Theresa through working with her on a "Nightingale Party," held by the Michigan Nurses Association to honor Florence Nightingale and to promote the profession of nursing. "She was really outstanding to work with," Holland says.

As busy as Theresa is these days with family, work and school, she always has time to talk about how happy she is with her OCC education. "I feel such gratitude to OCC for providing me the opportunity to go to school at age 36, with three kids and a husband. If I had to attend a university at the beginning, I couldn’t have done it. Also the scholarship opportunities available at OCC helped me complete my degree."

Top

Exercise Entrepreneur: Tricia Croney

By Annessa Carlisle

At age 27, Tricia Croney is running a business that doubled in revenue in six months. She doesn't have a business degree, but she is a graduate of one of the most unique programs at Oakland Community College.

Tricia completed the Exercise Science and Technology program in May of 2000 and received an associate degree in applied science. Armed with her knowledge and an "obsession" for exercise, she has created a personal training company based in Waterford. She counsels clients on stress management, nutrition and exercise.

"My interest in the field began when I was teaching aerobics at Bally's and was a witness to the energy that is created by someone instructing and guiding individuals to their health and fitness goals," she says.

"I found the OCC program and really appreciated as we progressed into the science and clinical knowledge." The class that really sparked her interest was "Intro to Being an Exercise Leader" with instructor Butch Finnegan. That was the one that also sparked the business idea, Tricia says.

The OCC program is very extensive and based in science. Students take classes in physiology, nutrition, electrocardiography and exercise leadership. In addition to core classes, students gain on-the job experience with externships in exercise and cardiovascular rehabilitation. Options are available for students wishing to specialize in business such as owning their own fitness facility, and those wishing to concentrate on gerontology, the specific health needs of the senior population. The skills that Tricia learned at OCC enable her to serve the needs of a diverse group of clients.

"It gave me more structure when it comes to designing programs for clients, especially with individuals that may have any risk factors, I feel much more comfortable and confident that I can creatively design safe and effective programs," she said. "Nutrition is one facet of health that will discourage clients into thinking that exercising with a trainer is not working.

When I can analyze what is going wrong in that arena it is another service I can offer." Tricia has added a unique aspect to her fledgling business. She has undertaken running marathons and raising funds for the Leukemia Society of America. Last year, she raised funds to enter a race in Alaska. This year, she has formed a team of clients and friends to race in Rome, Italy. To date, Tricia has personally raised more than $10,000 for the cause.

"It brings a nice dimension to my business, to be able to give back," she says. "I hope to increase these efforts, continue to educate people about fitness, and continue my own formal education." Tricia plans to earn a master's and a PhD, two goals that she would not have even thought of without attending OCC. "OCC really prepared me for any facet I wanted to go into in the field," she says. "This work definitely requires an energetic and motivated personality type, and through the OCC program you can learn to use that energy combined with knowledge to really make a difference in people's lives."

For more information about the Exercise Science and Technology Program at Oakland Community College call 248.942.3224

Top

A Case Study in Multitasking: Medical Assistant Kerry McGill

As clinical coordinator for North Oakland Medical Center, Kerry McGill is responsible for organizing labs, standardizing forms and creating policies and procedures for 16 separate medical practices. It is a job with a lot of responsibility and a direct result of attending Oakland Community College.

Prior to graduating from the OCC Medical Assisting Program in 1995, Kerry had worked in medical offices as a receptionist. She wanted to broaden her knowledge of the medical field and began taking classes at OCC's Highland Lakes Campus.

The Medical Assisting curriculum requires students complete externships – or on the-job training at local hospitals, doctors’ offices and clinics. Kerry's externship at NOMC led to a job and later a promotion as clinical coordinator.

"Without that experience, I wouldn't have found this job," Kerry said. "My boss knew the caliber of training OCC provided and offered me the job while I was still in school."

Since becoming a certified medical assistant, Kerry has recommended the OCC program to a number of friends. "Medical assisting is a changing field, where people are taking on more responsibilities. But that requires more extensive training, like OCC provides. It used to be that medical assistants were trained on the job, but now doctors are looking for people who are certified before they are hired."

The OCC Program prepares students for entry-level jobs in private medical offices, clinics and other health care facilities.

Both administrative and clinical skills are covered in classes including Basic X-Ray, Laboratory Procedures, Insurance Coding and Billing, and Phlebotomy (drawing blood). Students have the option of earning a certificate (41 credits) or degree in applied science (70 credits).

With a success at OCC, Kerry is now completing a bachelor's degree in healthcare administration at Baker College.

For more information about the Medical Assisting Program at Oakland Community College call 248.942-3068

Top