Health Professions

Transcript

Let’s talk to Clarissa, a senior in Medical Laboratory Sciences. WSU is nationally recognized for its innovative high quality approaches in healthcare education. In person and online classes are enhanced by significant clinical experience and more health professionals graduate from Weber than any other university in Utah. Take it away, Clarissa.

– What’s up Alex? I’m in a lab here in the Marriott health Science building which has become a second home. Majoring in medical laboratory science with an associate’s in chemistry, I have spent a lot of time here. Experienced faculty have taught me about immunology and analyzing cultures that prepared me for my job in the ICU where I help healthcare teams make vital decisions for patients. My mother is Filipino and my father is an American. Neither had the opportunity to graduate from college so when I get my degree, I’ll be the first in my family to do so and I don’t plan on stopping there. I’m already working on my application to Weber’s new physician’s assistant program. One of my favorite professors and mentors inspired me to pursue advanced degrees. Weber has shown me it’s possible to earn a PhD and have a family. My husband and I are excited to welcome a baby in a few months. I know for a fact I will finish my degrees even if that means walking with a baby in my arms during graduation. I take pride knowing that my parents never paid a dime for my schooling. Because Weber has low tuition and access to so many scholarships, I’m graduating without student loans. My husband and I are both in our twenties and being debt free has allowed us to buy our first home. I’ve had unforgettable experiences serving as the Dumke College of Health profession Senator, helping with the Student Alumni Council, and running a woman in STEM club, the scientistas. The leadership skills that I’ve learned will always stay with me and I’ve made lifelong friends. Alright, I gotta get back to work. Thanks for stopping by Alex!

– Clarissa, your interest in medical laboratory science and the physician’s assistant program are just two of the many degrees offered. Dumke College has everything from associates to a doctoral degree in specialties, including nursing and dental hygiene, radiology and respiratory therapy. Thanks for contributing to the tremendous healthcare community.