**An Amazing Program with Instructors and Staff Who Truly Care!**…read more
I am so grateful to be part of the Clinical Medical Assistant (CMA) program at CalRegional Pasadena. Honestly, this program has been such a blessing, and I cannot say enough good things about the instructors, staff, and everyone who goes above and beyond to help their students succeed.
**Mrs. Esmeralda Nario** is an absolutely amazing instructor! She knows how much I appreciate her because I tell her all the time! She genuinely goes above and beyond for her students. She creates helpful videos, gives up her own time to provide extra lab practice, and helps us prepare for the AMCA certification exam. She gives us real-life experiences, makes learning hands-on, and finds different ways to help us understand the material. You can tell she genuinely cares about our success, not just as students but as future healthcare professionals. She wants us to understand what we are doing, why we are doing it, and how to do it correctly out in the field. I am so thankful to learn from a woman who puts so much heart, dedication, and effort into teaching us.
**Mrs. Christy Bocanegra** is another amazing instructor who brings years of real-world experience into the classroom, particularly her experience in emergency care. She does a wonderful job explaining the material and sharing what healthcare is really like in the field. Her experiences help us connect what we learn in class to real-life situations. She is approachable, willing to help, and makes herself available when students need guidance. Having instructors who can teach from both knowledge and experience makes such a difference!
**Michael Romero**, our skills instructor assistant, is also wonderful! He is great at explaining procedures, demonstrating skills, and helping students understand what they are doing. He also supports the phlebotomy students and our CMA class. He is willing to help us practice hands-on skills, even allowing us to use him as a patient when needed. The instructors don't just tell us when something is wrong; they explain why it is wrong and how to correct it. That kind of teaching helps us learn, improve, and become more confident in our skills.
**George, our externship manager**, is also appreciated. He is understanding, straightforward, and honest with us. I appreciate having someone who communicates clearly and helps us navigate the next step in our education and career journey.
I also want to recognize the wonderful staff at **Twilight Adult School: Mr. Cruz, Mr. Slominski, Mr. Ruben, Miss Jenny, Miss Norma, and Miss Maria.** They are all kind, helpful, and willing to go above and beyond for students. They provide a safe and welcoming environment where you can ask for help, work on your schoolwork, get guidance with your resume, and receive support as you navigate your educational and career goals. They help you think about your own life experiences and how you can use them to strengthen your resume and move forward in your journey.
One thing I really appreciate is that the doors are open for students who are willing to reach out and take initiative. You have to put in your own effort, communicate, and advocate for yourself, but there are people here who are willing to help guide you in the right direction. They want to see you succeed, and that is something special.
I am also grateful for all the other staff members I haven't mentioned individually. There is so much hard work, dedication, patience, and effort that goes into helping students succeed, and I truly appreciate everyone who contributes to making this program what it is.
**My biggest takeaway is that this program is more than just getting a certificate. It is about learning, growing, gaining confidence, developing real-world skills, and preparing yourself for what comes next.** The hands-on experience, the willingness of the instructors to explain things, and the support available to students make this experience meaningful.
Most importantly, I thank God for placing me here. Sometimes you look back at your journey and realize that certain doors opened for a reason. I genuinely feel that being here is part of God's plan for me. Everything is aligning in a way that reminds me why I started this journey in the first place.
If you are considering the CalRegional Pasadena CMA program, I encourage you to give it a chance, show up willing to learn, ask questions, practice your skills, and take advantage of the resources available to you. Your success also requires your own effort, but having instructors and staff who genuinely care makes a tremendous difference.
I am beyond grateful for this opportunity, for the people God has placed in my path, and for everything I am learning along the way. Thank you, CalRegional Pasadena and Twilight Adult School, for investing in your students and helping us work toward a better future!
