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When Rhonda Baker walked on to Carrington鈥檚 Portland, Oregon campus in March to begin her first day of classes in the Medical Assisting program, she already knew a lot more about the college鈥攁nd the program鈥攖han most students who enroll.听听 That鈥檚 because her two children鈥�18-year-old Finn and 21-year-old Jamie鈥攚ere already attending programs on the Portland campus. Finn recently completed his Pharmacy Technology program externship, while Jamie just finished her Medical Assisting classes and is currently doing her externship.听 鈥淪eeing how well my kids did at Carrington鈥攁nd how much they liked it鈥攇ave me a boost of confidence that came in really handy,鈥� says Rhonda, 55. 鈥淩eturning to school after being away for so many years was intimidating at first. But I knew if I followed the advice I鈥檝e always given my kids鈥攖o believe in yourself, focus your energy, and work hard for what you want鈥擨 would succeed.鈥�听听 Rhonda is on track to graduate in September with her Medical Assisting certificate. We talked with her about the challenges of returning to school, why working in the medical field appeals to her, and what she hopes to do after earning her certificate.听 听 What motivated you to enroll in the Medical Assisting program?听 I鈥檝e had a lifelong desire to be in the medical field. Five years ago, when I was 50, I seriously considered going to nursing school. I鈥檇 been an active volunteer at the school my kids attended, but my kids had grown and didn鈥檛 need me like they once did. I also missed working with patients and children as I did back when I was a lay midwife. But when I realized it would take anywhere from six to eight years to become a registered nurse, I had to reconsider my options. I鈥檓 hoping to retire when I鈥檓 65, so going to school full-time until I was in my late fifties just didn鈥檛 feel like something I wanted to do. With my medical assisting certificate, I can be working as a medical assistant in a matter of months.听 听 You鈥檝e worked in and around the medical field for a long time. What鈥檚 your background?听 I started off illustrating medical textbooks. I was also a lay midwife for 13 years and attended dozens of home births.听 In Oregon back then, you did not need to be certified.听 I did training at a school called Birthing Way and also did an apprenticeship.听I retired from that work when my youngest was two years old, because you鈥檙e on call and expected to be available on 30 minutes’ notice for a month before and a month after the projected due date. I had a young family of my own, and it was a commitment I just couldn鈥檛 honor any longer. I happily retired from lay midwifery, became a stay-at-home mom, and continued working as a medical textbook illustrator. 听 A few years ago, I took a job as a medical courier, delivering orthopedic surgery equipment and supplies to hospitals and surgery centers throughout Washington and Oregon. I was on the road a lot. It paid well, but I was feeling restless and bored. One day I realized I didn鈥檛 want to do that kind of work for the next 10 years, which led to the big question: 鈥楽o what DO I want to do?鈥� The answer鈥攚orking with people and caring for them in a medical environment鈥攍ed me to check out Carrington鈥檚 Medical Assisting program.听听 听 How would you describe your experience at Carrington?听 I鈥檓 really loving it! My decision to enroll has been a good one. I鈥檝e found everyone to be welcoming and friendly. My instructors have been encouraging and helpful, and my fellow students have been great. I was afraid that I might be walking into a super-competitive environment, but everyone has been very open and collaborative.听听 听 Do you think your experience as a lay midwife has given you an advantage as a Medical Assisting student?听 In some ways, I think it has. I鈥檓 familiar with many terms and procedures, but being a lay midwife and being a medical assistant are very different roles. When you鈥檙e a lay midwife, you鈥檙e on the front line. You literally have a life-or-death responsibility. When you鈥檙e a medical assistant, you鈥檙e under the direction of other medical professionals who have more experience and responsibility. You鈥檙e following instructions and executing orders. At this point in my life, I鈥檓 happy to assume a more supporting role.听 听 How did it feel to return to the classroom after being out of school for many years?听 At first, I honestly questioned whether I could do it. Returning to school was terrifying because I wasn鈥檛 sure I even knew how to be a student. I knew that at my age, I wouldn鈥檛 realistically have the same bandwidth as I had when I was last in school.听听 It was also a bit overwhelming to realize how much more technologically adept my younger classmates were. I knew I wasn鈥檛 in the same league at first. It鈥檚 a very different world today. I remember when AOL chat rooms were a thing! But everyone has been very patient with me and helpful in teaching me how to use the new technology.听 My instructors and classmates have been great, my husband is supportive, and my boss has been willing to work with me to create a schedule that makes sense for both of us. I feel very fortunate.听 听 When you complete your program, what would you like to do?听 I鈥檇 like to either work in pediatrics, women鈥檚 reproductive health, or in a facility that provides services to transgender patients.听 听 What would you say to someone who might be thinking about enrolling in a program at Carrington?听 I鈥檇 encourage them to make an appointment, visit the campus, take a tour, and ask plenty of questions. Talk with a career services advisor, to instructors, and to students. To me, it鈥檚 all about making sure it鈥檚 the right fit and that you understand what to expect. My son, my daughter and I have all had great experiences at Carrington. The education is specific and focused, and they really train and prepare you for the career you want. It鈥檚 been everything I was hoping it would be, so my advice would be to take the first step and see where it leads!听