Taylor’s Story | Working as a Medical Assistant While She Advances Her Education

Written by Jake Uitti from Nurse.org
Taylor Brune is many things. To start, perhaps above all else, she is passionate about healthcare. Brune, who recently survived COVID-19, suffers from chronic autoimmune deficiencies, which began from a bite from a tick. As a result, she has had to learn and research much in the medical world so that she is as well equipped as possible to survive her severe afflictions.
On top of all that, Brune is also a Medical Assistant. In this capacity, she works with healthcare providers as a liaison to patients, in administrative capacities and other roles to ensure the facility operates smoothly. Brune, never one to shy away from a challenge, is also a student continuing her education. She is using her experience as a Medical Assistant to help transition to, one day, becoming a doctor. That is her ultimate aim.
We caught up with Brune to ask her about this long professional journey, her fight with COVID-19, her passion for healthcare and much more.
When and why did you decide you wanted to be a Medical Assistant?
The last ten years, I have dealt with my own health issues and my own health journey of developing chronic disease and autoimmune disease after a bite from a tic. So, when I lost my health, I was engulfed in the medical world and I was a patient 24-7 and having to do research for myself and be my own health advocate. In the process of learning how to heal myself, I grew the passion of wanting to help heal others.
While I was going through treatments, I was like, this is my calling. This is where I’m supposed to be. This is why I’m having my health issues and going through this huge life transition and transformation. When that realization happened, I decided to learn about medicine and how to switch my degree over to pre-med and integrative health.
Going into medical assisting school, was the first step in my path. And I’m going to be a doctor one day no matter how long it takes! No matter what challenges I face, I know that everything I’m going through in my own health is helping me transform into the best person that I can be so that I can be the best doctor for patients. Since I’ve had the perspective of being a patient for so many years, I know exactly what they’re thinking and feeling.
What was the process like for you to become a Medical Assistant?
First, I prayed a lot about it. I knew I wanted to switch my degree to pre-med but, I also wanted to work in the medical field a lot sooner. Becoming a doctor takes years in pre-med and medical school.
So, I figured the first step to completely immerse myself in the medical field as soon as possible was to complete a medical assistant program and to actually start working in the field that I love so much. Once I graduated from my medical assistant and phlebotomy program I immediately started working in the field. The experience I’ve gained has just confirmed that this is where I’m supposed to be and I love it!
How long did the process take, what type of schooling did you get?
For medical assisting in California , I needed to go to a medical assisting school. I went to a trade school and enrolled into a medical assisting program. Medical assisting programs are more about gaining experience in an actual doctor’s office. This is how the program was set up,
- Complete the required amount of classroom lecture credits
- Attend the required amount of clinicals and pass them
- Work in the field for 200 hours underneath different doctors and specialties
The program style was really beneficial to help me to get on-the-job training and also land a great position right after graduation,
- I gained a lot of valuable on-the-job experience while I was still in school
- I quickly graduated and got my diploma from medical assisting school
- I was able to apply to private practices and I got a job quickly
- I’ve been working at private practices up until now
At the same time, though, I’ve been going to Arizona State University Online to finish my Bachelor’s degree, which I’ll be finishing in the fall. This fall, I’ll have my Bachelor’s as well as my medical assisting diploma.
As a medical assistant it’s important to be certified. I took a national certification exam and every two years, I complete the required credits and retake the test to keep my certification up to date.
How did you land your first job as a Medical Assistant?
It was actually pretty easy for me because I seem to interview really well with medical places. My first job was working at a naturopathic office. Next, I went to primary care and oncology. So, that’s where I’ve been working the last year.
There’s a lot to know for the job and you have a lot of responsibilities – from first-aid to computer work to patient liaison. Do you like having all these aspects to your workday?
I love it! I have gained so much experience including,
- Customer service in front at the reception desk
- Rooming and taking care of patients in back clinical
- Helping oncology patients during their treatments
- Drawing blood in phlebotomy and lab tech
Drawing blood is my absolute favorite because I really enjoy direct patient care. But, overall working with different modalities, systems and technologies has taught me so much about the medical field. Each private practice is completely different and the providers are unique in that they offer different specialties and treatments. It’s been fun learning all these different skills.
Your long-term goal is to be a doctor. How did you choose becoming a medical assistant for that aim and how has it helped?
There are a few reasons why I chose medical assisting as my first step towards my goal of becoming a doctor,
- I love chronic disease
- Being a medical assistant gives me time to focus on my own health
- It allows me to work while advancing my education to become a doctor because pre-med takes a while.
- I wanted to give a voice to the chronic illness community – because of my own health and all the experiences I had with doctors pushing me aside. In my experience I feel that a lot of the chronic illness community is not heard. So, I really just want to make a change in how nurses, medical assistants, and all types of healthcare workers are treated. I want to help change how doctors perceive patients who have chronic illness. There are so many amazing, positive things in the medical field. But there is a lot of darkness, too. I really just want to be that light. I really feel like taking that path via doctor, I’d be able to help the patients, give them a voice that they need to feel confident in the healthcare system again – especially with chronically ill patients.
Scholarships | National Rotary Foundation
The Rotary Foundation and clubs invest in our future leaders and philanthropists by funding scholarships for undergraduate and graduate study. Your local Rotary Club may…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Tips to prepare for a nursing interview
Content shared from Indeed By taking some steps to plan for your interview, you may feel more confident and prepared. Here are several tips you…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Interview Question: “Why Do You Want To Be a Nurse?”
Content Shared from Indeed During interviews for nursing school or entry-level positions, employers may ask you, “Why do you want to be a nurse?” Preparing…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Memorial Day – Sumner College is closed
…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Why nurses love their job
Content shared from Scrubs Magazine staff. We all have good and bad days when it comes to working as a nurse. On my best days,…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Register for FREE Nursing Info Sessions
The Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing Info Sessions will be held on our Portland campus. To reserve a spot for an upcoming session please…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Sumner College Interview with KATU’s Afternoon Live
Joanna Russell, President of Sumner College visits with Kara Mack, host of KATU's Afternoon Live, showcasing the new nursing program at Sumner College, a Bachelor…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Hawaii and the West Coast Beckon to Travel Nurses
Article shared from Travelnurse.com. Written by Jennifer Larson, Contributor Travel nursing opportunities abound in the Pacific Region of the United States, including the West Coast…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Johnson & Johnson | Nursing Scholarships
Nursing Scholarships Whether you're pursuing an associate's, bachelor's, or master's degree in nursing, there are a variety of nursing scholarships and grants that can provide…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
For healthcare to work, it takes nurses.
Johnson & Johnson is proud to advocate for, elevate, and empower nurses for over 125 years. J&J Objective To attract and strengthen an innovative, thriving, and diverse nursing workforce, empowered to advance health equity and transform healthcare. During…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
May 12 – National Nurses Day
To acknowledge the contributions of nurses and call attention to their working conditions, the International Council of Nurses established May 12 as International Nurses Day in 1974.…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Nurses Make a Difference: Anytime, Anywhere – Always.
We celebrate the extraordinary contributions Nurses make to our communities, this May 6-12th during National Nurses Week. National Nurses Week begins each year on May…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Sumner College – BSN, LPN, RN to BSN – Classes start July 17th
Sumner College Nursing Programs Our Vision Drives Us. Education with Integrity. Sumner College is committed to providing excellent care to patients in the community through…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Get Started in a Nursing Career
Do you like to help others? Inspired by the possibility of saving and improving lives? For many people entering the nursing field, there’s a feeling…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Find Your Path
There are many different ways into a nursing career. Choose a starting point to get a personalized guide of the steps you’ll need to take.…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Welcome New Sumner College Students
Sumner College starts a new cohort of nursing students today. You are embarking on a new educational journey, pursing a career in healthcare. We welcome…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Nursing Students – Tips for the first year
Content shared from nursecrets So, you have been accepted into nursing school. First of all congratulations! You have made it through the process, so now…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
RN vs BSN: The Differences
Changes in nursing involve a major shift in higher education standards, requiring more nurses to hold a 4-year bachelor of science in nursing (BSN). The…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Student of the Month: February 2023 Medical Assisting Program
Kayleigh was selected by Sumner College faculty and staff for the February Student of the Month. Some of the reasons she was chosen include: "....her…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Phlebotomy Program – Arizona
If you're interested in a career in phlebotomy that will allow you to work in a safe, professional environment and give you the skills and…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
20 Types of Nursing Positions
Information shared from Indeed.com 20 types of nursing positions Though all nurses seek to provide proper care and treatment for their patients, their day-to-day duties…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
5 Tips for Working While in Nursing School
Information and article shared from Indeed.com Here are five tips for being a successful nursing student while working a full-time or part-time job: 1. Review…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Pros and Cons of Working While in Nursing School
Information and article shared from Indeed.com Editorial Team The Indeed Editorial Team comprises a diverse and talented team of writers, researchers and subject matter experts…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Nursing and Midwifery
Article shared from the World Health Organization Nursing encompasses autonomous and collaborative care of individuals of all ages, families, groups and communities, sick or well…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
New BSN Program
Enroll today in our new BSN program. Graduate in less than 3 years. Classes start April 24th. Learn more www.sumnercollegeBSN.com …
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
OR Nurses Returning to Full Capacity, plus Backlog
By Debra Wood, RN, contributor In the early weeks of the COVID-19 pandemic, many governors ordered elective surgeries postponed to conserve personal protective equipment (PPE)…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Nurses Nurture Their Emotional Health
Article Shared from TravelNursing.com By Jennifer Larson, contributor “How are you feeling?” If the truthful answer to this question is something along the lines of…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Why BSNs are Important
Article shared from TravelNursing.com Cost vs. reward still a factor for BSN-prepared nurses By Debra Wood, RN, contributor When the Institute of Medicine (IOM) released…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
8 Fast-growing Travel Nurse Specialties
This article is sourced from TravelNursing.com. With a nursing shortage compounded by the COVID-19 pandemic, which has driven thousands of nurses from the bedside, many…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn
Congratulations Sumner College Graduate – Prolyn
PROLYN’S STORY “Prior to enrolling at Sumner College’s Medical Assisting program, I was a psychology student who was extremely interested in medicine. I wanted to…
Share at FacebookShare at TwitterShare at PinterestShare at LinkedIn