Name: Angela Boatwright
Program: Hemodialysis Technician
Graduation Date: July 7, 2006
Current Extern: Patient Care Tech/Hemodialysis Tech at Central Florida Kidney Center

Angela, a mother of three who has been out of the workforce for seven years, came to Winter Park Tech initially intere

sted in the Medical Assistant program. Ms. Almestica in the Registration Office listened to her interests and goals and helped her find the Hemodialysis program.

"This program seemed to be exactly what I was looking for: I would be working in the medical field in less than six months for a total cost of around $2,000. As a hemodialysis technician/patient care tech, I would be setting up and monitoring the dialysis machine, preparing the initial paperwork for charting and billing, and working directly with patients."

Ms. Almestica continued providing Angela help with financial assistance and setting up the entrance exam. She guided Angela in every area to ensure all the necessary paperwork was in order to begin the program. The program began in two weeks and Angela was ready and in class on the first day.

Angela contributes much of her success in the Hemodialysis program to her teacher, Mrs. Kochara, who continuously incorporates new information from dialysis administrators and clinical experience into the program, providing her students with teaching that is current and up-to-date. "Mrs. Kochara is one of the best teachers I have experienced. She relates the instruction of the text materials into real-life application, encourages discussion, and provides as much hands-on experience for the students as possible."

The Hemodialysis program has provided Angela with teaching and training in basic requirements for the medical field as well as specialized teaching in hemodialysis. She will be entering the workforce certified in CPR and First Aid, and having been trained in many areas that employers are looking for, such as HIV/Aids, HIPAA, and Domestic Violence, to name a few. She has gone through an extensive study of medical terminology which provides a necessary understanding and foundation for any medical position. She will also have over 100 hours of actual clinical experience as she enters the workforce.

"Winter Park Tech has empowered me with the knowledge and skills to begin a new career in the medical field. The entire staff and administration is knowledgeable and very helpful. I would highly recommend this program, as well as Winter Park Tech, to anyone interested in continuing their education or starting a new career."