Timpview is known for many things. Strong sports teams, amazing events, school spirit, and more. However, one of Timpview’s amazing programs often gets overlooked. Timpview students have access to the most incredible opportunities, such as the Health Science pathways. The Utah Endorsed Medical Assisting Program allows high school students as young as 17 to earn a certificate in Medical Assisting and gives students the chance to study at such a high level.
Since Medical Assisting is a part of the public school system, students only pay about $100 to complete the course, compared to a private school that could charge up to $10,000. Therefore, making the cost one of the biggest benefits to participating in this class. This program helps students apply what they’ve learned in Medical Anatomy and Medical Assisting to real-world situations. Students gain hands-on experience working with patients and healthcare professionals. Many students have mentioned they chose this class because they can better prepare themselves for their future. Timpview Senior Mason Esplin said, “I chose med assisting to help prepare me for college and my internship. Also so that I could see if the med field was something i was actually interested in.”
The program also opens up job opportunities, helping students earn money while they continue their education, and even offering tuition reimbursement. For example, Senior Nick Gerstner is able to complete his med assisting hours while getting paid during his internship. Additionally, the hours spent working as a Medical Assistant count toward professional programs like nursing, PA, and medical school. This is a huge advantage to anyone trying to gain experience in the medical field.
Senior Abby Billeter shared a personal experience. “One morning, a patient refused to let us take his vitals. I remembered what I had learned in my Medical Assisting class and stepped forward to explain the process. I demonstrated to the patient how we would wrap a cuff around his arm to ensure normal blood flow and check for oxygen levels and temperature. Once the patient understood, he let me take his vitals. This experience taught me how fulfilling it is to use my knowledge to help others. My time on the neurology floor has been invaluable. I’ve gained hands-on experience, learned what it’s like to work in a professional setting, and had the chance to network with healthcare professionals.”
Furthermore, Esplin also said, “I have learned lots of skills that I will use not only in the medical field but also in the rest of my life. I have learned what it means to be a good person through learning how to help patients. On top of that, I’ve learned many different medical procedures that can help lots of people which is meaningful to me. I would recommend this opportunity to other Timpview students because it has been a great way for me to meet new friends and to learn how to take care of patients with sincerity.”
Along with Med assisting, Timpview also offers other clubs and programs to improve medical knowledge. Senior Abby Billeter said, “I also decided to compete in a few HOSA – Future Health Professionals competitions, where I earned second and third place at state and went on to compete internationally. Being surrounded by hardworking people who were just as passionate about the medical field as I was only fueled my excitement to pursue a career in medicine. That experience inspired me to take the Medical Assisting program. In this program, I’ve learned a variety of skills, including how to position patients for minor surgeries, infection control practices, taking vital signs, and caring for patients from diverse backgrounds.”
These seniors also shared that Timpview’s medical program is one of the best opportunities that they took while they were in high school. It provides an incredible head start and an exploration of a variety of career paths. This class will also provide you with skills and experiences that build the foundation for your future. Mrs. Abbott, Mrs. Kober, Ms. Reece, and Ms. Bertasso—along with so many others—put in an incredible amount of work to provide these opportunities. Take advantage of it: you could discover your future!
