Crystal
Career Specialist Shaun Drue reports on her customer. “In February 2020, Crystal visited Man-Tra-Con seeking training assistance. A single mom of 2 teenage girls, she had been working part-time and wanted to return to school to get a better paying job. As a part-time employee at SIH, Crystal was not earning enough to support herself and her family. Crystal realized she would need more education, even after she earned her Phlebotomist certificate,” Shaun explains.
“Crystal enrolled in and successfully completed the Phlebotomy program at John A. Logan College. She then moved on to the Medical Assistant Program. Through WIOA funding, Man-Tra-Con paid for tuition, fees, books and supplies in both programs, including her Health Occupation Aptitude Exam, CNA Competency Exam, scrubs for both programs, and supplies needed for her internships. We also paid for her background check, drug screen, and NCCT testing required to become a Medical Assistant. Man-Tra-Con covered her transportation costs on a ongoing basis, and even paid for her cap and gown for graduation. When Crystal was scheduled for an employment interview and her car broke down, Man-Tra-Con helped her pay a portion of her car repair service,” Shaun adds.
“Crystal was very dedicated to her studies and received mostly “A”s and a few “B”s. She worked a full-time job and also attended school full-time. Crystal did not hesitate to turn in any needed verification, schedules, or grades when asked. In May 2023, Crystal graduated with a 3.69 GPA from John A. Logan College,” Shaun reports.
“In August 2023, Shawnee Health in Murphysboro, Illinois, hired Crystal for a full-time Medical Assistant position paying $20.00 per hour. She had previously completed her clinical exams there. They liked the way she worked and treated the patients,” Shaun says.
Crystal talks about the assistance she received from Man-Tra-Con. “I’m very grateful for the opportunity that was given to me by Man-Tra-Con. I have now become a successful Medical Assistant. The program was Awesome. I enjoyed the classes and the whole experience leading up to my success was a great opportunity. I am very grateful,” Crystal says.