Checking Out to the Medical Field

Crystal, a determined single mother of four, was working as a manager and cashier at a local party store. Despite her hard work, she struggled to make ends meet and sought a better future for her family. Crystal aspired to become a Clinical Medical Assistant, hoping to gain the necessary skills and training for a more stable and rewarding career.

Her journey began when she approached the GST Michigan Works! staff in Sanilac County, seeking assistance to fund her training. During her visit, she learned about the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) program and was delighted to find out she was eligible for funding. This opportunity was the first step towards achieving her goal.

In February 2024, Crystal embarked on her new education journey, enrolling in the Clinical Medical Assistant certification program at the Sanilac Career Center. Balancing her responsibilities as a single mom and a student, Crystal demonstrated remarkable dedication and perseverance. Her hard work paid off when she completed the course and passed her skills exam on May 14, 2024.

With her certification in hand, Crystal was determined to find a job that would provide financial stability and benefits for her family. Her efforts bore fruit quickly. On July 1, 2024, she started working full-time as a Medical Assistant at Aspire Rural Health Clinic in Deckerville. This new role not only provided her with a significant hourly wage increase of $3.75 but also came with valuable benefits.

With the assistance of GST Michigan Works! and her unwavering commitment, she successfully transitioned from a store manager to a Medical Assistant, securing a better future for her family.