At American Career College, students come from all walks of life but find a shared purpose: building a career in healthcare. For Rudy, Jovana, and Ashley, becoming a medical assistant is a first step toward bigger dreams — and a testament to their resilience, family pride, and passion for helping others.
Why They Chose Healthcare
Before joining ACC, each student’s life looked different. Rudy was studying biology at UC RIverside, planning his next steps toward becoming a physician assistant. "I used the MA program as a steppingstone to gain experience, practice skills, and prepare for the future," he said.
Jovana had a different journey. As a former criminal justice major and soccer player in junior college, her life shifted after becoming a mom at 20. "I knew that having the career of a detective wasn’t going to benefit my child," she said. Turning to healthcare felt like a path where she could build a stable and meaningful future.
Meanwhile, Ashley was fresh out of high school, inspired by childhood visits to the doctor’s office. “I want to be the one to make kids feel like coming to the doctor isn’t scary,” she said, smiling.
How ACC Supported Their Growth
Hands-on learning made all the difference for these future healthcare professionals.
"Whether it’s injections, venipunctures, or other procedures, the instructors are there to guide you every step of the way," Rudy shared.
Ashley felt the same way, adding, "They teach you hands-on, and if you make a mistake, nobody judges you. It’s all about learning."
Supportive faculty and staff played a key role too. Jovana, balancing motherhood and school, found encouragement at every turn. "The structured calendar showed me that I’m one step closer to what I want to do," she said. "And everyone here made me feel like I belonged."
Family First: A Shared Motivation
A deep sense of family pride and responsibility drives these students forward.
For Jovana, every late night and early morning is for her son. "Thinking in the back of my head that I’m doing this for him keeps me going," she said.
Ashley’s motivation stems from her parents’ sacrifices. "My parents came to this country with nothing. Being in the medical field is my way of giving back and making them proud."
Advice for Future Students
Despite their different backgrounds, Rudy, Jovana, and Ashley agree on one thing: Don’t be afraid to start.
"Stay open-minded and really focus on what you want to do," Rudy advised.
"Take the first step. Don’t be scared. Have fun with it," Ashley added.
At ACC, they found not only a program, but a community — and a future filled with possibility.
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