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This image features a close-up of an electrocardiogram (ECG) monitor connected to medical leads and medication blister packs|Electrocardiogram (ECG) equipment with leads and sensors used for cardiac testing and heart health assessment.|From Massage Therapy to Heart Health: How Bryan University Graduate Chelsea Stilman Found Her Next Calling

From Massage Therapy to Heart Health: How Bryan University Graduate Chelsea Stilman Found Her Next Calling

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From Massage Therapy to Heart Health: How Bryan University Graduate Chelsea Stilman Found Her Next Calling

Chelsea Stilman’s journey is proof that it’s never too late to change your career. She enrolled in Bryan University’s Undergraduate Medical Assisting Certificate program after working as a massage therapist for nearly 15 years.

“It was just taking more than it was giving, both physically and financially,” she said. “And I’m reaching that age where my body is becoming a little bit more high maintenance. I needed to find a job where I could still help people but be with an employer that actually takes better care of their employees rather than just takes me for all I’m worth.”

That search led her to BU’s program, a decision that would open the door to her current career as a Medical Assistant at a heart clinic — a job she secured before she finished her program — and help her earn a place on the Dean’s List before graduation. 

Chelsea first heard about Bryan through a friend who teaches a capstone course at BU. “She told me about the program and showed me how to enroll, and then I did it.”

At the time, Chelsea had just completed a CNA program but she quickly realized she wanted to do more. “I kind of realized I already knew too much to be a CNA,” she said. “So I decided to move forward with the medical assistant program.”

Her previous experience, both as a massage therapist and a CNA student, gave her confidence to learn online. “I was homeschooled in high school, so I’m already very accustomed to home studies,” she explained. “And then with CNA, it was a hybrid class, so we learned online as well as in class, too.”

When asked about the biggest challenge of studying online, Chelsea pointed to the hands-on side of medical assisting. She felt that Bryan’s instructors did everything possible to help students prepare but there’s always more room for hands-on practice. “The phlebotomy class did really well at explaining and doing video demonstrations,” Chelsea said. 

To give students that extra edge, BU’s Medical Assisting program includes an at-home medical kit, complete with a Phlebotomy/Venipuncture kit, practice arm, tourniquets, vein clips, gloves, and more, so students can build confidence and refine their skills from home. 

Before she even graduated, Chelsea landed a full-time position at a heart clinic. “I got hired actually just before I graduated,” she said. “They gave me about a month to take my test before starting me, and then I passed it. So I was good to go by the time my start date came along.”

Today, she works as a Medical Assistant at that clinic, applying what she learned every day. “The program got me well prepared for the rooming aspect of it,” she said. “Patient care wasn’t something I was afraid of, but learning the process of getting a patient, doing their vitals, and taking all their information, that prepared me pretty well for it.”

She also found that Bryan’s Electronic Medical Records (EMR) training paid off. “It got me very familiar with just what the terminology is used in the system,” Chelsea said. 

Looking back, Chelsea’s favorite study tools were the LearnIt activities and practice tests. “Those were the most helpful as far as retaining information,” she said. “With the capstone class, we had practice tests every week, and that really helped me feel ready.”

Her advice for anyone considering the same program is to do the research first and make sure the school or online program you pick is the right one for you. 

Learn More About Bryan University’s Online Medical Assisting Programs Today 

Whether you’re looking to make a career change like Chelsea or you want to take the next step in your healthcare career, you can start today at Bryan University! In addition to our Medical Assisting Undergraduate Certificate program, we offer an online Associate Degree in Medical Assisting. 

The best part? You can take them at the same time! That means when you finish your certificate, you can get started working sooner (or even before like Chelsea!) while you go on to complete your associate degree. 

Click here to learn more about our program. 

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