Andrea Ferguson
I worked as a dental assistant for two years, and while I loved the role, my favorite part was always going into the sterilization room to clean and sterilize instruments. My coworkers often argued about who should do it, but I never hesitated to step in. At some point, I began to wonder if this could be a fulfilling career. Discovering that I could get paid for doing something I enjoyed so much led me to consider a career change, which ultimately brought me to Herzing.
I had always wanted to return to school but didn’t want to spend all my time on a traditional campus. Herzing offered me a flexible schedule that allowed me to work while pursuing my education, helping me balance my various commitments.
All my teachers were incredibly supportive and attentive. If my grades started to slip, I would receive thoughtful emails reminding me that they were always available to help. Herzing didn’t just assign work with due dates; they provided structured timelines for when assignments were due, which I found very fair and helpful for staying on track.
My journey wasn’t without challenges! At one point, I struggled with recording and presenting my projects due to social anxiety. Pushing through this experience was a great way for me to learn to believe in myself and my abilities.
Beyond that, courses like Medical Terminology (HC101-7B) in Fall 2023 and Sterile Processing (ST120-7D) in Spring 2024 were particularly beneficial. I had previously taken Medical Terminology while studying to become a dental assistant, so it served as a valuable refresher. Sterile Processing taught me the ins and outs of the job, providing a clear picture of my day-to-day responsibilities, and I loved every minute of it.
Now that I’ve completed my studies, I plan to work at a hospital and eventually become a Travel Sterile Processor.