Medical Assistant program leads to career change
Published on February 3, 2023
Mary Amerman
NORTH EAST, Md. – Since becoming a mother, Mary Amerman has been interested in community and helping others. This desire to help in her community was a motivation to enroll in Cecil College’s Medical Assistant Program.
“I was looking for a career change and came across a Facebook post about the Medical Assistant program at Cecil College. I had been working with parents of children with special needs, and I knew I wanted to help people in my new career,” said Amerman. “I am passionate about the support of persons with autism. I believe ample resources and education need to be available to ensure awareness in the community about autism and to support those students with autism in their transition to adulthood.”
As a returning adult student, Amerman was nervous that she would stand out on the Cecil College campus. However, she soon discovered that nearly one-third of the student body are non-traditional students.
“Despite being much older than the traditional college student, I was made to feel I belonged. I soon realized Cecil College was a family, and I found people from all walks of life, from the young to the not-so-young. A diversity of people and cultures is present, the way a college campus should be,” said Amerman, who also credits her success to her husband as he stepped in to handle family schedules so she could complete her studies. “Cecil College sets you up to succeed through offering lessons on financial responsibility, free tutoring, disability support, and help with job placement.”
Upon completing her studies, Amerman accepted the position of Community Engagement Coordinator at Stone Run Family Medicine in Rising Sun.
“I love my work at Stone Run and would love to keep helping people in Cecil County,” said Amerman, whose position is funded through a Maryland Community Health Resources Commission grant. “Stone Run has added two new practices to its mission of overcoming adverse Social Determinants of Health (SDOH) in Cecil County, and we are about to add another.”
Along with finding fulfillment in helping others as a medical assistant, Amerman says her work provides that sense of accomplishment that she cannot find in other professions.
“This is a great time to work in the medical field as most positions are greatly needed. It’s rewarding, and you can make a difference in people’s lives,” said Amerman.