Medical Administrative Specialist major enrolled in RN program
Vera Kaizer, 47, graduated from Dakota County Technical College in May 2021 with her Medical Administrative Specialist diploma. Vera is already enrolled in the Professional Nursing (ADN/RN) program at Rasmussen University with the long-range goal to become a nursing officer with a PhD.
Chief nursing officers are the top-ranking nursing management professionals in any healthcare organization. CNOs perform executive duties similar to the vice president of a corporate or academic department. Vera is looking forward to a nursing career where she can serve patients while earning her Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) and Master of Science in Nursing (MSN) on the path to her doctorate.
“Finally, with my Ph.D. complete and the prefix of doctor before my name, I will continue my career as a quality nursing officer,” she said.
Vera was an exceptionally engaged student at DCTC. She volunteered at campus events and served as Student Senate vice president and treasurer as well as president of the Multicultural Student Leadership Association (MSLA). She served as a student ambassador and belonged to the Equity Inclusion Council, TRIO/Student Support Services and Christians on Campus.
“Getting involved in clubs and organizations allows students to not only focus on their personal and professional development,” Vera said, “but also allows them to give back to the community while networking with their peers.”
Along with her studies and extracurricular activities, Vera also worked while going to college as a positive staff support professional at Lutheran Social Services. She continues to cover the overnight schedule, often putting in 10 or more hours per shift.
Faculty and staff perspectives…
“I’ve had the pleasure of being one of Vera Kaizer’s instructors for the past three years. Vera’s been able to successfully balance her work, school, and family obligations all while working toward her degree.
“She’s been a leader in the classroom; always willing to participate and lead discussions and actively engaging in classroom projects. She always offered insightful experiences, ideas, and thoughts with her classmates.
“Vera not only worked while taking her courses, she was also active as a student ambassador on campus. Among all that she has to balance, she still takes time to give back. Vera opened her heart to her classmates and others across our college community.”
Amy Evanson
Administrative Support Faculty
Dakota County Technical College
“Vera is one of the most dedicated students I have ever worked with. She has been a joy to be around and is always seeking to encourage students with a ‘You can do it’ or ‘You’ve got this’ word for them.
“Vera has been actively involved in many campus activities and is always the first to welcome new students to help them feel at home. Vera also has numerous responsibilities outside of school, including caring for her kids and sometimes her grandkids, and working to provide for her family.
“In my role, when I meet students who I know would benefit from connecting with another student, Vera was one of the students I would connect them with because I knew she would make them feel welcome and introduce them to others.
“Vera has gone above and beyond to help others to pay forward what others have done for her. I have truly enjoyed working with Vera in her time at DCTC. She has made a positive impact on our campus and other students that will last for years to come!”
Anna Voight
Associate Director of Student Life
Dakota County Technical College
“More than any other student I can remember, Vera embraced my urging to get involved at DCTC. I regularly challenge students that it is the students who get involved in some DCTC activity in addition to their coursework who are most likely to persist and graduate.
“In the years since Vera was my student, I have consistently seen her involved in almost every student role I can think of.
“Whether it’s leading a campus tour, helping with the campus blood drive, or showing up to numerous student life activities, Vera has been an outstanding example of what it means to be fully involved as a member of the DCTC student body.”
Susan Farmer
Developmental Reading Faculty
Dakota County Technical College
More about Vera…
Vera Kaizer
Vera is originally from Buchanan, the third largest city in Liberia, a country of 5 million people on the Atlantic coastline of Africa. She graduated in 1995 from Christian High in Buchanan and later resided for 13 years in Abidjan, the largest city in neighboring Côte d’Ivoire. While living in Abidjan, Vera gave birth to three of her four daughters—her youngest daughter was born in Minnesota. Vera moved to the U.S. in August 2004.
“Life in Liberia was very challenging because of the war,” Vera said, “and life in Minnesota is very good because my daughter was able to get a successful kidney transplant, and I was able to go back to school.”
Vera related that she misses her family and friends in Africa. She also misses all the fruits and vegetables and different kinds of African food.
Vera comes from a very large family. She has three sisters and three brothers. Along with her four daughters, she has four grandchildren.
In her free time, Vera enjoys cooking, baking, cleaning, playing with her grandkids, watching movies, shopping, traveling and going to church.
Vera Kaizer DCTC gallery
More about the Medical Administrative Specialist program at DCTC…
This Medical Administrative Specialist program prepares you to work in a variety of positions in the medical field. Specialized medical courses include:
- Medical Documentation
- Medical Terminology
- Anatomy and Physiology
You will also take a variety of general administrative courses covering:
- Software applications
- Keyboarding
- Communications
This program teaches you the expertise you need for the following administrative tasks:
- Creating and editing documents, spreadsheets and databases
- Electronic presentations
- Internet navigation research
Medical administrative specialists may be called on to communicate, organize, coordinate and integrate data. They also manage doctor schedules, schedule patient appointments, maintain patient files and transcribe patient reports.
This is the ideal major for people in the workforce looking for a challenge or ways to advance their careers. The Medical Administrative Specialist program gives you the opportunity to obtain Microsoft Office Specialist Certification for the required certification classes.
Work environment
Medical administrative specialists are employed at:
- Hospitals
- Clinics
- Physician offices
- Dental offices
- Outpatient care centers
- Insurance companies
- Grantmaking and giving services
- Religious organizations
- Offices of other health practitioners
LEARN MORE…
Vera Kaizer • Q & A
Vera, Nicole Meulemans, Anna Voight
What did you like best about the Medical Administrative Specialist program?
What I liked best about this program is that I will be able to apply the technology skills I learned to the business world and healthcare field. I learned how to perform administrative and receptionist tasks. I can apply good communications skills in the work area, plan events, maintain internal and external relationships, and much more.
Why did you choose healthcare as your career field?
Because I love helping people, and this field will allow me to do what I love to do.
What do you find most interesting about the medical administrative specialist occupation?
I find the occupation more interesting because it teaches you how to be responsible on the job, how to work with others and perform administrative duties.
Three words that describe you as a college student:
MOTIVATED. PERSUASIVE. RESPONSIBLE.
What was your favorite course at DCTC and why?
Medical Office Procedure was my favorite because this course introduced me to the responsibilities of the front-desk job at a clinic, billing and coding skills, and more.
What person has influenced you the most in life and why?
My parents influenced my life a lot. When I was growing up, I learned a lot from them. My mom taught me how to be grateful and appreciate the simple things in life. She taught me how to never give up in life; she told me to get up every time you fall and stay focused.
I thank God for the good teachers I came across at DCTC, including Amy Evanson and Susan Farmer. These instructors are two of the people who influenced me. They taught me a lot when I was in their classes; they were always willing to help me get on track with my schoolwork.
Where do you see yourself in 20 years?
In 20 years, I should have my Ph.D. and be well established in my career, a business owner and living in my dream home.
One word that best describes your experience at DCTC:
GREAT
Vera Kaizer • 12 Answers
- Favorite sport or physical activity: Soccer and walking
Place you would most like to visit: Israel- The most exciting thing you’ve ever done: Graduated from college
- Three things you would do if you won a $1 billion lottery: 1) Help those in need 2) Open my own business 3) Pay off my debt
- Favorite TV show you’re watching now: Lucifer, Queen of the South
- Best historical film you’ve seen lately: The Chosen: Season One: Episodes 1 and 2
- One thing you most want to accomplish in life: Earn my Ph.D.
Your favorite animal or bird: Eagle
- Dream occupation: Be my own boss
- Person you would most like to meet: Michelle Obama
- Skill you would most like to learn and master: Communication skills
- Most important issue or problem facing humankind: Living in poverty can result in malnutrition, poor health, fewer opportunities for education and increased illness; with an estimated 783 million people living in poverty, eradicating poverty is one of the biggest global issues facing humankind.
Learn more about the Medical Administrative Specialist program at DCTC by contacting:
Amy Evanson
Administrative Support Program Faculty
651-423-8239
BIO
Karianne Loula
Academic & Financial Aid Advisor
651-423-8583
Learn more about Student Life at DCTC by contacting:
Anna Voight
Associate Director of Student Life
651-423-8649
