California native majoring in Medical Administrative Specialist

Brenda Chege, 44, is earning her diploma in the Medical Administrative Specialist program at Dakota County Technical College. Brenda is on track to graduate from DCTC in spring 2022.

Brenda works 20 hours a week while going to college as a chiropractic assistant at Oxboro Family Chiropractic in Bloomington, Minnesota. She pointed out that her Medical Administrative Specialist studies have helped her be more confident and knowledgeable at her job.

Brenda is originally from San Diego, the second most populous city in California with more than 1.4 million residents—only Los Angeles is larger. Located on the Pacific Ocean coastline on the border with Mexico, San Diego is known for its natural deep-water harbor, superb beaches and parks, and emerging healthcare and biotechnology sector.

“We moved from San Diego to Minnesota in January 2016,” Brenda said. “My husband and I came to an agreement that it was time to move from California because the cost of living was expensive for a family of five. So, my husband was able to get a transfer within his job to Minnesota, and we took a leap of faith and moved.”

Brenda related that the things she misses most about California are her family, close friends and REAL, taco shop, Mexican food. What she likes best about Minnesota is experiencing the four seasons.

Brenda is setting her career goals on securing a permanent position as a medical administrative specialist. She is looking for a place where she will be able to thrive professionally.

Amy Evanson, DCTC administrative support faculty, serves as Brenda’s instructor. “Brenda is an incredible student who exhibits those attributes that make for an outstanding administrative assistant,” Amy said. “She’s organized, caring, hardworking, and excels at time management. She’s able to balance her family and work all while attending DCTC and excelling at her courses! Brenda’s positive attitude and kind nature bring a great atmosphere to our classroom.”

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…

More about Brenda…

A graduate of Monte Vista High School in San Diego, Class of 1994, Brenda has been married to her husband, David, for 19 years. David is a supervisor for an energy infrastructure company. Brenda and David have three children, a son named Malachi, 16, and two daughters, Ezra, 14, and Eden, 10. The family has one dog, Diego, a 4-year-old Yorkie-poo.

In her free time, Brenda enjoys spending time with her husband and children. She loves to attend her church and is very active in her church community.

“I also like to cook and bake,” she added. “When I am not busy with my family, church, work or school, I like to be creative by drawing, painting, sewing, decorating my home, or ‘flipping’ small furniture pieces. Also, I have started to enjoy exercising. I go to the gym and work out, or I will go on walks/jogs when the weather is nice or go on little hikes around local trails here in the Twin Cities.”

Brenda and her family reside in Eagan, Minnesota.

Brenda family gallery

Brenda Chege • Q & A

What do you like best about the Medical Administrative Specialist program?

I can do school around my busy schedule. I do have late nights of doing schoolwork or completing assignments on the weekend, but that’s okay. I love the flexibility of being able to do everything online.

Why did you choose the healthcare field as your career path?

I feel that I have always been drawn to work in the healthcare field. Out of high school a long time ago (1994), I thought I wanted to be nurse. But I quickly realized that with the skills I was developing that being administrative support would be a better fit for me. I really like the fast-paced environment of being in the healthcare field. I like to feel like I am part of a team and helping people.

What do you find most interesting about the medical administrative specialist occupation?

I find it very interesting that the job can be challenging at times because of new or changing policies or procedures. The healthcare field is always changing and evolving.

Three words that describe you as a college student:
SELF-MOTIVATED. ORGANIZED. DETERMINED.

What is your favorite DCTC course so far and why?

I really enjoyed the PowerPoint Certification class. The course taught me in detail how to use the program properly and effectively. I like that the class also included a certification test. Being certified will help me in my current position or for any other job opportunity that I might have in the future.

What advice would you give students thinking about majoring in Medical Administrative Specialist?

I would say if you wanted a face-paced rewarding career that will test your ability to be organized, self-motivated and help others, then choose the Medical Administrative Specialist program.

What person has influenced you the most in life and why?

I would have to say my mom has influenced me the most. Her education level only went up to the 6th grade because she had to drop out of school to start working and help her mother and sibling. That did not stop her from pushing through to be better and have a better life. She would tell me to always do better than she did, work hard, get an education, and be a good example to your family. I always have clung to her advice.

Where do you see yourself in 20 years?

Hopefully, retired with just enough financial security to live comfortably.

One word that best describes your experience at DCTC:

FLEXIBLE

Brenda Chege • 12 Answers

1. Favorite sport or physical activity: Going on walks
2. Place you would most like to visit: Italy
3. The most exciting thing you’ve ever done: Moved from San Diego, CA, to Minnesota in the middle of winter five years ago; we had never visited, but we knew we were meant to move here
4. Three things you would do if you won a $1 billion lottery: 1) Tithe to my church 2) Buy a home 3) Put money away for my children’s college education
5. Favorite TV show you’re watching now: When I have time, I like to watch This is Us.
6. Best movie you’ve seen lately: Harriet (2019)
7. One thing you most want to accomplish in life: Live a modest comfortable life without too much debt.
8. Your national bird if you were your own country: I would say the eagle; since moving to Minnesota, I have had the privilege of seeing them more in the wild just flying around. I can’t help to think of them as a strong and “in-charge” type of bird.
9. Dream occupation: Executive administrative assistant for a medical corporate office
10. Person you would most like to meet: Joanna Gaines. She seems so down to earth and personable. I just love her.
11. Skill you would most like to learn and master: Sorry, it is not a work skill, but I would like to learn and master how to make a French macaroon.
12. Most important issue or problem facing humankind: Lack of unity. There is a lot of division and the media is the ultimate initiator.

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