Janet Wulf
IBMC College Medical Assisting Graduate
Janet Wulf attended IBMC College in Longmont from 2016 to 2018. Quickly after graduating, she was hired on as a full-time Medical Assistant at the clinic where she completed her externship. Entering the career later in life was a daunting idea for her, but she found through her training and field experiences that it was the perfect choice.
What made you decide to attend IBMC?
“I had always been interested in the medical field, but I did well in my previous chosen career, so I never pursued a medical education. A family member works for IBMC, so I had the privilege of being awarded an employee scholarship and felt that was a gift I couldn’t pass up.”
Are you happy with your decision?
“Very happy. Because initially I felt I was too old to change careers at my age (50’s), I justified that I would attend just to add more useful skills to my personal resume. However I discovered during externship that the Medical Assisting position fit me perfectly. I absolutely love it and I found there are many people even older than I am that are new to the field.”
What did you gain from your time at IBMC?
“I was skeptical that my education and training at IBMC would be sufficient to effectively get me started on the job, but I found I was thoroughly equipped and was able to comfortably jump right in on most aspects of the job. Before, I just had a job to bring in an income. Now I have found my passion and only wish I had pursued it sooner.”
Where do you work now?
“Loveland Community Health Center – Sunrise Clinic.”
What are some of the things you do at work?
“Thanks to IBMC, I am a Certified Medical Assistant and Certified Phlebotomy Technician. I am assigned to a provider where I triage each of the scheduled patients, doing any initial screening and tests that I can do to assist the provider to ensure as efficient and comprehensive a visit with the patient as possible. I then complete any other procedures within my scope of practice that the provider orders, such as lab work, vaccines, EKGs, etc. There are also administrative duties, such as phones, medication refills and requests for records. Most students are afraid to start their externship but my advice is to just jump in and attempt everything set before you. You have a trainer right there beside you as a safety-net to assist you in polishing the skills you learned in school—take full advantage of it.”
Are you happy in your current position?
“Absolutely. The staff is fun and super supportive. I initially imagined dealing with patients would be the most difficult part of the job, but have found that patient contact is actually the best part of my job.”
What did it take to land your job after graduating?
“(IBMC College’s) Career Services was instrumental in locating options that fit my skills and preferences. LCHC agreed to sponsor my externship and hired me directly after graduation.”
Is there any advice you would give to someone thinking about attending IBMC?
“Enroll and pour yourself into your education. Be a sponge, absorbing as much as you can from the instructors who have been in the field and can offer so much wisdom. Absolutely do it! Don’t put it off any longer! It will open amazing opportunities for you. If I had allowed my fears and preconceptions to stop me, I would not be enjoying the perfect job now.”