Katlyn Benton

Originally from Wilmington, NC, Katlyn Benton started at Cape Fear Community College as a dually enrolled high school student through the Career and College Promise (CCP) program . After graduating high school, she spent a few years exploring her options before discovering the Medical Assisting program at CFCC and realized it was the perfect fit for her future.

“I started as a CCP student, but I didn’t know exactly what I wanted to do,” Katlyn said. “After hearing about the Medical Assisting program, I knew that this could either be a full-time career or a great foundation if I wanted to go further.”

With a projected 15% job growth from 2023 to 2033 , medical assistants are in high demand. They fill critical roles in physicians’ offices, hospitals, outpatient clinics, and other healthcare facilities.

The Impact of Supportive Instructors and Hands-On Learning

Katlyn was especially interested in the hands-on experience and the wide range of skills the program teaches.

“I loved that I could accomplish so many different tasks while being in one program. We cover such a wide variety of topics and skills. From lab tests and phlebotomy to being interactive with the patient and taking vital signs.”

Katlyn is grateful for the incredible support system within the program. “I absolutely love my instructors and the hands-on practice I get in the lab. They bring out the best in me. They make up real life scenarios that can happen which help us put our skills and minds to work. Preparing for the ‘what-ifs’ is essential in the real world, and practice is key.”

“The instructors ensure we know what we’re doing before we even consider picking up an instrument. They know if we are ready before we do!”

Katlyn credits instructors Laura Muldowney and Ashley Simpson for leaving a lasting impact on her education.

“They encourage us to look at different perspectives and help us understand the real-life impact of doing our jobs right. The participation from every classmate and the experiences we get in the lab are more than preparing us for the next lesson, it is preparing us for our real world jobs!”

Looking Toward her Future

After getting her diploma in medical assisting, Katlyn plans to continue her education and earn an associate degree in the field to keep her options open for further growth in the healthcare field.

“I may continue my education, but even if I choose to stay with my associate degree, I will have a pretty cool job.”

Advice for Future Medical Assisting Students

Katlyn also emphasized the importance of using the resources available to CFCC students.

“Use your resources! I can not stress this enough! If you are struggling or even think you could use more explanation on something, tell your professor, go to the learning lab. Use the resources that are given to you!”

“Or if your professor is as cool as mine, you will have a tutor that literally is one of the best humans and helps you understand even the smallest detail while helping you to be a better student.”

The Demand for Medical Assistants

Medical assisting is a rapidly growing field with thousands of job openings yearly. CFCC’s Medical Assisting program offers students the opportunity to gain the administrative, clinical, and laboratory skills needed for success in various healthcare settings.

CFCC’s Medical Assisting program is currently accepting applications. Apply today by visiting cfcc.edu/medical-assisting .