As a teen at Show Low High School, Brigitte Kennison’s interest in rodeo and horses inspired her to become a veterinarian. She was told that the Northern Arizona Vocational Institute of Technology (NAVIT) program at NPC would be a good start toward achieving her dream. Though her goal has changed since then, she’s glad she followed that educational path. Kennison earned an associate degree in applied science at NPC in 2015 and currently works as a medical assistant at Summit Healthcare in Heber.

NAVIT provides high school students an opportunity to participate for free in NPC programs that allow them to earn high school credit and college credit simultaneously. The partnership is designed to put high school students on a fast track to higher education that leads to a life-long career and employment.

“My NPC education was really good and very benefi-cial. It moved me toward the full-time job I have now,”
Kennison said. It also gave her a chance to gain career success at a young age while building a firm foundation for her future.

While working on her NPC associate degree, Kennison performed impressively during a three-month externship where she gained on-the-job experience at Snow-flake Medical Center. That valuable experience led to full-time employment there, where she worked for six months as a medical assistant.

Kennison then moved to Heber to work at Summit Healthcare and to be closer to home. As a medical assistant, she’s now working alongside a physician assistant  and office staff members, helping to care for patients.

Kennison is now back in school continuing her education at NPC, taking prerequisite courses for the nursing program. Eventually she plans to become an advanced licensed nurse practitioner. 

NPC offers both high school students as well as adults many opportunities to find career success. Speak to an NPC academic adviser today to learn about all the options available.

www.npc.edu/medical-assistant