Christopher Clement has always had an interest in science and decided while in high school that he wanted to pursue a career in the medical field. He is currently enrolled in the Medical Assistant Clinical (MAC) program at New Community Career & Technical Institute (NCCTI) to kickstart his career.
Clement considered joining the U.S. Air Force to become a medical professional but decided to attend NCCTI instead. His older brother previously completed the MAC program at NCCTI and is currently employed at University Hospital in Newark. He urged Clement to enroll at NCCTI because of his positive experience.
Clement, who is 22 years old, is happy with his decision.
“Everyone is here to help you,” he said of the NCCTI staff. “They give you every chance and opportunity to succeed. They help you find the path you’re looking for and help you start your career.”
He described the atmosphere as being like a family, with staff members offering support with students’ courses of study as well as help outside of the classroom when needed.
Academically, Clement feels well prepared by his instructor, Dr. Mamdouh Sorial, who he said breaks down all topics to ensure his students understand the material and how to perform procedures in the real world.
“He is by far one of the best teachers I ever had,” Clement said. “He puts students first.”
Sorial described Clement as a good student who is always on time, is engaged and completes his work. He said Clement also has a good relationship with everyone and will represent NCCTI well in the workforce.
“I believe he will be a great medical assistant,” Sorial said.
Student Success Coach Odette Phillip described Clement as a polite, respectful and cooperative student.
“He has demonstrated that he is focused on completing the MAC program,” she said. “Christopher’s attendance is consistent and he manages his course work remarkably.”
NCCTI Director Dr. Sylvia McCray said students like Clement inspire the school’s staff members.
“Christopher is the example of why NCCTI, its staff, instructors and administrator does what we do,” she said. “From the start of his program, Chris has stayed steady and focused on his goal. I am very proud of the work we are doing at NCCTI and of the work the team is doing to improve the student experience.”
Upon graduation, Clement hopes to find employment at a local medical facility. He also plans to continue his education. While he hasn’t decided on an exact degree, he knows he wants it to be within the medical field.
Currently, he enjoys performing EKGs the most because of the wealth of information that can be obtained. He said the chart of the cardiac activity not only shows the patient’s heartbeat. A trained technician can also determine if the patient has eaten, is thirsty or has been smoking, as well as other factors that could be affecting the heart.
Clement, who lives in East Orange, is on his way to achieving his goal of working in medicine. He is slated to complete the MAC program by the end of January.
NCCTI is an accredited post-secondary career and technical institution that is currently enrolling for the following programs: Automotive Technician, Building Trades Specialist, Medical Assistant Clinical, Patient Care Technician and Culinary Arts Specialist. NCCTI also operates a comprehensive Financial Opportunity Center and Bridges to Career Opportunities Program sponsored by the local and national Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) offices. For more information, call 973-824-6484, log onto newcommunitytech.edu or visit 274 South Orange Ave., Newark.
