We love hearing from men and women who are #NHACertified as they share what a difference certification has had in their lives. People from all walks of life are drawn to healthcare, and they all have a different story that led them on this path.
Are you wondering if certification is right for you? Or maybe you need to rekindle your passion for healthcare? Here are a few inspiring stories from people like you who have improved their lives through the power of certification.
Susan proved that it's never too late to change your life
![SusanMeyer](https://info.nhanow.com/hs-fs/hubfs/images/nha-customer-story-tools/story-image-uploads/SusanMeyer.png?width=572&name=SusanMeyer.png)
"It's never too late to start a new career. At the age of 64 I went back to school after being a photographer and teacher for 30 years. I had the opportunity to get an educational grant for my CMAA, CET & CPT certifications through the county college. Within 6 months of graduating I was able to get a position with EMSI as a Mobile Insurance Examiner. I have been with them since April 2015. I am currently a CSR in the Hamilton NJ office and also now train the new examiners that come on board with the company. I still do exams that come in the office which entail collecting blood and urine specimens, vitals, EKG's and Senior Assessments. I have been enjoying my new journey that I have chosen as my final profession. Thank you NHA!”
– Susan Meyer, CET, CPT, CMAA
Brindija's certification led her to a job she's passionate about.
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"I started off as a pharmacy technician at Walmart Pharmacy for 5 years. Now I work for AHF which is a nonprofit organization that provides medicines for the HIV community regardless of ability to pay. I love what I do it's rewarding to be able to help patients with cost and information on medicine."
- Brindija Henderson, CPhT
Jessica never doubted her path.
![Jessica_Mutter_CPT](https://info.nhanow.com/hs-fs/hubfs/images/nha-customer-story-tools/certified-selfies-filter/Jessica_Mutter_CPT.png?width=572&name=Jessica_Mutter_CPT.png)
"Healthcare was never just a job or a calling, it was simply a part of my entire self. Knowing that I may have helped someone even with something as simple as directing them through the hospital fills me with joy. I will never question my choice to get into healthcare, my only question is what am I going to learn next?"
- Jessica Mutter, CPT
Tara drew strength and insight from her past experiences.
![Tara_Foreman](https://info.nhanow.com/hs-fs/hubfs/images/nha-customer-story-tools/certified-selfies-filter/Tara_Foreman.png?width=572&name=Tara_Foreman.png)
"I had Leukemia at 13, and by next year, I'll be 10 years cancer free. It took me a long time to get an education because of all my recurring illnesses. Patient care is my main priority, because I've been in their spot. I have many friends who are also survivors and some who are no longer with us, so I have some insight on how ill people would like to be treated, and I hope to use that to help build a certain layer of trust with the patients. I'm glad I chose to get into medical assisting, it was one of the best decisions of my life! Big shout out to being #NHACertified! I don't see myself wanting to do anything else!"
- Tara Foreman, CCMA, CET, CPT
Shrerail is confident knowing she has an edge.
![Shrerail](https://info.nhanow.com/hs-fs/hubfs/images/nha-customer-story-tools/certified-selfies-filter/Shrerail.png?width=572&name=Shrerail.png)
"I chose to be NHA Certified because it gives me a level up on the competition. I worked several years only trained to do my job. Now that I have taken the official step I definitely feel accomplished. I don't know why I waited so long! My certification keeps me excited about my career because not only do I have training, I now have the knowledge to care for patients as well. Totally worth it."
- Shrerail Holder, CCMA, CBCS
Haley was inspired by her grandfather's nurses.
![Haley McDonald](https://info.nhanow.com/hs-fs/hubfs/images/nha-customer-story-tools/certified-selfies-filter/Haley%20McDonald.png?width=572&name=Haley%20McDonald.png)
“When I was 8 my grandfather passed away, since then I knew that I wanted to do nursing. The way those nurses cared for him and made the family feel so at home and comfortable made me strive to do that as a career.”
-Haley McDonald, CPCT/A
Lashelle went back to school after 20 years off and finished at the top of her class.
![Lashelle](https://info.nhanow.com/hs-fs/hubfs/images/nha-customer-story-tools/certified-selfies-filter/Lashelle.png?width=572&name=Lashelle.png)
"I enrolled in school to earn my CCMA because I wanted something for myself. At that time, it had been 20 plus years since I had graduated from high school. I am proud to say, I graduated No. 1 in my class with a 4.0 and perfect attendance. I landed a job at the very same clinic that I did my externship at. I earned my CPT as well.
All I can say is that you have to start somewhere. I do not regret for a minute my decision to continue my educational journey. I do regret not starting sooner."
- Lashelle Wanda Kirkland, CCMA, CPT
Trishae made her children proud.
![Trishae Petty](https://info.nhanow.com/hs-fs/hubfs/images/nha-customer-story-tools/certified-selfies-filter/Trishae%20Petty.png?width=572&name=Trishae%20Petty.png)
"I chose to be NHA certified to not only advance my career, but to lead by example and give my children something to be proud of. I've always had a passion for helping people and as a little girl I always dreamed of working in a hospital — now I'm one step closer!"
- Trishae Petty, CPT
Frontline healthcare professionals like these are the reason we're so passionate about certification. We're proud to support people who are making a difference in the world.
If you're #NHACertified, what's your story? We want to know why you chose to empower your future and what led you on the path toward becoming a healthcare professional. Fill out the form using the link below and help inspire others on their journey!