Success Stories - Esmeralda Avendano:

I DID IT – AND IT CHANGED MY LIFE

(FONTANA, Calif.) Determination and perseverance are two words that come to mind when speaking to Esmeralda Avendano.  After losing her job as an office administrator, the Fontana native, like many others, found herself working a part-time job with no real future.  One thing this mother of two knew was she wanted a career that was both stable and financially rewarding.

In search of career options, Esmeralda spoke with a family member who was a recent graduate of Four-D College’s Medical Assistant program.  After hearing how excited she was with her new career, Esmeralda knew she wanted to learn more about what Four-D College had to offer.

“I heard that the medical field was growing, even in these tough economic times.  Four-D College seemed like the perfect place for me to get started.”

Knowing she would one day want to own her own business, Esmeralda completed the admissions process and decided to enroll in Medical Billing at Four-D College’s Colton campus.

“Having kids, I needed something that worked with my schedule. Even though it took me a little longer to graduate, the counselors never gave up on me.  They really did all they could to make sure that I was able to complete the program.”

Determined to stick with it, she began her externship with Cardiology Specialist in Riverside and graduated from the program in September 2010. The externship is the final step in the Four-D College education process, providing practical work experience for students.

Esmeralda did so well, that after her externship was completed, she was hired as a full-time claims analyst/medical biller at the same location.

“During Esmeralda’s externship, we noticed that she was a team player, willing to do whatever was needed to get the job done,” said Consuelo Pascua, office manager at Cardiologist Specialist.

“She was very good in communicating and following through with patients, doctors and verifying coverage to complete the billing process. We were very impressed with her, so when an opening became available we hired her right away,” added Pascua.

Now Esmeralda is not only doing medical billing, but she is also being trained for other things in the billing area as well as front office administration.

“I feel like my kids are secure now and things are more complete. I am at the beginning of my career and I feel really good.  Four-D College has changed my life!”

Four-D College provides education in the growing healthcare field at locations in Colton and Victorville. Four-D College offers programs in vocational nursing, medical assistant, medical billing and coding, dental assistant, massage therapy and pharmacy technician.

New courses begin monthly at Four-D College and courses are available in the morning, afternoon and evening to meet the needs of working adults. For more information or a free tour, call (800) 600-5422 or go to www.4DCollege.edu.