Mega Doctor News
By Selene Rodriguez
After serving three years in the U.S. Army, South Texas College student Miguel Salinas is taking the first steps toward a career as a physician assistant (PA) through the college’s Patient Care Technician program, gaining experience to one day care for fellow veterans.
At 23, Salinas has already built a diverse path, earning a bachelor’s degree in History, completing a 10-month deployment to the Middle East and now returning to the classroom with a renewed sense of purpose in health care.
“Being in the military helped me realize health care was for me, because every time I needed care, it was a physician assistant helping me. Now I want to be that person for others,” he said. “STC’s program is helping me take those first steps toward that goal. In just one semester I earned multiple certifications that will strengthen my resume and help me apply to PA school.”
Born into a military family, the Edinburg native chose to serve at 18 alongside his twin brother, following in the footsteps of his father, who also served in the U.S. Army.
“I trained in North Carolina and El Paso before deploying to Kuwait and eventually to Jordan for about 10 months,” he said. “It was a great experience; it allowed me to travel and see parts of the world I never thought I would.”
After his service, he turned toward Education, earning a bachelor’s degree in History with plans to become a teacher, before ultimately discovering his interest in health care through his military experience.
“My mother and sister are teachers, so I thought that would be a good path for me,” he said. “After I came back from deployment, I finished my degree in History and completed my student teaching, but I realized I didn’t see myself doing it long-term. That’s when I decided to pursue a medical career.”
Now enrolled in STC’s Patient Care Technician program, he is gaining clinical experience and certifications that are preparing him for the next step in his journey.
The one-semester program provides hands-on training in areas such as phlebotomy, certified nursing assistant (CNA) and electrocardiogram (EKG), while also allowing students to complete clinical hours in real health care settings.
“In just one semester, you earn four different certifications while gaining clinical hours. It’s challenging but really rewarding,” he said. “I already worked in a nursing home, and it turned out to be a great experience because it taught me teamwork, communication and how important it is to respect patients and their routines, since it’s their home.”
Salinas also recently began volunteering with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs in McAllen, where he hopes to one day work as a PA and give back to fellow veterans.
“I want to work with veterans. That’s my long-term goal,” he said. “I decided to start volunteering to gain more experience and hours. I help at the front desk and assist veterans, even driving a golf cart for those who need help getting around. I’ve also been involved in community health events, like checking blood pressure at local events.”
Set to graduate this May with his patient care technician certificate, Salinas is focused on continuing to build his application to a PA program, a competitive process that requires a strong academic record along with patient care and volunteer experience.
He said STC was the right place to start.
“I’m grateful for the opportunities and the support. The teachers really care and make sure students understand the material. I also took advantage of tutoring services,” he said. “Overall, I feel like this program is helping me build a strong foundation. I’m starting from the bottom and working my way up and I’m certain it’s preparing me well for my future in health care and the opportunity to continue serving others.”
For more information on STC’s Patient Care Technician program, visit southtexascollege.edu/academics/patient-care/ or call 956-872-3052.
Information source: STC
