Finding the right career path is not always about knowing exactly where you are going from the beginning. Sometimes, it is about taking one step at a time, learning from life experiences, and finding the confidence to pursue new opportunities. For Brandon Gill, his journey into healthcare began years before he stepped into a classroom at Ross Medical Education Center.
After working as a patient care technician and gaining valuable experience caring for patients, Brandon knew that healthcare was the field where he wanted to continue growing. His passion for helping others, combined with encouragement from his husband and the support he received throughout his education, inspired him to take the next step and pursue his Medical Assistant training at Ross’ Morgantown campus.
Throughout his time at Ross, Brandon discovered that education is about much more than learning skills and completing assignments. It is about building confidence, forming connections, and having people around you who believe in your potential. From instructors who became mentors to classmates who became friends, Brandon’s experience helped prepare him for his future goals in healthcare.
Now, as he looks ahead toward becoming a Registered Nurse, Brandon shares his story, what motivated him to begin his journey, the people who helped him along the way, and the advice he hopes to share with future students.
Tell us a little bit about your journey before starting at Ross.
I originally came from Ohio and moved over here because my grandma got sick with cancer. That was the reason I moved to the area. Before coming to Ross, I had already been working in healthcare. I had been a patient care technician at UHC for about three years.
Healthcare has been part of my life for a long time. I would say I have been involved in healthcare since I was around 18 or 19 years old. Through my experiences working with patients, I realized that this was something I truly enjoyed and wanted to continue pursuing. Working in healthcare allows you to see people during some of the most difficult moments of their lives. You learn that every patient has their own story and their own challenges. Being able to help people, even in small ways, showed me that this was the type of career I wanted. Over time, I knew I wanted to continue learning and growing. I wanted to expand my knowledge, take on more responsibilities, and continue building a future in the medical field.
What inspired you to continue your education and pursue a Medical Assistant career?
After I moved and continued working in healthcare, I started thinking about what my next step would be. I knew I wanted to stay in the medical field, but I wanted to continue advancing. My husband was actually one of the biggest people who encouraged me. He told me that I could become a Medical Assistant and that he believed I could do it. Having someone believe in you makes a big difference, especially when you are starting something new. Sometimes you need someone else to see your potential before you fully see it yourself. Since my husband is also in healthcare, he understood the field and knew what it took to continue moving forward. His support helped me realize that becoming a Medical Assistant was something I could accomplish.
How did you decide Ross was the right school for you?
When I started looking into schools, Ross was actually the only school I found that I was really interested in. I looked at different options, but Ross stood out because it felt like the right fit for me. It also was not as expensive as some of the other schools I had considered, which was important.
I wanted a program where I could receive a quality education, gain hands-on experience, and prepare myself for the future without taking on something that did not feel realistic. Ross gave me that opportunity. It allowed me to continue my healthcare journey and build the skills I needed to move forward.
What Ross campus did you attend, and what program were you enrolled in?
I attended the Ross Medical Education Center Morgantown campus, and I was enrolled in the Medical Assistant program.
What was your first impression of Ross when you started the program?
My first impression was that they made me feel comfortable right away. When I first went there, I felt like I was at home. Starting a new program can be intimidating because you do not always know what to expect. You wonder if you are going to be able to keep up, if you are going to fit in, and if the material will be difficult.
But Ross made that transition easier because everyone was welcoming. The instructors were very helpful and supportive. They were there to answer questions, explain things, and make sure students understood what they were learning. It did not feel like I was just another student. It felt like the people there genuinely cared about helping me succeed.
How would you describe your overall experience at Ross?
My experience at Ross was really good. I honestly have nothing bad to say about it. When I first started, there were many things I did not know how to do. Even though I had previous healthcare experience, there were still new skills and information that I needed to learn. That is where my instructors made such a difference.
Sherry and Amanda helped me a lot throughout the program. They were always willing to take their time, answer questions, and make sure I understood what I was learning. They were very supportive, and I appreciate everything they did because they helped me get where I am today.
One thing I wish is that more people knew about Ross. I do not think enough people realize it is there or understand what a great opportunity it can be. It is a really good school, and I would recommend it 100%.
What made your instructors at Ross stand out to you?
The biggest thing about Sherry and Amanda was that they truly cared about their students. I would not just call them my instructors. I would honestly call them friends who were there to help me. They took their time with students and worked with everyone individually. If one student needed help, they would help them. Then they would move on to the next student and continue making sure everyone was supported. They never made anyone feel like they were a burden or like they should already know everything. They understood that everyone was learning and that people come from different backgrounds. I appreciate them because they helped shape me into the person I am today. They gave me the confidence to continue moving forward in healthcare.
Did you have a favorite memory or funny moment from your time at Ross?
One of my favorite memories was the skeleton in our classroom that I named Bob. I actually have a picture of him. With AI, you can make pictures move, and one day Sherry was taking pictures of us writing things on the board. I grabbed the skeleton and acted like Bob was the one writing on the board. Everyone thought it was hilarious. I showed everyone the video, and it became one of those moments that everyone remembered. It made the classroom experience fun. I would definitely say I was the class clown. I like making people laugh and helping people feel comfortable. I think creating a positive environment makes the learning experience better for everyone.
How did you help other students feel comfortable during the program?
I have always been someone who likes helping people come out of their shell. There was a student who started the program shortly before I finished, and she was really nervous. My instructor told me, “Brandon, you’re straightforward and you make people come out of their shell. I want you to spend time with her.” I started talking with her and helping her feel more comfortable. Believe it or not, within two days she was already opening up.
I think that is important because starting school can be scary. Some people just need someone to encourage them and remind them that they belong there. I know what it feels like to start something new, and I like being someone who can help make that process easier for others.
What surprised you the most about your experience at Ross?
Honestly, I thought it was going to be harder than it was. I also thought people were going to judge me, but that was not the case at all. Ross made me feel comfortable from the beginning. The instructors and staff were welcoming, and I never felt like I was doing this alone. My extern instructor, Lauren, was also very nice and helpful. Everyone I interacted with was supportive. I really do not have anything bad to say about my experience. It was a good school, and I would recommend it to anyone interested in healthcare.
How did your previous healthcare experience help you during the Medical Assistant program?
Having previous healthcare experience definitely helped me because I already had some understanding of what it was like to work with patients and be in a medical environment. Since I had worked as a patient care technician, I was already familiar with some aspects of patient care and the importance of communication, compassion, and professionalism. However, there were still many new things for me to learn throughout the Medical Assistant program. Ross helped me build on the foundation I already had by teaching me new skills, expanding my knowledge, and preparing me for additional responsibilities in healthcare.
Even though my background helped me feel more comfortable in some areas, I still had to challenge myself and continue learning. Every healthcare role is different, and there are always new things you can learn. I think that is one of the great things about healthcare – you never stop growing. There are always opportunities to improve your skills and continue becoming a better healthcare professional.
What role did your classmates play in your experience at Ross?
My classmates were an important part of my experience because we were all going through the same journey together. Starting a new program can be intimidating, especially when you are learning a lot of new information and trying to balance everything. Having people around you who are experiencing the same things makes the process easier.
I think one of the biggest things students should do is open up and talk to the people around them. Get to know your classmates because you never know who you might connect with or who might become someone who supports you throughout the program. Making friends is a bonus, but having people around you who understand what you are going through can make a big difference.
Were there any challenges outside of school that helped shape who you are today?
I think the experiences I have had outside of school have helped me understand people better. Working in healthcare has allowed me to see many different situations and understand that everyone is dealing with something. People have different struggles, different medical challenges, and different experiences that shape who they are.
Those experiences have helped me become more understanding and compassionate toward others. It has also taught me that you never really know what someone else is going through. Having that perspective has helped me grow, not only as a healthcare professional but also as a person.
Who has been your biggest supporter throughout your educational journey?
I would definitely say my husband has been my biggest supporter. If it was not for him encouraging me and telling me that I could do this, I probably would not be where I am today. He has always believed in me and pushed me to continue moving forward. Since he is also in healthcare, he understands the dedication and commitment that comes with pursuing a medical career. Having someone who understands the challenges and supports you through them is really important. He reminded me that I was capable and encouraged me to keep going, even when things were challenging.
Tell us more about your husband’s healthcare journey and how that has influenced you.
My husband is also in the medical field. Right now, he is an LPN, but he is continuing his education and will be graduating from RN school in December. Currently, he works on a skilled rehabilitation floor, and he is continuing to build his experience in healthcare. His goal is to eventually become a CRNA. Watching him continue his own education has been inspiring because it shows me what is possible when you put in the work and stay committed to your goals. Healthcare is a field where there are so many opportunities, and having someone beside me who understands that journey has been really helpful.
What would you say is your proudest achievement?
My proudest achievement is finishing Medical Assistant school. Completing this program means a lot to me because it represents a major step forward in my healthcare career. Starting something new is not always easy. You have to dedicate your time, stay focused, and believe in yourself. Being able to complete the program shows me that I was capable of reaching this goal. I am proud that I committed to this journey and followed through. This is not the end of my education, but it is an important milestone that is helping me move closer to my future goals.
Can you tell us about your externship experience?
I completed my externship at a pain clinic with WU Medicine, and when I did this interview, I was only on day two. Even though I had only been there for a short time, my experience had already been really positive. From the first day, they made me feel comfortable and welcomed. Everyone was very polite and willing to teach me. They took the time to explain things and help me understand what was happening. I was able to participate in different aspects of the clinic and observe procedures. I got to be in the room while they performed injections in patients’ backs, legs, and knees.
Being able to see those procedures firsthand was really interesting. It helped me understand more about the day-to-day responsibilities of healthcare professionals and gave me valuable experience outside of the classroom. The only thing I would change is that I needed better shoes because my feet were hurting after being on them all day! Besides that, it has been a great experience, and I would recommend the clinic as an externship location because everyone there has been very helpful.
What have you enjoyed most about your externship so far?
The biggest thing I have enjoyed is being able to see everything in action. In school, you learn the information and practice skills, but being in an actual healthcare environment gives you a different perspective. You get to see how everything works together, how professionals interact with patients, and what the daily routine looks like.
I also appreciate how welcoming everyone has been. They have made me feel like part of the team, even though I am still learning. That has helped me feel more confident and excited about continuing my career in healthcare.
Do you see yourself staying at your externship location after completing the program?
Honestly, I think I may try to get a job where I am completing my externship because I really like it there. I feel comfortable there, and I think it is a great environment. It is really awesome to watch everything happening and learn from the people around me. I know “cool” might not be the professional word, but it really is exciting to be able to see healthcare professionals doing what they do and be able to learn from them.
A lot of students are able to get jobs at their externship locations, and that is something I would like to work toward.I think the biggest thing is treating your externship like an actual job. If you show up, put in the effort, and do what is expected of you, it can open doors. Just showing up and being willing to learn goes a long way.
What advice would you give students about making the most out of their externship experience?
I would say treat it like a real job from the beginning. The externship is not just a place where you go and observe. It is an opportunity to show people who you are, what kind of worker you will be, and how dedicated you are. If you show up, do your work, and are willing to learn, it makes the experience much easier. A lot of people make things harder than they need to be. But if you are dependable, positive, and willing to put in the effort, you can create opportunities for yourself.
What are your future career goals after becoming a Medical Assistant?
My goal is to become a Registered Nurse. I have thought about a few different paths, but I would probably either want to work in pediatrics or become an ER nurse. I like the idea of continuing to help people and being in an environment where I can continue learning and growing.
One of the reasons I like healthcare is because there are so many different opportunities. You can specialize, continue your education, travel, and build a career that fits your goals. As an RN, there are so many different directions you can take, and that is exciting to me.
What interests you about becoming an RN?
I like that becoming an RN gives you more opportunities. As an LPN, there are still many things you can do, but there is a limit to how far you can go. Becoming an RN opens up more possibilities. You can work in different areas, specialize in different types of care, and even travel if you want to. There are so many options, and I like knowing that there is always room to continue growing.
What do you enjoy doing outside of school and healthcare?
Honestly, right now I do not feel like I have much free time because I have been so focused on school and my future. One thing that is really important to me is spending time with my family. My mom has cancer, so I try to make the most of the time I have with her and be there for my family whenever I can. Family is a big part of my life, and those relationships are important to me. Even when life gets busy, I think it is important to make time for the people who matter most. When I do get the opportunity to relax, I enjoy going somewhere warmer. I recently went to Ocean City, and I really enjoy being somewhere with warmer weather.
How have your personal experiences influenced the type of healthcare professional you want to become?
My personal experiences have helped me understand people more. When you go through different situations in life, you start to see things from different perspectives. Working in healthcare and experiencing challenges personally has helped me understand that everyone has their own story. Sometimes patients are dealing with things that people cannot see. They might be scared, overwhelmed, or going through something difficult. Those experiences have helped me become more compassionate and patient. I think understanding people and treating them with kindness is one of the most important parts of working in healthcare.
Did you spend a lot of time studying outside of class while completing your program?
For the most part, we did a lot of our work and studying in class since I was an on-ground student. Toward the end of each module, there was usually more time to review and prepare, so I was able to study and make sure I understood the material. My husband also helped me a lot. Since he is already in healthcare, he was able to support me, answer questions, and help me when I needed another perspective. Having that extra support outside of school was really helpful.
What was your biggest takeaway from completing the Medical Assistant program?
My biggest takeaway is that you have to believe in yourself. When you start something new, especially something like a healthcare program, it can be easy to doubt yourself. You might wonder if you are going to be able to do it or if it is going to be too difficult. But once you get through it, you realize that you are capable of more than you thought. Ross helped me build confidence, not just in my skills but also in myself. I learned that if you put in the effort and stay committed, you can accomplish your goals.
What advice would you give someone who is nervous about starting a new career path?
I would tell them not to be nervous and just go through it. Do things at your own pace, and do not let other people bring you down. The biggest thing is believing in yourself. That is the only way you are going to get through it. You cannot let people’s opinions or negativity stop you from reaching your goals. You have to believe that you are capable and keep moving forward. If you have supporters in your life, listen to them and appreciate them. Having people who encourage you is a bonus. But at the end of the day, you have to do it for yourself. You have to want it.
What advice would you give to students who are starting at Ross and may feel nervous or unsure of themselves?
I would tell them to open up and talk to people. Do not be afraid to get to know your classmates. You can make friends, build connections, and find people who support you throughout the program. A lot of students are nervous because they have never attended school after high school or they do not know what to expect. But once you get there and start talking to people, you realize that everyone is working toward a similar goal. You just have to put in the work, stay focused, and keep your end goal in mind.
What qualities do you think are important for someone entering the healthcare field?
I think you have to care about people. Healthcare is not just about learning procedures or completing tasks. It is about working with people who may be scared, uncomfortable, or going through difficult situations. You have to be patient, understanding, and willing to help. You also have to be someone who is willing to keep learning. Healthcare is always changing, and there is always something new to learn. If you care about people and are willing to put in the effort, you can succeed.
What do you hope people remember about your journey?
I hope people remember that you can do more than you think you can. When I started this program, I knew I wanted to move forward in healthcare, but I also knew there would be challenges. The biggest thing is not giving up on yourself. Having support from people around you helps, but you also have to believe in yourself and be willing to take that first step. Everyone starts somewhere, and it is okay if you do not know everything when you begin. That is what learning is for.
Looking back, what are you most proud of about your Ross experience?
I am most proud that I finished. Completing Medical Assistant school is a big accomplishment for me because it represents a lot of hard work and dedication. It was not just about getting through classes. It was about proving to myself that I could set a goal and accomplish it. I am proud that I took the opportunity, followed through, and continued moving forward toward the career I want.
Is there anything else you would like to share with future Ross students?
I would just say to go for it. Ross is a fun school, and it is a great experience. The instructors are there to help you, and you do not have to go through the process alone. Do not be afraid to ask questions, make connections, and get involved. The more you open up and take advantage of the opportunities around you, the more you will get out of the experience.
Continuing the Journey Toward a Future in Healthcare
Brandon Gill’s journey is a reminder that career goals are often built one step at a time. Through personal challenges, professional experiences, and the support of those around him, Brandon found the confidence to continue pursuing his passion for healthcare.
His experience at Ross Medical Education Center helped him strengthen his skills, build meaningful connections, and prepare for the next chapter of his career. From instructors who supported him every step of the way to the classmates who shared the journey with him, Brandon discovered that success is about more than completing a program – it is about growth, determination, and believing in yourself.
As Brandon continues working toward his goal of becoming a Registered Nurse, he carries with him the lessons he learned at Ross: stay committed, support those around you, and never be afraid to take the next step toward your dreams.
For future healthcare professionals considering their own path, Brandon’s message is simple: believe in yourself, put in the work, and go after what you want. The journey may not always be easy, but with dedication and the right support system, it is possible to achieve your goals.