Every once in awhile there is an instructor that is so comfortable and natural, it’s clear that teaching is what they were born to do. Mary Jo Jobbitt is that unique individual who was born to teach, and teach she does. As a Medical Assistant program instructor at Ross Medical Education Center in Port Huron, Michigan, Mary Jo manages her classroom with more energy and enthusiasm than is needed to power a small village. Her students listen intently and respond to her excitement, knowledge, and humor.
Each lesson she instructs is unique to the day and to her sense of humor and quirky quips. Along with her passion for the field, Mary Jo draws from her more than 20 years experience in the allied health field to make her lessons impactful and memorable for her class.
As a natural teacher, Mary Jo is attentive to the needs of her students, yet understands when to assert herself firmly. Her students’ education and success mean the world to her and she works diligently to help ensure they are successful in their chosen field. She strives to teach her students a sense of self-responsibility, and in response her students are empowered as they take responsibility for their own learning.
Mary Jo’s passion for teaching has touched many lives. Not only do her students benefit from the many lessons she teaches them, but the patients that her students eventually encounter out in the field also benefit from the exceptional patient care and compassion that their instructor showed them. The staff at the Port Huron campus counts themselves as very fortunate to have Mary Jo Jobbitt instructing our future medical professionals.
To find out more about what it’s like to be an instructor at Ross, we interviewed Mary Jo Jobbitt. Read her responses below!
How long have you been at Ross as an instructor?
I have been with Ross for seven years as of November.
How did you get your start in teaching and why is it important to you?
My daughter attended Ross in 2008. Helping her with her studies sparked an interest in teaching the material and skills I use daily. It is important to me that each patient receives excellent care. I am very passionate about teaching these skills correctly.
What’s your favorite thing about being an instructor at Ross?
I love to see the student’s smile when they know medical terminology. They feel so empowered.
What piece of advice do you try to convey to all of your students to help them succeed?
I talk to the students daily about doing their job correctly. It is easier to take your time and do it right the first time rather than cleaning up after a mistake.
What are you passionate about?
Personally, I am passionate about my family. Professionally, I am passionate about teaching proper technique.
Who inspires you to be great?
Of course, my parents have always inspired me, but I think when you love what you do, you will always be good at it.
Share a positive memory about your experiences at Ross that stands out to you.
I teach students how to remove sutures, but I also teach them how to suture. We use bananas and pig feet to get a more realistic feeling. An extern was asked by a physician to “suture” his wife’s arm under his supervision. After seeing her work, he said, “from now on, I will only hire Ross graduates.”
When did you first become a Clinic Medical Assistant Instructor?
I became a Teacher Assistant/substitute in 2009. I enjoyed it so much that when a primary position became available, I jumped at it.
What is something most people don’t know about working as a Medical Assistant Instructor?
People may think this is an easy, sit down type of job. It is not! This type of career takes patience, dedication, and a working knowledge of the subject matter. Being creative in your lecture and presentation and challenging your students to become critical thinkers is not easy.
What is the most rewarding part of being a Clinic Medical Assistant Instructor?
The most rewarding part of being a Clinical Instructor is the positive feedback from the extern sites that complete the training of our students.
What advice would you give to a student who is looking to become a Medical Assistant, but hasn’t quite made up their mind yet?
I tell students all the time, if you love to work with people, this is the job for you. Being a Medical Assistant gives you the opportunity to grow in the medical field and help patients, families, and your Physician.
We also asked a few staff and faculty members about their experience in working with Mary Jo. Here’s what they had to say:
“Mary Jo Jobbitt has a true passion for teaching. She creates an exciting, supportive learning environment for her students and she is genuinely committed to their success. Mary Jo is a pleasure to work with and a joy to have on campus.”
Mia Vargo, Campus Director
“Mary Jo is so pleasant to work with. She is well educated and has numerous years in the medical assisting field. The students who attend our campus are reaping the benefits of her vast knowledge and experience and are better Medical Assistants because of it.
Stacey Clark, Assistant Director of Education
“Mrs. Jobbitt is an amazing instructor with a passion for teaching. I am always amazed when I am in the field and I hear recent graduates as well as long term graduates discuss their appreciation of her teaching style and always send their praises her way!”
Faith Logan-Kirnberger, Career Development Representative
“Mrs. Jobbitt’s passion for teaching is unlike any other. She continually goes above and beyond for her students to ensure they are properly prepared to work as a medical assistant. Our students are always so grateful to have been taught by Mrs. Jobbitt and thoroughly enjoy her class.”
Shannon Cobb, Career Services Student Support Representative
“Mrs. Jobbitt is one of the easiest instructors to introduce and talk about with prospective students. She is very upbeat and energetic and gets new students excited about our program. Her passion for what she teaches is always evident and refreshing for people to see.”
Kristy Jackson, Admissions Representative
“Mary Jo is the most encouraging educator I and many others have ever met. She awakens the
hearts and souls of her students and inspires you to be a better person and medical assistant.”
Linsey Monarch, Registered Medical Assistant, Medical Assistant Administrative Instructor
“Mrs. Jobbitt truly cares about people. This makes her a wonderful healthcare practitioner as well as an extraordinary instructor. She goes out of her way to make each student feel appreciated.”
Laura Jerlecki, Office Assistant