At Ross, we are so proud of the hard work and dedication that our instructors consistently exhibit when working with their students as well as other healthcare professionals. One of those standout instructors is Tonya Sims, an instructor in the Medical Assistant program at the Ross Medical Education Center campus in Canton, Michigan.
According to Rebecca Baluha, the Assistant Campus Director of Education in Canton, Tonya Sims is “always coming up with new ideas and able to make learning fun and interesting. Day to day no one knows what to expect. She keeps students eager to learn and productive and it’s reflected in their grades. She puts in time, effort, and care.”
We interviewed Tonya Sims to get a first-hand account of the life of a Medical Assistant Instructor at Ross:
How long have you been at Ross as an instructor?
I recently celebrated my 5 year anniversary!
How did you get your start in teaching and why is it important to you?
I used a lot of teaching tools as a MA supervisor. I feel a good foundation is important to a successful career.
What’s your favorite thing about being an instructor at Ross?
I love that I am able to be creative. I can see the little light bulbs turn on.
What piece of advice to you try to convey to all of your students to help them succeed?
Love yourself enough to pursue your dreams. Respect yourself enough enough to follow through to the end.
What are you passionate about personally?
Being true to myself and living a healthy lifestyle.
Who inspires you to be great?
My two sons Ethan, age eight, and Roryson, age five, are my inspiration.
Share a positive memory about your experiences at Ross that stands out to you. Why is that memory special to you?
I love it when students that decided to give up change their mind and come back. It’s confirmation that this is their path.
When did you first decide you wanted to become a Medical Assistant and then Medical Assistant Instructor? What inspired you to pursue this career?
I’ve always had an interest in science and healthcare. My earliest memory of wanting to teach is 12 years old. They had to collide at some point!
What is something most people don’t know about working as a Medical Assistant Instructor?
For every one person I teach, 2 people learn.
What advice would you give to a student who is looking to become a medical assistant or instructor, but hasn’t quite made up their mind yet?
It is a great opportunity for you to give a piece of yourself to others.
What is the most rewarding part of being a Medical Assistant Instructor at Ross?
I love seeing my students lives being transformed.
We wanted to hear from her students and co-workers! Read what they had to say:
“She really cares about our success”
Current student in the Canton Medical Assistant program
“She put in a lot of extra time I know she doesn’t get paid for to help me understand and learn better.”
Current student in the Canton Medical Assistant program
“She’s one of the hardest teachers I’ve ever had, but I learned more than I ever did in my life.”
Current student in the Canton Medical Assistant program
“As a new instructor she encouraged me and freely shared all of her ideas and games.”
Medical Assistant Instructor