CONCORD, N.C. — Bella Tyson had not yet completed her externship or walked across the graduation stage when she received a job offer from Cabarrus Family Medicine in Harrisburg.
Tyson, a member of the first graduating cohort of Cabarrus Health Sciences Institute, was completing the hands-on externship required for her medical assisting diploma when she was asked on her second day if she would like to join the clinic’s team after graduation.
“I was over the moon,” Tyson said. “The one thing I was always stressed about was finding a job. This took some of the stress off me.”
Cabarrus Health Sciences Institute is an early college partnership that gives high school students a head start in health care education and career preparation. Tyson completed both high school and her Cabarrus College diploma program and plans to enter the workforce as a medical assistant.
Tyson’s path to medical assisting was not the one she originally planned. She began in the life sciences program before transitioning to medical assisting. Although the change was difficult at first, she said she quickly found purpose in the program.
“At first, it wasn’t really my choice,” Tyson said. “But I found a lot of love in that program—with the people, the information I was learning and the things I was doing.”
Through classroom instruction, clinical experiences and her externship, Tyson said the program gave her a strong foundation in medical terminology and patient care skills she could apply in a real health care setting.
Mikahla Louallen, early college liaison, said Tyson’s experience shows the importance of giving students room to explore. “Bella’s story shows that exploration is an essential part of the student’s experience,” Louallen said. “Not every student begins our program with a clear vision, and that is okay. What matters is recognizing potential in students before they fully see it themselves, while giving them the space to explore, reflect and adjust along the way.”
In her new role, Tyson will room patients, enter orders, perform simple lab tests and assist with procedures. She said one of the most exciting parts of the job is the variety.
“It’s going to be different every day,” Tyson said. “It’s not going to be the same thing all the time, and that’s my favorite part.”
Louallen said Tyson’s job offer reflects how early college pathways can connect students directly to local workforce needs. “Our early college program creates a direct connection between education and employment by combining academic preparation with hands-on clinical experience,” Louallen said. “Bella’s journey is a strong example of this pipeline in action as she was able to explore her interests, find the right fit and gain real-world experience that led directly to a job opportunity.”
Tyson credited Cabarrus College faculty and staff with helping her build confidence and stay focused, including Dr. Rachel Houston, dean of health professions; Kassi Raffaldt, Medical Assistant program chair; and Louallen.
“I found family in them because they were always there for me,” Tyson said. “They were so supportive.”
Tyson stood out from the beginning for her focus and perseverance. “Bella came into the program eager to learn and grow, both as a medical assistant and as a person,” Raffaldt said. “While many early college students were still figuring things out, she had a clear sense of direction and showed it through her steady determination and perseverance throughout the program.”
Raffaldt also watched Tyson’s confidence grow as she moved through the program and into practicum. “Bella has grown into her own person and is confidently forging her own path,” Raffaldt said. “She demonstrated increasing confidence in her skills each day, and her personality shined through in every interaction, whether in practicum or in class with her peers.”
Tyson’s transition from student to employee echoes the purpose of the program. “Bella’s transition from student to soon-to-be employee is meaningful because it reflects the full-circle moment in her journey that our program was created for,” Louallen said. “It is not just an achievement, but a transformation that others and I have witnessed firsthand.”
Tyson plans to work as a medical assistant while continuing to grow in the health care field. Eventually, she hopes to return to school and become a physician, possibly focusing on obstetrics.