Orlando Testimonials

Life is a journey! As we take steps in life, we need to be prepared for twists and turns that are presented before us. This stage in my journey began in January of 2009 when my father was having brain surgery. This was the day I realized that I needed to be in the Operating Room assisting patients just like my father!

I have always been the type of person to set my mind to something and just do it and this is what I did! So, this is the beginning of a “New Journey” in my life of Surgical Technology! I began researching to find the best school for me to receive my education and one that was fully accredited. I was truly blessed in finding just the right school in a timely manner. It all began with my first interview and tour of the school, which led to me paying my enrollment fee on the very same day! My mind was made up from the moment I stepped foot on the campus grounds. I chose Herzing University-Orlando Campus to obtain an Associates of Science Degree in Surgical Technology. Just two weeks later, I was sitting in my very first class.

There were many times that I thought I was too old to start a new educational journey, but then I realized that Herzing was a perfect fit. Herzing offered night classes as well as online courses, which in turn was very convenient for me. I am a wife and a mother of three young children. I felt very strongly about having a course of study which I could complete quickly, but at the same time obtaining the best education possible. I attended class four nights a week, after making sure my family was properly taken care of.

My life drastically changed in a blink of an eye! I quickly engaged myself within my education as well as the school itself. I was hired as a work study, as an assistant to the Nursing Program Chair. I also sat on the Advisory Board for the Surgical Technology Program, served on the fundraiser committees as well as serving as the Phi Theta Kappa President for the Herzing-Orlando Campus as well. Herzing was a perfect fit for me as a team player of the campus and as a student!

One of the most important factors that Herzing offers to all students is preparing each student for the career world. This gave me firsthand experience writing a resume and cover letter and then to the techniques and skills of behavioral interviewing. This gave me the confidence to be able to enter any interview and be able to express myself as an individual and a potential employee. I was prepared above and beyond all expectations when I successfully sat in the multiple interviews that I have experienced at my new place of employment.

When I first stepped foot into the facility for my clinical rotation, I was very comfortable because I knew that I was trained at a “First Class” rate. My instructors took me in the palm of their hand to teach and guide me through every step of the learning process. Yes, there were many twists and turns along my path that made me feel that I was not going to make it through, but with the help and support of Herzing and being an actual person, not just a number on the campus roles; I too, am now a successful graduate!

I have now completed a new chapter in my journey of life! With the support system at Herzing—from all departments, starting in the front office all the way back to my individual teachers, I am now an employed Surgical Technologist and proved to myself “I can do it!” I was very fortunate and blessed to be offered a position upon completion of my rotation. I can now say that I was prepared more than I had EVER thought. If you have an interest in changing careers, the time is never too late. Being prepared is the key and Herzing can help you achieve that. As we take steps in our lives, we need to be prepared for what lies ahead in our path. The part of my journey that began the day my father had brain surgery is now ending with me being part of the Neuro Surgery Team. Just remember that life is a journey, and you too can do it!!

– Michelle Wilton
Surgical Technologist, Neuro Surgery

At the end of my senior year in high school, I had made up my mind that college was not for me. The last day of school for seniors was one of the best days of my life. Leaving campus that day, all I could think about was sleeping in the next morning. Of course my family always wanted me to continue on and attend college, but the talk with my mom is what changed it all; you know the talk, the one where she grabs you by the hand and looks you in your eyes and slowly tells you what she wants. It worked! I figured I could at least give it a try.

Initially, I was majoring in Human Resources Management with a minor in Production Management. I was able to jump into Corporate America right after high school while attending college full time and I held several professional good paying jobs. Seeing individuals get laid off and companies downsizing left and right, I quickly realized that I had no job security and nothing to fall back on, and a good resume wasn't enough.

This prompted me to look more closely at other academic majors that would not only give me a little more security, but would also allow for me to grow and move up in a profession, which is what led me to switch my major to Radiologic Technology.

Even though I started my college career with another college, I was at a point where I knew I should be transitioning to the next academic level. Therefore, I began to search once again for a concrete option. The option: Herzing University.

I chose Herzing because they offered smaller class settings then the traditional college, which gives more teacher-student interaction. Compared to other colleges I visited, Herzing clearly explained everything and made my transfer from my previous college an easy process. From the flexible day and night courses, to their want for the students to be successful, my entire Herzing experience has played a major role in my decision to remain at Herzing and complete my degree here.

My choosing Herzing University placed me on an accelerated track, where I am now getting “hands-on” experience through the on-site labs and off-site clinical sites. The one-on-one teaching and interaction is incomparable.

I thank God for my loving family and my beautiful mother for giving me "the talk" which has put me in the great position I'm in now. It feels good to know that I will soon help care for and change lives in the healthcare field, just as Herzing does in education.

– DuJuan A. Patterson
Radiologic Technology Student

I chose to attend Herzing University because I was looking for a career change. I spoke with a friend who had graduated from Herzing College and he was doing well in his field, and he recommended I come here.

What I liked most about my experience at Herzing University was the fact that a lot of the classes were fairly small so I had a lot of one-on-one time with the instructor. I was able to build a relationship with him not only as an instructor but as a friend.

I wanted to choose a field of study where I had some familiarity and I knew that it was something that I liked to do. I currently work at Insight Financial Credit Union in the IT department. I’m a software applications specialist.

– John Paul Roberts

I chose to attend Herzing University because it was convenient for me. The classes were from Monday through Thursday in the morning, and I was able to finish my program in a reasonable amount of time.

I chose to study business because I had my own business at an early age, and I wanted a degree to improve my knowledge, and also have the degree under my belt. The thing I liked most about Herzing University was the teachers. They’re very supportive, you can talk to them. It felt like a family atmosphere, it wasn’t like any other school.

Herzing University got to the point, and I really wanted to get into school and graduate soon. It wasn’t like you had to take all these classes like Valencia. Now I work with commercial funding and I’m an account executive.

– Madeline Yau

The reason I chose to study therapeutic massage is I like to work with my hands, and while I was developing my ability I just realized how good I was at making people feel better. The reason I chose Herzing University was because they were offering me eight months to a career, and they were offering more modalities than other colleges in the area.

What I like most about Herzing is that I came here and made friends immediately. The instructors are there for you; they don’t just show up for class and leave right away. They are there for you, to guide you.

– Ivan Figueroa