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Adam Carpenter

“I have always been fascinated with the field of science ever since I was a little kid. After completing my associate degree in science, there was still one question to answer: 'What do you want to do in science?' As broad as the science field is, it was difficult to select an area that would best fit my interests. I felt like the options were weighing down on me but that I had to rush into a career decision.

“After attending other universities, I felt like their programs were not going to prepare me for the challenges of the medical world. Through the many hours of researching and testimonials from medical professionals, I decided to give El Centro a chance. After a few classes, the Medical Lab Technology program captured my attention. El Centro has prepared me for the next step more than I can comprehend. 

“The HPR program has shown me that confidence, diligence, perseverance, a caring heart and very strong knowledge are what is needed for a medical professional. The best part of the classes was the hands-on training that the program provided. Instead of learning just by lectures, it was easier to remember and to fully comprehend the correct medical procedures like drawing blood, correctly calculating blood pressure and many others.

“Among the many things that I've learned, this program has taught me that a medical professional plays a very vital role when disasters arise in mere seconds. You can save someone's life because of the knowledge you've obtained. Knowing that I will be saving lives in the future and having skills obtained through practice give me the determination to be the best that I can be in my field.

“I would like to give credit where it is rightfully due, to the professors at El Centro. They have the experience, personality, determination, love for their fields of study and most importantly the desire to help their students succeed. They give students insight into what is expected for them to know and what is ahead of them in their chosen fields. And they make it fun to learn. 

“Future health care program students, if you are searching for a college to help you get started and ready for your bright future, I personally recommend Dallas College. To be honest, it is a lot to take on — but with diligence, patience, determination, and lots of hours of studying, you can be successful in anything that you do.”


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Kim Nguyen

Oanh Kim Nguyen, MLT(ASCP)

Medical Laboratory Technician Methodist Medical Center of Dallas
“My first experience at community college was taking ESL classes at Richland and Brookhaven, which were close to where I lived. Then when I started exploring what kind of program I wanted to take for a career change, I saw Medical Laboratory Technology and transferred to El Centro ... I always tell people who are thinking about community college to think about Medical Laboratory Technology, and I tell them about my personal experience with the program. It’s a stable job, in a quiet environment with a lot less stress than many other medically related fields, and the people are very friendly and professional. I really love my job.”
English as a Second Language (ESL and ESOL), Medical Laboratory Technology
Dolores Schueler

Dolores (Dee) Schueler, BSN, LVN, RN, CRNI

Director of Nurses USBioservices
“Our instructors had high expectations and saw our potential. They let us know that it wasn’t going to be easy, but it wasn’t going to be insurmountable either.”
Nursing
Sylvia Moreno

Sylvia Moreno, BSN, RN

Director of HIV Services Parkland Hospital of Dallas
“Community college gave me everything I needed to take and succeed in classes for an advanced degree.”
Nursing
Shawn Terry

Shawn Terry, B.A., RRT, RCP

Respiratory Care Practitioner, Parkland Health and Hospital System
“Respiratory therapists are not just technicians trained to deliver treatments and therapies with different types of equipment. We have to truly comprehend a wide range of topics and how they relate to a patient’s condition.”
Respiratory Care Program
Adam Carpenter
Adam Carpenter
Medical Laboratory Technology student, El Centro

Health Professions Readiness
School of Health Sciences
Updated November 25, 2025