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Dallas College

Marvis Bellagwa, CNA, LVN

“As a certified nurse’s aide (CNA), I was looking to further my education in a way that would help me financially. The Vocational Nursing program came to mind. ‘It’s just 12 months,’ I told myself. 

“Coming into the program, I didn’t know what to expect. The best part is when you meet people you’ve never seen before, and everyone works together for a common goal. The instructors are so helpful and make you feel welcome.

“My education has helped me so much. It is tough, but it gives you the right training and the confidence to go into the world. I learned to never quit. If it gets too tough, ask questions, seek help and talk to your instructors. 

“I definitely recommend this program to others. It’s not just about the Vocational Nursing certificate; this program prepares you for the world. I feel so proud to say ‘Dallas College’ when people ask me which school I attended.

“There are no awards in my job, but I will say I get a personal sense of accomplishment for the work I do. When I get a smile from a resident, then I know I am doing a good job.” 

Marvis Bellagwa attended Dallas College and took several online courses before earning her Vocational Nursing certificate. In her job at Golden Acres: The Dallas Home for Jewish Aged, she assists in assessing, developing, implementing and evaluating direct care of residents, helping to maintain the quality of service that is in accordance with local, state and federal regulations. She also helps to prepare, administer and document doctor-prescribed medications and treatments. She can initiate and conduct emergency measures required to stabilize a resident’s condition. Marvis plans to complete the LVN to RN “Bridge” program to become a registered nurse.


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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
Marvis Bellagwa
Marvis Bellagwa, CNA, LVN
Licensed Vocational Nurse Golden Acres: The Dallas Home for Jewish Aged
Nursing
School of Health Sciences
Updated November 25, 2025