Dallas College

Student Experience: 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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Alyssa Young

Alyssa Young

Nursing Student and Athlete
“Community college gives you the opportunity to grow into adulthood while figuring out what you want to do with your life. With all of the resources available, it gives everyone a stable place to begin their college journey.”
Nursing
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Lupe Ortiz, RRT, NPS

Respiratory Care Practitioner Baylor University Medical Center
“I chose El Centro one, it was closer to home. It was a little more affordable than going to somewhere out of state or somewhere else. Just those two things were, were the main thing, the reason why I chose to go to El Centro. I think El Centro did an excellent job of preparing me for going into the workforce.”
Respiratory Care Program
Alice Madden

Alice Madden, CST, FAST

Certified Surgical Technologist Methodist Dallas Medical Center
“I will continue to be involved and to encourage and motivate surgical technologists to be the best they can be in all surgical specialties. I want to encourage all surgical technologists to become certified and become members of the AST and the Texas State Assembly.”
Surgical Technologist
Prayuth Phang

Prayuth Phang, RT(R)

Radiologic Technologist Community Portable X-ray Inc.
“Dallas College has a lot of programs for people who want to have a better life with education. I strongly recommend other students to join this program — they have the best teachers who really care about their students, as well as financial help available. I love what I’m doing, and I will continue doing it to serve people.”
General Studies, Radiologic Sciences
Marvis Bellagwa
Marvis Bellagwa, CNA, LVN
Licensed Vocational Nurse Golden Acres: The Dallas Home for Jewish Aged
Nursing
School of Health Sciences
Updated July 28, 2026