Student Success – Q&A with NICVS Graduate, Christian Barraza

Originally published June 10, 2021

As a recent graduate, Christian Barraza entered the next stage of her journey in allied health. In this student success spotlight, she shares her experience in Midwestern Career College’s Non-Invasive Cardiovascular Sonography (NICVS) program, her externship experience, and how that hands-on training supported her transition into the field.

This spotlight preserves Christian’s original reflections on her externship and early career experience after completing the NICVS program at Midwestern Career College.

Christian, can you introduce yourself and tell us what program you studied at MCC?

Hi, my name is Christian Barraza. In the fall of 2019, I enrolled in the Non-Invasive Cardiovascular Sonography program at Midwestern Career College.

What was it like to go through the externship?

My experience with my externship was great. I did my externship at Mount Sinai Hospital, and I learned a lot from that site. Just to put everything together that I had learned in class, including cardiac pathology and working on actual patients, was a great way to put everything into practice.

You recently were hired, congratulations again! How did the externship help get you started in your career?

Yes, I recently got a job offer at a hospital. The externship helped me work on my scanning skills and on identifying what is a normal and abnormal heart, which on top of school only made it better.

What would you tell a future MCC student who is looking to have a career in allied health?

I would tell all students who are interested in allied health to go for it. It takes time and effort, but in the end, all your hard work pays off. So, come on and do it!

Program featured: Non-Invasive Cardiovascular Sonography (NICVS)

Page note: This student success story was originally published on June 10, 2021 and remains available as part of Midwestern Career College’s student outcomes and alumni spotlight content.