Health studies a family affair for Gilbert Family

In today's competitive job market, having the right training, experience and a positive attitude makes all the difference. For one Gilbert family, taking the first step toward a new career in healthcare started with their mother. A short time later, it became a family affair with three members of the Tedesco family attending classes at the East Valley Institute of Technology (EVIT) in Mesa.

Cindy Tedesco, 53, first learned of EVIT when her two sons, Aaron, 20 and Kevin, 21, attended the automotive and construction programs as high school students. At the time, she was working at a hospital as a certified nursing assistant (CNA) but knew she wanted to continue her education and eventually transition to a job in a physician's office.

"In speaking with doctors about jobs that were in demand with opportunity for growth, several suggested I consider getting certified as a medical assistant" said Cindy Tedesco, who started the two-year Medical Assistant program in August.

A medical assistant can perform administrative and clinical tasks such as collect and prepare laboratory specimens, prepare and administer medications, draw blood, prepare patients for x-rays, take electrocardiograms, remove sutures, and change dressings under a doctor's supervision.

"While I had done poorly as a student in elementary and high school, learning as an adult student is completely different. I love learning and acting as a mentor to some of the younger students in my class" she added.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of medical assistants is expected to grow 34 percent from 2008 to 2018, much faster than the average for all occupations. As the healthcare industry expands because of technological advances in medicine and the growth and aging of the population, there will be an increased need for all healthcare workers.

Cindy's two sons, inspired by her dedication to go back to school, followed in her footsteps and registered for the Sterile Processing and Distribution (SPD) program at EVIT. During the 18-week program, Aaron and Kevin are learning how to clean, sterilize and package medical and surgical supplies. The SPD course is taught in a state-of-the-art lab with equipment and training provided through a Veteran's Administration (VA) partnership. They hope to land jobs working in a hospital or surgery center upon completion of the program.

To learn more about EVIT's Adult Education program, visit www.evit.com/adulted or call 480-461-4028.

Former EVIT student returns to inspire and hire

East Valley Institute of Technology (EVIT) alumnus Bryan J. Kinnaird returned to share his success with students, and recruit future employees. Kinnaird is an award winning screenwriter and author/creator of the popular sci-fi graphic novel series THE VILLIKON CHRONICLES, and executive producer of the short film THE VILLIKON CHRONICLES: GENESIS OF EVIL.

Kinnaird was a student in the Radio/TV program at Mesa Vo Tech, the predecessor of EVIT, in 1986-87. He visited Eric Perez' 3D Animation program to recruit student employees to work on the VILLIKON CHRONICLES, and a cartoon reproduction of the immensely popular 1980's television series "Dallas."

EVIT is fortunate to have many successful graduates who often return to inspire...and hire...students who share their passion.

Making a move

EVIT's School of Adult Education is on the move -- but it's not going far! Adult programs are heading to the campus next door to EVIT's main campus, taking over a building previous used by the Mesa Public School's East Valley Academy.

EVIT staff worked hard all summer to get the building ready for our adult students, and the classrooms and labs are looking great:


Adults can sign up for all kinds of programs at EVIT, including nursing assistant, surgical technology, EMT, collision repair, HVAC, furniture upholstery, and cosmetology. It's a great way to learn new skills or launch a brand new career!

For more information on the programs offered, call EVIT's School of Adult Education at 480-461-4028.

Become proficient in Microsoft Office

The EVIT Continuing Education Department is putting together a Microsoft Office course that will teach adult students how to use five popular computer programs.

Students can take any or all of the five sections:

• Word: Students will learn how to create, write and edit documents.
• Excel: Students will perform complex equations through the use of spread sheets.
• PowerPoint: Students will create slideshow presentations.
• Access: Students will create databases.
• Outlook: Students will learn to manage notes, calendars and e-mail.

The course will start Jan. 26 and will be held each Tuesday and Thursday from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. in EVIT's Health Sciences Center. This is a great opportunity for adults who want to improve their computer skills and become proficient in these widely used programs.

For more information, call Cliff Richeson at (480) 461-4027.