A second career takes root at Brown Mackie College – Quad Cities
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
Mark Douglas Kinsey retired from the Moline, Illinois Police Department after a 28-year career and chose Brown Mackie College – Quad Cities as a springboard for the next chapter in his life. He enrolled in the Medical Assisting Diploma program. He was worried about going back to school and being 50 years old did not help. “I didn’t know if I would fit in, but I was pleasantly surprised when everyone was nice to me,” he says.
Throughout the program Mark enjoyed the campus camaraderie. There were bowling parties with students facing off against instructors, and picnics. “Everyone felt like a part of the bigger picture,” Mark says. He also belonged to several student groups and participated in numerous community service activities. One student groups collected hats and gloves for donation to underprivileged children. To raise awareness for safety, one campus community service activity offered free fingerprinting, blood-typing, and photographs of children.
Mark also appreciated the faculty and students at the school who helped him hone his computer skills. “I originally started college long before anyone had a computer,” he says. “Sometimes just one little detail can hold you up. The computer assistance I received while attending Brown Mackie College – Quad Cities was greatly appreciated.”
He enjoyed the same individual support while arranging for his externship at the school. “The Career Services staff really had everything planned out,” Marks says. He benefitted from the existing relationship between the College and Davenport Clinic in Davenport, Iowa, where he completed his externship. Immediately after passing the Medical Assisting Certification Exam that was given at the College, the clinic hired him. “I was impressed that the certification exam was offered on campus,” he says. “Faculty and staff really worked hard to help me succeed.”
Mark earned a Diploma in Medical Assisting in 2010 and would not hesitate to recommend Brown Mackie College – Quad Cities to family and friends. “The instructors are actually out there in the working world. You gain the benefit of their experience along with the academics,” he says. “They take a personal interest in your success. It’s more than just a job to them. If you succeed, they succeed.”