Andrea Middleton of Newburyport Trains for Career as Respiratory Therapist

When Andrea Middleton got serious about training for a career, she enrolled in Northern Essex’s Respiratory Care Program, which allowed her to work in the field and gain valuable experience after she completed the first year of the program.

Andrea, 41, who earned a near perfect GPA, first attended NECC when she was a newly-minted high school graduate. A visit to the West Coast derailed her college career. She liked California living. Andrea worked various jobs and even graduated from a Microsoft Certified System Engineer program. She worked in that field for 10 years. During that time she became a mom and relocated with her then husband and baby to the Midwest.

When she suddenly found herself as a single parent, she headed back East. Not eager to get back into computers, she worked for a time waiting tables before enrolling in NECC’s Medical Assistant Program. Her certificate opened doors for her to become a certified nursing assistant at Anna Jaques Hospital in Newburyport.

While working at the hospital she was drawn to the respiratory therapists.

“I feel I was led in that direction. Whenever I worked with them I would talk with them about their work and their education,” she says. “Everyone was enthusiastic and loved their job.”

Today, Andrea has completed her first year as a respiratory care student and will graduate in May 2014. Under her student license, she works per diem shifts at Lawrence General Hospital and Anna Jaques Hospital where she is accruing valuable hands-on training.

“Respiratory care is a great career path for me,” she says. “I love working with the patients. It is emotionally satisfying for me. I get to know the patients and their families. This is what I’m meant to do. Every day I get up and I’m excited about work.”