From GED to Graduation: Angel Atkins’ Journey to Becoming a Medical Assistant
When Angel Atkins applied to Propel America’s Medical Assistant Fellowship in summer 2024, she was taking a leap—not just into a new program, but into a new life. A single mom from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Angel had faced challenges that might have discouraged many. She hadn’t finished high school, and the cost of education felt out of reach.
But with determination—and the support of Propel’s partners—Angel didn’t just start over. She soared.
“There were a lot of complications that I faced prior to enrolling through Propel America for medical assisting,” Angel shares. “One of those things was that I had to go back and get my GED.”
Angel remembers the application process as “so easy.” With clear eligibility criteria and step-by-step support, Propel made sure she never felt lost. For young adults ages 18–26 with a high school diploma or GED, Propel offers a clear, accessible pathway into healthcare—without the burden of college debt or years of uncertainty.
Propel's admissions team worked closely with Angel to ensure she attained her GED before enrolling in the program. They helped guide her to meet every admissions requirement long before the program officially started. “The Propel admissions team made sure that they kept up with me, and that I stayed on task, getting everything done before the deadline so that I could start school on time. That help and that support was the reason why I am about to graduate soon.”
Angel first heard about Propel America, she wasn’t sure where her career was headed—but she knew she wanted more. Today, after 10-months of coursework and skills labs, she’s stepping confidently into her final month of training, an externship at Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady Health System, as a Medical Assistant, thanks to her hard work, a powerful support system, and training from Propel’s partner, The College of Health Care Professions (CHCP). Starting in 2025, Propel will be partnering with another training provider, Baton Rouge Community College.
Angel is one of many young adults who have launched their healthcare careers through Propel America’s Medical Assistant Fellowship. In a video, she shared her story—from her first day of training to the emotional final class—offering a glimpse into the experience of becoming a Propel Fellow.
A Pathway That Removes Barriers
Like many Fellows, Angel worried that the cost of training and materials would put her goals out of reach. But Propel’s model is built to remove those barriers—through tuition-free training, wraparound support, individualized coaching, and integrated partnerships with training providers and employers like Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady Health System.
“Being a single mom, I thought I would never be able to afford school. But not only did Propel cover the entire tuition, they also made sure that we had laptops and coaches just to keep up with school, and other aids that they gave along the way.”
“Being a single mom, I thought I would never be able to afford school,” Angel reflects. “But not only did Propel cover the entire tuition, they also made sure that we had laptops and coaches just to keep up with school, and other aids that they gave along the way.”
Through Propel’s program, Angel received not only technical training but also wraparound supports that helped her stay on track.
These supports included a free laptop, a stipend of $1,650, textbooks, scrubs, an medical supplies (stethoscope, blood pressure cuff, etc.). Most importantly, Angel had access to a dedicated career coach who guided her “step by step” through the program.
Hands-On Training + Professional Skills
Angel’s experience included more than classroom learning. At CHCP, she trained in Skills Lab to master everything from injections to blood glucose tests to EKGs. Angel’s favorite part of the experience? Hands-on learning. She loved practicing hands-on skills—and she credits her instructors for helping her build confidence and precision.
“I did struggle with dosage calculation, but just by going over the material and keeping open communication with my instructor, I was able to improve.”
She shares videos from her Skills Lab, where she practiced CPR, administered intramuscular injections, and even drew blood successfully on her first try. “Love that for me,” she beams.
A Support System That Feels Like Family
At the same time, she was learning how to succeed professionally. Propel equipped her with professional development workshops and micro-credentials in communication, collaborative thinking, and creative problem-solving.
“They really prioritize education—not only just getting a job, but also keeping that job. One of my favorite classes was resume building and how to conduct myself during an interview,” she says—skills that will serve her long beyond the classroom.
Throughout her journey, Angel was never alone. She was matched with a career coach who guided her step-by-step through the program and application process. She built strong bonds with her classmates. And she found a sense of belonging she hadn’t expected.
“They really hold your hand throughout the whole process. It almost feels like a family, like it’s a community.”
Looking Ahead: From Fellow to Future Psychologist
As Angel wrapped up her time in the classroom, she reflected on what it meant to take those last steps toward her externship. “This walk back to the car was a really emotional one,” she shares. “Just thinking about the future, and how my first day of externship will be… my first day officially as a Medical Assistant.”
Angel will complete her externship with FMOLHS, a Propel employer partner, gaining real-world experience that will launch her into full-time employment. She is already thinking about what’s next. After time as an MA, hopefully at FMOLHS, Angel is already looking ahead to what this first role could advance into. “After I graduate, I plan to take everything that I’ve learned and go back to college again—maybe even work toward a degree in psychology or psychiatry.”
She knows she’s found her place in healthcare:
“I see and I feel that I really belong here in the medical field. And they need more people like us—people who are dedicated, passionate, empathetic, and willing to learn.”
A Message for Future Fellows
Angel closes her series with a heartfelt call to others:
“Hopefully you are looking at becoming a Propel Fellow and becoming a Medical Assistant or a Sterile Processing Tech. I hope to see you on the other side.”
We’re proud to walk alongside Fellows like Angel—supporting their growth, cheering on their success, and connecting them to meaningful careers in healthcare.
Interested in becoming a Propel Fellow like Angel?
Learn more and start your application at www.propelamerica.org.
Apply now: https://www.propelamerica.org/apply
