How Propel America Helped Olivia Land Her First Medical Assistant Job—With a $3,000 Sign-On Bonus
When Olivia Quebedeaux graduated high school in 2020, she already knew what she wanted to be: a medical assistant. Inspired as a teen by the compassion and professionalism of the medical assistants she met at doctor’s appointments, Olivia decided she wanted to be the first warm face patients see—a person who sets the tone for care with empathy and understanding.
But like so many young people graduating during the pandemic, Olivia’s plans were put on hold. “I graduated right when COVID hit,” she recalls. “That delayed my ability to pursue my medical assistant career.” In the years that followed, Olivia explored other areas of health and wellness—from prenatal and postnatal fitness to birth work—but she still felt called to medical assisting.
“Whenever I had a problem, all I had to do was text Brittany and she’d make time for me—sometimes that day, sometimes the next day, always at my convenience. She helped me apply for SNAP benefits, find ways to get groceries delivered, and even arranged for Propel to cover the cost of my TB test when I couldn’t afford it. I felt like they were truly there for me.”
That’s when she found Propel America.
“I was actually researching programs for my sister,” Olivia laughs. “She was looking into nursing, and I said, ‘Why don’t you start with being a medical assistant?’ I found Propel America while researching for her. She decided not to apply, but I thought, I found this for a reason. It’s my time.”
Enrolling in Propel America turned out to be, as Olivia puts it, “the best decision of my life.”
Support Beyond the Classroom
For Olivia, Propel America was more than just tuition support—though that alone was a game-changer. “There’s no way I would have been able to afford this on my own,” she says. “Propel covered my tuition, provided a laptop, coaching, and even stipends that helped me get through when transportation was an issue.”
Her success coach, Brittany, was especially pivotal. “Whenever I had a problem, all I had to do was text Brittany and she’d make time for me—sometimes that day, sometimes the next day, always at my convenience,” Olivia says. “She helped me apply for SNAP benefits, find ways to get groceries delivered, and even arranged for Propel to cover the cost of my TB test when I couldn’t afford it. I felt like they were truly there for me.”
Professional development workshops through Propel also boosted her confidence. “I’ve always been an empathetic person,” Olivia says, “but Propel helped me put that into practice — especially communication skills. It made me feel like a better-rounded person, not just a better medical assistant.”
Training, Certification, and a Fast Job Offer
Olivia completed her externship, where she loved the team and the experience. “I couldn’t have been placed at a better site,” she says. Shortly after finishing her externship in August 2024, Olivia applied for jobs. Within just two weeks, she received her first interview, first job offer, and a major decision to make.
Ochsner Health offered her not only a choice between pediatric, orthopedic, and primary care clinics, but also a $3,000 sign-on bonus and competitive pay. Olivia chose orthopedics, a specialty she’s long been interested in. “They really put the effort in and made me feel like they wanted me,” she says. “The benefits were great, and I felt a connection with them.”
Now, she’s starting her first job as a certified medical assistant—just one year after enrolling in Propel America.
Lessons Learned—and Looking Ahead
One of Olivia’s favorite new skills? Manual blood pressure readings. “I was so nervous about it before,” she admits. “Now it’s one of my favorite things to do.” But the biggest skill she’s gained is one she didn’t expect: confidence in communication.
“Ochsner Health offered her not only a choice between pediatric, orthopedic, and primary care clinics, but also a $3,000 sign-on bonus and competitive pay. Olivia chose orthopedics, a specialty she’s long been interested in.”
“I used to be scared to ask questions or scared to mess up,” she says. “Propel taught me that communication is key—whether with your peers or your patients. That’s how you grow, and that’s how you provide the best care.”
Looking ahead, Olivia plans to stay in medical assisting for now, but she’s open to more education in the future—especially if it leads to teaching. “One thing I’d love to do is become a medical assistant instructor and teach the next generation,” she says.
Advice for Future Fellows
Her message to future Propel applicants is simple: reach out. “Life throws you curveballs. You might fall behind. Anything can happen,” Olivia says. “But if you communicate—if you say, ‘I need help’—Propel will be there for you. They want you to succeed.”
As she begins her new job at Ochsner, Olivia reflects on the past year with gratitude. “I feel like this has been my best year ever,” she says. “I’ve grown not just in my career but as a person. I’ve never been happier.”
Ready to Start Your Own Journey?
Olivia’s story shows what’s possible when determination meets the right support. If you’re ready to launch a career in healthcare and join a community that believes in your success, apply to Propel America today. Your future could be just one year away.
Interested in becoming a Propel Fellow like Olivia?
Learn more and start your application at www.propelamerica.org.
Apply now: https://www.propelamerica.org/apply
