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Melanie Lofgren

“I went to El Centro for a few college classes but had no direction. I had always been interested in the medical field and just saw Medical Assisting on the Dallas College website. As soon as I started the program, I absolutely loved it. I loved everything about being in a medical profession — especially taking care of patients — so much that I figured becoming an LVN was the next big step. 

“Honestly, my whole year of Medical Assisting was such a fabulous experience. I’d like to especially thank all of my instructors, especially adjunct faculty member Diana Drury. 

“I would recommend this program in a New York minute. Medical assisting is a great occupation, whether you're looking to become proficient in this field or use it as a steppingstone to move on to other health care specialties. You learn a lot about the medical field: patient care, the professional side — it’s just a fundamental place to begin your career. Plus, there are great jobs waiting out there. It’s very rewarding to know that you’re helping people with their health. The most important thing I learned at El Centro is that education is the key to everything.

“My education gave me a leg up on getting into LVN school. In medical assisting, I had already learned a lot of nursing terminology, anatomy and physiology and regulations and laws. I feel I totally have an advantage because I had already learned so much of the material.”

Melanie Lofgren earned a Medical Assisting certificate at El Centro in 2003 and began looking for an LVN program closer to home when she moved to Frisco. She graduated from Grayson County Community College’s LVN program in August 2007 and is now pursuing a degree there to become a registered nurse (RN). She also works full time as a licensed vocational nurse (LVN) in a private home health care setting.


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Myriah Stevens

Myriah Stevens

Radiologic Technologist Parkland Memorial Hospital of Dallas
“When a patient who is in pain, upset or nervous tells you that you made them feel better or just simply tells you 'thank you' with a smile, it makes your hard work worth it. That is the reason I am in this field, and that is what will keep me in it forever.”
Radiologic Sciences
Kristy Sweeney

Kristy Sweeney, RDCS

Registered Diagnostic Cardiac Sonographer, UT Southwestern University Hospitals, and Adjunct Faculty, El Centro Diagnostic Medical Sonography
“My experience at El Centro was wonderful. The program included online classes plus clinicals three or four days a week. We had the flexibility to do our homework at our own convenience, either doing a little every night or doing it all over the weekend, whatever worked best for us.”
Diagnostic Medical Sonography
Sarah Taylor

Sarah Taylor, A.A.S. (ADN), RN

Registered Nurse, Adult Oncology Unit Medical City Dallas
“The best part of my education was the nursing staff. They are just so caring and supportive. They’re there to make sure you get all of the help and support you need. The most important thing I learned is that you’re never too old to set a goal and achieve it.”
Nursing
Shawn Terry

Shawn Terry, B.A., RRT, RCP

Respiratory Care Practitioner, Parkland Health and Hospital System Adjunct Faculty, El Centro Respiratory Care Program
“Respiratory therapists are not just technicians trained to deliver treatments and therapies with different types of equipment. We have to truly comprehend a wide range of topics and how they relate to a patient’s condition.”
Respiratory Care Program
Melanie Lofgren
Melanie Lofgren
LVN in private home health care, Nursing student
Medical Assisting
School of Health Sciences
Updated September 16, 2025