Cecil College Magazine 2026 - Magazine - Page 21
“Externship and clinical programs are
invaluable. They provide students with
hands-on experience in a real healthcare
setting while allowing our organization
to engage with emerging professionals
who bring fresh ideas, enthusiasm, and
a strong desire to learn,” said Winston
Dequiña, clinic manager for Health Care
for Children.
Potts’ perspective speaks to the heart of
what externships can do: equip students
with not only clinical and administrative
skills, but also the emotional intelligence
needed in patient-centered fields.
Today, she trains new students, helping
them build communication and
teamwork abilities essential for postgraduation success. She finds joy in
inspiring future medical assistants to
step outside their comfort zones.
“Connecting with and inspiring students
is such an immersive way to help build
work ethic and life skills,” said Potts.
“Fostering personal and professional
goals helps students embrace new
experiences.”
A similar sense of transformation
marked Maliza Iydroose’s experience
after completing Cecil College’s Certified
Nursing Assistant and Geriatric Nursing
Assistant program (CNA/GNA). After
being laid-off from an IT position, she
changed career paths upon learning
about a high statewide demand for
nursing assistants. At Cecil College,
Iydroose completed her theory
coursework before beginning her
externship at Autumn Lake Healthcare at
Calvert Manor.
Working two evenings a week, helping
residents with meals, bathing, dressing,
and daily activities, Iydroose says what
could have been an overwhelming
transition felt natural thanks to the
support from Cecil College faculty and
professional staff at Calvert Manor.
Maliza Iydroose at Autumn Lake
Healthcare in Rising Sun
By the time she completed her externship, she was confident and ready to work with
clients independently. Upon passing her state licensing exam, Iydroose researched
the home-care field and has begun to establish a client base in Cecil County.
“It was a very good experience. We started with theory classes at Cecil College and
hands-on training in the nursing lab using mannequins. After completing our training
at the College, we moved into clinicals at Autumn Lake Healthcare where we worked
with real clients,” said Iydroose.
In clinical settings, students step into the real world of patient care under close
supervision. They learn how to communicate effectively, build trust, and translate
theory into purposeful action. “The externship really prepared me for the workforce
by helping me meet all the Board of Nursing requirements, maintain a good
professional record, and gain valuable experience and knowledge with the strong
support and guidance from the College’s faculty and the clinical staff,” said Iydroose.
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