Career Path Of A Memory Care Administrative Coordinator At Kaiser
Starting with aspirations to work in a refinery, the career path began with NDE technician work involving x-rays, leading to a shift after asbestos exposure; then a transition to Kaiser as an "imaging assistant" and eventually becoming a memory care admin coordinator at Kaiser in Oakland, seeking "more patient interaction." An associates degree in "liberal arts, math and science" was earned along the way.
Career Change, Healthcare, Patient Interaction, Administrative Roles, Imaging Technology
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Jon Zapanta
Administrative Coordinator
Healthcare Provider
Los Medanos Community College
Los Medanos Community College - AA Mathematics and Science
Mathematics, Data Science, Statistics
Healthcare, Medical & Wellness
Medical
None Applicable
Video Highlights
1. Early interest in a technical field: Initially pursued a career in refinery work, taking prerequisites for that path and working as an NDE technician, gaining experience with x-rays.
2. Career pivot due to health concerns: Changed career direction after asbestos exposure, seeking a role that still utilized x-ray skills, leading to a position as an imaging assistant.
3. Desire for increased patient interaction: Transitioned to a memory care admin coordinator role to fulfill a desire to work more directly with patients, demonstrating a shift in career priorities.
Transcript
Could you walk me through your career path, starting with your experiences in college or any internships or jobs you had before your current role?
I actually started school at Las McDonald's College. My initial goal was to work in a refinery, so I began by taking the prerequisites for that.
After completing my prerequisites, I became an NDE technician. During that time, I took x-rays on pipes and equipment. However, I was exposed to asbestos, which led me to switch my career path.
While still in school, I decided I still wanted to work with x-rays. I took the prerequisites for an x-ray technician program. Then, I became an imaging assistant at Kaiser.
After becoming an imaging assistant and earning my associate's degree in liberal arts, math, and science, I switched my career path again. I wanted more patient interaction, which ultimately led me to become a memory care admin coordinator for Kaiser in Oakland. Now, I cover both the Oakland and Richmond memory clinics.