When Emily Friedrichsen attended an orientation session for Washtenaw Community College’s Medical Assisting program, she realized she hadn’t only discovered the perfect fit for herself — she had found one for her mother, too.
In just two semesters, students are prepared to sit for the medical assisting certification exam and enter the high-demand, high-growth field.
“Emily knew I wanted to return to the workforce and thought this would be something I’d enjoy,” says Julie Friedrichsen, a 53-year-old mother of four from Saline. “At first, I was hesitant because of my age, but after losing a neighbor to cancer — whose motto was ‘Never Give Up’ — I felt inspired to take the leap. I signed up, and I love it!”
Today, both 22-year-old Julie and Emily are enrolled in the 17-credit certificate program that provides students the comprehensive skills to manage both administrative and clinical duties at a health care office.
“We’re study buddies,” says Emily, a 2021 Saline High School graduate. “It’s been a fun experience. I am happy for my mom to be back in the field.”
For Julie, choosing to join Emily at WCC was an easy decision.
“They offer affordable pricing, especially for a great education, and I live in Washtenaw County so I get in-district tuition,” she says. “I love everything I’m learning. I would definitely recommend WCC.”
Emily agrees, saying WCC helped her find direction.
“If you don’t know the pathway you want to take, someone can always try taking different classes to navigate the choices and find out who they are meant to be and what kind of career that fits into,” she says.
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This story first appeared in the Summer 2025 edition of Launch magazine.
Tags: Health Sciences, Launch, Medical Assistant, Medical Assisting, Student Profile