Bernisha Valentine
Age: 25
Hometown: Chesapeake, VA
Region: Philadelphia
Center: Blue Ridge
Dates enrolled: 11/9/2013-3/28/2015
Training: CMA, MOS, EHR, Billing & Coding, Phlebotomy, EKG, Patient Care Tech.

Bernisha Valentine grew up in Chesapeake, VA, with a loving and close-knit family. As she got older though, life got harder. Her father was diagnosed with kidney disease, and was required to begin daily dialysis treatments. At that point, Bernisha moved in with her aunt, and started looking for a way to continue her education. Her sister discovered Job Corps, and asked that she and Bernisha enroll together. Bernisha was a little hesitant at first, but as she researched all of the certifications she could get for free, she decided to take the plunge.
Bernisha took full advantage of the opportunities at Blue Ridge, completing Clinical Medical Assistant as well as Medical Office Support, and earning certifications in CCMA, CMAA, EHR, Billing & Coding, Phlebotomy, EKG, and Patient Care Tech. She also worked as a recreation aide, and helped to serve food in the local community over Thanksgiving. “DO NOT GIVE UP,” Bernisha says. “There will be times when you miss your family, but if you stick with it and complete the program, you will see so many improvements in your life.”
Since leaving Blue Ridge, Bernisha has seen tremendous success. She is driving a brand new car, and she recently bought a house with her fiancé, who she will marry on August 15, 2020. She works full-time as a Certified Clinical Hemodialysis Technician at Frenesius Dialysis Center, and is enrolled in a Registered Nursing Program at ECPI University. Seeing all that her father has gone through with his dialysis, she plans to stay in this field, and be able to help patients even more, once she has her RN degree.