Texas Border Business
BROWNSVILLE, Texas – Laura Felix and her family made the move from Mission to Harlingen so she could realize her dream of earning a degree when she found just the right program at Texas Southmost College.
Once enrolled, it only took Felix two years to earn an associate degree in diagnostic medical sonography and make her dream come true.
And since graduating from the program in May 2021, she has also begun her career as an ultrasound technician at Brownsville Advanced OB/GYN.
“I love human anatomy and I’ve always known that the health care field was for me,” said the former dental assistant. “I just never knew in what capacity, I couldn’t find my niche, but TSC changed that for me.”
TSC’s Diagnostic Medial Sonography program came highly recommended to Felix by her friend and alumnus from the program who knew she was looking for a career change.
“She spoke so highly of the program and its instructors that I had no choice but to check it out,” said Felix. “After extensive research into the field and TSC’s program, and with immense support from my husband, children and parents, I went for it. I’m so glad I did.”
TSC’s sonography program has a competitive application process, only 10 students per year are accepted into the program, and Felix was one of them.
“I still needed a couple of prerequisites to finish before applying, but I worked hard to make sure I completed the classes I needed,” she said. “I didn’t want to wait any longer to begin the career I knew I was destined for.”
In the two years it took Felix to successfully complete the program, she said she missed quality time with her children and family but kept in mind that she was doing it for them and to set a positive example for her children.
“My husband and I have always believed in the power of an education, and we push our kids to do well in school,” she said. “We must be that example, so they know if mom and dad can do it, so can they.”
So, despite the long nights and days of juggling being a full-time student and mom, Felix pushed through, crediting her instructors and tutors.
“The teaching, hands-on learning and tutoring made all the difference,” said Felix. “I drew motivation and knowledge from my instructors and confidence in my skills from my training. Before even graduating, I felt fully prepared to pass my certifying board exams and begin my career.”
Now in the field, Felix said she feels so much pride for her career and joy when she can help her patients find answers and comfort.
Moving forward, she hopes to become a specialized abdomen and vascular sonographer and to continue her education to work toward a bachelor’s degree.
“Thanks to TSC I now have a career, not just a job, that allows me to better support my family,” she said. “And because this program is well known and reputable across the Valley, I knew I couldn’t go wrong. It has helped lead me in the right direction.”
TSC’s Diagnostic Medical Sonography program boasts a 100% job placement and national exam pass rate.
To learn more, visit tsc.edu/dms.
