Jordan Noble '14

Name: Jordan Noble

Graduating Class: 2014

Major: Biology

Your Story:

My name is Jordan Noble and I am a senior at Gustavus Adolphus College. I grew up in Blooming Prairie, MN, a small town in southern Minnesota. I chose Gustavus because I loved the small town community that is so similar to what I was used to. The professors at Gustavus are also some of the best in the Midwest and I knew that I would achieve an exceptional education here. Since my freshman year, my expectations have been far exceeded. I came to Gustavus as a first year very interested in the nursing program. I finished all of my science prerequisites and although I was still very interested in the medical field, I wanted to continue my education in the biological sciences. After switching my major, I sought out more information about intermediate professional and professional careers in the medical field. During my sophomore year, I participated in the Gustavus January Interim career shadowing opportunity at the Mankato Clinic where I had the chance to learn first-hand about the responsibilities of MD’s, PA’s and NP’s in over 10 different specialties. This experience allowed me to make a more informed decision about what career path to follow as I was able to compare the pros and cons of each profession to each other. I could not be more thankful that Gustavus awarded me an opportunity such as this which was so pivotal in my decision-making process.

Top Five Activities/Experiences:

1. My four years working as a Certified Nursing Assistant (in nursing homes and assisted living homes).

2. Working for two years working as a Personal Care Assistant for my sister.

3. Participating in the Hennepin County Medical Center Emergency Department Research Associate Program.

4. Spending my sophomore year participating in the Mankato Clinic Interim Career Exploration program.

5. Being the coordinator and volunteering for Gustie Buddies for the past four years. (Gustie Buddies is a mentorship program for youth with developmental delays.)

Advice:

1. Because PA programs are highly varied in the courses they require, it is nice to know early on what programs you are interested in so that you may plan your courses accordingly. Pay close attention to the science courses, because they are so sequenced.

2. Patient care experience is important. It is important both for validating your own interest in working with a patient population and for showing an admissions committee you are serious about a career in patient care. Don’t discount it.

3. Form good relationships with your professors. With class sizes this small, take advantage of the chance to get to know them. They are some of the most interesting and brilliant people you will ever meet and have seriously invested themselves in your education and future success.

Future Plans:

I plan on attending the Physician Assistant Program at Midwestern University in Downers Grove, Illinois this June 2014 after graduation from Gustavus.

Updated 4/14/2014 JMV