Medical Assisting
Faculty
Susan Carter
Coordinator / Clinical Assistant Professor
Office: Owen-Redfield Complex 242
Teaching Experience
Began teaching in the Medical Assisting Program at the College of Technology in August of 2014
College and Highlights
I have been associated with ISU since 1978. When I first moved to Pocatello from upstate New York, I worked as an Administrative Assistant in the Anthropology, Sociology, and Social Work department. From there, I chose to attend the Upholstery Program in the College of Technology. Together, with my husband, who also graduated from this program, we have run an upholstery business for over 30 years. After many years of very physical work, I opted to return to ISU and get my associate degree in Medical Assisting. I have always been interested in wellness, and this seemed like the best way to have direct contact with patients, to be able to educate them concerning their own health. When the opportunity to teach arose, I once again returned to the CoT and got a bachelor’s degree in Human Resource Development and Technical Education.
I accepted a position at the Student Health Center at ISU in 2012, where I worked with group of exceptional healthcare workers, caring for the needs of students, faculty, and staff on campus. I still have a strong connection with the University Health Center providers and staff. We work closely together to ensure our students are receiving up-to-date information and instruction.
I began teaching in the Medical Assisting program in 2014 and am grateful every day that I get to do this work. Connecting with students in this program and being able to contribute to their education and life career is very rewarding. Our program brings students from many backgrounds together to pursue a career that gives them the ability to touch the lives of patients, to be advocates for healthcare, and to assist people who deserve quality care.
Medical Assisting Professional Experience:
Health West, Inc.
Student Health Center, ISU
My first medical assisting job was at Health West, a federally funded clinic whose motto is “Healthcare for Everyone.” I was fortunate enough to work side-by-side with Robin Terrell, my close friend from the MA program. It was there that we both worked with a physician who made a lasting impression on us. At the end of every day, Dr. Ty Salness would thank his staff for the work we had done with people who, without Health West, would quite possibly have gone without any healthcare. Every evening he would say, “We helped people today.” That mentality resonated with me and I have much pride in the quality care we have given to every patient.
I feel that I have been afforded the opportunity to affect positive change, directly with the students who trust us with their education and, indirectly, through the work that they will do when they join the growing field of Medical Assistants.
Ashley Critser
Clinical Instructor
Office: Owen-Redfield Complex 243B
Alisha Graham, AAS, CMA (AAMA)
Clinical Instructor
Office: Owen-Redfield Complex 242
Professional Work Experience
Certified Medical Assistant (AAMA) - Since 1998
- Internal Medicine, Oncology, OB/GYN, Family Medicine, Allergy, Orthopedics, Spine Surgery and Urgent Care.
Clinical Instructor, Medical Assisting Program, Idaho State University, College of Technology – Since Fall 2024
Postsecondary Limited Occupational Specialist Certification – 2024-Current
Advisor, Idaho State University Medical Assistant Student Organization – Since Fall 2024
Career Highlights
Idaho State University Alumni
- Currently working towards a Bachelor’s degree in Workforce Training with an emphasis on CTE
- Associate of Applied Science in Medical Assisting – 1998
American Association of Medical Assistants
- Member since 1998
- Task Force for Test Construction Committee, 2018-Current
- Vice Chair, 2022-2023
- Co-Chair, 2023-2024
- Certifying Board
- Member 2023-Current
Career Technical Educators of Idaho
- Member since 2024
Idaho Health Professions Educators Association
- Member since 2024
Favorite Professional Experience:
I was fortunate to be able to help set up the first spine surgery practice in Logan, Utah with Dr. Eric Hooley. He specializes in spine deformity and the changes that I saw in the patients he operated on were amazing. In particular, I remember a teenage girl with severe kyphosis (known as “hunchback’). She kept her eyes down, wouldn’t look at anyone and rarely smiled. After surgery, I almost didn’t recognize her. She was 3-4 inches taller and walked with her head up and a big smile on her face. It was easy to tell she had already started getting some of her confidence back. I spent 13 years working for Dr. Hooley and I loved being able to have a small part in improving the life of all the patient’s he has helped. That is what I enjoy most being a Certified Medical Assistant; helping patients improve their circumstances.
A Little About Me
I was born and raised in Idaho. I love the mountains. They are my happy place. My family likes to hike, camp and kayak. We also love going to the beach whether it is at Bear Lake or the ocean. My husband and I share 5 kids and 1 adorable grandbaby.
I love Idaho State University and the Medical Assisting profession. I am eager to share my love for medical assisting with my students and get them excited for a rewarding career.