Master of Education
Strayer University
Bachelor of Science
Business Administration
University of Baltimore
Certificate of Completion
Surgical Technology
Community College of Baltimore County
Patricia M. Clarke’s story may sound familiar to AACC students looking to make a career change. After working her way through college to obtain a bachelor’s degree, she went to work in the banking and financial services industry. After 17 years, she decided to make a career change and pursue a field she had always been interested in: health care.
After earning certification in surgical technology at the Community College of Baltimore County, she became a certified surgical technologist. This led to the next phase of her life – as a teacher. She’s been a teacher for 18 years and has been with AACC since 2013.
“AACC students are some of the nicest and (most) supportive people I have met,” she said. “They come into the program as individuals and quickly form bonds with their classmates. They support one another in lab, and I have seen them come together in support of classmates having difficult times, both in and out of class.”
In addition to teaching, she’s a member of AACC’s Career Mentoring Network, which connects students with faculty and staff mentors, and the Bunker Network, which supports AACC military and veteran students.
The most enjoyable thing about teaching at AACC is helping students succeed in the field she transitioned to years ago.
“Teaching in health sciences allows me to be part of another person's dream to be in health care. It is very satisfying to know that our students become successful surgical technologists who are taking care of patients and helping to train the next generation.”
