Success Spotlights

Working Concorde Admissions 22 Years

Concorde Staff

Concorde Staff

Share:
Updated May 27, 2016. The information contained in this blog is current and accurate as of this date.
22 years in admissions at concorde

As it turns out, Lisa Knowles knew something long ago that Concorde Career College espouses every day.

A career in health care is where it’s at when it comes to future employment opportunities.

“I was working in admissions at another college, but I just knew that health care was where all the good jobs were going to be in the future,” said Knowles, who’s worked in admissions at Concorde Career College-Portland for the last 22 years and now is the campus’ Lead Admissions Representative.

“Through the years, I’ve seen so many students come through these doors, complete the programs and then go out and have very successful careers,” she said. “It’s always rewarding to see people with the desire, but maybe not the confidence go through the program and watch them gradually gain that confidence and excel.”

“It’s been very rewarding to me.”

Changes for the better in Concorde Admissions

With in Concorde admissions, Knowles has seen a lot of change to the Portland campus over 22 years, both in terms of physical change to facilities and student demographics.

She said the biggest change occurred 12 years ago when the college moved to a new campus complete with more space to add labs and clinical facilities. The college went from offering three programs to the current seven.

“There’s been so much change with the diversity of students we have today,” Knowles said. “They come from all different age groups and ethnic backgrounds. It’s just great.”

The personal connection

Over the last two-plus decades working in Concorde admissions, Knowles has a list of favorite student stories almost too numerous to mention.

But, one particular story does stand out … for obvious and very personal reasons. Her daughter, Lynn Hopper, graduated from the college’s Medical Assistant program 19 years ago and has enjoyed a successful and enriching career.

“I think that shows my confidence in the program,” Knowles said. “My daughter is now 37 and a medical assistant for a urologist. She’s really enjoyed the variety the job has provided her.”

It's all about the people

There’s no doubt when listening to Knowles that she’s had a long-term love affair with Concorde Career College-Portland and working in Concorde admissions.

She said she’s currently working with the best Admissions team she’s ever worked with, led by Director of Admissions Jon Rabe. In her mind, it’s a team that practices the institution’s core values, works well together and is simply a joy to be around.

“I love what I do every day,” she said. “It’s challenging. It provides me with the competitive edge I need to keep going.

“I will do this until I retire … hopefully, with Concorde.”

 

 

Take The Next Step Towards a Brighter Future

We have a Concorde representative ready to talk about what matters most to you. Get answers about start dates, curriculum, financial aid, scholarships and more!

  1. Program length may be subject to change dependent on transfer credits and course load. Please refer to current course catalog for more information. Concorde does not guarantee admittance, graduation, subsequent employment or salary amount.

  2. Professional certification is not a requirement for graduation, may not be a requirement for employment nor does it guarantee employment.

  3. Financial aid is available to those who qualify but may not be available for all programs. Concorde does not guarantee financial aid or scholarship awards or amounts.

  4. Clinical hour requirements and delivery may vary by campus location and may be subject to change. Concorde does not guarantee clinical site assignments based upon student preference or geographic convenience; nor do clinical experiences guarantee graduation, post-clinical employment or salary outcomes.

  5. Registration and certification requirements for taking and passing these examinations are not controlled by Concorde, but by outside agencies, and are subject to change by the agency without notice. Therefore, Concorde cannot guarantee that graduates will be eligible to take these exams, at all or at any specific time, regardless of their eligibility status upon enrollment.

  6. Externships are a non-paid in-person learning experience, whose length and location may be subject to change. Concorde does not guarantee externship placement, graduation, post-externship employment or salary outcomes.