Meet Caitlinn Franks!
Caitlinn Franks is Boardman Training Center’s (BTC) featured graduate for the month of September! Caitlinn graduated from BTC’s EKG Technician program. She learned skills in a wide range of topics, including identifying normal and abnormal EKG recordings, using a heart monitor, distinguishing between basic dysrhythmias, describing the differences between different results and treatment recommendations, and more.
In this blog, discover more about Caitlinn and her journey to becoming an EKG technician with BTC’s EKG program.
Life Before BTC
Boardman Training Center wasn’t Caitlinn’s first experience with higher education. Previously, Caitlinn spent time at a traditional four-year university. Although she was committed to her education, she faced significant challenges, particularly with test-taking. Her struggles made it hard for her to engage in her studies fully, and the overall experience turned out to be less positive than she had hoped.
Before deciding to enroll in BTC’s EKG Technician program, Caitlinn was dedicating most of her time to caring for her father-in-law, who had been diagnosed with cancer and was also dealing with ongoing heart issues. He was the one who encouraged her to return to school, confident that she would thrive in the program and do exceptionally well at BTC.
Caitlinn’s EKG Experience
Caitlinn chose to pursue BTC’s EKG Technician program because of her strong interest in the heart and how it functions. “It revolves around the heart, and that’s what I want to learn about most,” she explained. Her passion for understanding the heart made the EKG program a perfect fit for her goals.
Looking back on her experience, Caitlinn describes it as overwhelmingly positive. “It has been wonderful. I’ve enjoyed my instructor and my classmates. The program is great. I loved the lessons.” She felt supported and engaged throughout the course, finding both the material and the classroom environment to be welcoming and motivating.
Although she appreciated every part of the program, from the hands-on training to the relationships she built, her favorite aspect was simply being in class. “The class itself. It has been fun.” The combination of a subject she’s passionate about, a strong support system, and an enjoyable learning environment made her time at BTC not only educational but genuinely fulfilling.
What’s Next?
After graduation, Caitlinn has clear goals for her future and is excited about the next steps in her journey. She hopes to begin working in the field, either at the VA or at a specialized heart center, where she can help patients and continue building on the knowledge and skills she gained at BTC. “I want to work in the VA or at a heart center to continue my education,” she shared, emphasizing her desire to keep learning and growing in the healthcare field.
Her long-term dream is both ambitious and inspiring. Her dream is “to run a heart center.” She envisions herself not just working in the field, but eventually taking on a leadership role where she can make a meaningful impact in patients’ lives and contribute to advancements in cardiac care. She credits BTC with helping her take the first important step toward that dream. BTC has contributed to her success by “helping me get my foot in the door.” The program gave her the confidence, education, and support she needed to start carving out her career path.
Ultimately, Caitlainn said she wants to be “just happy and healthy, no matter where I’m at.” For her, success is about finding fulfillment, balance, and well-being in both her personal and professional life. Thanks to her experience at BTC, she feels more prepared and hopeful than ever about what lies ahead.
Become an EKG Tech!
The most rewarding part of Caitlinn’s time with Boardman Training Center has been “just learning something new, even if I fail.” When asked if she’d refer BTC to a friend, she said, “Yes, because the people here truly work with you and are very welcoming.” Those 12 weeks go by quickly, though. Her advice? “Be prepared because it does go by fast.”
BTC offers accelerated healthcare training programs in medical assisting, phlebotomy, EKG, and medical billing and coding. Each program is designed to equip students with the fundamental knowledge and skills needed to obtain their industry certifications* and start their healthcare career in just 12 weeks!
Learn more by requesting information to speak with a member of our admissions team!
*Certification is contingent on passing the corresponding certification exam.
Certifying entities are independent and not affiliated with or connected to Boardman Training Center in any manner.