Written for The Argo by Jovan Chang

Emergency medical technician volunteer, patient care technician, and student are all titles that describe Marissa Mann, a senior at Stockton University who is earning her undergraduate degree in biology.  

“As an EMT I can respond to house calls, perform interventions, provide oxygen, apply dressings to wounds, basic things,” Mann said. 

Working as an EMT and a patient care technician means many responsibilities fall under Mann’s belt.

“As a tech, I can do EKGs, blood draws, check vital signs, transport people to their respective tests, things like that,” Mann said. 

As demanding as either occupation may be, it’s the triumphs that keep Mann on the job. 

“This person had a blood clot in his lungs and after we cared for him he sent a letter to the CEO of Hackensack thanking me and others for our work,” Mann recalled. “He was really grateful.” 

While there are many uplifting and heartwarming stories, there are just as many that do not have such happy endings. 

“I’ve watched people deteriorate really fast, seen chest tubes placed, central lines, and other life-saving interventions to stabilize the patient,” Mann said. 

Mann didn’t get any of her expertise overnight and for the past two years she’s been studying biology at Stockton; before that she worked hard at Ocean County College studying general science.  

“There’s definitely stuff I’ve learned in school that I’ve been able to apply (to my jobs),” Mann said.

Mann has taken a variety of science courses that she uses when she’s on the job. 

“Microbiology helped me understand why we prescribe certain antibiotics, biochemistry helps with the pharmacology side, genetics helped me understand different genetic mutations and why they happen,” Mann said. “I do the things and because of school I’m able to understand why.”

Upon completion of her degree, Mann hopes to get a job as a physician assistant. Her main driving force for pursuing a career in medicine is simply to help others. 

“The most accomplishing thing about working in healthcare is when I hear someone is doing well, whether they were discharged, or are finally stable, anything like that,” Mann explained. 

To any prospective student who may want to major in biology as well, Mann gives very clear advice. 

“You get out what you put in,” Mann said. “It benefits you, in the long run, to really put in the work and understand why things happen.”
Individuals interested in pursuing a career in healthcare or majoring in biology can learn more on the Stockton University website.