ACTC Career Fair connection leads Medical Assisting graduate to career at Ramey-Estep
Published on Sep 22, 2026
A conversation at an Ashland Community and Technical College (ACTC) career fair helped open the door to a new career for 2026 Medical Assisting graduate, Amber Sparks.
Sparks, who graduated from ACTC’s Medical Assisting program in May 2026, attended last year’s fall career fair as a student.
Encouraged to explore the opportunities available to her, Sparks said she initially viewed the event as a chance to learn more about potential careers in her field.
“The career fair was a great experience for me, because I got to see all the jobs that are available,” Sparks said. “It opened my eyes to what I could be doing as a medical assistant.”
While visiting employer tables, Sparks overheard a representative discussing an opening for medical technicians.
“I overheard a lady talking about their company needing medical technicians, so I walked over to the table and asked her about the job. The next thing I knew, I was filling out an application,” she said.
That conversation ultimately led Sparks to Ramey-Estep.
Today, Sparks works as a Certified Medical Technician, with responsibilities including administering medications to clients, conducting medical intakes, taking vital signs, completing charting, and assisting with laboratory testing.
She says her current position also allows her to work in the clinic on Ramey-Estep’s campus and take on additional laboratory-testing responsibilities.
When she first began with the organization, Sparks said her responsibilities were more limited. As she gained experience, she advanced into her current role.
Sparks credits her education and hands-on training at ACTC with helping prepare her for the position.
For Ashley Vanderpool, ACTC Career Services Coordinator, Sparks’ experience demonstrates the value of connecting students directly with employers.
“One of the best parts of our career fairs is seeing students make connections that lead to real job opportunities and future careers right here at ACTC,” said Ashley Vanderpool, Career Services Coordinator. “It’s rewarding to watch students meet employers face-to-face and see those conversations turn into interviews, internships, and jobs. Those connections are exactly what our career fairs are all about.”
Sparks’ ACTC journey has not ended with graduation. While working at Ramey-Estep, she is continuing her education at ACTC through the practical nursing (PN) program.
“As I was working my way through medical assisting, I decided I wanted to further my education in the healthcare field by going into the PN program. I love learning and helping people. It's one of the things I am passionate about,” Sparks said. “Who knows, I might just bridge on over to the nursing program…wherever the wind takes me.”
ACTC will host two upcoming career fairs this fall, providing students with opportunities to meet employers, learn about career options, and make connections that could extend beyond the event.
The Technical and Professional Program Career Fair will be held October 8, followed by the Health Sciences and Health Professions Career Fair on October 26.
Students and alumni are encouraged to attend, explore the employers represented, and take advantage of the opportunity to ask questions and make connections.
For Sparks, one unexpected conversation at a career fair became the beginning of a career—and another step toward her future in health care.
To learn more about ACTC’s career fairs, email as_careerservices@kctcs.edu.
Written by: Megan Smedley, ACTC strategic communications administrator
