(HARLINGEN, Texas) – By day, Mayra Clemente works as a lab assistant for the Nursing programs at Texas State Technical College’s Harlingen campus. By night, she pursues an education in TSTC’s Health Information Technology program to land her dream job of becoming a medical coder.
“I earned a certificate in medical office specialist from a different college years ago and worked my way up in the medical field,” Clemente said. “Before coming to TSTC, I worked as a medical transcriptionist. I was introduced to medical coding and billing. It allows me to help patients, but indirectly.”
Robert Morman, a TSTC Vocational Nursing instructor, said Clemente’s dedication to ensuring that nursing students have essential equipment stands out.
“Mayra’s extensive medical background enhances her job while she furthers her education at TSTC,” he said.
Clemente’s interest in continuing her education began after her son enrolled at TSTC.
“I discovered the Health Information Technology program on TSTC’s website,” she said. “I can complete the coursework on my own schedule since it’s fully online.”
Clemente is studying for a certificate of completion in Medical Coding and Billing Specialist.
“I’ve learned new medical technology that’s used in the field today as opposed to years ago,” she said. “That, and the instructors offer a virtual meet-and-greet so we can network with industry employers.”
To increase her skill set, the La Feria resident participated in the recent 2025 SkillsUSA Texas Postsecondary Leadership and Skills Conference in Corpus Christi.
“I earned a bronze medal in Medical Terminology,” she said.
Beyda Ramirez, a TSTC Health Information Technology instructor, said Clemente is a motivated student.
“The job experience Mayra gained in health care has prepared her for our program,” Ramirez said.
Clemente said TSTC has treated her family well.
“The college has given my adult children and myself the opportunity to get a college education that’s close to home,” she said.
According to onetonline.org, health information technologists and medical registrars earn an average of $77,610 a year in Texas. The website predicted that the number of such jobs in the state would grow 22% from 2020 to 2030.
In addition to the certificates of completion, the program offers an Associate of Applied Science degree in Health Information Technology.
Registration for TSTC’s summer and fall semesters is underway. For more information, go to tstc.edu.
