From overnight shifts to a hospital hire.
After three years away from school, Alexa-Marie Paquette finished three college programs in just a few months — studying online during her overnight shifts — and landed a hospital job.
Shared with Alexa-Marie’s permission.
Alexa-Marie graduated from York College in August 2026 with the Hospital Unit Clerk Diploma, along with the Community Support Worker Certificate and the Crisis Intervention & De-Escalation Certificate. She has just been hired by Hamilton Health Sciences as a Patient Registration Clerk at the Juravinski site. Here is her story, in her own words.
Why she chose an online, self-paced college
It was the only college that offered the program at my own pace online and didn’t force me to attend live classes, helping me pursue a post-secondary education while living with my mental disabilities.
Studying on overnight shifts
Studying online allowed me to work, see friends and enjoy my summer without having to worry about missing classes or falling behind on my school work. I completed my programs quickly as I worked on them during my overnight shifts!
Learning at her own pace
I enjoyed being able to learn at my own pace, which was quicker than most, as I process information faster and enjoy adding more to my plate. It was a great experience and I am so glad I chose to go through York.
“Completing 3 college programs in 3 months after not being in school for 3 years.”
— Alexa-Marie PaquetteHired at Hamilton Health Sciences
“I have just been hired by Hamilton Health Sciences at their Juravinski site as a Patient Registration Clerk!”
Her advice: “Do it!”
Do it! It’s the best decision you’ll make if you’re hesitant about going back to school.
Congratulations, Alexa-Marie. We are very proud of you.
Ready to start your own healthcare career?
Self-paced, structured, and never alone. Study around your work and life, the way Alexa-Marie did — with an instructor behind you the whole way.
- Structured, self-paced learningA clear course sequence you move through on your own schedule
- Live classes spread across the programJoin as many as you can — they’re scheduled throughout, not stacked in one week
- Wednesday ClinicDrop in for live help whenever you want it
- Unlimited 1:1 with your instructorBook as many sessions as you need
