Associate: MATC
Bachelor’s: UW-Milwaukee
Heather McClendon, a registered nurse at Milwaukee-based Advocate Aurora Health, started at Milwaukee Area Technical College as a single parent who dealt with transportation issues, food insecurity and, at times, homelessness.
McClendon has worked as a registered nurse since earning her associate degree from MATC in 2010.
“It took me seven years to graduate from a two-year program, but MATC encouraged me, supported me and was with me every step of the way,” she said. “I would not be the person I am today without MATC.”
Today she serves as an infection control nurse at the Milwaukee County Jail and as a forensic nurse examiner for Advocate Aurora Health. She previously served as a nursing manager at Progressive Community Health Centers and worked for Milwaukee County.
She worked as a certified nursing assistant, before deciding to become a nurse and enroll at MATC. McClendon graduated, attained her nursing license and started her career feeling well prepared. She earned her bachelor’s degree from UW-Milwaukee in 2017.
