About Us
West Texas Professional Training, Lubbock, TX.
Our family-run school opened its doors in 2016 with a passion for helping students learn what we love to do most. As it has grown and our graduates have entered the workplace, it has been so rewarding to watch them strive for excellence! We are now well known in Lubbock, TX, and surrounding areas not only for training but also for the skills acquired by our professional students.
In 2021, we created our medical assisting course with the same focus and passion as our dental assisting program! Designed for fast-paced, hands-on, in-person instruction and low-cost tuition. It’s incredible to see their excitement in the cadaver laboratory or when mastering clinical skills. More than ever, we need compassionate and professional individuals in healthcare!
We are grateful to have a wonderful network of professionals, including UMC, Covenant Hospital, and various medical offices and specialists. We are proud of how many students have been hired. If you have the desire and willingness to learn, we’ll help you achieve success!
We love making classes fun and inspiring, teaching you exactly what you need to kickstart your career!
Come see us for a tour or reach out to one of our friendly staff!
Eliza Norris, Director/ Dental Assisting Instructor
Eliza graduated from Provo College, UT with an associate degree in Dental Assisting. She had many teachers and mentors who were instrumental in helping build a strong foundation of ethics, kindness, and professionalism.
Eliza has had a successful career in dental assisting, dental office management, dental assisting instruction, consultation, and as a dental assisting program director. She has participated in dental humanitarian services in Guatemala with the Hirschie Smiles Foundation, and in many local charitable events throughout the years.
She has had incredible opportunities that have driven her to excellence within the dental community and has learned exactly what it takes to be the best of the best. Her dental network is national, as she has been privileged to work for and with many exemplary providers. Those combined experiences helped create a passion for dentistry and helping her students find fulfilling careers. She has worked in New York, Utah, Oregon, Washington, Colorado, and Texas!
Kent Norris, B.A., M.S., Associate Director of Medical Assisting
Kent graduated from Oregon State University with his Masters in College Administration, and is currently a PhD. Candidate in Higher Education from Texas Tech University. Since beginning his career, Kent has been inspired by adult education, and has dedicated his professional life to increasing the college success of adult learners.
Kent has worked for several large universities, most recently Texas Tech, where he recruited prospective international students to campus. While there, Kent traveled the world and engaged with students from every major continent. In his capacity now, Kent leads the Medical Assisting program at West Texas Professional Training and is committed to the job growth of each student.
Lisa Smith, M.Ed., CBCS, NRCMA
My name is Lisa Smith. I am married and have two sons, and four dogs (which I am extremely allergic to; the dogs, not the husband or sons). My oldest son and his wife live in Virginia, and my youngest son lives here in Lubbock. No grandkids, but I do have two granddogs and a grandcat; they know I am allergic to them too!
My educational and professional journey has been just that, a journey. When my oldest son was born, I attended a trade school where I obtained certification as a Medical Office Specialist. When both of my children started school, I worked as I went to school for my BA in Psychology. This allowed me to advance into more leadership roles. When I started teaching medical classes for Kaplan, I obtained my master’s degree in Higher Education Administration. I then started classes to pursue my Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) degree, but COVID-19 happened, and time just did not allow me the time to complete that goal. Throughout the past 30 years (yes, I'm revealing my age, but I don't feel as old as I am), I learned billing, coding, and medical assistant skills, as well as opportunities to grow as a leader and manager.
I am extremely passionate about teaching and watching students grow and reach their goals both professionally and personally. The medical field is constantly growing and changing, and we are always needing unique individuals to join our community. The best advice I can give is to know your 'why.' If you know this, it will allow you to prosper and persevere. Always ask questions when you are unsure and never assume. Lastly, in the medical field, always expect the unexpected.
Joana Brown, NRCMA, Medical Assisting Instructor
Joana graduated from Kaplan College Lubbock with her degree in medical assisting. Her experience as a medical assistant spans 17 years. Her experience includes urgent care, cardiothoracic surgery, neurosurgery, urology and more. She is passionate about medical assisting and loves to share that with her students.
Joana is happily married with two teenage daughters, a son, and her two adorable dogs.
If you are ready for a new career in Medical Assisting, you have come to the right place!