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Portrait of Chaunt'l Wilson

Honor Society® member

Chaunt'l Wilson

Certified Nurse Assistant at Nebraska Methodist Health System

  • Cardiovascular Perfusion
  • Class of 2025
  • Council Bluffs, Iowa

Member since February 2025

About

My journey toward becoming a perfusionist has been shaped by personal challenges, resilience, and a passion for patient care. As I near graduation with a Bachelor of Science in Applied Health Sciences and an Associate of Science in Respiratory Care, I plan to begin my career as a pediatric respiratory therapist, specializing in extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO), with the ultimate goal of becoming a pediatric perfusionist. My mother’s experience as a heart and lung transplant recipient has deeply influenced my decision to pursue this career, fueling my desire to impact others’ lives during complex surgeries. Overcoming personal struggles has strengthened my qualities of perseverance, self-discipline, and empathy, which are essential in the high-pressure field of perfusion. Through my professional experiences and personal growth, I am committed to mastering the technical and compassionate aspects of perfusion, with a focus on pediatric care, and I am excited to pursue this path.

Education

  • UNLV

    Applied Health Sciences

    2024 – 2025

  • MCCNEB

    Respiratory Care

    2023 – 2025

Honors and awards

  • Dean’s List

    UNLV - Spring 2009, Fall 2024

  • Honor Society

    UNLV - Fall 2024

  • Dean’s List

    MCCNEB - Fall 2023, Winter 2023, Spring 2024, Summer 2024, Fall 2024

  • Honor Society

    MCCNEB - Fall 2024

Goals and interests

Career goal

Upon graduating with a Bachelor’s degree in Applied Health Sciences and an Associate of Science in Respiratory Care, I plan to begin my career as a pediatric respiratory therapist, focusing on ECMO (Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation) to support critically ill children. As I gain experience in pediatric respiratory care, I aim to specialize in ECMO, enhancing my expertise in life-saving procedures. Ultimately, my goal is to complete a Cardiovascular Perfusion program, becoming a pediatric perfusionist and contributing to the care of infants and children undergoing complex cardiac surgeries.

Graduate school interests

I am particularly interested in attending The Medical University of South Carolina’s (MUSC) Cardiovascular Perfusion program because of its strong reputation for providing advanced, hands-on training in the field of perfusion, especially for pediatric patients. The program’s comprehensive curriculum and experienced faculty will allow me to build on my background in respiratory care and ECMO, giving me the specialized skills needed to become a pediatric perfusionist. Additionally, MUSC's focus on cutting-edge medical technology and patient-centered care aligns with my passion for working in high-stakes environments where I can make a meaningful impact on the lives of children undergoing cardiac surgeries.

Outside the classroom

With my background in healthcare and a passion for pediatric care, I enjoy hobbies that support both my physical and mental well-being, including hot yoga, hiking, living a plant-based lifestyle, and spending time with my school, work, and church communities. These activities allow me to stay active, foster empathy, and maintain a sense of balance, all of which are vital in providing compassionate care. While prioritizing fellowship with peers, I also enjoy staying current on medical advancements through reading journals and attending healthcare seminars.

Experience

  • Certified Nurse Assistant

    Nebraska Methodist Health System

    Sep 2022 – May 2025

  • Travel Certified Nurse Assistant and Certified Medication Aide

    Kare Healthcare Agency

    Jan 2016 – May 2025

Volunteering

  • Volunteer

    Nebraska Methodist Health System

    Sep 2022 – May 2025

Languages

  • English (US) Advanced

Additional information

  • Phi Theta Kappa Honor Society

  • Honor Society