NORFOLK, Va. (Wednesday, April 15, 2026) – For Norfolk Redevelopment and Housing Authority (NRHA) resident Marquita Brown, the journey to becoming a Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) wasn’t just about career advancement – it was a test of absolute resilience.
Just months after completing an NRHA-sponsored Personal Care Aide (PCA) class through a partnership with Community Outreach Coalition last May, Brown found herself at the threshold of a life-changing opportunity – a free, expedited CMA certification program through ODUGlobal Continuing Education Online Certification (ODUGlobal).
The five-month CMA program, which started in September 2025, was rigorous, said Brown, adding that it was her first foray into online learning. “It is a lot,” she recalled of the fast-paced curriculum. However, the support from the ODUGlobal faculty kept her anchored.
“They were very attentive and helped me through the whole program. They responded immediately through email or text, which was great,” she said.
NRHA Vice President of Client Services, Julius Norman, stated that it’s these sorts of partnerships that provide residents opportunities to further their education and career options.
“These health care certification classes are just one of the examples of the wrap-around services our department wants to connect residents with,” Norman said.
For Brown, the transition from digital coursework to clinical reality came during a 10-day externship with Bayview Physicians Group. Placed at the Chesapeake Cardiovascular Associates office – blood vessel anatomy was a self-admitted “weaker” subject during class – Brown quickly turned a challenge into a strength. Under the group’s mentorship, she mastered EKGs and patient care in an environment where most externs spend as many as four weeks, not ten days.
However, her professional triumph was shadowed by profound personal loss. During her transition from online course work to her externship in January, Brown’s mother was transitioned to hospice care and passed away. In an act of staggering determination, Brown was back at the Chesapeake office the very next day.
“I said, ‘I’m here because I have a deadline. I cannot afford to not finish this when I’m literally at the finish line,’” she shared. Her mentors were struck not just by her work ethic, but by her unwavering compassion for patients despite her own grief.
“I was told many times that patient care is in me, I’m people oriented, and I care,” Brown said.
The dedication paid off. On April 6, she officially started her orientation as a specialist at Bayview Physicians Group’s Cardiovascular Associates office in Virginia Beach. The transition from previous minimum-wage employment, with very little in terms of future advancement, to a high-demand medical career has turned Brown into a vocal advocate for the partnership between NRHA and ODUGlobal.
“Where can you take a course in five months and start a job immediately after?” Brown asked. Her advice to other residents standing on the fence is simple and direct: “Don’t think, just do it. If you have a passion for helping others, you’re safe with ODU. I’m walking in the truth of their words.”
As Brown dons her scrubs for her new occupation, her story stands as a powerful reminder that with the right support and an unbreakable spirit, the path from basic employment to a professional medical career is not just possible – it’s a reality.
“Marquita was able to persevere through the program, and it opened the door to a new profession,” Norman said. “We invite all our residents to learn more about what NRHA and our partners can provide from education and work advancement to home-buying classes. And with our partners at ODU, there is also a paralegal certification course for those interested in pursuing a legal career.”
For more information about this story, contact dcuenca@nrha.us.
About Norfolk Redevelopment and Housing Authority: Founded in 1940, Norfolk Redevelopment and Housing Authority (NRHA) is Virginia’s largest redevelopment and housing authority and a nationwide leader in real estate development and property management. With its annual capital and operating budget, NRHA continually works with Norfolk residents to renew and revitalize the city. For the latest information about NRHA, visit our website at https://nrha.us.
About ODUGlobal Continuing Education: Our mission is to meet the evolving needs of our local, regional and global community via online and face-to-face offerings. We help students, professional, and lifelong learners move ahead and stay ahead. Learn more about ODUGlobal Continuing Education at odu.edu/cepd.