Nathan Ekdahl joins medical assistant program as instructor

Finlandia University’s Medical Assistant Program welcomed back a familiar face this fall as alumnus Nathan Ekdahl came back to the program to serve as an instructor and practicum coordinator.

“I wanted to join Finlandia University to continue to help others further their education,” said Ekdahl, an advocate for the healthcare profession. “A career in healthcare will always be needed as our population ages. I’m excited to start my journey here at FinnU.”

Ekdahl graduated from Finlandia’s Medical Assistant Program in 2014. As part of that program he is certified by the American Association of Medical Assistants. During his time as a CMA student he completed an externship at Aspirus Keweenaw, and upon graduation he began a job at UP Health System-Portage as a medical assistant.

“Nathan’s clinical experience is an invaluable resource to our students,” said Samantha Saint-Onge, director of the program. “It’s great to have him back on campus, as an alumnus he has a clear understanding of our program and immediately fit into our culture.”

Ekdahl came back to Finlandia to earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Healthcare Management, a program he graduated with honors from in April 2017. In addition to his studies and healthcare career, he is a veteran of the U.S. Army, where he was a 13 Bravo Cannon Crew Member. He served in Operation Iraqi Freedom from February 2007 to April 2008.

Ekdahl can be reached at nathan.ekdahl@finlandia.edu.