Trailblazer Claire Hiltner: 18-Year-Old Graduates College Before High School Culmination, Aims for Medical Career
Her interest in medical sciences blossomed during an introductory nursing class, which she took as one of her first advanced high school courses.
AKACHI NOEL 
In an extraordinary feat, 18-year-old Claire Hiltner has achieved what few can boast of – earning an associate’s degree in Science from Lake Region State College, North Dakota, United States, all while still attending high school at Langdon High School.
Claire, a student with a passion for medical sciences, enrolled in the dual credit program at Lake Region State College, breaking records as the first student to graduate from the college with an associate degree while concurrently completing high school. Juggling the demands of a full-time high school schedule and college coursework, Claire demonstrated exceptional balance and dedication.
READ ALSO:75-Year-Old South African Grandmother Achieves Master’s Degree, Sets Sights on PhD
Reflecting on her challenging yet rewarding journey, Claire mentioned, "It was all about balance, and there were hardships trying to balance it, and what activities to do when." Her interest in medical sciences blossomed during an introductory nursing class, which she took as one of her first advanced high school courses.
Initially, Claire engaged in online classes at Lake Region State College to challenge herself. However, her academic journey took an unexpected turn when she realized that, with some extra classes, she could graduate with an associate degree simultaneously with her high school graduation.
Claire's commitment to her academic pursuits extends beyond the classroom. She works for Langdon Ambulance and serves as a certified nursing assistant at Langdon Prairie Health. Her hands-on experience further solidified her passion for medicine, prompting her decision to pursue medical lab science at the University of North Dakota.
With her associate degree, Claire will begin her university journey as a junior. She plans to obtain her paramedic license, allowing her to work as a paramedic between undergraduate classes and medical school. Ultimately, Claire aspires to attend medical school for emergency medicine, driven by her love for helping people and being their calm in the storm.
Claire's remarkable journey exemplifies the power of determination and passion in the pursuit of education and career goals. As she steps into the next chapter of her academic journey, she is poised to make significant contributions to the field of medicine.
