Parker University diagnostic sonography Alumni Tringa Krasniqi was first inspired to pursue an education in diagnostic sonography after seeing firsthand the profession’s incredible impact on people’s lives. After her father had to undergo several sonography and imaging procedures, the professionalism and compassion Tringa saw from the sonographers left a lasting impression on her – one that helped shape her journey in the not-too-distant future.

Tringa quickly realized that diagnostic medical sonographers have a significant impact on people potentially going through a diagnosis resulting in the worst time in their lives. “I want to be the person who can bring light in those dark times, even if it’s just for a moment,” she says.

Diagnostic Sonography Specializations

During her clinical rotations, Tringa discovered her passion for OBGYN, so she intends to work at a large hospital, like Parkland hospital in Dallas, and specialize in the field. Throughout Tringa’s career as a sonographer, she plans to make a positive difference in patients’ lives by providing accurate and compassionate care. “I hope to continually grow in my field, learning new technologies and techniques, and eventually contribute to advancing the practice of sonography,” Tringa says. Long-term, Tringa would even love to mentor other aspiring sonographers and possibly get involved in research or teaching.

One of Tringa’s main goals is to provide the highest level of patient care, ensuring patients feel comfortable and well-informed during their sonography procedures. Professionally, she aims to specialize in obstetrics and gynecology or vascular sonography and become an expert in that field. “I would also love to be a traveling sonographer, which would allow me to experience different healthcare environments while helping people across various regions,” Tringa says.

Why Parker University’s Medical Diagnostic Sonography Program?

Tringa chose Parker University’s diagnostic sonography program because of its strong reputation for providing high-quality education and hands-on clinical experience. Her family friend, who previously completed the Doctor of Chiropractic program at Parker University, spoke highly of it, which initially got her attention. Tringa shares, “Once I visited the Parker University campus, I felt like I was home. The environment was so welcoming, and everyone I met was incredibly sweet, making me feel like I was part of a family. The program’s focus on developing technical skills and providing compassionate patient care stood out to me, and the faculty’s commitment to student success played a big role in my initial decision to apply.”

Tringa loves that her education at Parker University has also provided her with a close-knit community. “I didn’t just meet classmates—I met people I will love for the rest of my life. I truly found my family away from home,” she says.

With incredibly supportive professors and staff who genuinely care about their students’ success, the Parker University campus environment is welcoming, and everyone works together. Because of its invaluable hands-on clinical training, students feel empowered and well-prepared for their careers upon graduation.

Parker University’s diagnostic sonography program is CAAHEP accredited. Sonography students are enrolled in small classes led by dedicated professionals with firsthand knowledge of mastering diagnostic techniques and how to approach critical sonography issues. Every student is prepared for the real working world with a thorough education, firsthand experiences, and research-based teachings. Parker University diagnostic sonography students lead their peers in such a growing industry. Future sonographers are equipped to think critically and problem-solve, and focused coursework prepares students for their certification examination. Sonographers can be employed in hospitals, private physician practices, imaging centers, diagnostic laboratories, and more.

Putting Her Parker University Education into Action

After her graduation from the Parker University sonography program on February 28, 2025, Tringa now works at Parkland hospital in Dallas, Texas. “I’m excited to begin my career there and contribute to the healthcare team, helping patients while applying the skills I’ve learned throughout my education,” she shares. “Once I work here for a year or two, I plan to travel as a sonographer to gain diverse experiences in different healthcare settings. After that, I plan to return and continue working at Parkland hospital in Dallas or a hospital that values the skills and care I can bring to my role.” In the future, Tringa might even open a healthcare practice with her sister to combine their skills and passions in the field!

“I believe I can make an impact by not only providing high-quality diagnostic images but also offering patients a sense of comfort and understanding during their exams,” Tringa adds. As a sonographer, she will be a vital part of a patient’s healthcare team, helping doctors make important diagnoses and guiding patients through an extremely stressful experience. “I also hope to advocate for advancements in technology and practices that improve patient outcomes,” she says.

A Parker University Graduate’s Plans for the Future

Did you know that the sonography field is projected to have a 15 percent growth rate and 15,200 new jobs through 2033? For Tringa, the most important thing is to be happy in her chosen career and devote herself to helping others. “Growing up, I watched my parents make such a big difference in people’s lives with everything they did, no matter how small. I strive to live a meaningful and happy life like them. I plan on doing that by working as a sonographer,” Tringa says. “I’ve witnessed them work tirelessly, 24/7, to build a better life for me and my siblings. Their dedication and hard work inspired me to pursue something I love and to work just as hard to build a fulfilling career.”

Keep up the good work, Tringa! Parker University applauds this Alumni’s passion and cannot wait to see what’s next for this young professional. We love sharing inspiring stories about students who plan to use their careers to make a real difference in the lives of others.

For additional information regarding Parker University’s Diagnostic Sonography program, visit parker.edu.

What makes Parker University unique? Its students! Our students are ambitious, compassionate, energetic, and prepared … along with having so many other admirable attributes! Parker University students stand out, as they graduate prepared for their chosen career, remain passionate about their futures, and are equipped with the techniques and knowledge gained through firsthand, real-world experience.

Students in Parker University’s popular Bachelor of Science in Health Information Management (HIM) online program learn to properly collect, integrate, and analyze healthcare information to advance vital healthcare services and systems. Mastering the business aspect of healthcare systems prepares these students to be educated leaders.

Parker University’s HIM program focuses on healthcare data and the management of healthcare information resources. The profession addresses the complex nature, structure, and translation of data into usable forms of information including the electronic health record for the advancement of health and healthcare of individuals and populations.

HIM professionals collect, integrate, and analyze primary and secondary healthcare data, disseminate critical information, and manage information resources related to the research, planning, provision, and evaluation of healthcare services. HIM professionals are an integral part of the overall planning, implementation, and utilization of electronic health record systems.

Education in Action

Rita Mbachick, a Parker University HIM program student, has been chosen for the prestigious Virtual Student Federal Service (VSFS) program within the HIM sector, administered by the Veterans Health Administration (VHA).

The VSFS is an eInternship program for U.S. citizen students (college-level and above) to work on global projects throughout the U.S. government. VSFS is managed by the Office of eDiplomacy in the U.S. Department of State’s Information Resource Management Bureau. Through VSFS, the government benefits from a new generation and U.S. citizen students who can help advance national priorities on projects around the world.

Ms. Mbachick’s educational journey began in 2017. She shares, “Though I encountered obstacles along the way, I remained determined not to abandon my aspirations. Despite setbacks, I persevered, and now, nearing the completion of my current program, I aspire to pursue further education, aiming for a master’s and potentially a PhD!”

The culmination of her hard work and efforts materialized with an offer from the VHA through the VSFS program, marking a significant milestone along the road of her academic and professional journey. Ms. Mbachick shares, “Throughout this process, the unwavering support and encouragement from my program director has played a pivotal role in my academic endeavors, fostering my dedication at Parker University, and ultimately leading to this prestigious internship opportunity at the VA!”

Parker University students are exposed to a variety of opportunities through their reputable education, regardless of the program. Congratulations, Ms. Mbachick! Thank you for representing Parker University in such a positive, professional way, and acting as a great inspiration for students.

To learn about the doctorate, graduate, and undergraduate programs available at Parker University, visit parker.edu.

An alumna of the 2020 class, Tonja Grimes, RHIA, CCHP, now the Health Information Management (HIM) director for two healthcare facilities, recently offered exclusive insight into what an HIM career really looks like!

Can You Relate to Tonja’s Story?

Tonja was a teenage mother when she first started college, eventually dropping out. She re-enrolled at the age of 32. She started at San Jacinto College and earned her associate degree. During a conference, Tonja met Parker University HIM Program Director Joe Lintz, whose unique insights into Parker University piqued her interest. “Drawn to the unique structure of their classes, I decided to transition to Parker University to complete my bachelor’s degree,” Tonja says.

Tonja is passionate about the HIM program because it aligns perfectly with her innate drive to solve puzzles and her analytical thought process. With a constant stream of challenges and complexities to unravel, whether ensuring accurate coding, maintaining data integrity, or navigating regulatory requirements, she says, “I find immense satisfaction in delving into these intricacies, applying my analytical skills to solve problems, and ultimately contributing to the efficient management of health information. It’s a field where I can continuously learn and grow while making a meaningful impact on patient care and healthcare delivery.”

Parker University’s One-of-a-Kind Online HIM Program – Earn Your Bachelor’s Degree on Your Schedule

Parker University’s Bachelor of Science with a major in HIM program is integrated with existing programs to provide a leading health and wellness education resource. The HIM program focuses on Health Information Technology, Medical Coding and Classification, Data Privacy and Security, Health Information Management Principles, and Legal and Ethical Considerations.

This degree provides additional educational opportunities and contributes toward filling the need for HIM personnel in the ever-changing job market. It prepares students to work in the real-life HIM profession, which focuses on healthcare data and the management of healthcare information resources. The profession addresses the nature, structure, and translation of data into usable forms of information, including electronic health records for advancing health, and the healthcare of individuals and populations. HIM professionals collect, integrate, and analyze primary and secondary healthcare data, disseminate information, and manage information resources related to the research, planning, provision, and evaluation of healthcare services. HIM professionals (could be you!) are integral to the planning, implementation, and utilization of electronic health record systems.

In addition, Parker University’s HIM graduates can sit for the national certification examination to become a Registered Health Information Administrator (RHIA).

As a standout perk, Parker University’s HIM program offers an opportunity for individuals like Tonja who are eager to pursue higher education while managing other commitments, such as work or family responsibilities. Tonja says, “One of the standout features of Parker University’s program is its flexibility, which allows students to complete their bachelor’s degree while continuing to work. This program allows individuals to explore firsthand the different facets of HIM and find a niche that aligns with their interests, skills, and personality traits.”

Learn It. Live It.

Tonja’s combination of education, experience, leadership skills, problem-solving abilities, innovative thinking, and commitment to excellence helped her excel in her current role as the HIM director. Tonja shares, “I love teaching. I believe teaching goes hand in hand with leadership. I enjoy my job every day. I work for an amazing facility, Midland Memorial Health Hospital, with a ‘mission of leading healthcare for the greater Midland community.’”

As the HIM director at a 580-bed inpatient hospital, Tonja oversees a range of critical functions that ensure the efficient management and integrity of health information. “My responsibilities encompass several key areas, including Coding Management, Release of Information, Birth Registry, and Data Integrity. I collaborate closely with other departments and stakeholders to support the hospital’s overall goals and optimize the use of health information for patient care, research, and administrative purposes,” Tonja shares.

If you pursue a career in HIM, every day on the job will look different. Whether you’re delving into the intricacies of medical coding, navigating complex regulatory requirements, or collaborating with interdisciplinary teams to optimize health information systems, every day on the job provides new challenges and opportunities for your professional growth.

Parker University’s HIM program equips students with the knowledge, skills, and versatility required to successfully carve out fulfilling and impactful careers. Whether you specialize in a specific area or embrace a lifelong journey of learning and development, the HIM field offers unlimited possibilities for professional fulfillment and advancement.

What’s the Wait?

Now, just like Tonja proved, it’s your turn to make a change and pursue all the future has in store for you. Can you see yourself as a Parker University graduate pursuing a successful career in HIM? We can too!

To learn more about Parker University’s versatile online HIM program, click here!

Doctor of Chiropractic Team Member for the American Physical Therapy Association’s Clinical Practice Guidelines for Vestibular Rehabilitation

Parker University is excited to announce that its very own Dr. J. Donald Dishman, the Dean of Graduate Programs and Special Projects, was recently invited to be a team member for the prestigious American Physical Therapy Association’s Clinical Practice Guidelines (APTA CPG) for vestibular rehabilitation!

Chiropractic Participation

After three years of work, the manuscript is now officially complete. Dr. Dishman’s experienced team is comprised of the world’s best-known experts in the field of vestibular evaluation and treatment, and he is now the first Doctor of Chiropractic ever to be invited to be a panelist or author.

This global metanalysis of literature rates the evidence and makes best-practices recommendations. What should you know about this project and Dr. Dishman’s prestigious role? “Vestibular dysfunction is a significant worldwide health problem and a global burden. The APTA CPG was designed to be an evidence-based, clinical guideline to move toward a consensus in the treatment of those individuals who suffer from vestibular dysfunction,” Dr. Dishman shares.

This project is based on innovation for the chiropractic profession. Dr. Dishman believes having a chiropractic physician on the panel was a sign of increased acceptance and interdisciplinary collaboration in studying and treating patients with vestibular dysfunction. “In the past, a ‘dizzy’ patient was most likely managed by a physical therapist or ENT medical physician. I think the inclusion of a DC on the panel was innovative and a sign of the increase in collaboration for the betterment of our patients,” Dr. Dishman shares.

Incorporating Chiropractic Goals

What were Dr. Dishman’s goals when he put together this manuscript? He wanted to participate in what many feel is the leading CPG for the conservative management of this disorder. He says, “My participation as a chiropractic neurologist, researcher, and educator, I feel, will open up the opportunity for more interdisciplinary care for this population of patients.”

The panelists and authors of this guideline were from around the world. Teleconferencing was therefore required. Progression of the project was further confounded by the arrival of the global pandemic. However, the team of professionals carried on and found a way to establish communication throughout the project.

Dr. Dishman shares, “I would like Doctors of Chiropractic to take information from this vast meta-analysis of the world’s literature and appreciate what practices are evidence-based in the management of the vestibular patient. Traditional chiropractic techniques have shown great value in these patients, and proper cervical spine function is essential to proper vestibular function. I would like to see more Doctors of Chiropractic incorporating these evidence-based rehabilitation techniques in addition to their chiropractic protocols for these patients.”

This unique and groundbreaking study helping to grow the reach of the chiropractic profession is now in press in the Journal of Neurologic Physical Therapy. To learn more or check out the study, go to pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34864777.

 

These seven methods of massage provide an array of therapeutic benefits to recipients. They include hands-on techniques, and sometimes even feet-on techniques, applied with the goal to improve health and human performance.

Swedish Massage: Full-body general massage applied with relaxation in mind. Slow, long, repetitive gliding strokes applied to major muscles with light to deep pressure provided upon request. Kneading and friction of muscles may be followed by some gentle range of motion and stimulating tapping or hacking of the muscles. Great for stress/anxiety relief.

Prenatal Massage: Typically a Swedish application that considers the comfort, stresses, and safety of the mom-to-be.

Neuromuscular Therapy: NMT, or trigger point therapy, involves the specific treatment and deactivation of “trigger points” in muscles; hypersensitive areas that may develop and lead to symptoms such as local and referred pain, numbness, tingling, weakness and lack of normal range of movement. Direct pressure and stretching are used to deactivate these painful triggers to restore proper function and eliminate pain.

Myofascial Therapy: Sustained, extremely slow, static and dynamic pressure is applied to the body to access superficial and deep restrictions in the connective tissue system known as fascia. Myofascial work improves posture and range of movement. Can feel intense, but should always be tolerable, relaxing and feel positive to the client.

Thai Massage: Traditional massage from Thailand consisting of a fully clothed session provided on a floor mat instead of a massage table. Moderate to deep pressure is provided by hands, elbows and even feet to improve energy flow through the body. Thai massage comprises many stretching movements that resemble yoga poses being applied while the subject relaxes and becomes a pretzel. Energizes and relieves tension.

Medical Massage: Application of massage protocols to benefit specific health conditions. From musculoskeletal disorders such as carpal tunnel syndrome and sciatica, medical massage therapy must always be approved and controlled by the primary care physician.

Sports Massage: Massage and stretching sessions specifically tailored for the muscles used in a specific sport. May be performed to increase performance prior to sporting events or training sessions (pre-event), enhance recovery following competition or training sessions (post-event), or for ongoing maintenance of optimal functioning and prevention of or rehabilitation from sports injuries.

There is a style of massage therapy to help everyone function at their best.

 

as seen in Natural Awakenings Magazine

Meet Parker University Alumnus Michael Oviedo!

Recently, members of the Parker University marketing department, along with Greg May, the Parker University Director of Massage Therapy, went to Frisco to meet up with alumnus Michael Oviedo. Michael is the Director of Performance Health at The Performance Academy at The Star (formerly Baylor Scott & White Sports Therapy and Research at The Star). Watching him use his expert skillset to help athletes work through their unique issues, solidified how crucial an experienced massage therapist is to athletes of all ages and levels.

Michael earned his bachelor’s degree from California State University, Long Beach, in Kinesiology, and his master’s degree in Exercise Science from California University, Pennsylvania. He is a Parker School of Massage Therapy alumnus and is certified as a Massage Therapist in Texas and California. He is also certified as both a Corrective Exercise Specialist and Personal Trainer by the National Academy of Sports Medicine. Michael is a renowned practitioner with extensive knowledge of athletic performance training, programming, corrective exercise/rehabilitation strategies, and sports nutrition (professional, Olympic, college, and high school). Michael’s job is to help athletes increase their strength while preventing them from suffering from future injuries.

 

Michael joined The Performance Academy at The Star earlier in his career as its Performance Enhancement Specialist. This career move came after being Kobe Bryant’s personal massage therapist and helping the basketball star finish his final NBA season without a season-ending injury. During that time, back pain had started severely impacting Kobe’s ability on the court, often putting him on the bench. Michael was able to provide massage therapy to the late Los Angeles Lakers basketball legend and address his muscular imbalances. This process resulted in Kobe’s enhanced performance on the court.

With a long list of impressive credentials and previous job titles to back up his prestigious reputation, Michael has also worked with many well-known names in the athletic industry to increase their movement efficiency and keep their injury risk low. Michael has worked with professional athletes like JT Barrett, Justin Jones, Vernon Butler, Courtland Sutton, and Harrison Barnes, just to name a few.

From career moves as the owner of a fitness company and a personal trainer to serving as a master national instructor for a popular fitness facility, Michael has used his knowledge to help athletes achieve their many goals. No dream is too big when you have the support and expertise of professionals, like Michael, who can help keep your body functioning and moving at its optimal level.

Parker University is beyond proud to share Michael’s story and accomplishments with students pursuing a limitless career in massage therapy. Michael is an excellent role model for what real dedication, knowledge, and experience can do for your future career. Keep up the great work, Michael! We cannot wait to see what you accomplish next!

Dr. Dana Lawrence is the Associate Provost of Education and Research at Parker University. Dr. Lawrence was previously the Senior Director of the Center for Teaching and Learning and interim Senior Director for Continuing Education and Events at Palmer College of Chiropractic. Before that, he was a member of the research department. Prior to coming to Palmer College, Dr. Lawrence spent 23 years at the National University of Health Sciences, leaving the institution as a dean of one of its three colleges.

He is the past editor of several professional, scientific journals for the chiropractic profession, including the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, Journal of Chiropractic Medicine, Journal of Chiropractic Humanities, and Journal of Sports Chiropractic and Rehabilitation. He recently held an appointment as the editor of the Chiropractic Journal of Australia and is currently the editor of the Journal of Contemporary Chiropractic. As a founding member of the Chiropractic Research Journal Editor’s Council, Dr. Lawrence helped to elevate the profession’s understanding of the issues involved in the ethical biomedical publications and to set standards governing that publication.

He was also the editor for two text series, Yearbook of Chiropractic and Advances in Chiropractic, both of which were published through the Mosby Year Book Company. He has published a number of textbooks, including Fundamentals of Chiropractic Diagnosis and Management and Chiropractic Technique (with Drs. Tom Bergmann and David Peterson). He also serves on more than 20 editorial boards and is also an associate editor for several. Dr. Lawrence was a co-investigator on Palmer College’s R25 grant, designed to help expand the use and understanding of evidence-based practice among the faculty and student body at Palmer College.

Dr. Lawrence was a merit reviewer for the Foundation for Chiropractic Education and Research and for the Health Resources Service Agency (HRSA) in both their Chiropractic Demonstration Grants program, the Interdisciplinary Training for Rural Health Care program, and other programs related to the delivery of healthcare in rural settings. He was a member of the Ad Hoc Committee for the Office of Alternative Medicine. He later became a member of the Alternative Medicine Program Advisory Council of the OAM and the U.S. National Center for Complementary and Alternative Medicine. He drafted the entry on chiropractic that appeared in “Alternative Medicine: Expanding Medical Horizons.” Dr. Lawrence was even invited to participate in President Clinton’s healthcare reform program and has many professional publications. In 1998, Dr. Lawrence was named “Researcher of the Year” by the Foundation for Chiropractic Research and Education for his service to the profession. He has also been awarded two Presidential Leadership Awards from the American Chiropractic Association, and in 2013, was named “Academician of the Year” by the ACA. Dr. Lawrence serves as vice-chair for the institutional review board (IRB) for Genesis Health Care in Davenport, IA. In addition to his DC degree, Dr. Lawrence has earned Master’s degrees in Medical Education (MMedEd) from the University of Dundee and Bioethics and Health Policy (MA) from Loyola University Chicago.

It is my pleasure to welcome you to Parker University and to congratulate you on reaching this milestone.

Professional mastery, loving service, personal responsibility, passion, self-actualization, and a fulfilled life’s journey – it is my hope, desire, and intent that you will experience these traits at Parker University in a very real way … every single day!

Parker University is a university built purposely to espouse a spirit, a soul, an underlying mission: service to others. This mission originated with our founder, Dr. James W. Parker, and has been the bedrock of Parker University since its inception.

My favorite quote comes from the famed humanitarian and theologian, Albert Schweitzer. He shares, “I don’t know what your destiny will be, but one thing I know: the only ones among you who will be really happy are those who will have sought and found how to serve.”

I truly believe that fulfillment in life only comes when you have discovered your unique gifts, talents, and place to serve. At Parker University, we are here not just to teach, but to help you to discover where you can best serve humanity.

The faculty and staff at Parker University are now your partners in achieving not only your goal of a diploma, but also our goal of creating competent and confident professionals who are equipped for success in life. While there are several programs and degrees at Parker, a fundamental posit of our philosophy is that our bodies were created with an innate system of self-regulation. We respect and support that inborn system with a holistic evidence-based approach to healthcare.

I look forward to the day when you and I will share a special moment or a major milestone in your life. One day, I will look you in the eyes, shake your hand, and present you with your hard-earned Parker University diploma. That moment will memorialize your achievement, sacrifice, and dedication, and you will be transformed from student to trusted colleague.

You have a journey ahead with plenty of hard work and sacrifice, but along the way you will make lifelong friends, many memories, and profound discoveries about yourself. Enjoy the journey here at Parker University.

Blessings,

WILLIAM E. MORGAN, DC, PRESIDENT