Scott Hantz

"When you put in the work you get a lifelong return on your investment,” said Scott Hantz, referring to his Tri-C education. And the return continues for Hantz.

Hantz received his Firefighter Certification from Tri-C’s Western Campus in 2001, which led to him working as a paramedic/fireman. But he knew he wanted more, so he returned to Tri-C, this time on the Metro Campus. He knew that Tri-C had a great reputation for educating high quality nurses – he had heard that from the nurses he worked with – and the flexible class schedule met his needs, so he enrolled and earned his nursing degree in 2008. After graduating from Tri-C Hantz earned his Bachelor of Science in nursing degree through Ohio University. Currently, he is enrolled in the Chamberlain School of Nursing’s MSN/MBA executive track, set to graduate in 2016 but, as Hantz said, “I will never be done learning.”

Hantz has been working for the Cleveland Clinic for the last 12 years, starting at Lakewood Hospital as a paramedic in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). After earning his nursing degree from Tri-C he was quickly recruited to work in the ICU at Lakewood Hospital. Not long after, he began working as the hospital supervisor. Next, he served two-years as assistant manager in the Emergency Room (ER), which allowed Hantz to use both his paramedic and nursing training to help patients. He was then promoted to nurse manager of the ER, before being named nurse manager of the Heart and Vascular Institute’s Cardiac Cath Lab at the Cleveland Clinic’s main campus. Hantz loves this position and describes it as a humbling experience to work around so many hardworking medical professionals, which helps to push him to be at the top of his game every day.

Looking back on his Tri-C experience, Hantz said that all of the classes he took pertain to his day-to-day work. “You never know when an old lesson will come in handy,” he said. “I feel that whenever you learn a new topic you utilize those lessons in your daily operations.” He particularly remembers the simulation labs because they were very life-like and it made learning the information fun and easier to remember.

“Tri-C changed my life because, without getting my nursing degree, I would not be in the position I am in now. I feel that I have been able to make a positive difference in the lives of both patients and my staff members in a positive way. Without Tri-C’s nursing program I would not be where I am today.”