Kayla Knott
Kayla Knott is a dedicated Medical Assistant Educator at HealthChannels, where she has spent the past nine months traveling across the U.S. to implement hands-on training programs for new medical assistants. With over five years of experience in healthcare, Kayla has built her career from the ground up—starting as a pharmacy technician, advancing to medical assistant and scribe roles, and now leading training initiatives that empower confident, compassionate patient care. She leads by example, focusing on empathy, kindness, and respect, and strives to help her trainees grow both professionally and personally.
A lifelong learner, Kayla earned her Medical Assistant and Pharmacy Technician certifications before graduating high school, then went on to complete undergraduate studies in Biology and Psychology at Northwest Vista College. She is currently pursuing a Master’s in Healthcare Administration at The University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, combining her practical experience with advanced knowledge to shape the future of medical assistant education. Kayla’s professional philosophy centers on hands-on implementation, bringing trainees out of their shells so they can succeed while fostering a supportive and respectful learning environment.
Outside of work, Kayla is an avid golfer, hiker, and reader with a passion for travel. She enjoys challenging herself physically and mentally, and takes pride in her personal growth and resilience. An active volunteer, she has contributed to Habitat for Humanity and has supported organizations like the Alzheimer’s Association and the Arthritis Foundation. Kayla’s journey reflects a balance of professional dedication, continuous self-improvement, and a genuine commitment to empowering others in healthcare.
• Basic Life Support (BLS)
• Lifeguard
• Swim Instructor Certification
• Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA)
• Certified Pharmacy Technician (CPhT)
• Northwest Vista College - AS
• Alzheimer's Association
• Arthritis Foundation
• Habitat for Humanity
What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success primarily to my family. Coming from a household deeply rooted in the medical field, my parents were intentional about encouraging us to explore diverse paths. They instilled in me the value of curiosity and independence while ensuring that I had access to every resource I needed to grow and thrive. Their guidance and support have been foundational to the person and professional I am today.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I’ve ever received is to keep moving forward while maintaining healthy boundaries. It’s important to prioritize self-care, take breaks when needed, and never allow anyone to undermine your confidence or your goals. This guidance has helped me stay resilient, focused, and grounded throughout my career.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
My advice to young women entering the industry is simple: know what you want and go for it. I encourage emerging professionals to take decisive action on their goals, as doing so sets the foundation for leadership, independence, and meaningful progress in their careers.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
One of the biggest challenges in my field right now is the rise of AI. It’s becoming increasingly difficult to demonstrate the value of having a skilled, in-person professional compared to automated solutions. I also navigate perceptions tied to my youth, which requires consistently proving the impact and importance of human expertise in roles that AI and virtual solutions are beginning to replace.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
The values that guide me in both my work and personal life are kindness, respect, and empathy. I strive to support and understand those I mentor while never forgetting my own roots and the journey that brought me to where I am today.
Locations
HealthChannels
Mcallen, TX 78504