About Us
West Texas Professional Training, Lubbock, TX.
Since opening our doors in 2016, we have been dedicated to helping students launch rewarding careers in healthcare. What started as a small, locally founded program has grown into one of Lubbock’s most trusted training schools, earning five-star ratings and a reputation for producing the “best of the best.”
Over the years, we’ve proudly watched our graduates step into the workforce with confidence, professionalism, and the hands-on skills employers value most. Many now thrive in respected dental offices, clinics, and healthcare organizations throughout West Texas.
While our roots are in dental assisting, our success and community trust inspired us to expand in 2021 with a Medical Assisting program—developed with the same dedication to excellence. Our accelerated, in-person courses focus on real-world, hands-on training, from mastering clinical skills to building professional confidence.
We work closely with UMC, Covenant Health, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, and many private dental and medical practices to give our students authentic, career-ready experiences. These partnerships open doors to externships, mentorships, and job opportunities immediately after graduation.
At the heart of what we do is a simple belief: learning should be inspiring, practical, and career-focused. Bring your dedication, and we’ll provide the tools, guidance, and support to help you succeed.
Come tour our school and meet us, and see why so many students trust us to launch their healthcare careers!
About the Director
Eliza Norris — Director & Dental Assisting Instructor
Eliza Norris serves as both the Director and Dental Assisting Instructor at our school. She earned her Associate Degree in Dental Assisting from Provo College in Utah, where she was mentored by educators who instilled a lasting foundation of ethics, professionalism, and compassion.
Her career spans every corner of the dental field, including clinical assisting, office management, program direction, and consultation. She has also dedicated her skills to service, participating in humanitarian work in Guatemala with the Hirschie Smiles Foundation and supporting numerous local charitable initiatives.
Eliza’s professional journey has taken her across the country—working in New York, Utah, Oregon, Washington, Colorado, and Texas—where she has collaborated with leading dental providers and built a nationwide professional network. These experiences have sharpened her expertise and deepened her passion for dentistry and education.
Today, she brings that same passion into the classroom, where she is committed to helping every student discover confidence, competence, and a rewarding career in dental assisting.
About the Associate Director
Kent Norris, B.A., M.S. — Associate Director of Medical Assisting
Kent earned his Master’s degree in College Administration from Oregon State University. Throughout his career, he has been inspired by adult learners and has dedicated himself to improving their access to education and career success.
He has served in leadership roles at several major universities, most recently at Texas Tech University, where he worked in international recruitment. In this role, Kent traveled extensively and engaged with students from across the globe, building a deep understanding of diverse educational needs.
At West Texas Professional Training, Kent now directs the Medical Assisting program, where he is committed to providing students with the knowledge, support, and career pathways needed to succeed in today’s healthcare workforce.
About the Medical Assisting Instructor
Lisa Smith, M.Ed., CBCS, NRCMA
Lisa Smith brings over 30 years of experience in the medical field, with expertise spanning medical assisting, billing, coding, leadership, and management. She began her career as a certified Medical Office Specialist and later earned her B.A. in Psychology, followed by a Master’s degree in Higher Education Administration. Over the years, she has taught medical courses at Kaplan and other institutions, blending her professional knowledge with a passion for education.
In addition to her academic and professional accomplishments, Lisa has continually advanced her skills by working in clinical, administrative, and instructional roles. Her career reflects a deep commitment to both lifelong learning and helping others succeed.
As an instructor, Lisa is passionate about empowering students to grow personally and professionally. She encourages them to always know their “why,” ask questions, and be prepared for the unexpected—qualities she believes are essential for thriving in the ever-changing medical field.