About Us
West Texas Professional Training, Lubbock, TX.
Since opening our doors in 2016, our school has been dedicated to helping students build rewarding careers in healthcare. What began as a locally founded program has grown into one of the most trusted training schools in Lubbock, TX, and the surrounding communities.
Over the years, we’ve proudly watched our graduates enter the workforce, equipped with confidence, professionalism, and the skills employers value most. Many of our students are now thriving in respected dental offices, clinics, and healthcare organizations throughout West Texas.
In 2021, we expanded our offerings to include a Medical Assisting program—developed with the same commitment to excellence as our Dental Assisting program. Our courses are designed for today’s fast-paced world: accelerated, in-person, and focused on hands-on training. From mastering clinical skills to learning in the cadaver laboratory, our students gain both technical expertise and professional confidence.
We are proud to collaborate with a strong network of healthcare leaders, including UMC, Covenant Health, and Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, as well as numerous private dental and medical practices. These partnerships not only enrich our training but also open doors to real-world experience and career opportunities for our students.
At our core, we believe learning should be inspiring, engaging, and career-focused. If you bring the dedication to learn, we’ll provide the tools, instruction, and support to help you succeed.
Come tour our school, meet our instructors, and see why so many students trust us to launch their careers in healthcare!
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.
