Sheena Banuelos was looking for a career opportunity in a field she always wanted to explore. Her husband, Juan, was planning his next life chapter after spending two decades in the U.S. Navy.
Both found their next step in the Health Information Technology program at Pueblo Community College. Now they’re preparing for flexible careers that allow them to keep the focus on their family life.
The couple lived in San Diego for most of Juan’s career as a helicopter mechanic. When he retired in 2024, they decided to move their family to Sheena's hometown, Pueblo. They are raising “two boys, two dogs and a tortoise,” said Sheena, while studying for associate degrees in medical coding.
“I’ve always had a desire to work in the healthcare field. This opportunity finally came up, and I had to capitalize on it,” said Sheena.
Juan learned about the HIT program at a job fair and said he became interested in the “challenge and environment” of medical coding.
Because the program is almost entirely online, Sheena and Juan have been able to study together and care for their young sons. They expect to graduate in summer 2026 and because many medical coding positions are remote, they will have options among in-office and home-based job opportunities.
“PCC was the right fit because it gets you into the fight,” Juan said. “Right away, you are tackling courses that directly prepare you for your career. The HIT team lays out the plan clearly and they are very supportive.”
