A Passion for Anatomy: HAPI Alumna Liliana Martinez Builds Her Teaching Future

Liliana Martinez (M.S. ’25) brought an international perspective and a deep passion for anatomy and physiology to her studies at Northeast College of Health Sciences. A licensed massage therapist in Texas, she also holds a bachelor’s degree in general medicine from Mexico.

Martinez’s experience teaching at Southwest University in El Paso, where she instructs human pathophysiology, anatomy and physiology and clinical procedures, helped shape her professional path and deepen her interest in the field. “I discovered that anatomy and physiology is my favorite subject to teach,” Martinez said.

Online Learning Strengthens Career, Supports Students

Inspired by that passion, she enrolled in Northeast’s M.S. in human anatomy and physiology instruction (HAPI) program to gain formal training that would support her students’ learning and further advance her career.

“Thanks to the HAPI program, I was promoted to teach at the bachelor’s level and became part of the curriculum development team for a new bachelor’s program in education,” Martinez said.

Martinez described the online format of the HAPI program as flexible and supportive. “Northeast College created a welcoming environment that allowed me to feel confident and capable of completing the program,” she said. “The professors helped me understand complex subjects and encouraged me every step of the way.”

Thriving with Flexibility, 100% Online

Balancing two jobs, family responsibilities and her own business, Martinez credits the online structure with allowing her to thrive as a student at Northeast.

Martinez said she was not sure a 100 percent online education could be effective, but she is “now convinced. It worked perfectly with my schedule,” she said. “The program strengthens knowledge and provides teaching techniques that even experienced health professionals often have not had the opportunity to practice.”

Exemplifying #NortheastBlue Achievement

Through her dedication, experience and commitment to growth as an educator, Martinez exemplifies the drive and excellence of Northeast College students. “The experience was so positive that I am considering pursuing a second M.S. program,” she said.