Worth Your Consideration When Making Career Choices: Phlebotomist

The phlebotomist, the person who draws blood samples from patients arms or finger tips, is a highly specialized, valuable member of the medical and healthcare team as a whole. Without the phlebotomist's skills and services many diagnoses and health assessments could not be as reliably performed.

Most phlebotomists have a high school education, others have an academic degree in medical technology, some received their training directly on the job under the supervision of a doctor, nurse or experienced phlebotomist, others took a phlebotomy course offered through the American Red Cross, or a community college, others while serving in the military as a combat medic or hospital corpsman role.

A skilled phlebotomist deserves high praise, yet, they are usually paid the least amount of wages on the allied health professional's pay scale, probably because their training is not as extensive as, let's say, an EKG and x-ray technician, or medical assistant. In a way, that is unfair, because there is tremendous value in their services that can never be repaid in money. Phlebotomists draw blood for tests, transfusions, donations, or research and explain the procedure to patients who ask.

They must know the circulatory system anatomy and composition of blood along with the medical terminology that goes with it, be able to access a vein, or artery, or capillary blood bed of all kinds of people from young, to old, to obese, to emaciated, to those with veins that roll, to those who easily faint, or are deadly afraid of needles.

They need to understand different venipuncture techniques and the equipment to be used to draw and preserve the blood sample. Additionally, they must know how to read laboratory requisition slips, follow doctor's orders, work safely with patients, handle blood and other potentially hazardous body fluids and know how to clean up blood spills safely and dispose them in accordance with OSHA regulations. If any of this is not approached with great care and handled properly, it can result in severe injury, if not death.

What You Need to Know About Medical Assistant Online Training Programs

Are ONLINE Medical Assistant Programs Legit?

Many community colleges and vocational training institutions now offer their complete, or partial medical assistant program online, however, potential medical assistant students should NEVER sign up for anything before doing thorough research and asking important questions.

Some websites emphasize that they offer the best medical assistant training online with nationally accredited endorsement for their certified medical assistant program, however, just because it is advertised it doesn't necessarily mean the course is accredited by any of the reputable national accreditors of healthcare schools such as CAAHEP and ABHES, or the Department of Education.

Anyone can set up a so-called medical assistant online program and locate a self-proclaimend accreditation committee and  then, make the claim their course is a certified medical assistant online program and among the best—that doesn't always mean it is true, nor does it guarantee the certificate you will receive is worth the paper it is printed on. At best, you can frame it and hang it on your wall.

What you will get, if that much, is a paper that states that you have completed an online medical assistant course. Good luck with landing a qualified medical assistant position with that and applying for "real" certification with the AAMA or AMT, the recognized authority in medical assistant certification in the USA and abroad. Also, keep in mind that some US states now mandate certification in certain medical specialties and procedures, such as in phlebotomy, X-ray, EKG, and of those who administer physical and IV therapy.

To learn more about the medical assisting career and what a medical assistant does please visit Medical Assistant Net on the Web.

What Every Future Medical Assistant Student Needs to Know About Finding the Right Vocational Training Program

People enrolling in medical assisting training programs run the gamut of age. Most of today's vocational training program students are people seeking post-secondary education as a means of career change or much needed vocational rehab to get back into the workforce. Their ages typically range in the late 20s to 30s along with people in their 40s and 50s, which is not unusual. If you are one among them, then here are some quick tips when contacting a vocational training school that interests you:

Ask them whether the program is completely campus based, or a combination of classroom instruction and online, or one hundred percent online based.

Find out how long the program will take from start to finish and what kind of documentation you will receive upon graduation. If it is an online course, ask whether your certificate or diploma you earned will state "online program". You may, or may not want that.  Ask how long the program has been in existence and how many people have graduated successfully. Find out whether it costs extra to repeat their finals, in case you need to take them twice.

Ask whether the school and their programs are accredited by the Department of Education, CAAHEP, ABHES, or any other recognized entity, and if the answer is no, find out whether they have applied for accreditation (accreditation is pending). This is an important question because it will also play a role in your ability to obtain financial aid, grants and student loans if you are looking for education funding sources and whether you will qualify to sit for important national medical assistant certification exams.

Ask whether you will need to buy scrubs, equipment such as a stethoscope, laptop and (most certainly!) textbooks. Find out ahead of time which books they will use in the program. Also, be sure to ask which professional credentials you will receive and if there is a professional membership association, or local chapter for this credential for peer-to-peer networking and support. It is also important to find out if the school has an externship requirement where students are required to complete a supervised clinical practicum at a medical facility that includes supervised competencies and evaluations completed at the facility.

Ask whether the school has a  job referral program or job placement assistance and last but not least, request an itemized list of all costs involved, including tuition, books and any certification exam application fees. To learn more about the medical assisting career and what a medical assistant does please visit Medical Assistant Net on the Web.

I Need Money for Medical Assistant School

How Can I Get Money to Pay  for My Medical Assistant Training Program Tuition?

"I would like to become a medical assistant but I don't know how to pay for my training." One concern that is emerging to the forefront of many potential medical assisting school applicants' minds is the how to come up with enough money to cover the cost of learning a meaningful trade and funding.

 Medical assisting students can expect to incur approximately $7,000-$9,000 for tuition and books at a community college and up to $16,000 at a private for-profit vocational training institution. Many do not know where to look for money, although  money for school is available.

Obvious and Hidden Costs of Attending Medical Assistant School
There are obvious costs, and hidden costs. Obvious costs are for tuition, books, laptop, software, scrubs, stethoscope, and a penlight. Hidden costs associated with going back to school often are cost for transportation, babysitter, and loss of income (if you have to put your job on hold or cut hours to go to school).

Money is Available

There are federal student loans, scholarships and grants and even vocational training programs for teens and adults that are completely free or fully paid for by the Department of Labor or other government funding, such as the Workforce Investment Act (WIA):

• Regional Occupational Programs (ROP) offer specialized training to high school juniors and seniors or students who are 16 years of age and are free.
  
  
• Job Corps is a program administered by the United States Department of Labor that offers free-of-charge education and vocational training to youth ages 16 to 24.
  
  
• Workforce Investment Act sponsored programs designed to prepare youth and unskilled adults for entry into the labor force, previously known as JTPA.
  
  
• And then there are Pell grants, especially Pell Grants for low income single parents returning to institutes of technology, collegiate-level institutions, vocational schools and trade schools to get a post-secondary education that will lead to a trade.

For a list of Federal Student Aid and Assistance Programs go to the New Medical Assistant website. This website will give you additional tips and ideas where to turn for medical assistant training program funding.

 

Allied Health Institute Launches Chiropractic Technologist Associate of Science Degree Program

NORTH LAUDERDALE, FLA., May 24th, 2011 –
Allied Health Institute, an accredited post secondary school, launched a 16-month Chiropractic Technologist Associate of Science Degree program.


The program is designed to meet a growing need for Chiropractic Technologists nationwide. Because employment of chiropractors is expected to increase 20 percent between 2008 and 2018, according to the U.S. Department of Labor, similar growth is expected in terms of need for Chiropractic Technologists.

“A chiropractic technologist is a paraprofessional serving the chiropractic profession in the capacity of an assistant in the chiropractic office,” said Marvin Merritt who developed the program for Allied Health Institute. ‘The chiropractic technologist could assist in case histories, preliminary portions of the examination, the application of modalities and therapies and the taking and developing of x-rays all under the direct supervision of the attending chiropractic physician. “

The Chiropractic Technologist program provides students with professional training in the field of alternative medicine, focusing on chiropractic. Students are introduced to chiropractic philosophy and principles, anatomy and physiology, nutrition and are provided with an in-depth study of radiologic science.

“Chiropractic is the 3 largest healing art next to allopathic and osteopathic medicine. Where as M.D.'s and D.O's utilize the support skills of the medical assistant in their offices, the D.C.'s will utilize the specific skill set of the chiropractic technologist."

Chiropractic is the third largest healing art next to allopathic and osteopathic medicine. Whereas MDs and DOs utilize the support skills of the medical assistant in their offices, the DCs will utilize the specific skill set of the chiropractic technologist,” said Merritt. “There is an ongoing push by the insurance industry to require all personnel that come in contact with patients in regards to treatment to be certified and has some type of state licensure in order for the provider to receive reimbursement for services rendered. A certified chiropractic technologist would fulfill this requirement.”

The coursework for this program is conducted online and also includes a facility-based clinical training requirement, which provides the student with a hands-on learning experience.

Among the duties performed by the chiropractic technologist include assisting patients with paperwork, examination preliminaries such as height and weight, blood pressure, pulse and respiration and an initial spinal screening. In addition, the chiropractic technologist may be called upon to take and develop x-rays and apply therapies all under the direct supervision of the attending chiropractic physician.

About Allied Health Institute

Allied Health Institute provides quality distance education in high demand job fields in a wide range of healthcare occupations. By utilizing virtual classrooms, students have the flexibility to continue their education from the convenience of their own homes. Most classes are completed entirely online, allowing students great flexibility while receiving support from instructors, peers and student services. Programs that contain clinical training and externships are designed to enhance career skills, providing student with hands-on training and real-life experience.

For more information, call 1-866-251-3244

Single Mom: Why I Wanted to Be a Medical Assistant and Not a Nurse

I was always interested in the medical field and a meaningful career and am interested in working as a medical assistant, rather than in nursing, which requires enrolling in a nursing program, which is hard to get into and takes time.

- I like medical assistant because they work Mo - Fri in a clean environment.
- Contrary to nursing, medical assistants work normal business hours, no weekends and holidays. This gives me time with my family.
- Take home pay is good. Once you take the certified medical assistant exam it gets even better.

When I needed to learn more about this career and what it entails I found EVERYTHING I needed to know quickly and easily on the website at www.certified-medical-assistant.com: -description -duties -rules and an easy school finder. The website helped me find the perfect school to get into medical assisting fast.

Teaching Medical Assistants of the Future: Are Medical Assistant Instructors Up for the Task?

What Kinds of Duties Will Medical Assistants Have in 2015?

Either through choice or necessity, more and more adults seek enrollment in secondary vocational programs, postsecondary vocational; vocational or skill-centered curricula. One responsibility that will fall heavily on vocational schools and for medical assistant instructors is keeping up to date. Advances in health care, new discoveries in medicine and technological changes in the workplace can happen quickly and must be followed.

Often we are asked simple questions:
Can a Medical Assistant give injections if he/she isn't certified?
Can a Medical Assistant give injections in _________ (your state)?
Are medical assistants allowed to start or disconnect IVs?
Are medical assistants allowed to give narcotic injections?
Are medical assistants allowed to inject collagen? Botox? Flu Shots?

But what about the more complex skills and skills that are on the brink of discovery? Keeping abreast with the latest changes and discoveries often necessitate changes in the medical office workplace. Preparing the future medical assistant student body for these changes is important and essential for the student's success. If medical assisting teachers cannot anticipate and do not keep current with the latest changes, their vocational training programs quickly become state, outdated and obsolete. As a result their graduates must be retrained, or worse, they cannot find employment.

Teaching Employable Medical Assistants of the Future

In addition, medical assistant school teachers must keep up with workplace trends and customs, for example, men in nontraditional roles and positions in the medical office, medical assistants performing limited x-ray skills, CLIA waived lab procedures, training in specialty fields, electrocardiograms, ophthalmology chair-side assisting, podiatric procedures and starting IV lines.

Their educational activities must be directed toward the preparation of individuals for productive and gainful employment in the medical office, or better ANY and all medical offices. While most state regulations remain vague on the exact role of their practicing medical assistants in their state some states have strict rules with the medical assistant's scope of practice clearly spelled out.

Measurable Occupational Learning Outcome

Although there are several ways to measure learning outcomes, the most common method employed in vocational education is occupational competency testing designed to assess mastery of skills and knowledge found in specific jobs. Learning and building a successful career path never ends. Many medical assistants, in addition to their recognized, certified credentials, are inspired to reach even higher and return back to the classroom to earn an academic degree, such as an A.S. degree in Medical Assisting or a Bachelors in Healthcare Management.

Getting A Medical Assistant Education

Getting a medical assistant education will open up many opportunities:

Professionals in the field get to work alongside doctors and nurses, in settings such as physician's offices and hospitals. The career outlook is great and pay is comparable to that of other highly skilled health care workers.

Medical assistant training is offered at a variety of college throughout the country. The career field appeals to people of all walks of life, and is accessible to anyone no matter what the age. In the past, workers were trained on the job, but with mandated changes in health care guidelines more colleges have worked the program into their curriculum.

Classes for the program include biology, pathophysiology and coding.
Students will also complete a set amount of hours in a clinical setting.
This is usually done towards the end of the curriculum.

Getting Started

Many two-year colleges and technical schools offer the program. Do an internet search to find a local college that has the curriculum. The requirements at each school will vary, but all students need to achieve a high school diploma before applying.

After finding a program schedule a campus visit. This provides an opportunity to see what the school has to offer and learn more about the courses. Speak with an enrollment counselor as they are fully prepared to help students choose a major and set up classes.

The next step is to sign up. Most colleges offer an online application, but the paperwork may also be filled out at the admissions office. Be thorough and do not leave any spaces empty.

During the admission processes a student will likely be required to complete an entrance exam. Some schools require the TEAS exam and others demand the SAT be taken. This information will be discussed during that initial meeting with the guidance counselor. The test serves as an assessment of math and English skills and as a guideline to where each person is with their education. Many colleges offer study groups and tutoring to help students prepare for the examinations.

Financing Your Education

The school will require payment prior to starting the program. Colleges offer a variety of options to students who are struggling to pay for school. Visit the financial aid office to find out about assistance.

Federal aid is one method of financing college. Students can get a Pell Grant, federal loans and state scholarships to help pay for school expenses. A work study option is also available and requires students to work part-time in one of the school's offices.

The deadline to apply for aid is on March 10. Although applications are still accepted after the date, students should apply quickly to receive the maximum benefit amount. Talk to a school counselor to find out more information.

A medical assistant diploma opens many doors for those who graduate the program. No matter what age group or walk of life a student comes from, an individual can gain a lot from the curriculum. Check with a local college to find out more information about training. The career is truly rewarding and the pay is great. It is a great choice for anyone who wants to change their life.

Difference Between Medical Assistant and Nurse Work Schedule

A Medical Assistant works different hours, usually first shift, from 8-5 PM and rarely on weekends or holidays, which some feel are better hours for parents. Nurses work different shifts around the clock. Some pull doubles and they usually must work on weekends and holidays, at least some.

Medical assistants are utilized in different capacities in the administrative, laboratory, or clinical areas, depending on the office's specific needs. Very small family practices may have the expectation that the medical assistant covers all areas, front and back. They often specialize in pediatrics, general practice, gynecology, dermatology, rheumatology, podiatry, or ophthalmology, etc.! Check the jobs in your area to see who is hiring medical assistants and who is hiring LPN's and for which kind of areas. While it may not apply to all positions you may find that the expectations, duties and responsibilities are generally the same for both, medical assistants and LPNs when medical offices recruit their staff.

Other significant differences:

• wages
• hours
• duties
• responsibilities
• scope of practice
• supervision

Medical assistants are often preferred by doctors in private, or group practices, because they are more cost effective than RN's or LPN's; but then again, each discipline has its specific place and uses in different settings.

Medical Assistant Training

Teaching Medical Assistant Skills

Medical Assistants must know a wide variety of skills pertaining to medical office administration routines and clinical tasks revolving around patient intake procedures, patient record management, medical history taking, setting up EKG s, spirometry, immunizations, blood draws, charting, measuring orthopedic fittings and such. Some situations may involve bio-hazard risks where Universal Standard Precautions must be practiced to protect themselves, their patients and coworkers from harm.

Medical assistant training programs vary. Most medical assistant training can be completed quickly at a career school or college in your city. Whether you are looking for classroom-based learning, morning, or evening classes, or online courses to suit your busy schedule we can help you find the right medical assistant training program that leads to desired medical assistant certificates and diplomas right here. To find medical assistant training near you complete the School-Finder form. You can browse though your area's vocational training schools, explore various training avenues and request more information from the institutions that interest you.

13 Incredibly Easy Steps to Becoming a Perfect Medical Assistant?

Are You Looking for 13 Incredibly Easy Steps to Becoming a Perfect Medical Assistant?

You are right, of course I am exaggerating! There is no such thing as easy recipe for making the perfect medical assistant; in fact, it takes hard work, interest, uniqueness and a dedication that comes from deep within. Some medical assistant students may think it all starts on the job in a medical office, where the medical assistant works diligently side by side with the physician and other health care professionals, applying all skills learned. But nothing could be further from the truth: Becoming a (well, okay... almost perfect) medical assistant and future success BEGINS with the right attitude in the class room and then CONTINUES later on at the work place.

Below are thirteen real-world tips that helped me personally to make my medical assistant school days enjoyable and successfully graduate:

1. "Hello, my name is Danni!" Introduce yourself to your classmates and instructors. You don't want to just be a face in the crowd.
2. "Front row? No way!" Do it! Sit in the front row! Most study groups form from those you associate with during classes. Sit in the front row with the students who are, or want to be brilliant.
3. "Yikes, I don't want a partner!" Really??? Select your lab partner with care and once you found a good match, practice, practice, practice together to solidify every simple and the most challenging skills (injection, blood draw, urinalysis anybody?).
4. What is your image? During even the most boring lecture look interested. The secret of a good image is striving to be that which you wish to appear. Learning how to deal properly with a boring situation, or a person that is boring is a good skill to cultivate in any discipline.
5. Get the most from your textbooks! Take your materials out of your house to study. Get away from distractions, undone dishes, radio and TV. (Tip: the doughnut shop or all night cafe will offer ample amounts of coffee).
6. Read nursing journals and medical assistant magazines. Often current articles will compliment your text and make the information more easily understood. Use individual sheets of paper or large index cards to make a file of disease/conditions and their treatments. List etiology, signs and symptoms, diagnostic tests, interventions, etc. and keep them in a binder for future reference as well as present study.
7. Take notes from your notes! After taking notes in class or from a book, put away the book and bring out a tape recorder and outline your notes so you can listen to them. A great way to also practice your medical terminology words. Also, turn course objectives as found in the beginning of each chapter of your workbook into questions - presto, instant study guide.
8. Name that thing! My medical assisting instructor during my medical assistant training amazed me! On the second day of class she single-handedly greeted every new student, about 30, by their first and last name (amazing!). However, if you are more like me and one of those who have trouble remembering names, protocols, lab values, or terminology write them down on index cards and keep them in your pocket. It works - take them with you everywhere you go! The more you use them the more you will solidify them.
9. If you can get your hands on them, use old CMA or RMA exam review materials as your study guide. Sort questions by topic as you go through school and study those questions pertaining to your current lesson. It will help you learn and give you a head start  when it's time to schedule your final examinations.
10. Clinical lab - Yippeee! Be helpful to the clinical lab instructor and work with your classmates toward the common goals. Practice taking all the different vital signs, never contradict publicly, don't interrupt with constant repeat questions (that's what you have instructors for!) and don't make your instructor hold your hand. Even if you're scared and have never done something before, jump in and follow instructions. If you don't know how to do a procedure, look it up, check the protocols, ask for additional help. Instructors would rather be "bothered" walking you through the procedure than fixing the mess if you do something wrong.
11. Thrive in clinical lab classes! Appreciate even the simplest things, such as how to properly greet a patient. Whether you are a complete novice, or have already been in another allied health career for  years, remember everyone begins at different levels. Focus on where you are going - not on how much you already know.
12. "1-2-3, deep breath!" In Venipuncture practice, take a moment to center yourself before working on somebody's arm. Most people respond best to a calm focused approach. Study your instructors. 
13. The more you know them the more likely you are to understand them and what they are expecting from you. Adjust your attitude, buy a good personal planner and log all projects, deadlines and tests in it. Plan a realistic schedule and follow it.

To learn more about the medical assisting career please visit Medical Assistant NET on the Web.

Medical Assistant On the Job Training vs. Formal Vocational Training

Medical assistant on the job training

Medical Assistant Training Options

Medical assistants can obtain their job skills either though eclectic or individualized teaching at vocational training institutions, from online medical assistant self-study programs, or through direct on the job training. On the job training for medical assistants typically focuses only on the skills that need to be handled. 

Benefits of Either on the Job Training - Or Academic...

The benefit is that this informal training counts as direct hands-on experience, while also getting paid. On the other hand, formal voc-ed training programs provide medical assistant school graduates with a diploma, or transferable academic degree and qualifies them to sit for certain medical assistant certification exams.

Reason for Earning a Medical Assistant Diploma

Vocational Education to earn a Medical Assistant Diploma

"I have noticed that there are a lot of medical assistants that are unemployed due to lack of certification and outdated skills!"

In an effort to document the learning gains for students in secondary and adult full-time vocational programs, states are developing skill standards for given occupations upon which their vocational curricula are based. These standards form the basis for assessing students' entry-level occupational skills, plus their employability skills that are generic to all occupations. The documentation of these skills, eg. through standardized competency testing, final written examinations, and an intern- or externship then provides vocational training program graduates with a diploma to present to potential employers, thus enhancing their ability to gain employment. Medical assistants who have earned a medical assistant diploma will be able to move successfully from one job to another as demanded by the changing competitive market.

Free Money for Medical Assistant School?

------------------------------- UNHEARD OF! Or?

The goal of going to medical assisting school is to learn how to assist doctors treating patients and making the medical office run smooth and efficiently. However, another concern that is emerging to the forefront of many medical assisting school applicants' minds is the "cost and funding resources" list to pay for their training. Medical assisting students can expect to incur approximately $7,000-$9,000 for tuition and books at a community college and up to $16,000 at a for private for-profit vocational training institution.

We have been told that there are programs that give away free money for medical assistant school. There are vocational training programs, including free medical assisting training, for teens and adults that are completely free.

Choosing the BEST Medical Assistant Program that's RIGHT for You

Step 1: Decide What's Right for You

Set your goals and follow your heart:

Once you have decided that medical assisting is for you, you will have to find a medical assistant training to learn the trade. Medical assistants work in the front and back office of ambulatory medical clinics, and practices under the direct supervision of a licensed health care practitioner, such as a medical doctor. You will need to know administrative and clinical procedures to help the doctor to keep the work flow of the medical practice running smoothly and reliably.

The best training comes from a local vocational training institution, or community college that offers a Medical Assisting Program. The better schools are those that are those recognized by a branch of the U.S. Department of Education, and accredited by CAAHEP, or ABHES (you can google these acronyms for their definition). 

So, the first thing you'd want to ask is: is the program recognized and approved by those organizations. The next thing you will ask, will I be able to sit for nationally recognized medical assistant certification exams, since your chances of landing the better jobs and better pay are greater when you are certified. After that you can ask, how much will it cost and how long does it take to finish the program.

Step 2: Choose a Program

What to ask when exploring a medical assisting program:

Undoubtedly you will arrive at a point where you will ask: "Can this school be right for me?". Here are additional considerations when choosing a medical assisting program that's right for you. Ask this:

* What is the school's success rate (% graduates)?
* Is the school planning to pursue accreditation status?
* Is the institution licensed by regulatory entity in their state?
* Will I be eligible to sit for national certification exam once I have graduated?
* Will I be able to transfer educational credits earned to other schools?
* Does the program offer clinical training and an externship to solidify learned skills?
* If it is an online program will it help me to advance in my career?
* What are the attendance and early withdrawal rules?
* Will I get a refund should I need to withdraw early?
* Will the school assist me in job placement?

Step 3: Consumer Beware

Look before you leap! Recognize the good from the bad:

What if you want to join an ONLINE medical assistant program? Should you steer clear if that program is NOT accredited by recognized accreditors? 

Well, it is entirely up to you, what your goals are, and what will work best for you financially, and in the long run. Nobody in the USA says that medical assistants cannot work in a medical office, or clinic unless they graduated from an accredited school. Heck, there are thousands of very good medical assistants that were trained right on the job.

However, more and more employers are seeking medical assistants with formal training and certifications primarily as a business strategy and liability reasons.

Having said that, let us assure you that there ARE many legitimate institutions, and cyber-schools that offer quality vocational education programs online that lead to certificates, diplomas, and degrees, which are not necessarily accredited (yet!). Often, they are maintained by a traditional brick-and-mortar campus where related classes are held in a real classroom that is licensed by their local Department of Education (USA). Many of them are in the process of getting their regional accreditation status to attest to their program's quality. And yes, there are institutions, and cyber-schools that choose not to seek accreditation for various reasons. It is entirely your choice, and up to you to do your research and decide which route to take.

To learn more about the medical assisting career please visit Medical Assistant NET on the Web. 

What Should Medical Assistant Students Learn?

The nature of a medical assistant's workplace today is different from that of the past. It is characterized by competition, cultural diversity, new technologies, and new management processes that require critical thinking, problem-solving and communication skills as well as advanced levels of various complex job skills.

Medical assistant students should be taught more than just skills related to a basic secretarial job and never become a "Girl-Friday" for the doctor on the clinical floors. Medical assistant students should be taught in all aspects of administrative and clinical skills, and be exposed to advanced interpersonal and resume writing skills which will prepare them for the demands and versatility needed to assist doctors and various other licensed health care providers, and land the better jobs.

Medical assistant programs need to provide health and medical skills education in clinical lab classrooms where they take on the role of working medical assistants and patients to practice skills they need. They should role-play scenarios to learn how to run the front and back office efficiently and productively.

We Need More Protection from For-Profit Education Rip-Offs!

Tell the Obama administration we need more protection from for-profit education rip-offs!

The U.S. Department of Education has proposed new rules to protect students and taxpayers from career education programs that over-charge and under-deliver, but the rules need to be stronger. USA Today praised the Obama Administration for flagging the problem, but called the proposal "feeble" and "too accommodating."

Federal law requires career education programs that receive federal student aid to "prepare students for gainful employment in a recognized occupation." By defining "gainful employment" for the first time, the proposed rules make it possible to enforce this important law.

The for-profit college industry and its highly paid lobbyists are fighting hard to weaken the proposed rules, so exploitative businesses can keep profiting off federal student aid. That's why the Obama administration needs to hear from you today.

Take action and send your comment to the Department of Education!

Example letter:

Dear Jessica Finkel,

Career education programs that receive federal student aid funds must be held accountable for training students for good jobs without saddling them with unmanageable debt. The proposed rules on gainful employment are a good first step, but they should be strengthened to provide more meaningful protection for students and taxpayers starting next year. Ensuring access to affordable higher education is incredibly important for our economy, but for-profit programs that over-charge and under-deliver do more harm than good, and should not be subsidized by taxpayer financed student aid.

Medical Training Provided by the Army!

Top Medical Careers Available in the US Army
The Army has always prided itself on the fact that it provides world class training in a variety of skills. The medical field is no different. As a soldier I have had treatment from what I feel is some of the best medical personnel in the world.

http://www.associatedcontent.comarticle/300713/top_medical_careers_available_in_the.html

How To Get Into College

Getting into a college can be an intimidating and scary process. There was a time—maybe 20, or 30 years ago—when students would put in three applications and were accepted into one, or two schools.

Unfortunately, there is NO backdoor in the college admissions process. There’s only the front door, and you either crawl in through the crevices, or you waltz in. That is, if you get in at all. I know it, because I've spent two years researching the complexity of today’s admissions standards.

Know what to expect! You usually get only one chance at it. That's it! It’s up to you to gather whatever information you can in order to compete to get into a matching college.

Find your match! American colleges, and college admissions standards ought to be simple, but today’s admissions process has become a high-stake obstacle course.

To help you with your efforts to find and apply for a college that's right for you I've researched and created this college admissions guide as a guide for any of you considering a tertiary education at one of America’s 2,400+ four-year undergraduate colleges (instead of a vocational education and training program).

Admissions-Guide.info

5 Tips for Becoming a Fast-Learning Medical Assistant

by Heather Johnson
Whether you are still in school or have already entered the workforce, you now realize how important the position of medical assistant is. Indeed, you have a lot of information to retain and are responsible for important duties. Don't become overwhelmed by the job, as you will quickly learn the ropes by following the five tips below.

1. Don't Hesitate to Ask – If you are having any doubts about something or have encountered a strange situation, never hesitate to ask your supervisor / teacher what to do. It might be prudent to ask questions privately if you are in front of a patient, but you should never feel too ashamed or proud to admit you need help.

2. Take Efficient Notes – While you are in class or are being trained on the job, take very efficient notes. Write rules and procedures down, as you may not be able to recall them later. Employers will actually appreciate your resourcefulness when they see you taking notes.

3. Stay Organized – From your notes to your workspace, you need to stay streamlined in order to be a more efficient medical assistant. Keep the clutter away and always know where your important tools are located.

3. Never Stop Studying – Even after you graduate, you need to keep authoritative texts handy and brush up on your studying from time to time. This will help to develop both your skills and a sharper memory.

4. Observe Your Superiors – Whether you are studying your teacher's demonstration of a blood draw or you are watching your employer fill out paperwork, take mental (and written) notes of how everything is done.

You may feel a bit overwhelmed on both the first day of medical assisting school and the first day on the job. After all, this is an important position and you are responsible for knowing a lot of information. Push any doubts from your mind, as everyone feels this way at first. By following the advice above, you will quickly catch on and become a seasoned pro in no time at all.

About the Author:Heather Johnson is a regular commentator on the subject of how to become a pharmacist. She welcomes your feedback and potential job inquiries at heatherjohnson2323@gmail.com.