Archive for January, 2012

Different Degrees For Medical Careers

January 28th, 2012

Working as a medical assistant can be a rewarding career in a health-related environment. These healthcare professionals work closely with doctors, nurses and other healthcare providers in doctor’s offices, hospitals and clinics, or in administrative support environments such as insurance and government agencies or departments of health.

Duties and Responsibilities
Duties include both clinical and administrative support which may vary depending on the size and specialty of the office. Clinical duties may include taking patients’ vital signs, drawing blood, giving injections or conducting urinalysis or phlebotomy analysis. Administrative duties may include taking patient histories, filing insurance claims, typing transcriptions or completing billing and collections. Typing and word processing skills are required. Specialization such as Phlebotomist or Ophthalmic Specialist is also possible. There are several paths to gaining the credentials to become a medical assistant.

Education and Certification
Many accredited vocational schools, community colleges and on-line colleges provide programs that lead to the award of certificates and associate’s degrees in medical assisting. On-campus programs are available in almost every state, as well as Guam and Canada. The American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) provides listings of campus-based and on-line colleges and schools with accredited programs.

Attending an accredited institution ensures that necessary coursework and training is completed to prepare the student for certifying exams and professional memberships that may be required for employment. Accreditation also allows a student to be considered for federal financial aid.

A certificate program usually can be completed within nine to twelve months and focuses on the essentials of the field without additional general academic coursework. Approximately 40 hours of coursework are required. Courses include Medical Terminology, Human Biology, Physiology and Anatomy, Medical Law and Ethics, First Aid and CPR, Clinical Procedures, Administrative Procedures, Insurance Billing and a Medical Assistance Practicum.

An Associate’s Degree program will include satisfying general academic requirements beyond the core courses. A full-time program usually takes two years; attending part-time will take longer. Approximately 60 hours of coursework are required. General academic courses include Written Communication, Oral Communication, Algebra or specified courses in mathematics, Human Relations, general science such as Biology and Chemistry and electives. Core courses include those required for the certificate program plus additional courses such as Introduction to Pharmacology, Computer Business Applications and a longer period of Medical Assistant Practicum. Completion of an Associate’s Degree can be a stepping stone to earning a Bachelor’s Degree.

The AAMA administers an exam for graduates of accredited programs that results in certification, the CMA, by this professional organization. Achievement of certification provides an additional professional credential; some employers require certification.

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What Makes a Good Dental Assistant Training Program?

January 27th, 2012

Dentistry is a field of study that will never go out of style! Professionals trained in the area of dentistry are sure to find work as demand is presently at all time high. It takes a lot of training to become as full-fledged dentist, but for someone who is looking to work in the field with less schooling requirements and less job responsibility than a dentist, a dental assistant training program can be the right choice. Finding the right school with the right training can make all the difference when it comes to careers in the healthcare sector. Consider the following in your search for a great dental assistant training program:

HOW LONG ARE PROGRAMS?

When enrolling in dental assistant training, one must consider how fast they want to get into the work force and what level of expertise they want to be at upon graduation. Typical training programs will be between 26 to 39 weeks, often with a 2-week job placement as well. A 26-week program as a dental chairside assistant will get you on to the work force faster, but your level of expertise will be different from a 39-week Intra-Oral Dental Assistant which will cover a wider range of dental care topics and subjects. You will be in a better position to get more job opportunities with one of these longer more in-depth programs. However, if you have plans to continue on to higher dental education later on, a shorter program can be enough to give you the base education you need. Even without more education, though, a basic 26-week dental assistant training can get you a good job.

WHAT IS THE LEARNING APPROACH?

No matter whether you are taking a 26-week or 39-week dental assistant training program, you want to make sure that the program combines comprehensive learning objectives, focused classroom time and, most importantly, practical hands-on training. This hands-on training is the most important aspect to look for as you will learn the most valuable work skills through this aspect of learning. You will be better prepared with hands-on training when later starting work in dental offices, dental clinics, health units, hospitals and health institutions.

WHAT DOES THE COURSE CURRICULUM CONSIST OF?

There are many aspects involved in dental assistant training. As it involves healthcare, proper training is absolutely essential to make sure patients get the best care possible. Look for a school that will teach you the following essential areas:

  • dental/medical emergencies
  • pharmacology
  • radiography
  • orthodontics
  • dental terminology
  • tooth morphology
  • disease transmission
  • clinical procedures
  • oral surgery and endodontics
  • preventive dentistry and nutrition
  • CPR/First Aid

Finally, a good dental assistant training program will provide you a job placement opportunity to help you gather the work skills necessary to begin your career. If you consider all these points, you will surely find a great dental assistant training program!

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5 Of the Great Things About Online Medical Transcription Training

January 26th, 2012

Learning medical transcription through an online program is the path I most recommend for those who want to be at home medical transcriptionists. There are great online programs available that will prepare you to work successfully as a medical transcriptionist.

That’s just one of the great things about online medical transcription training. There are more wonderful things about it.

1. Flexibility.

Many programs let you study when you want to study. There may be online class discussions available, but for the most part you do your work at your own pace. You don’t have to drive to classes. You can study at the time of day that is best for you, and even change that time as your schedule changes.

2. Quality.

While there are many low quality medical transcription programs out there, there are some great ones as well. They have experienced medical transcriptionists available to help you learn the skills the texts and practice sessions present. The training materials they provide do an excellent job of helping you prepare for the real work ahead.

3. Reputation with Potential Employers.

The best medical transcriptionist schools have great reputations with potential employers. The employers know that graduates of certain programs are likely to be good employees who transcribe quickly and accurately.

Having a good reputation with employers means you have an easier time landing that hard to get first job. Lots of employers have a minimum requirement of two years of experience. Good training gets you past that.

4. Contact with Classmates.

Studying at home doesn’t mean you’re completely isolated. Good online MT schools have discussion boards where you can network with your fellow students. You don’ have to face the challenge of learning medical transcription all on your own. Your fellow students can also be great resources when you’re hunting for that first job.

5. Job Preparation.

Even beyond what you learn from the training materials provided when you sign up with a transcription school is the practice you get in the skills you will need when you start working. That’s not only the ability to transcribe medical dictation. It’s the ability to work from home, which is a skill not everyone has or can readily develop.

Working at home is an interesting challenge. Lots of people try it. Some love it. Some hate it. You’ll find out quickly during your training if you’re suited to working at home. If you don’t cope well with studying at home, you’ll know you need to really think if working there is going to be right for you before you land a job that you aren’t going to enjoy.

On the plus side, for those who enjoy learning from home, working at home will probably be a great pleasure. During your classes you can practice managing your time so that you’ll do well when you find a job and really need to be productive.

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