Top 10 Reasons to Become A Medical Assistant

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Healthcare careers are always a great choice when considering your future. Not only do you get the chance to help others every day when you go to work, but you also get to provide yourself and your family with a stable and ever growing future. Today we’ve compiled a list of the top reasons to become a Medical Assistant, reasons we often hear right from our students on a daily basis.  
  1. The Satisfaction of Helping others in their time of need
  2. Healthcare Careers often offer long-term Career Advancement Opportunities
  3. Medical Assistants work in a fast-paced exciting environment
  4. Above Average Career Growth is happening now
  5. Increased Career Security & Stability
  6. Interaction with Patients and provide clinical support
  7. Variety of Work Settings & Facilities
  8. In Demand Skills Sets that Healthcare Facilities are looking for from graduates
  9. Increased Financial Stability
  10. Earn Respect and Pride as a Healthcare Professional
  So what are you waiting for? Our Medical Assistant classes are enrolling now at all locations! Our classes are kept small and taught by highly qualified professionals to help give you the skills you need to be successful as a healthcare professional. The Allen School of Health Sciences has over 56 years of experience in helping students just like YOU reach their personal and professional goals. Please visit our website at https://www.allenschool.edu or give us a call 877-591-8753.

March Institution for Hope Multiple Sclerosis

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The Allen School’s Institution for hope cause in March is Multiple Sclerosis. According to the MS Society this disease affects approximately 2.3 million people worldwide and at this time has no known cure. MS affects the central nervous system including the brain, spinal card, and optic nerves. Here are 5 facts about MS.  
  1. Cause is Unknown – Doctors do not know what cause MS but believe smoking, being between the age of 15 to 60, being Caucasian with Northern European descent, and living in temperate climates may be factors
  2. It Can Range in Severity – Symptoms vary greatly between patients and can range from inconvenient to debilitating. Symptoms often progress as the disease progresses.
  3. It Can be Difficult to Diagnose – Many other disease present common symptoms, especially early on. Doctors use blood test, Lumbar puncture, MRI, and Evoked Potential test as diagnostic tools.
  4. It Affects More Women Than Men – Women are 2 to 3 times more likely to develop MS
  5. Vitamin D May Help Prevent and Treat MS – Studies have shown that Vitamin D coupled with a healthy lifestyle may help prevent and treat MS.
To read more about these 5 facts please see the full article here. Every month the Allen School of Health Sciences Medical and Nursing Assistant students are proud to support important causes like MS. If you are ready to be part of a school that offers more than just classroom work, call us today to get started. Classes are enrolling now. Please visit www.allenschool.edu for more info.

How to Study to Music

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Many people find it difficult to study or focus when there’s not some sort of music playing or noise in the background. It can be very tempting to just turn on the television or radio and begin to study, but not just any noise or music is truly helpful when it comes to learning. Here are a few tips to pick the best tunes to get your study session rocking.  
  1. Classical Music – It may not be your type of music, but many studies have shown it to be conducive to studying and learning. Study time may be a perfect opportunity to expand your musical palette and crank out the Mozart.
  2. Mozart Effect – There really seems to be some scientific evidence that Mozart in particular lends itself very well to improving mental performance
  3. Instrumental Music – Music with no vocals is great for studying, it doesn’t all have to be smooth jazz though. Many movie soundtracks have awesome instrumental music that will help you focus as you study.
  4. Nature Tracks – Well, technically not music, but they can help you relax and focus.
  5. Turn it Down – keep the music volume down so it doesn’t distract you from your studies
  6. Make a Playlist – not only will you like all the music, but if you keep it to about 45 minutes’ worth of music, you’ll know when it’s time to take a study break.
  7. Skip The Radio – The ads and DJ dialogue will distract you in between the tunes.
We hope these tips help you tune into your studies. If you need more help though, always remember that your academics team and student services teams are here to help you achieve all your educational goals. For more info on these and all of our great support teams please visit www.allenschool.edu.

How to Prepare For a Medical Assistant Career

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A career as a nursing assistant is a rewarding one, but it takes some preparation to become a qualified, knowledgeable NA. To help you prepare for your future career as a medical assistant, we’ve put together a few tips that will not only help you through your education but your career as well.

Learn as Much as Possible

Never stop learning. This adage is wise advice for both life and a career as a nursing assistant. You can never have too much knowledge. At the Allen School, we’ll help you prepare for your career. Some of the topics we include are:
  • Universal Precautions, Infection Control and Bloodborne Pathogens (OSHA)
  • How to communicate with patients and their families effectively
  • The aging patient and the psychological changes that take place in the elderly
  • Medical equipment and the use of medical devices
  • How to assist patients with their day-to-day activities
But there is so much more to learn, much of which can only be gained through the daily interaction with patients and other nursing staff. To be a good nursing assistant, you need to complete a well-designed nursing assistant course. To be an excellent nursing assistant, you need the day-to-day experience you can only get on the job.

Find a Mentor

The dictionary defines a mentor as someone with experience and that you trust for advice. Nothing can help you develop the skills necessary to be successful in this career path like a trusted mentor. After finishing our nursing assistant course and entering the workforce, find someone you trust that you can go to with those questions you are afraid to ask (and there will be quite a few). When you do find your mentor, listen to all their advice. They will be able to tell you things they wish someone had told them, and that advice is worth its weight in gold. They know tricks of the trade that can make your job much more comfortable and your interactions with your patients go much more smoothly.

Be Observant

You can learn quite a bit from watching what goes on around you, especially in as a medical professional. Observing how the nursing staff interacts with doctors and patients can teach you not only about medicine, but human nature as well. It’s important to remember that patients are people, and dealing with them as a human being instead of “that patient in bed two with diabetes” will help you build a rapport with them. Interested in a career as a nursing assistant? Contact the Allen School today for more information on financial aid and our three locations. Get started on your future career today!   Image: (Monkey Business Images/shutterstock)  

Start Your Education Right!

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Wonderful job! You’ve decided it’s finally time to get your education and start on the path to a great new career. You’ve completed the enrollment process and school starts in just a few weeks. Now you need to plan so you can be a successful student once your courses actually start. Set-Up Your Study Space: Decide in advance where you are going to study. Make sure it’s a quiet place where you won’t be distracted. Take time before classes start to get your family accustomed to respecting your study space and help them understand if you are in that space, you are busy studying and cannot be disturbed. Set Your Schedule: Get into a routine before classes start so you are accustomed to your new schedule. You may have to set your alarm earlier than normal or you may need to stay up later than usual to accommodate your new hours. Don’t make plans with family or friends during the hours you will be in class. Help them get accustomed to the fact that you will be unavailable for them sometimes as you work on bettering yourself for a bright new career. Arrange Help if Needed: Establish things like day care for children before class begins. If possible, start your new routine prior to the first day of class. This way your children are settled into their new routine and you can start school without the stress of the first day away from your children to add to your own stress. If you need to rearrange your work schedule to accommodate classes, try to do so in advance as well so both you and your employer are used to the new routine. Also look at any upcoming appointments and make sure they will not keep you from school and reschedule them if at all possible. Signing up for classes is just the beginning. Your success in school will depend on your commitment to learning as well as planning ahead. Your time in school will be over before you know it and you’ll be on the right path to starting an exciting new career. Remember the Allen School of Health Sciences has decades of experience helping students just like you start on the path to a great new career in healthcare. We have many resources in place to help you succeed both in your training program and beyond! So what are you waiting for? Give us a call today to get started: 877-591-8753 or visit our website at www.allenschool.edu.

How to Handle Job Interview Nerves

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So after nine months of school and internship it’s finally time to go out there and get your dream job. You’ve spent hours combing through job openings, you’ve polished your resume to perfection, and you’ve applied for some great jobs. Then that moment comes and you get a call to come in for an interview. Now is NOT the time to panic. Here are a few great tips to help you relax and face your interview like a pro.
  1. Do Your Homework – Look up the name of the company your interview is with and find out as much about them as you can. The more you know in advance the better prepared you will be to not only answer questions, but also ask them. You can also look up company reviews on sites like Glassdoor and get a feel for the culture of the company. If you know in advance what employees say it can help you determine if the company is going to be a good fit for you.
  2. Take a Drive – Or a taxi, bus, or train. In other words drive to the company the night before the interview so you know where you are going and get feel for the area. You can also scope out parking and get an idea of what traffic may be like as you make your daily commute. Knowing where you are going will help make your interview day way less stressful.
  3. Dress For Success – And do it the night before the interview. Make sure your clothes are clean, in good repair, and ironed. If you need to replace anything make sure to do so before interview day. If you had to buy new shoes make sure to wear them before your interview so they are broken in and comfortable. If you’ve been putting off a haircut now is a great time to find some time and get it done.
  4. Practice – Remember your professional development class and all those great interview questions you discussed? Now is the time to re-visit that material and review everything. Write out questions and answers and practice saying them out loud. The more comfortable you are saying your answers, the more natural you will sound.
  5. Catch Some Z’s – The night before your interview get a good night’s sleep, at least 7-8 hours. The better rested you are the less stressed you will feel the next day. Also don’t forget your breakfast. A little food will go a long way to settling your nerves.
While these tips may not calm all of your pre-interview nerves they can definitely help. Remember you have worked very hard to get to this point in your life and you are READY to succeed. All of your hard work over the last several months has brought you to this point. If you are ready to take the first steps towards your new career contact us today. We offer our students a wide array of Career Support Services to help you succeed in your new career. Call us today at 877-591-8753 or visit our website at www.allenschool.edu. We have classes enrolling now and we can’t wait to speak to you about becoming a member of the Allen School family.

February is Heart Month

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February is heart health month and the Allen School is proud to support this important cause through our Institution for hope Campaign. Today we’d like to share with you 5 heart healthy foods that are not only delicious, but will help keep your heart happy and healthy for years to come.
  1. Salmon – This tasty fish is rich in Omega-3s. The American Heart Association recommends at least 2 servings of salmon per week. Some other options are tuna, trout, sardines, and mackerel.
 
  1. Walnuts – They are full of “healthy” monosaturated fats that can help cut your heart disease risk. They also contain Omega-3s but not the same kind as those in Salmon. Some other options are almonds, cashews, pistachios, flaxseed, and chia seeds.
 
  1. Raspberries – They contain polyphenols which are an antioxidant. They are also a good source of fiber and vitamins. Other options are strawberries, blueberries, blackberries, or pretty much any other berries.
 
  1. Fat Free or Low Fat Milk and Yogurt – Dairy product contain potassium which can help lower blood pressure, but by choosing low fat or fat free options you reduce your intake of saturated fats. Other options are bananas, oranges, and potatoes which are all good sources of potassium.
 
  1. Chick Peas – They are high in fiber and an excellent way to lower your HDL or bad cholesterol. Just be sure to look for low salt or salt free options. Other options are Eggplant, okra, apples, and pears.
  You can find more heart healthy food by clicking here. You can also contact the Allen School today to find out about exciting classes that can lead to a career you can love in health care. Please visit www.allenschool.edu to learn more. Classes are enrolling now!

Success Tips: Preparing For Your Medical Assistant Certification (CMA) Exam

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Choosing a career path can be intimidating. With so many industries and fields of study, it can be easy to become distracted by professions that won’t provide the benefits that one requires to live a financially stable and emotionally satisfying life.

A career in the medical field is an excellent opportunity to consider. It offers excellent job security and good pay. The best part is, you don’t have to spend numerous years and tens of thousands of dollars to become a doctor. As a medical assistant, you also help people while earning a consistent and competitive wage. Job prospects are high in this area of study because no matter what trends are happening in the world, humans will always need medical support.

Especially in the Phoenix, AZ, Brooklyn, NY, and Queens, NY, areas, you are highly likely to find openings. As some of the most populous cities in the nation, they are equipped with a plethora of hospitals and doctor’s offices. Whether it be a general practitioner setting or a podiatry office, you will find satisfaction in being part of a close-knit team that works together to help those in your community.

 If you are gearing up to take your CMA exam, consider these five tips to help you prepare:

Tip 1

Stay focused. It is easy to become distracted by your favorite shows, social media, and large sporting events. You must tune everything out and commit time to studying.

Tip 2

Plan ahead. Time management and organization isn’t natural for everyone. Utilize planners, organizers, charts, and wall boards to help keep you on task.

Tip 3

Find a study partner. You don’t have to go at things alone. Having a supportive individual whose goal is to keep you on track is highly valuable.

Tip 4

Designate a study area. Make sure you have a comfortable yet focused area with no distractions.

Tip 5

Take a breath before the big day. If you are employed, take a couple of days off before your exam to rest up and enjoy your time, so you feel good before going in.

Make sure to take advantage of these CMA exam tips to improve your chances for success. Remember that we also offer an excellent training course for medical assistants at The Allen School that will also teach you how to prepare for the CMA exam. We provide excellent programs throughout Phoenix, Queens, and Brooklyn. Please contact us for more information.

Image: (dauf/shutterstock)

February is Women in Science Month

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February is the month we celebrate the contributions women have made to the field of science including some amazing advances in healthcare that wouldn’t be here today if it weren’t for these incredible individuals. Below are just a few of the amazing women who have helped to shape the face of healthcare and medicine today.
  1. Elizabeth Blackburn: Professor of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of California at San Francisco – Blackburn’s research has shown that in cancer cells, the enzyme Telomerase never shuts off, and cells become immortal.
 
  1. Rita Colwell: Director, National Science Foundation – Her extensive research on cholera created a method in which water could be filtered through sari cloth, thereby preventing 50% of cases of the disease.
 
  1. Elizabeth Gould: Professor of Psychology, Princeton University – Her research shown that the human brain does indeed develop new cells and neurons throughout a person’s life span. Important findings that have opened many doors to researching brain damage and disease that many thought impossible.
 
  1. Beatrice H. Hahn: Professor of Medicine and Microbiology, University of Alabama – She has dedicated her life into researching why the HIV virus does not effect a certain sub-species of chimpanzees and finding that difference may provide a pathway to curing this terrible disease.
 
  1. Mary-Claire King: Professor of Medicine and Genetics – Her research has shown that not only are humans and chimpanzees 99% genetically alike, but also that certain forms of breast cancer can be inherited.
  There are countless other contributions women have made to healthcare and we hope they all serve as inspiration as our student’s begin their journey to a great career in the field. If you are ready to make a difference in the lives of others contact us today. Please visit www.allenschool.edu to learn more.

Health Benefits of Chocolate

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So Valentine’s Day is just around the corner and it’s time to start thinking about gifts to give to your significant other. As a future health care provider there’s no better way to show someone you care than by buying them some rich, indulgent, and healthy dark chocolate. Studies have shown that dark chocolate actually has some amazing health benefits. Here are just a few of the amazing health benefits dark chocolate has to offer:
  • Protection from Disease-Causing Free Radicals.
  • Potential Cancer Prevention.
  • Improved Heart Health.
  • Good for Overall Cholesterol Profile.
  • Better Cognitive Function.
  • Blood Pressure and Blood Sugar Aid.
  • Antioxidant-Rich Superfood.
So skip the roses and stuffed animals and go straight for an amazing treat that not only tastes great, but can help keep you happy and healthy. And if you really want to go the extra mile this Valentine’s Day bring your significant other onto the nearest Allen School of Health Sciences campus and get them started on a career they can love in the ever growing field of healthcare. Visit our website at www.allenschool.edu today to get started.