Support for Single Parents Returning to School in Phoenix

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We’re impressed when we hear about single parents in Phoenix returning to school on top of everything else, they have going on! Getting an education isn’t just important for you, it’s crucial for your kids, too. We often hear from single parents in school who are:

  • Working full-time and going to school during the day or at night
  • Completing intensive internships on top of their jobs
  • Returning to school as ‘older’ students to earn or finish their program.

Congratulations to all of you! We know how frantic everyday life can get; working and parenting can be overwhelming. We also know that returning to school is one of the best ways to gain new skills and move ahead. If you’re a single parent in school or consider returning to school, here are our tips for success:

 Write Down Your Goals

Make your goals specific. For example, “I will have taken all my required courses by the fall “or “I will take an accelerated program with internship before the end of the year.” “I will attend every optional study session offered, even if it is scheduled on Friday afternoon.” Make a contract with yourself and sign your name. Promise yourself to move ahead with a well thought out plan.

Get Organized

 Do not think you can plop your school stuff down on the kitchen table every night. Find a shelf, box, or file cabinet in which to keep your school materials. The kitchen table can certainly turn into your ‘school desk’ at night, but you need a defined, organized place to keep everything, otherwise, valuable study time is wasted on looking for misplaced things, or items the children somehow managed to ‘borrow.’

Don’t Procrastinate

Single moms or dads in school in Arizona do not have the option to procrastinate. What winds up happening is that you’ll put off an important school paper but then something will come up with a child that will take time away from you from getting that paper done on time. The best way to manage the inevitable stresses of juggling multiple responsibilities as a single parent in school is to prioritize and NOT procrastinate. When your assignments are completed, you can enjoy guilt-free time away from the pressures of school.

Learn to Say ‘No’

When returning to school, you must learn to say no to demands that do not help you to either progress in your studies or personally benefit you or your children. Lots of us have trouble saying no. If this is difficult for you, keep a tangible reminder, like a picture of a vacation spot you’d like to visit, to remind yourself that once you complete your program you will have the opportunity for a better life with increased income, and career advancement.

 Now, we’d love to know:

If you want to start a career as a Medical Assistant or learn about a career in health care, Contact the Allen School of Health Sciences Phoenix campus today! The Allen School of Health Sciences is offering our accelerated blended program of online and hands-on campus learning in a clinical setting. We are enrolling now for our classes starting soon. We cannot wait for you to become part of the Allen School family. Visit www.allenschool.edu to learn more.

-ALLEN SCHOOL

Day in the Life of a Medical Assistant in Phoenix

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Medical assisting in Phoenix Arizona is not just a job; it’s a highly rewarding profession with a diverse array of roles and responsibilities. A day in the life of a Medical Assistant is difficult to pinpoint because your day-to-day activities may vary depending on what type of practice you work for or department you work in. No matter where you work, however, it is super important to have attention to detail, professionalism, and compassion. If you work primarily at the front desk, you’ll be responsible for answering the office’s phone system and using medical questions to determine the severity of the caller’s problem. You also are tasked with informing the physician about patient concerns, scheduling appointments, and greeting patients as they enter the office. Medical Assistants in Arizona should demonstrate professionalism and tact when interacting with patients and follow protocol for determining a patient’s immediate needs.

Attention to detail is also extremely important in the front office. In addition to your reception duties, you will also need to obtain patients’ insurance information, collect insurance co-payments, verify patients’ addresses and phone numbers, update and maintain HIPAA authorizations and call insurance companies for pre-authorization and pre-certification approval for testing or surgeries. Mistakes can be costly for both the practice and the patient, so it’s critical that you are thorough and meticulous in completing these tasks.

If you work in the back office, you’ll have an even greater opportunity to interact with patients and may even assist the physician in treating patients. On a typical day, you could help collect patients’ vital signs such as their blood pressure, pulse, respirations, height and weight. You would also be responsible for obtaining the patient’s medical history and determining their chief complaint (the reason why he or she is in the office) so that you can brief the physician.

Other duties might include performing visual acuity testing, ear irrigations, hearing tests, and setting up the exam room for a procedure. Sometimes you might be able to assist the physician with minor surgical procedures, such as inserting or removing sutures. Medical Assistants in Phoenix, Arizona play an important role in making a patient feel comfortable during an appointment. Often, they can help reduce a patient’s anxiety about an upcoming procedure by relaying information from the physician in terms that the patient can understand. It’s important to have a good bedside manner and a calm demeanor when dealing directly with patients. Finally, some Medical Assistants in Phoenix might be responsible for performing in-house laboratory procedures. These include drawing blood, urinalysis, throat cultures, pregnancy tests, drug screens, EKGs and much more. Attention to detail is important here as well because an error could cause a misdiagnosis.

Regardless of their role, Medical Assistants in Phoenix Arizona serve an essential function for the healthcare team. From the front office to the lab, they contribute to the success of the practice and ensure that patients have a good experience during their visit.

If you want to start a career as a Medical Assistant or learn about a career in health care, Contact the Allen School today! The Allen School of Health Sciences Phoenix campus is offering our blended program of online and hands-on classroom training in a clinical setting. We are enrolling for classes starting soon. We cannot wait for you to become part of the Allen School family.

Contact Allen School today​ to learn more.

Medical Assisting at the Allen School of Health Sciences Arizona Campus: A Career to go Places!

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The American Association of Medical Assistants describes a Medical Assistant as someone who works alongside doctors, usually in a clinical or office setting (https://www.aama-ntl.org/medical-assisting/what-is-a-medical-assistant). Though the description may seem similar to that of a nurse, there are some key differences. A Medical Assistant commonly handles tasks such as checking vital signs and showing patients to their rooms along with various other administrative duties. A licensed practical nurse, on the other hand, provides basic care measures like catheterization and prescription administration. While Medical Assistants often work in clinics and ambulatory care, licensed nurses more commonly work in settings like nursing homes and hospitals. Here are some other perks of being an MA:

Start Working Sooner!

Medical Assistants can begin working in the healthcare field sooner than students who attend nursing programs at four-year universities. At the Allen School of Health Sciences Phoenix campus, our accelerated program allows you to graduate in less than a year. Our MA program includes an internship which is 11 weeks and provides our students with 275 hours of clinical-based training. Having an internship as part of your Medical Assistant program can really help with future job prospects.

Medical Assistant grads of the Allen School Phoenix campus graduate with the knowledge and experience needed to excel in the healthcare industry. They are trained in both clinical and administrative tasks that are critical to running an office or clinic.

Diverse On-the-Job Experiences 

With a vast array of skills at their disposal, Medical Assistants can explore different areas of medicine and discover what they are passionate about. Medical Assistants can perform many different tasks needed to keep the clinic or office open in addition to treating patients. Their versatility also ensures they will not be bored on the job because there is always something they can do. Additionally, the patients and what they are seeking to be treated for each day vary. Every day on the job is different than the one before.

Helping People

An MA helps physicians run their offices, but they also provide patients with compassion and understanding while doing so. Like their fellow healthcare professionals, Medical Assistants take satisfaction in knowing they are helping patients and changing their lives for the better.

Will it be easy? Nope. Worth it? Absolutely! The Allen School of Health Sciences Phoenix Campus offers the essential resources medical assisting students need to excel in the classroom, in their externships, and in the workforce to help care for patients. The Allen School of Health Sciences – Phoenix campus is offering virtual and in-person campus tours for enrollment for our Medical Assistant program. Classes start soon. Contact the Allen School today! We cannot wait for you to become part of the Allen School family.

-Allen School

Article updated July 2024

Successful Medical Assistant Internships in Phoenix, Arizona:

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As an internship student in Phoenix Arizona, you are expected to use the knowledge you’ve gained from your training program, at the medical facility site that you are placed. An internship is the hands-on learning portion of your education, so you’ll get to learn additional skills here, as well as improve the ones you’ve learned in school! It’s very important to be a team player and to have proper interpersonal skills, as these will go a long way at your internship! Here are some other important skills to carry out on your intern site:

Concentrate on your appearance.

Dress professionally. You should wear proper work attire because all Medical Assistants in Phoenix Arizona are expected to maintain a clean, tidy, and professional look.

Understand the rules and guiding principles.

When you step into an internship program in an Arizona medical facility, you are considered a ‘visitor’ there. You will be expected to follow the policies of the facility, along with the other staff members, so it’s a good idea to read and understand the workplace policy manual thoroughly. It’s also important to take notes and consider your internship a hands-on job interview.

Be dependable and punctual.

A Medical Assistant internship in Phoenix provides you with a great opportunity to establish your reliability, loyalty, and competencies as a Medical Assistant. Promptness and timeliness are the best indicators that establish your dependability. It is important to be punctual, enthusiastic and prepared to help out with any front office duties.  At times you will be expected to answer the phone, handle administrative tasks, and assist the medical team with additional job duties.

Follow instructions carefully.

During the first few days of your internship, you will be treated in the same way as a new employee. You will be given simple duties in the first few days to assess your abilities, to see how well you follow straightforward directions and perform tasks. Your day-to-day responsibilities, tasks and duties will increase as the internship program moves forward.

Resolve issues in a professional approach.

If you come across a difficult situation on your internship site, contact Career Service or your Admissions Advisors at the Allen School of Health Sciences- Phoenix campus; We are here to support you. On your site, you will encounter all types of people and you will learn the appropriate ways to handle all conflict. Always remember that your Career Service and Admission Advisors are there to guide you toward a successful internship!

Maintain confidentiality.

 Keep in mind, privacy is expected from all students at their internship site. You should never discuss any personal patient information outside of the medical office.

Don’t forget to convey your thanks.

 Make sure to send a ‘Thank you’ letter to you intern site, for giving you an opportunity to accomplish your internship at their medical facility. This will create a great networking opportunity for you in the future.

To learn more about our health care program and internships, contact the Allen School of Health Sciences Phoenix campus today! At the Allen School of Health Sciences, we are devoted to fostering positivity, empathy, professionalism, and integrity in our future graduates. The Allen School of Health Sciences is offering our accelerated blended program of online and hands on classroom learning in a clinical setting. We are enrolling now for our classes starting soon. Contact the Allen School today! We cannot wait for you to become part of the Allen School family. Visit www.allenschool.edu​ to learn more.

-Allen School

Hands-on Learning Hard to Replace in Phoenix Health Sciences

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We always worry about national and global averages, test scores, and preparing our students for college or technical and trade schools. When it comes to education. However, we often overlook the best ways to teach our students the essential skills to advance their careers. Unfortunately, we have subscribed our education approaches to a “one size fits all,” limiting the capability of many students. We shouldn’t force anyone to adhere to a singular learning skill. Instead, educational institutions should incorporate various teaching studies, including hands-on learning to develop students’ careers, both online and in-person. Some education programs like medical assisting require a more hands-on approach to learning due to their technicality. For instance, the best way to practice taking vital signs or drawing blood is by using hands-on learning.

The Allen School of Health Sciences: Medical Assistant Accelerated Program.

Ideally, all medical assistant programs should require a hands-on learning approach. Students taking medical assistant programs should have (or gain) experience in dealing with patients. They need to learn how to conduct or assist with medical procedures, which requires a hands-on approach. A hands-on learning approach allows for improved retention of information since it engages both parts of the brain. Also, it improves students’ attentiveness because the concepts are presented excitingly. These improvements are why hands-on learning is better, especially in health sciences. Students undertaking the Allen School of Health Sciences accelerated medical assistant programs will experience a blended curriculum comprising hands-on clinical experiences and online learning.

Creative Alternatives to Programs

You might be wondering; how I will advance my healthcare career with what I learned in school. Allen School of Health Sciences has 275 hours of internship in our program. Allows our students to get hands-on experience in a clinical setting. Our programs use online learning and hands-on learning together to equip students with knowledge and experience to succeed in healthcare.

Medical Assistant Program

Our medical assistant program models students to become multi-skilled healthcare professionals to offer support in administrative and clinical areas of the medical practice. Students who undertake our medical assistant program can work in various healthcare settings, including outpatient surgery centers, urgent care clinics, medical offices, and specialties like dermatology, internal medicine, and pediatrics. Our medical assistant program features blended courses for theory classes, hands-on skills, and internships where students gain real-world experience. Allen School of Health Sciences offers the medical assistant program at all of our campuses.

Medical Assistant Programs at The Allen School of Health Sciences, Phoenix Campus.

If you’re interested in starting your healthcare career, enroll in a school you can trust. For over 60 years, the Allen School of Health Sciences has assisted and trained thousands of people for their new careers in healthcare. Ready to start working towards a new career? Contact the Allen School today! We are enrolling now for classes starting soon. We cannot wait for you to become part of the Allen School family. View our programs to learn more. -Allen School of Health Services Article updated July 2024

Featured Image: Rob Marmion/Shutterstock

Can I Learn How to Do an EKG at the Allen School of Health Sciences?

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The Allen School of Health Sciences teaches EKG in a 50-hour theory and clinical based lab class as part of our Medical Assistant program curriculum. Electrocardiograms are diagnostic tests used to examine heart function. Once done only in hospitals, most EKGs can now be performed in doctor’s offices by a trained Medical Assistant. It’s a time saver for patients and an important source of data for physicians.

What is an EKG?

Developed in 1903 by Dutch physician William Einthoven, an electrocardiogram, or EKG, painlessly records electrical activity in the heart. It maps voltage from different angles, converting electrical signals into a wave-like tracing. Doctors can tell how the heart is functioning by measuring the peaks and valleys in the waveform.

How Is an EKG Performed?

Electrocardiograms are performed with electrocardiographs; machines that measure voltage through electrodes attached to the skin. There are several types of EKGs a Medical Assistant can assist with.

The most common is the 12-lead EKG. This uses ten electrodes and 12 leads to produce twelve unique reference points and six waves, P, Q, R, S and T, for doctors to examine. This test is done with the patient in a recumbent position and takes just minutes to complete. Doctors can also order portable EKGs for patients who have occasional or activity-related cardiac symptoms.

Known as event monitoring, these devices measure a few inches and can be worn for weeks to catch the rare abnormalities a conventional EKG might miss. Wireless monitoring centers receive readings in real-time. Patients press a button whenever symptoms occur, and the physician can cross-reference them to determine if they coincide with irregularities in heart rhythm.

A Medical Assistant working with a cardiologist may assist with a stress test. This test has an EKG taken while a patient walks on a treadmill or rides a stationary bicycle and shows how the heart performs under physical stress. Because there’s some risk to patients who are already experiencing potential cardiac symptoms, a Medical Assistant never performs this test alone and are directly supervised by a physician.

Ready to start helping patients? To learn more about the Allen School of Health Sciences and our medical assistant program and curriculum contact us today! Classes are starting soon. www.allenschool.edu

Different types of Medical Assistants in the Phoenix, Arizona Area

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Healthcare is one of the fastest growing and in-demand industries in Arizona, which makes now the perfect time to begin a career as a Medical Assistant!

There are several types of MAs, all of which are vitally important to the healthcare teams they are a part of. An MA works alongside physicians and other healthcare providers to assist with patient care, handle administrative tasks, and complete clinical procedures. In many clinics and doctors’ offices in and around the Phoenix area, they are in charge of managing the office which allows the physician to devote more time to providing top-quality patient care.

Employers in Arizona set their own educational requirements for the Medical Assistants they hire. The standard is typically attending an accredited medical assistant program. At the Allen School of Health Sciences – Phoenix campus, our program is accredited.

Duties and Responsibilities of Medical Assistants

Although the duties of a Medical Assistant may vary somewhat from one job to the next, they all work to keep doctors’ offices and clinics running smoothly. In all cases, an MA in Arizona performs the tasks that physicians delegate to them. The goal is to support each physician in providing the best possible patient care. In smaller practices, the MA may perform virtually all office and clinical tasks, but in larger practices, they may have a specialized function, which may include managing other staff.

Types of Medical Assistants

There are three main types of Medical Assistants: Clinical, Administrative, and Specialized Medical Assistants.

  1. Clinical Medical Assistant

A clinical MA’s primary focus is on patient care, conducting assessments, and performing other clinical tasks. This may include preparing patients for medical examinations, documenting vitals and medical histories, instructing patients on home care, performing minor treatments, and assisting the physician during examinations. While the job duties of a clinical Medical Assistant in Arizona are broad, the main focus will be on the clinical aspects of the practice.

  1. Administrative Medical Assistant

Administrative MAs in Arizona mostly perform administrative tasks such as managing patient records, making appointments, answering phones, maintaining the front desk/reception areas, and performing general accounting and billing. Administrative Medical Assistants play a pivotal role in physicians’ offices throughout Phoenix.  They ensure that the business side of the practice operates smoothly, to ensure minimal interruption so the physician can easily provide patient care. To be effective in this position, job candidates should have superb written and oral communication skills, proper phone etiquette, above-average computer skills, and a basic understanding of medical terminology.

  1. Specialized Medical Assistant

Specialized MAs perform specialized clinical tasks since their specialized training allows them to work closely with physicians and serve patients more directly. Depending upon the size of the medical practice, specialized Medical Assistants may report directly to the physician, or to an administrative manager. The specific tasks that they perform will depend largely on their area of specialization, size of the practice, and the number of assistants on staff.

There are many specialized Medical Assistant certifications available in the Phoenix area. To receive certification, assistants must complete an accredited training program and pass the certification examination. In many cases, certified Medical Assistants in Phoenix earn higher wages and have better job opportunities than those without certification.

At the Allen School of Health Sciences Phoenix campus, we are devoted to fostering positivity, empathy, professionalism, and integrity in our future Medical Assistants. The Allen School of Health Sciences Phoenix campus is offering a blended program of online and hands-on interaction classroom learning in a clinical setting for enrollment for our classes starting soon. Contact the Allen School, Phoenix campus today! We cannot wait for you to become part of the Allen School family. Visit www.allenschool.edu​ to learn

Medical Assistant Career Advancement in Phoenix

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How can I advance my Medical Assistant career in Phoenix?

Gaining experience, becoming proficient in skills, and widening your medical knowledge base are all tools you’ll need to advance in your career as a Medical Assistant in Arizona. You may decide to aim for a management job, work in a competitive area of medicine, or go into teaching. No matter your goals for career advancement though, a few extra tools may help you successfully work toward advancement opportunities.

Different Career Specialties in Medical Assisting

Choosing a specialty can be a wise choice for future career advancement opportunities in Phoenix. Some medical specialties require more knowledge and skills than others and may offer opportunities for advancement along with some additional responsibilities. Healthcare is a multi-dimensional field. The vast array of medical specialties and subspecialties provide the certified Medical Assistant with limitless employment opportunities. Though you may begin your career in a clinic or outpatient center, you may want to specialize in another area of medical assisting at some point. Luckily, Medical Assistants in Phoenix can work in many specialty areas.

Clinical Specialties

Medical Assistants in Phoenix have many medical specialties to consider as a career. Some specialties allow you to earn additional certification, while others rely on experience and hands-on training. If you’re currently an MA student, consider working in a medical specialty during your internship- which you would obtain through the Allen School of Health Sciences, Phoenix campus.

Administrative Specialties

If you feel that administrative medical assisting is more to your taste, you can also specialize in non-clinical areas. Opportunities for branching out into administrative areas may come as you gain more work experience. You may be required to take additional classes but any administrative procedures you learn during medical assisting school at the Allen School of Health Sciences will be a good foundation to build on.

Medical specialties like these can be demanding and have a higher learning curve. Due to high demand, employers in the Phoenix area may have a harder time finding qualified Medical Assistants to fill open positions. If you’re currently working in an entry-level Medical Assistant position, moving into a medical specialty may offer better opportunities. The longer you work in a specialty practice that you enjoy, the more valuable your skills and knowledge will become to your employer.

Remember, because medical assisting is so versatile, specialization opportunities will continue to grow. The more experience and continuing education you have, the more doors may open for you to work in other areas.

At the Allen School of Health Sciences Phoenix campus, we are devoted to fostering positivity, empathy, professionalism, and integrity in our future Medical Assistants. We offer a blended program of online and hands-on classroom learning in clinical settings. We are enrolling now so contact the Allen School, Phoenix campus today! We cannot wait for you to become part of the Allen School family. Contact Allent School today to learn more.

-Allen School

Article updated Sept 9, 2024

Medical Assistant in Phoenix Arizona:  Is it a Good Career Choice for you?

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Are you thinking about attending the Allen School of Health Sciences – Phoenix campus? If you are considering a career as an MA, you might want to ask, is a Medical Assistant career a good choice for me? Here are some of the topics you might want to think about:

What qualities make a good Medical Assistant?

With many hospitals, surgery clinics, and doctors’ offices in and around the Phoenix area, let’s look at the qualities that make a good Medical Assistant. This career field is all about working with patients and serving as a link between patients, nurses, and doctors. Compassion, patience, and the desire to help others are all good personality traits if you are considering this career. It is also important to have good attention to detail, strong communication skills, and up-to-date computer skills.

What do Medical Assistants do?

If you are going to picture yourself in a new career, it helps to know what kinds of tasks you would be expected to do. Medical Assistants in Phoenix typically help with both administrative and clinical tasks within doctor’s offices and other healthcare facilities. The duties vary, depending on the job, but some of the tasks might include taking a patient’s history; measuring vital signs such as blood pressure, temperature, and weight; giving injections; preparing specimens for laboratory testing, and scheduling appointments.

What are the working conditions like for Medical Assistants in Arizona?

The work environment for healthcare facilities is typically professional, well-lit, and clean. Most Medical Assistants wear scrubs to work, and most spend much of the day on their feet. The hours can vary, most positions are full-time, and hours can sometimes include evenings and weekends. Some Medical Assistants work shifts if they work in medical facilities that are open 24 hours a day, such as hospitals.

What kind of training or education is necessary?

Training requirements vary, depending on the employer. Many Medical Assistants have completed programs at a postsecondary institution such as the Allen School of Health Sciences – Phoenix Campus. At the Allen School, our blended program of online and an interactive hands-on classroom experience in a clinical setting can be accomplished in less than a year.

The Allen School of Health Sciences – Phoenix campus is offering virtual and in-person campus tours for enrollment for our medical assistant program. Classes are starting soon! Contact the Allen School today! We cannot wait for you to become part of the Allen School Phoenix campus family. Visit www.allenschool.edu​ to learn more.

-Allen School

Tips for Working Through the End of the Year as a Medical Assistant. 

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1. Plan Ahead

If you’re working during the winter season, then you know your schedule is bound to get hectic. Try to complete your plans early so whatever is on your list, you can get it done in a timely fashion to avoid any unnecessary stress.

2. Set Expectations

If your work schedule is concrete and you know you will be working for the entirety of the holiday season, then it’s time to set expectations and plan with your loved ones. Communicate with your family about which celebrations you can and cannot attend. While they may not fully understand your job’s demands, assure them that you still plan to celebrate and spend time with them safely or virtually.

3. Celebrate Your Holiday Early

If you can’t celebrate on the exact date, choose a different day. Holidays are what you make of them. If your family and friends have a flexible schedule, plan a festive (and safe) get together, uphold traditions, and make the most of your time off.

4. Use Technology to Stay Connected

The last few years have been big for Zoom and other virtual hangouts. If you can’t get together with your friends and family in person, make your gatherings a virtual affair. Even though lockdown has been lifted, virtual meetups are still useful for busy schedules!

5. Put Your Health First

In the final days of the year, people become more susceptible to getting sick. The busy nature of the holiday season, the stress from working, cold temperatures, and flu season increases your risk of contracting an illness. Combat this by putting your health first. Drink plenty of water, maintain a healthy diet, exercise when you can, get plenty of rest, and care for your mental health.

7. Keep Things Festive

Working around the clock doesn’t mean things have to be boring! Celebrate the end of the year with fun activities. Decorate your station with colorful lights. Organize some festivities for your patients and co-workers. Put on your favorite accessories. Whatever you do, do it with a smile on your face and the spirit of the season in your heart.

Time to Begin Your Healthcare Career

Are you ready for a career change? Do you have a passion for helping others? Consider a Medical Assistant career. The Allen School of Health Sciences is enrolling now for classes starting soon. Contact us today! Visit www.allenschool.edu to learn more.