Strategies for Getting the Most Out of Online Classes 

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Strategies for Getting the Most Out of Online Classes 

In the past, going to school meant physically attending in-person classes, which often posed challenges for working men and women or those with complicated schedules. Now, thanks to advances in technology, it’s easier than ever to find a healthcare program that offers the flexibility you need, whether through traditional in-person classes, online learning, or a blend of the two.

There are many advantages of going to school online. Taking an online program makes it easier to earn a certificate or degree while balancing work and family commitments.

Online classes can present unique challenges, however, if you’re not prepared. But if you develop skills for effective online learning, you’ll find the courses can be an excellent alternative to a traditional classroom setting. Here are some tips for online learning success to make sure you get the most value out of your next class.

Tips for Taking Online Classes 

If you’re considering taking an online program (or you’re already enrolled in a program) the tips and advice below can help you address their unique challenges to get the most value out of your program.

1. Treat an online course like a “real” thing.

When it comes to online classes, you need to have the discipline to sit down and say, “I am going to work on this,” as well as the dedication to actually follow through. One of the easiest ways to ensure follow through is to remember that you are paying to take this program. Just as you would for a traditional, in-person program, you must “show up” if you’re going to get real value out of your class. Treat your online classes the same way you would a face-to-face class—or, better yet, a job—and you’ll be off to the right start.

2. Hold yourself accountable

Set goals at the beginning of the module and check in with yourself weekly. If you’re having trouble holding yourself responsible, pair up with a fellow classmate, or enlist the help of a spouse or friend to check in as an accountability partner. By being organized, proactive, and self-aware, you can get the most from your online class even when life outside of school becomes chaotic.

3. Practice time management.

The flexibility to create your own schedule is often one of the biggest appeals of taking online classes. But that freedom can also be detrimental if you do not have solid time management skills. Without them, you might easily find yourself cramming before classes or handing in subpar assignments. Though how you manage your time will depend on your schedule, learning style, and personality. Look at the syllabus at the start of the module and make note of major assignments. Mark them on a calendar you check regularly so you know what workload is coming in the weeks ahead. Don’t forget to factor in prior commitments that may interfere with your regular study schedule, so you can give yourself enough extra time to complete assignments. When working on your assignments, try time-blocking, allotting yourself a certain amount of time for each task before moving on to the next one and setting a timer to keep you accountable.

4. Create a regular study space and stay organized.

Set up a dedicated learning environment for studying. By completing your work there repeatedly, you’ll begin to establish a routine. Whether your workspace is your kitchen table, a bedroom, or a living room coffee table it’s important to determine what type of environment will work best for you. Experiment to discover which type of setting boosts your productivity. Wherever you choose, make sure there’s high-speed internet access so you’re not trying to take an online program over a lagging connection. Setting up a regular workspace or office will also help you to stay organized. Knowing exactly where important dates, files, forms, syllabi, books, and assignments live will help keep you on track towards hitting your goals.

5. Eliminate distractions.

From Netflix to social media to dishes piling up in the sink, you’ll be faced with many distractions that can easily derail your studies. The best online students know how to lessen these distractions and set aside time to focus. Exactly how much of a challenge these distractions will prove to be will depend on your own unique personality and situation. Some might find that they can tune out a noisy home by listening to music. Others might choose to work from a bedroom with the door closed to eliminate their urge to multitask at home. Ultimately, you will need to find a strategy that works best for you. Regardless of where you choose to work, consider turning your cell phone off to avoid losing focus every time a text message or notification pops up.

6. Figure Out How You Learn Best

Once you’ve established where you’ll learn, think about when and how you accomplish your best work. If you’re a morning person, make time to study first thing. More of a night owl? Set aside an hour or two after dinner to cozy up to your computer. If the kids require your morning and evening attention, try to carve out a study session mid-day while they’re working on their school work. Brew your usual cup of coffee, put on your go-to playlist, and do whatever you need to get into the zone and down to business. Not everyone learns the same way, so think about what types of information help you best grasp new concepts and employ relevant study strategies. If you’re a visual learner, for example, print out transcripts of the video lectures to review. Learn best by listening? Make sure to build time into your schedule to play and replay all audio- and video-based course content.

7. Actively participate.

Participate in the course’s online forum to help you better understand course materials and engage with fellow classmates. This might involve commenting on a classmate’s paper on a discussion board or posting a question about a project you’re working on. Read what other students and your instructors are saying, and if you have a question, ask for clarification. And if you do feel yourself falling behind, speak up. Don’t wait until an assignment is almost due to ask questions or report issues. Email your professor and be proactive in asking for help.

Going from face to face classroom interaction to online classes can be a big adjustment for you. A supportive environment is key. That’s where the Allen School of Health Sciences comes in; Helping Medical Assistant students transition to a new way of learning.

In order to protect our community during the COVID-19 crisis, The Allen School of Health Sciences is offering virtual campus tours for enrollment in 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

Medical Assistant Growth in 2020

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Medical Assistant Growth in 2020

The healthcare industry has always been one of the fastest-growing in the world, demonstrating the ongoing need for trained professionals who are prepared to care for patients both healthy and sick. In the United States and around the world, 2020 is projected to be a year of unprecedented growth, as a variety of factors drive the sharply increasing need for a healthcare workforce.

The COVID-19 crisis, as well as several other issues, have created a perfect storm. Ultimately, it seems that the healthcare industry may be facing a serious shortage in 2020 – which is why the growth in workforce demand has increased at a rapid rate.

Medical Assistants are Needed Now More than Ever

The COVID-19 pandemic is just one of the numerous factors driving the growing demand for healthcare workers, with the industry as a whole expecting significant growth in the next several years. Although COVID-19 is a major force behind the need for medical assistants right now, there are several other elements that will continue to fuel demand in coming years, including:

● The aging population and an increase in chronic conditions in the United States, which will require a larger healthcare workforce than is currently available.

● A significant percentage of current healthcare workers are expected to retire, as the “Baby Boomer” generation reaches retirement age.

● Growing availability of new and advanced positions, leading professionals to seek opportunities outside their current positions.

For anyone considering a career as a Medical Assistant or another healthcare role, this means that employment prospects should be excellent in the years to come.

How COVID-19 Has Affected the Healthcare Workforce Demand

As the world experiences a widespread pandemic of historic scale and severity, the need for healthcare professionals have become more apparent than ever before. A newfound appreciation and respect for Medical Assistants and all healthcare workers have swept the nation (and the

globe), and a growing number of people understand how important trained professionals are to the health and safety of our society as a whole.

More Healthcare Workers are Needed Now

A significant shortage in healthcare workers has been one of the biggest challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, as medical facilities around the country realize that their staff simply can’t keep up with the demand for care. As patients are admitted and diagnosed at a steadily increasing rate, there are serious concerns about whether the current workforce will be able to keep up in the next several months. As a result, new healthcare professionals, including Medical Assistants, are discovering that jobs are plentiful. Many facilities are raising their hiring and employment rates, expanding their teams as quickly and effectively as possible to try to meet future needs.

Finally, additional measures are being taken to protect the health and safety of Medical Assistants, and other healthcare professionals. For many medical facilities, it has become very clear that without their healthcare team, quality and availability of patient care will drop – and so, protective protocols are being developed to help keep Medical Assistants, Nurses and other medical staff safe. For example, some facilities are offering their staff benefits such as private transportation to and from work, childcare, grocery deliveries, and sealed meals delivered to their place of employment.

Make a Difference as a Medical Assistant

Are you considering becoming a Medical Assistant (MA)? Not only is this an honorable decision that can allow you to make a positive difference in the lives of countless people, but it’s also one that can lead you to an extremely fulfilling career. As a Medical Assistant, your daily role will be one that centers around helping others, and you will have an important role in the health and safety of our society as a whole.

In order to protect our community during the COVID-19 crisis, The Allen School of Health Sciences is offering virtual campus tours for enrollment 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

Tips for Remote Learning During Coronavirus Outbreak

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Tips for Remote Learning During Coronavirus Outbreak

As COVID- 19 cases continue their upward trend, many schools are closing their doors post-spring break in hopes of preventing the spread of the disease. For students who aren’t

used to remote learning, it can be a stressful and unwanted change. That’s why the Allen School of Health Sciences is doing all we can to ease that transition by establishing a blended

format of traditional and online learning; Integrating a blended format of online work into your in-person classes.

Some schools, however, may struggle through the next few weeks as they figure out how to make the jump from in-person learning to online learning. If you’ve suddenly found yourself shifted from in-person to online learning, we’ve got some tips that will help you make the best out of a bad situation.

1. Keep calm and check your email. 

It’s important to remember that everyone is still figuring out what to do with regards to the COVID-19 outbreak. You must take the time to check your email at least once a day, if not more. The Allen School will likely be sending out regular emails that will keep students abreast to any changes. Additionally, it’s critical to check your email for messages from your professors or instructors.

This is your main avenue of communication during this time. For many instructors, it’s going to be a total “figure it out as you go” situation. Checking your email as well as any message services your school’s online course may have, is the best way to ensure you won’t miss a thing.

2. Plan your time wisely. 

If you can manage it, try to sit down and work through any projects as consistently as possible. If you were already attending school for a block of time every day, use that time to work on your remote assignments. If you can’t, aim to block out a few hours in the evening for keeping on top of your work. Those who haven’t had much experience in online learning may feel the urge to do the work at the last minute. Here’s a helpful tip: DON’T. It’s better to do the work early and often, as there will likely be times you need additional feedback. By waiting until the last minute, you most likely won’t get a sympathetic ear from your instructor.

3. Know what tools you need. 

Depending on the class, you may need to figure out what kind of tools can help you the best. Others may require you to use a computer—especially for quizzes and tests. Make sure to heed warnings about which browsers you should be using—not every online course will work with every browser.

4. Relax 

Don’t stress out so much about the changes and challenges that bubble up. The situation is rapidly changing every day, and everyone is learning as they go. It’s best to recognize that, at best, it’s going to be a bumpy month or so. Your school is likely working out the kinks, and as long as you keep your eyes open and manage your time wisely, you’ll be able to adapt to whatever comes your way. In order to protect our community during the COVID-19 crisis, The Allen School of Health Sciences is offering virtual campus tours for enrollment of our upcoming classes. 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

Fun Solutions for Coronavirus Self Isolation

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A lot has changed in the last month. In March, preventative measures aimed at slowing the spread of the coronavirus halted daily life around the world. At least one third of the global population is under some sort of restriction, most Americans are under stay-at-home orders and at least 46 states and Washington, D.C., have closed non – essential businesses.

Needless to say, people are spending most of their days inside, alone or with family. Trying to stay healthy during these uncertain times. Below are some activities for your time spent in isolation.

Plant or Garden. 

If you have a yard, why not plant some flowers or even fruits or vegetables? If you don’t have a yard, look into potted plants or indoor gardens! Get creative!

Read long books. 

Now that our social life is on hold, we can dive into some of the biggest books that have intimidated us for years. Suddenly, losing yourself in a good book is not a bad idea !, Do you have a favorite book? Let us know and we will share your suggestion on our Instagram and Facebook pages. (https://www.facebook.com/AllenSchool/  ). (https://www.instagram.com/allen_school/ )

Do 15-minute daily meditations and keep a journal. 

In times like these, it’s easy to focus on negative things. Dedicating just 15 minutes a day to sit down, breath, stay present, and aware of yourself and your surroundings will give you clarity. The simple, but the often hard act of sitting down is so important right now. Challenge yourself to try it for just a minute or so, and get your thoughts down on paper before and after, to see what you notice.

Create mini-goals. 

Create mini-goals each week to establish a sense of achievement, despite the uncontrollable circumstances. These goals can include completing a stretching routine or a new workout; reading a book; journaling; teaching kids how to change the oil in the car; or gardening. At the beginning of the week, create a list of 4–5 things to do that week. And, don’t beat yourself up if you don’t complete them all — the focus right now is to carve out five, 10 or 20 minutes for yourself, no matter what that looks like.

Recycle. 

While we are trying to conserve during this pandemic, it’s important to get creative in making things last. Aside from separating recyclables from garbage, why not go further? If you have an empty sauce jar, for example, why not re-use it as a vase, a drinking glass, or an arts and crafts holder/project for kids.. Food scraps- instead of throwing them out, try and add them to a new meal OR use them to feed the birds! Old clothes- since there is a high demand for masks right now, why not look into sewing your own with old clothing you have around the house/apt? Get creative!

Stay connected with your loved ones. 

In our busy world, it can be hard to stay connected with friends and family. Make a point to connect with loved ones even more than before, as a way to keep yours and their spirits up! Social interaction is one way to find happiness. Staying connected is key to remembering that you’re not alone during this time of social distancing. We live in the age of digital connection — there are so many great ways to stay in touch with others virtually. Give your family and friends a call today!!

In order to protect our community during the COVID-19 crisis, The Allen School of Health Sciences is offering virtual campus tours for enrollment of our upcoming classes. 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 of Health Sciences: Tips for Medical Assistants Online Learning 101

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Allen School of Health Sciences: Tips for Medical Assistants Online Learning 101: 

Check if your systems are working. 

  • Is your Go-To, Zoom, Skype, and Blackboard apps loading well? – Is your Audio System Working?
  • It’s important to hear your instructor and classmates talk so that they can hear you clearly as well.

Stick to The Allotted Time. 

  • Be mindful of everyone’s schedules. Preparing an agenda easily fulfills this objective.

Give Your Full Attention. 

  • Be present throughout the class. Try not to visit other websites or chat with your classmates while the class is in session.
  • Stay seated and give your full attention to the class and your instructor conducting the meeting.

Mute Your Microphone When It’s Not Your Turn to Talk. 

  • Any unwanted background noise can reduce the success of the online classroom experience. Open your mic only when you have to say something or when it’s your turn to speak.

Announce Your Arrival. 

  • If you’re late to your online class, announce your arrival. After all, it’s something you would do when you entered an actual classroom. This is also important if you are joining a new class and no one knows you,

Manage the Chaos. 

  • Find yourself a quiet spot at home to attend your online classes.
  • Turn off the volume of your TV or sound system.
  • So, you can focus. – Close the door to avoid unwanted guests from arriving in the background. Parents, you know what we mean 😊. It may distract you and your classmates.

FUN TIP: Take advantage of virtual backgrounds if your meeting app supports it. You can turn a messy space into a clean and professional one. Or have a background right out of Star Wars!!!

Wrap up Your Class. 

  • A list of notes and clear action items is the best way to summarize your productive classroom experience. Most classes are recorded. Make notes on the areas you need to review and go back to them later. Ensure you have all the contact information for both instructors and classmates.

Going from face-to-face classroom interaction to online classes can be a big adjustment for you. A supportive environment is key. That’s where the Allen School of Health Sciences comes in. Helping Medical Assistant students transition to a new way of learning.

In order to protect our community during the COVID-19 crisis, The Allen School of Health Sciences is offering virtual campus tours for enrollment in our April 27th class. 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.

Tips on working from home

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Tips to Work from Home

In the office, your coworkers often pose the greatest threat to keeping you from getting some real, heads-down work done. They drop by your desk, engage you in conversation, and invite you to lunch. The social benefits of a workplace are definitely nice to have, but they can become a challenge if you’re easily distracted.

At the home office, however, it’s easy for you to become your own worst enemy, because when you’re not surrounded by coworkers, you’re free to drop those pesky inhibitions. At the home office, no one’s watching. You don’t necessarily feel that same peer pressure or communal obligation to get things done. (Also: You can wear shorts and a tee-shirt)!

Get Started Early: When working in an office, your morning commute can help you wake up and feel ready to work by the time you get to your desk. At home, however, the transition from your pillow to your computer can be much more jarring.

Believe it or not, one way to work from home productively is to dive into your to-do list as soon as you wake up. Simply getting a project started first thing in the morning can be the key to making progress on it gradually throughout the day. Otherwise, you’ll prolong breakfast and let the morning sluggishness wear away your motivation.

Choose a Dedicated Workspace: Just because you’re not working at an office doesn’t mean you can’t have an office. Rather than locking yourself up in your room or on the couch, dedicate a specific room or surface in your home to work.

Structure Your Day Like You would in the Office: When working from home, you’re your own personal manager. Without things like an in-person meeting schedule to break up your day, you can be quick to lose focus or burn out. To stay on schedule, segment what you’ll do and when

over the course of the day. If you have an online calendar, create personal events and reminders that tell you when to shift gears and start on new tasks.

Plan Out What You Will Be Working on Ahead of Time: Spending time figuring out what you’ll do today can take away from actually doing those things. And, you’ll have planned your task list so recently that you can be tempted to change your schedule on the fly. It’s important to let your agenda change if you need it to, but it’s equally as important to commit to an agenda that outlines every assignment before you begin. Try solidifying your schedule the day before, making it feel more official when you wake up the next day to get started on it.

Communicate Expectations with Anyone Who Will Be Home with You: Of course, you might be working from home but still have “company.” Make sure any roommates, siblings, parents, and spouses respect your space during work hours. Just because you’re working from home doesn’t mean your home.

AND SOME FUN…….

Match Your Music to The Task at Hand: During the week, music is the soundtrack to your career. And at work, the best playlists are diverse playlists — you can listen to music that matches the energy of the project you’re working on. It only makes sense that it would help you focus on your work as well. ( Tell us what music you listen to when you are working from home. We will post your choices on our Allen School of Health Sciences Instagram @allen_school).

Use Your Laundry as a Work Timer: Doing your laundry is a built-in timer for your home. So, use the time to start and finish something from your to-do list before changing the load.

Committing to one assignment during the wash cycle and another during the dry cycle can train you to work smarter on tasks that you might technically have all day to tinker with.

Keep the TV on in the Background: Of all the tips, tricks, and secrets I’ve uncovered for being more productive at home, one stands out above the rest: Putting on the Yes network! Just keep the Yes Network running in the background at a low volume, and I am able to get stuff done. (I’m not exactly sure why this trick works, but I can only assume it has something to do with Yankees)!”

In order to protect our community during the COVID-19 crisis, The Allen School of Health Sciences is offering virtual campus tours for enrollment of our June 1s t class. 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.

Are you afraid to go back to school?

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Are You Afraid to go Back to School?

Create a ‘Why Statement’ to help fight the fear of going back to school. How do you feel about going back to school? Do you dream where it might take your career?  If you fear that because you are a working mom you won’t have the time or energy to go back to school. But fear has this funny way of holding us back from things that could be exceptional for us. You can think of many reasons not to take on this challenge like the additional workload, the time and energy it’ll take, and, the biggest one is the fear of failure.

How can you put these fearful thoughts aside and truly judge if it’s time for you to go back to school? School should give you something you’re missing. Why do you want to go back to school?  What is missing in your life right now that school could provide? What will furthering your education bring you? A promotion, growing your competency about the work you do, or perhaps changing your career track?  When you can articulate your reason or your “Why statement” you can use it to fight back your fear. When you begin to doubt yourself, remember your “why statement” to leave your fearful thoughts behind.

Get Your Support System to Back You Up

There will be times when you need help with your home life responsibilities. To avoid feeling overwhelmed by the extra workload think about who is your support system and how they can help you accomplish your goals? Identify what you need help with. Will you do homework at night, early mornings, or on the weekends at the library?

Next, get your support system onboard. People in your support system are people like ​your spouse, partner, parents, neighbors, kids, and friends. Share with them why you’re going back to school. Then share any areas you need help with. You’ll feel less fear knowing that your support system has your back.

Find Extra Time Blocks in Your Day

Do you feel like you won’t have enough time or energy to do homework? Then try this.  Throughout your day tomorrow make it a priority to look for small blocks of free time. Did you spend too much time on social media during lunch? You could do work then.

Keep a lookout for these blocks of time where you could give up something to make room for school work. School won’t last forever and making some sacrifices will be worth it.

It’s hard to contain excitement and anxiety over what will happen once you get that degree or certificate. But all good things come to those who wait or work hard.

When fearful thoughts creep up when you think about going back to school, take a deep breath and put them aside. You have many options for making it work for you and you could reap some big benefits if you go for it. Following these tips is a way to “go the extra mile”. If you follow these guidelines, you can improve your approach to going back to school.

Are you ready to start working towards a new career? Contact the Allen School today! We are enrolling now for our winter classes and cannot wait for you to become part of the Allen School family. Visit www.allenschool.edu to learn more.

– Allen School of Health Sciences

COVID-19 World Health Organization update

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Here at the Allen School, we are taking every preventative measure to ensure the safety of our students. It’s important to stay calm and informed.

There is currently no vaccine to prevent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), but according to the CDC, https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/protect/prevent.html, “the best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus.” However, as a reminder, CDC always recommends everyday preventative actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases, including:

  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
  • Stay home when you are sick.
  • Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
  • Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not readily available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol. Always wash hands with soap and water if hands are visibly dirty.

Take steps to protect yourself

Clean your hands often

  • Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds and especially after you have been in a public place, or after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
  • If soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol. Cover all surfaces of your hands and rub them together until they feel dry.
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.

Avoid close contact

  • Avoid close contact with people who are sick
  • Put distance between yourself and other people if COVID-19 is spreading in your community. This is especially important for people who are at higher risk of getting very sick.

Take steps to protect others

Stay home if you’re sick

  • Stay home if you are sick, except to get medical care. Learn what to do if you are sick.

Cover coughs and sneezes

  • Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue when you cough or sneeze or use the inside of your elbow.
  • Throw used tissues in the trash.
  • Immediately wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not readily available, clean your hands with a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.

Wear a facemask if you are sick

  • If you are sick:  You should wear a facemask when you are around other people (e.g., sharing a room or vehicle) and before you enter a healthcare provider’s office. If you are not able to wear a facemask (for example, because it causes trouble breathing), then you should do your best to cover your coughs and sneezes, and people who are caring for you should wear a facemask if they enter your room. Learn what to do if you are sick.
  • If you are NOT sick: You do not need to wear a facemask unless you are caring for someone who is sick (and they are not able to wear a facemask). Facemasks may be in short supply and they should be saved for caregivers.

Clean and disinfect

  • Clean AND disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily. This includes tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, and sinks.
  • If surfaces are dirty, clean them: Use detergent or soap and water prior to disinfection.

To disinfect: Most common EPA-registered household disinfectants will work. Use disinfectants appropriate for the surface.

Options include:

  • Diluting your household bleach. To make a bleach solution, mix:
    • 5 tablespoons (1/3rd cup) bleach per gallon of water OR
    • 4 teaspoons bleach per quart of water

Follow manufacturer’s instructions for application and proper ventilation. Check to ensure the product is not past its expiration date. Never mix household bleach with ammonia or any other cleanser. Unexpired household bleach will be effective against coronaviruses when properly diluted.

  • Alcohol solutions. Ensure solution has at least 70% alcohol.
  • Other common EPA-registered household disinfectants. Products with EPA-approved emerging viral pathogens pdf icon[7 pages]external icon claims are expected to be effective against COVID-19 based on data for harder to kill viruses. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for all cleaning and disinfection products (e.g., concentration, application method and contact time, etc.).”
  For more information please check https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/protect/prevent.html. For current or perspective students, please reach out to us with any questions; we’re here for you! www.allenschool.edu

International Women’s Day

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“International Women’s Day (March 8) is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women”. https://www.internationalwomensday.com/About  In honor of this day, we wanted to highlight an Allen School graduate. She, like so many of us, had to overcome tragedy to achieve her goals and turn some trying obstacles into hope and success.

“Being at the Allen School was really tough. I went through a lot of complications and a lot of obstacles just to finish. One of the obstacles that I went through to finish was losing one of the loves of my life, my daughter Lola. She was only 7 months and it was tough, but if I wouldn’t have gone through that, I would have never gained the courage to finish school. She put a big battery in my back to finish school. Not only Lola, but my other daughter Janae.

Losing someone that you love so dearly, someone that you would conquer everything for, can change you; Without my children, I would have never come to the Allen School. They were the reason I was here. I thought that when I lost her, I couldn’t come back, and the school wasn’t even sure I was ready either. Two weeks after her funeral though, I came right back. I hunted the school down and said, ‘I’m ready, I’m coming back’. 

I did it. I finished. I did my internship and it was amazing. I didn’t think I could even finish my internship, but my children gave me the courage. My family, my friends, the school, my teachers and colleagues- they gave me the courage to finish school. And it’s the best decision I ever made in my life, because I’m happy. I have my career. I have my family and I have another beautiful daughter on the way. So, I say this to say, no matter the obstacle, no matter what is in your way, just step over it, just step over it and you’ll get through it. Just keep your head up and keep praying and you’ll make it. You’ll finish. Look at me, I finished “-Jessica M. Allen School Grad, 2019

Since our interview with Jessica, she has given birth to a beautiful baby girl. She has brought yet another female into this world to help us celebrate International Women’s day, every day! 

For more info on International Women’s day, you can visit their site : https://www.internationalwomensday.com/

Benefits of becoming a Medial Assistant during the COVID-19 Crisis

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Medical assistants (MA’s) are some of the hardest-working professionals in the healthcare field. They have both clinical and administrative duties, which means one minute they might be scheduling appointments and answering phones, and the next, they’re rushing to take a patient’s vital signs. Being a Medical Assistant means stepping up to fill gaps, solve problems, direct patients and keep clinics and medical units running smoothly.

This career isn’t for everyone, but there are some great benefits for those who find a career in medical assisting appealing. We identified some of the top advantages below.

The path to becoming a Medical Assistant is relatively short

You know you need a college or technical school education but you’re also itching to launch your career as soon as possible. While some healthcare-related degree programs take several years, earning a Medical Assisting credential is considerably shorter. The Allen School of Health Sciences medical assistant program can be completed in less than a year; In a blended format that combines traditional and online learning classes.

You can work in a variety of locations

Some healthcare jobs are limited to hospitals, but that’s not the case for MAs. As an MA you may find yourself working in a hospital, clinic, as part of a general practice or even in a surgery clinic. Medical Assistants can also find employment at nursing homes, assisted living facilities and many other settings.

You’ll get to build relationships with patients

Since Medical Assistants’ direct patients through their appointments, bringing them where they need to go, taking their vitals and asking screening questions, they have a chance to engage in conversation that can turn meaningful. A simple question like “How was your day?” can help patients relax and connect. Medical Assistants work face to face with people all day, making interpersonal skills very important in this career. If you have a passion for helping people, Medical Assisting is a great choice!

You’ll be part of a team

Some careers can feel isolated—like you are doing the work all by yourself. This is definitely not the case if you become a Medical Assistant. MAs are an important member of the healthcare team and frequently work alongside physicians, nurses, physician assistants or nurse practitioners. This means not only will you be able to ask questions and consult with your colleagues, but they’ll likely rely on you, too.

You’ll acquire necessary skills for advancement

Medical Assistants need a handful of soft skills to complement their technical skills. Sympathy and good communication skills are near the top of the list. These transferable skills can be leveraged in many healthcare careers, so honing them as a Medical Assistant can help you advance down the road.

The technical skills of a Medical Assistant can lead to other opportunities as well. Learning how to draw blood or perform EKGs can translate to a variety of other healthcare professions. Clinics are constantly in need of people to take on leadership roles, whether it’s as a team lead or, with further education, as a Clinic Administrator.

You’ll never be bored

Being a Medical Assistant means you probably won’t spend time sitting around waiting for your next task. That wide variety of skills we mentioned makes Medical Assistants very useful as “pinch hitters” when the clinic gets busy.

You can be a specialist or a generalist

While an MA’s duties can span several responsibilities, they don’t always have to. Those who prefer dabbling in several different areas would fit in well in a smaller clinic. You’ll gain a broad knowledge of the medical field due to the number of tasks you’ll undertake in all parts of the facility. If you prefer focusing on a few specific tasks, you may opt to work in a larger clinic with a bigger staff. This setting will allow you to specialize in a particular department that interests you, honing the precise skills needed for that position.

You’ll start gaining experience before you graduate

Every medical assistant program is different, but some require students to complete an externship or internship while earning their certificate. For example, students enrolled in the Allen School of Health Sciences Medical Assistant program complete a clinical externship before they graduate into the real thing. The clinical experience makes a great addition to your resume and job search as well, since you can demonstrate to employers that you have hands-on experience.

Make a difference as a Medical Assistant

Are you considering becoming a Medical Assistant (MA)? Not only is this an honorable decision that can allow you to make a positive difference in the lives of countless patients, but it’s also one that can lead you to an extremely fulfilling career. As a Medical Assistant, your daily role will be one that centers around helping others, and you will have an important role in the health and safety of our society as a whole.

In order to protect our community during the COVID-19 crisis, The Allen School of Health Sciences is offering virtual campus tours for enrollment 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