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

The path to a career in medical Assisting

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Helping individuals has always been a passion of mine. It wasn’t until I woke up to a phone call that changed my life forever. My mother & grandmother had gotten into a car accident. I remember being in the hospital with my 3 year old baby boy, not able to help ease their pain. Being home wasn’t making me think about the situation any less, so I returned to work.

Sitting at my desk I came across an ad for the Allen school, & had a very strong feeling telling me to fill out the contact form. Not long after I received a call from Nicole, who is one of the most amazing Academic Advisors I have ever met. She had me come in, tour the campus & talk to some of the students and instructors. I then met Dr. Hunt, who is not only the school director, but she is also one of the best instructors and someone I strongly look up to. I often think “One day I want to be like her”.

Once I got accepted, I felt like my life was slowly coming together. I am very grateful for all of the staff, instructors & students that I can now call friends. All of these wonderful people push me to not only become a better person, but a successful healthcare provider, so I can provide a better life not only for myself, but for my little boy as well. Choosing Allen School was one of the best decisions I have ever made. One day I hope to not only become a Medical Assistant, but also expand my horizons to becoming a Cardiologist.

Medical Assistant- Graduate spotlight

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The hardest thing is waking up every day knowing that you’re not doing something to better yourself, when you have the option to follow your dreams. It wasn’t until I felt so lost, with no home or vehicle to get around with, making very little money, that I began losing my passion and purpose in life. As a cosmetologist I had a client that worked for Mayo clinic who loved the oncology field. Within in minutes I found my purpose. She sent me several schools in my area and the first one to contact me back was Allen School.

The first person I talked to was Nicole, she and Justine not only assured me the quality of education but the true purpose of family environment. I was ready to walk out and follow my path as a hairstylist until I met Dr. Hunt. She came in with open arms and stated this was going to help me in the long run and that I would never have to worry about being homeless again. I don’t only have an education and a secured career but also a family that truly cares about my well-being. The amount of resources and motivation to keep going doesn’t just start with the teachers; it begins with the dedication of my entire class.

I came in with no friends, hope or money and now I have perfect attendance and a family of 25 girls who help me every day to be a better person and mother. I wake up every day excited and know that I’m creating a better life for my son. This is for you, Aisely.

Allen School Graduate Spotlight- Medical Assistant

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I am Lidia, a student at the Allen School of Health Sciences. The reason I decided to begin this journey was because I wanted to do better for myself and my family. I started searching for a school, and this school was one of my options. I went to get more information and I fell in love with the way I was treated.

I started in January, scared, because I didn’t think I was ready to go to school; I had finished high school 21 years prior, but it didn’t stop me. From day one, I felt welcomed by the professors, they were there for me and the rest of the class to help in every possible way, and that encouraged me to do more.

Besides the support from my professors, I had the constant support from my children and that made everything easier. Today I’m doing my last three weeks of my internship in Citimed JFK, applying what I have learned at school and learning new things. I couldn’t have asked for a better site to intern, a big shout-out to Career Service for your hard work and for your dedicated service to the students. 

Allen School Graduate Spotlight

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I am currently in module 3 and the Allen School has supporting me since the first day I walked in and I was five months pregnant when I wanted to join, so I was nervous the Allen School wouldn’t be an option. Right away they assured me though, that I could do it and I could accomplish my goals, pregnant or not.

I was able to leave and pick up right where I left off. I know that I am doing this for not only my family but for myself. I want to succeed and love my job. Coming back after the delivery of my son was a huge challenge for me. Leaving him worried me that I would not be able to concentrate and do well. Leaving him never gets easy but the Allen School helps me by bringing me joy.

I get excited to attend and learn from all the amazing teachers. They make me feel confident that I know the material inside and out, because I am never spoon fed the answers. They truly wish for my success. This lets me know I have a support team at home AND at school. Now I confidently juggle a 4-month-old baby, a 4.0 GPA, work, and motherhood. No matter the situation, the Allen School will help you thrive and accomplish this program. Thank you, for supporting me since day one!

Allen School Graduate spotlight

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My name is Deirdre and I am a former student of the Allen School, Jamaica campus. It was a blessing for me to have been able to attend Allen and finish the program. During my attendance I met two of the most remarkable people, Mrs. Emmanuella Young and Ms. Tamara Jackson- from the Career Services department.

While attending the Allen School I experienced some very trying and challenging times, some of which were extremely personal, but I got through them. Mrs. Young and Ms. Jackson encouraged and helped me in every way that they could. Through long talks, tears, pats on my shoulder, cheering me on; through strict but loving and caring stares followed by words such as,” you will not give up”, “you will finish”, and “you can do this”. I felt the genuine love and care of them and saw they are truly dedicated to helping the students at the Allen School achieve their goals; not just pertaining to the experience at the Allen School but far beyond that.

I am grateful that I meet these two exceptional human beings on this journey called life. They have made a beautiful, unforgettable and blessed impression upon my life.

Medical Assisting at the Allen School of Health Sciences! A career to get you places!

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Medical Assisting at the Allen School of Health Sciences!  A career to get you places!

Most people who want to work in the healthcare field likely aspire to be doctors or nurses. However, Medical Assistant, or MA, is one of the fastest-growing occupations in the United States. The MA career path offers many of the same benefits as other healthcare professions, in addition to perks of its own.

The American Association of Medical Assistants describes a Medical Assistant as someone who works alongside doctors, usually in a clinical or office setting. Though the description may seem similar to that of the nursing field, there are some key differences.

An MA commonly handles tasks such as checking vital signs, showing patients to their rooms and various 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 practical nurses more commonly work in settings like nursing homes and hospitals.

Starting Work Sooner

Medical Assistants can begin working in the healthcare field sooner than students who attend nursing programs at a four-year university. At the Allen School of Health Sciences, our accelerated program allows you to graduate in less than a year.

There is no additional waiting to complete residency because externships can be completed at the same time as the coursework. The Allen School of Health Sciences prepares students with an externship as part of their program. Having these hands on, real world experiences as part of your medical assisting program can help bolster an MA’s job prospects.

MA’s 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.

With a vast array of skills at their disposal, an MA can explore different areas of medicine and discover what they are passionate about. They have the opportunity to specialize in a certain type of medicine, teach students who also want to be medical assistants or even become office managers.

Diverse On-the-Job Experiences

An MA is capable of performing 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 who come in to be treated and what they are seeking to be treated for varies daily. Every day on the job is different than the one before.

Helping People

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

Will it be easy? Nope. Will it be worth it? Absolutely. The Allen School of Health Sciences 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. Interested in learning more about developing the skills and attributes of a medical assistant? 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

The future begins here! Medical Assistant skills & attributes

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The future begins here! Medical Assistant skills & attributes

Medical Assistants are held to a higher standard of professionalism than employees in other industries. The way the medical assistant approaches the job and interacts with patients is critical to the success of the physician’s practice, hospitals, outpatient clinics and other healthcare facilities. Patients expect professional behavior and put trust and confidence in those who are professional in demeanor. There are a specific set of skills and attributes that shape a medical assistant into a professional.

Medical Assistant Professional Skills

There are many skills that contribute to the professionalism of medical assistants. Medical assistants should work on being loyal, dependable, courteous, initiative driven, flexible, credible, confidential, and optimistic.

Loyalty – Medical Assistants should be devoted to the success of the medical practice and hold the belief that being a medical assistant at the medical practice is in their best interest. Loyalty should be reciprocal and if a medical practice is offering equal pay for equal work, the medical assistant will feel like the medical practice is doing its best for them as well.  Medical assistants can go one step further and be committed to the medical practice if they support the employers’ strategy and objectives

Dependability – a dependable medical assistant not only shows up for work on time but also produces consistent work. A medical assistant must follow through when the physician gives an order. The dependable medical assistant will also be counted on and given more responsibility.

Courtesy – the medical assistant should be friendly and kind to patients at the medical practice. Attention should be given to the patient as they arrive at the medical facility. The medical assistant should offer a warm smile and friendly attitude to the arriving patient.

Initiative – the medical assistant should be self-motivated and ambitious. Medical assistants that show initiative have a take charge attitude. The medical assistant should observe a need and make themselves available, rather than wait for a supervisor to direct them to an area that needs attention.

Flexibility – the medical assistant should have the willingness and ability to respond to changing situations and expectations. Flexible medical assistants will modify their approach to tasks based on the unique demands of each situation, especially in an emergency. In a medical facility the patient comes first, and every medical assistant should lend a hand where ever they are needed

Credibility – trust is a vital component of the medical assistant and patient relationship, and the credibility of the medical assistant should be strong. The information that is given to patients must be accurate as the patient may see medical assistants as an agent of the physician.

Confidentiality – Patients are entitled to privacy under the HIPAA act. Confidentiality extends to the home and other environments outside of the medical office. The medical assistant is prohibited from discussing confidential patient information to family and friends. Consequences will be enacted if the medical assistant breaches patient privacy.

Medical Assistant Professional Attributes

The medical assistant will need specific attributes to be a professional while working with colleagues and dealing with patients. These attributes include teamwork, time management, prioritization and goal setting.

Teamwork – medical staff must work together for the benefit of the patient. The medical assistant should accept the tasks given to them by their supervisor unless they are illegal, unethical, or place patients in danger.

Time Management – the medical assistant should use their time efficiently and concentrate on the most important duties first. They should make a schedule, prioritizing tasks and allowing for emergencies along the way. The key to time management is prioritizing.

Prioritizing – a form of triage should be used by the medical assistant to sort tasks into the must, should and could categories. Of course, the medical assistant needs to attend to emergencies, but they also must anticipate what will do the most good and in what order those tasks should be completed to benefit the most.

Setting Goals – if the medical assistant doesn’t set goals, they will never know when the goals have been achieved. Setting goals can also help the medical assistant accomplish what they want or need to each day, giving them more motivation to achieve those goals. Learning never ends as a medical assistant and that is what makes this career so rewarding. Interested in learning more about developing the skills and attributes of a medical assistant? Don’t let your old career keep you down. 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   CONTACT US