Medical Assisting Archives

Medical Assistants to Help Prevent Fetal Alcohol Syndrome

May 3, 2019/in Featured, Medical Assisting /by Alyssa Jordan

In December of 2018, the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) renewed their efforts to spread awareness about fetal alcohol spectrum disorders (FASDs). According to the AAMA, “Prenatal alcohol exposure is a leading preventable cause of birth defects and developmental disabilities. The term FASDs is used to define the range of physical, mental, behavioral, and learning disabilities that can result from prenatal alcohol exposure.”

For the past four years, the AAMA has collaborated with the Mountain Plains FASD Practice and Implementation Center (Mountain Plains PIC) in a coordinated national effort to prevent FASDs. They have joined forces to better prepare Medical Assistants to “reduce alcohol-exposed pregnancies (AEPs) and intervene with patients who engage in risky or hazardous alcohol use.” Additionally, this not-for-profit initiative is funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). In fact, recent funding from the CDC will allow for continued collaboration through 2022!

Check out what the AAMA had to say about this news in their December press release:

“This new collaboration, known as the Medical Assistant Practice Improvement Collaborative (MA-PIC), will build on the work started by the Mountain Plains PIC by developing, delivering, disseminating, and evaluating training and materials for Medical Assisting students and practitioners on how to conduct alcohol screening and brief intervention (SBI). These activities will teach Medical Assistants to assist their overseeing providers in identifying patients’ risky drinking behaviors and provide health education to change those behaviors, especially among women of childbearing age to prevent AEPs and FASDs.”

The Importance of Medical Assistants

According to the AAMA, screening and intervention for patients drinking alcohol at unhealthy levels is more effective when Medical Assistants are a part of the healthcare team. Consider the skills and knowledge Medical Assistants have when it comes to providing patient education and prevention techniques. The AAMA lists the following as reasons why Medical Assistants could play a key role in screening for unhealthy alcohol use:

Their high level of patient interaction
Their vital role as liaison between patient and provider
Their familiarity with electronic medical records/patient health history
Their ability to connect with patients culturally and linguistically
Their scope of practice allows them to be trained as health coaches, provide counseling and education to reinforce physician advice, and follow up with patients

Since physicians usually do not have the time for alcohol screening or brief intervention, reallocating these tasks to Medical Assistants would save them time and ultimately benefit the patient. The AAMA said it best: “To maximize efficiency, Medical Assistants can conduct screening as part of the routine patient intake, thereby increasing the chance of identifying risky drinking in patient populations. Making the provider aware of a patient’s positive screening results facilitates follow-up and can improve integrated preventive care in healthcare teams.”

Without a doubt, Medical Assistants are key players on the healthcare team. They have the unique opportunity to advance the goals of this national health initiative and help put an end to dangerous alcohol consumption.

About the Medical Assistant Program at Provo College

Are you interested in Medical Assistant training? Provo offers an MA program that can be completed in as little as 10 months! An exemplary school, Provo College is known for giving power to students and associates by teaching cutting-edge, skills-based education, and leadership and personal effectiveness skills to have the career and life they desire. They are caring professionals who empower individuals to achieve personal excellence through student-centered, market-driven education.

At Provo, current MA students learn through informative lectures and practical training. Graduates of their MA program are eligible to take the Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) certification exam offered by the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA). In other words, students that have successfully completed the program will meet the educational requirements for the National Certification exam for Medical Assistants and may be eligible to sit for it. This exam is administered on campus and may be taken through the National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT).

For more information, please contact a school representative at (801) 818-8901. Change your future with Provo!

Medical Assistant Writes Children’s Books

April 26, 2019/in Featured, Medical Assisting /by Alyssa Jordan

Whenever you visit your doctor, you will likely come across a Medical Assistant! They fill a dynamic role on the healthcare team, one that can include both administrative and clinical functions. So you might see them behind the front desk, in the exam room, or sitting with a patient’s family.

Now you might be seeing them in children’s books, too! We’d like to shed a light on one particular Medical Assistant that was featured in a recent article by Cathy Cassata. After becoming a grandmother, Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) Debra Soloman decided to write educational books for her grandchildren…

Spotlight: Debra Soloman, CMA

Debra Soloman received her Medical Assisting degree in Omaha, Nebraska. According to Cassata, she has spent the last 18 years working in family practice, urology, and cardiology. Currently, Soloman works for the Methodist Diagnostic Center. She recently obtained an associate’s degree in applied sciences as well, with a major in medical management!

In addition to her promising healthcare career, Soloman has always felt compelled to write and create stories. Cassata states that Solomon’s most recent book, I Have Autism, “was written for her 7-year-old grandson, Xavier, who has the disorder.” She quoted Soloman as saying: “I wrote it to help him so that he would understand himself. He loves and adores it. The first time he read it, he smiled at every single page.”

According to Cassata, each page features sentiments that relate to Xavier along with a matching picture. For example, “the first page shows an illustration of a boy holding his hands over his ears with the words ‘Sometimes loud noises hurt my ears.’ Another page displays a picture of the boy holding his hands in front of his face along with the statement ‘I get really shy and nervous around a lot of people.’”

Solomon would like to donate several copies of the book to her grandson’s school in addition to the Autism Center of Nebraska Inc. Her books are entirely self-published, and they can be found on a website called Lulu. She related to Cassata that all profits garnered from I Have Autism will go toward services her grandson needs as well as a college fund for the future.

In the meantime, Solomon plans to write more books. She says the next one will revolve around her two granddaughters: “It will be about all the wonderful things that come with having a sister. They live on a farm, so I’ll feature the farm too.”

For more information, be sure to check out Cathy Cassata’s article on the AAMA website! There you’ll find more amazing stories about inspirational MAs, too.

About the Medical Assistant Program at Provo College

If you’re interested in Medical Assistant training, Provo offers an MA program that can be completed in as little as 10 months. The Eagle Gate College Group is known for giving power to students and associates by teaching cutting-edge, skills-based education, and leadership and personal effectiveness skills to have the career and life they desire. They are caring professionals who empower individuals to achieve personal excellence through student-centered, market-driven education.

For more information, please contact a school representative at (801) 818-8901. Change your future with Provo!

Picking the Right MA Program for You

April 19, 2019/in Featured, Medical Assisting /by Alyssa Jordan

Once you’ve made the decision to pursue Medical Assisting, it’s time to find a program that will equip you with the education and practical skills you’ll need to be successful in the field. When you consider the impact higher education can have on your future, it makes sense that you would only want to invest in the best schools. If you find yourself conducting online searches for “finding the best MA school near me” or “finding the best medical programs in my area,” there are some critical questions you might want to ask before making any big changes.

It’s important to note that not all Medical Assistant programs are the same. Some programs are held in a traditional classroom with a seasoned instructor providing informative lectures. Other programs are held entirely online, creating flexibility for working professionals or those not in ideal locations. This is why it’s so important to discern your strengths, limitations, and needs. For instance, if you’re looking for a program that offers a combination of expert lectures and active learning, Provo College maintains a dynamic program that might be ideal for you!

All About Medical Assisting Curriculums

Many Medical Assisting curriculums focus on practical skills required for the career, including a background in medical terminology, anatomy and physiology, basic medical procedures, and administrative policies. Core skills are usually gained in the classroom before getting put to the test through hands-on lab work and supervised externships. When considering different Medical Assistant programs, it’s important to ask about the number of hours the program provides/requires for a supervised externship.

Some Medical Assisting students highly value the mentorship and practical experience that can be gained through a real-world externship. Successful graduates will then have the ability to interview for open Medical Assisting jobs at clinics, physicians’ offices, and hospitals, where they can market the experience they’ve gained through school. Additionally, some Medical Assisting programs also provide students with a general skillset that includes interpersonal communication, professionalism, and problem solving. Others might also include lessons on OSHA and HIPAA guidelines.

All About the Importance of Due Diligence

While searching for programs that interest you, the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA) suggests that you thoroughly investigate these programs before taking further action. You can typically do so by either poring through each institution’s website or contacting the program directors with a few questions. On the AAMA’s website, they list several sample questions that you might want to ask:

+ What are the tuition costs and financial aid options?

+ What are the academic prerequisites?

+ How long does it take to complete the program?

+ What specific topics are covered?

+ What does the practicum involve?

+ What percent of the program’s students/graduates pass the CMA (AAMA) Exam?

+ Will you contact the AAMA Certification Department and give them permission to share your exam pass rates with me?

All About the MA Program at Provo College

Committing to online research and meeting with school representatives are some of the best ways to learn more about the Medical Assistant programs in your area. Another option is to hold informational interviews with graduates of the programs you are considering. Working Medical Assistants will likely be able to give you a unique perspective on the advantages and disadvantages of these programs. To help you narrow down your decision, we’d like to tell you a little more about Provo College!

The Eagle Gate College Group is known for giving power to students and associates by teaching cutting-edge, skills-based education, and leadership and personal effectiveness skills to have the career and life they desire. We are caring professionals who empower individuals to achieve personal excellence through student-centered, market-driven education.

If you’d like to change your career but do not want to spend years in school, you might want to consider the Medical Assistant program at Provo College; it can be completed in as little as 10 months. For more information, please contact a school representative at (801) 818-8901!

More Recipes for Medical Assisting Students

April 12, 2019/in Featured, Medical Assisting /by Alyssa Jordan

Today, we bring you another installment of our recipe series for MA students! The goal is to provide you with recipes that are easy to make, relatively cheap, and mostly healthy. Whether you’re just starting out or you are hard at work in your Medical Assistant program, it’s important to keep your energy up and receive proper nutrients.

We compiled a list of easy-yet-tasty meals thanks to an article by Trent Hamm at The Simple Dollar. To get the instructions and ingredients, be sure to visit The Simple Dollar after reading our favorite picks!

Breakfast Recipes

1. Egg and black bean burritos (cost per serving: 61 cents). “If you’re looking for a cheap, nutritious breakfast you can eat on the go, look no further than this recipe for egg and black bean burritos.”

2. Pancakes with apple slices (cost per serving: 66 cents). “We have pancakes (or waffles) with fruit for breakfast about every other weekend. It’s also another good option when you’re in the mood for breakfast at dinnertime, too!”

3. Sausage, peppers, and onions (cost per serving: $1.61). “This is an easy-to-make, flavorful favorite. Just slice up some sweet Italian pork sausage (or chicken sausage), a sweet onion, some colorful bell peppers, and a couple cloves of garlic, and sauté them all in a large pot with a generous amount of olive oil, salt, and pepper.”

4. Peanut butter and jelly sandwich (cost per serving: 58 cents). “When it comes to cheap meals, there is none more iconic than the peanut butter and jelly sandwich. You can make your PB&J as fancy or simple as you like.”

5. ‘Pizza’ on bagels, thick toast, or English muffins (cost per serving: 63 cents). “This meal is as easy as it sounds. Take a bagel, English muffin, or piece of bread, load it with all the toppings you’d use on a pizza, and bake it in the oven for 7-8 minutes. Delicious and easy (even easier if you have a toaster oven).”

Lunch Recipes

6. Grilled cheese and tomato soup (cost per serving: $1.37-$2.11). “Grilled cheese and tomato soup, shared by Colleen, is one of the most nutritious cheap-and-easy meals out there. We often make it around here for lunches.”

7. Mediterranean pasta salad (cost per serving: 78 cents). “This quick, easy pasta dish can be a side dish or a main meal, and makes a nice antidote to the mayonnaise-soaked pasta salad of summer cookouts.”

8. Zucchini pizzas (cost per serving: $1.08). “If you’ve been looking for a low-carb way to enjoy pizza, try this!”

9. Ham, white beans, and cornbread (cost per serving: $1.25). “This recipe will help you whip up a pot of ham-and-beans that won’t be forgotten.”

10. Grilled chicken and sweet potato fries (cost per serving: $1.83). “In any kind of weather, grilled chicken and sweet potato fries are sure to please the palate.”

Dinner Recipes

11. Spaghetti with homemade marinara (cost per serving: $1.36). “Making your own marinara sauce is easy. All you have to do is sauté a large can of tomatoes, half an onion (chopped), and a pinch of garlic together for 10-20 minutes, adding salt and pepper to taste.”

12. Pot roast with vegetables (cost per serving: $1.40). “This meal is perfect for fall, winter, or any time you are due for some meat and potatoes.”

13. Lentil stew (cost per serving: 91 cents). “We make a stew similar to this in our family crock pot all the time. The house smells incredibly good by the end of the day.”

14. Ratatouille (cost per serving: $1.80). “An ‘easy’ way to make ratatouille is to just stir fry your vegetables in olive oil, making sure to add them in the right order — starting with the ones that need the most cooking time.”

15. Chili (cost per serving: $1.36). “Chili is one of those great stew-type dishes that you can make a hundred different ways, all of them cheap, and all of them delicious. Here’s a good, basic recipe you can tinker with.”

More About Provo College

If you’ve searched for Medical Assistant schools, we hope you’ll consider Provo College and all that we have to offer (study snacks are regrettably not included).

The Eagle Gate College Group is known for giving power to students and associates by teaching cutting-edge, competency-based education, and leadership and personal effectiveness skills to have the career and life they desire. We are caring professionals who empower individuals to achieve personal excellence through student-centered, market-driven education.

If you would like more information, please contact one of our school representatives at (801) 818-8901!

Steps to Take to Become a Certified Medical Assistant

April 5, 2019/in Featured, Medical Assisting /by Alyssa Jordan

The decision to pursue a career in healthcare may feel like a calling for those who want to serve members of their community. Careers in this industry are vital to the overall health of society, and they often provide fulfillment, longevity, and job security. If you are interested in pursuing a “hands-on” career in healthcare that requires less than a year of schooling, Medical Assisting may be the perfect fit for you!

After researching the profession online and speaking with current Medical Assistants working in the field, some may outline actionable steps to take to become a certified Medical Assistant. Provo College has helped countless aspiring Medical Assistants receive the education and clinical training they need to hit the job market with a lucrative set of skills. Not only will these skills help them earn a living, but they will likely feel a sense of gratification knowing that what they are doing is serving those in need.

The Primary Path Taken for Medical Assisting

The steps to become a certified Medical Assistant typically depend on location and personal goals. While there are numerous paths one could take, generally speaking, potential MAs often complete a formal Medical Assistant program before seeking certification. It’s important to note that while graduating from an MA program might make a candidate more appealing to potential employers, it is technically not required. Additionally, certification is not always a requirement.

In some physicians’ offices and clinics, Medical Assistants receive informal “on the job” training and learn the profession as they see patients. However, some employers may prefer and even expect Medical Assistants to apply after receiving a formal education in Medical Assisting, be it through a certificate, diploma, or associate’s degree. When selecting the right program, it’s vital that you meet with admissions representatives and possibly even MA students to ensure that the school is a good fit.

Essential Components to Consider

Different students value different things in a formal program. One student may feel that a close student-to-teacher ratio is vital to success in the classroom, while another might value the number of clinical hours spent with patients. Take a moment to consider what is important to you and ask the right questions when meeting with admissions representatives.

After completing your program, it’s time to apply for jobs, which can cause anxiety for some graduates. However, one of the best aspects of attending a Medical Assistant program—particularly the one you’ll find at Provo College—is the access to a fantastic career services team. Together with a career coach, you can develop job search strategies that will help you target the best facilities and lead toward the jobs you desire.

About the Medical Assistant Program at Provo College

Provo offers an MA program that can be completed in as little as 10 months. An exemplary school, Provo College is known for giving power to students and associates by teaching cutting-edge, skills-based education, and leadership and personal effectiveness skills to have the career and life they desire. They are caring professionals who empower individuals to achieve personal excellence through student-centered, market-driven education.

Below are a few questions Provo has commonly seen about formal training:

+ What are a few differences between a Vocational Nurse and a Medical Assistant? Delve into this here.

+ Can you work as a Medical Assistant without being qualified? A Provo article may help—check it out here.

+ How long is Medical Assistant school? Check out another Provo article here.

+ Once you’re a certified MA, how can you grow your career? Read more about this here.

For more information, please contact a school representative at (801) 818-8901. Change your future with Provo!

Valuable Tips from Medical Assistants

March 29, 2019/in Featured, Medical Assisting /by Alyssa Jordan

When you visit your doctor’s office, you will likely come across a Medical Assistant! According to the American Association of Medical Assistants (AAMA), “thousands of doctors and members of the medical community nationwide” rely on Medical Assistants to enhance each patient’s visit.

In fact, you may have encountered a Medical Assistant the last time your vital signs were taken, your patient history was recorded, or your blood was drawn. Medical Assistants interact with patients on both a clinical and administrative level. For instance, they will often schedule your next appointment and listen to your concerns. They not only assist physicians but act as a source of comfort and security for their patients.

In an effort to create a more positive experience during your next doctor’s visit, the AAMA has compiled a list of helpful tips from Medical Assistants across the nation. Check out what they have to say below!

Advice for Your Next Doctor’s Appointment

1. Write Down Questions: “Before your appointment, write down a list of questions or concerns you want to share with the physician. Put the most important ones first to make sure they get addressed up front.”

2. Remember Your Medications: “Always remember to bring along any medications you are currently taking (or a list of medicines with dosages and strengths) including dietary supplements, vitamins, or herbal treatments. Speak up if you are having any complications.”

3. Use a Calendar: “Bring your personal calendar with you to make it easy when scheduling your follow-up appointment.”

4. Bring Your Insurance Card: “Provide the most up-to-date copy of your insurance card to the office so you minimize billing questions or issues.”

5. Be Honest: “When the Medical Assistant records your recent medical history and vital signs, make sure to speak up if you’ve had any changes in symptoms or health history that the doctor should know about.”

6. Be Aware: “If you’re having blood drawn, ask the Medical Assistant or health professional when you can expect a call with your lab results.”

7. Ask Additional Questions (if you have them!): “If you have questions about a physician’s orders, a Medical Assistant can assist by explaining them to you.”

8. Report Worsening Symptoms: “Call your physician’s office back if your symptoms get worse or if you have problems with any prescribed medication.”

For more helpful tips and information, be sure to check out the AAMA website!

A Brief Overview of Provo College

The Eagle Gate College Group is known for giving power to students and associates by teaching cutting-edge, skills-based education, and leadership and personal effectiveness skills to have the career and life they desire. They are caring professionals who empower individuals to achieve personal excellence through student-centered, market-driven education.

If you’d like to change your career but do not want to spend years in school, you might want to consider the Medical Assistant program at Provo College; it can be completed in as little as 10 months! For more information, please contact a school representative at (801) 818-8901.

Change your future with Provo!