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Medical Assistant – A springboard into a field that allows you to make a difference.

It’s a natural to assume that landing a job in health care requires years of study and training. While that’s true for many medical careers, there is a springboard into the field that allows people to make a big difference—and quickly. Plus, Medical Assistants have plenty of job opportunities in the growing healthcare industry.

Medical assistants work on the front lines of health care, in clinics and medical offices. They are often the first professionals people encounter on visits to the doctor. Medical assistants settle patients into exam rooms, facilitate appointments, and handle many clinical functions like taking vitals or giving immunizations.

Additionally, working as a Medical Assistant can be a building block to other health care roles or stand alone as a fulfilling career. It’s a versatile job that offers a multitude of options, from assisting clinicians with procedures to performing lab tests and administrative work.

FNSNA 2023 Online Scholarship

Undergraduate scholarships are available to students currently enrolled in a state-approved nursing program leading to an associate degree, baccalaureate, diploma, direct-entry master’s degree, RN to BSN/MSN completion, LPN/LVN to RN, or accelerated programs. Funds are not available for graduate study unless it is for a first degree in nursing.

Please have the following documents prepared for upload:

• Faculty Member Certification Form
• Financial Aid Certification
• Unofficial Transcript
• Acceptance Letter (only for applicants transferring to another school within the 2023/2024 academic year)
• Nursing License (for applicants in an RN-BSN or RN-MSN program)

Click here for a complete list of application instructions.

Click here for application.

Selection

Scholarship recipients are selected based on academic achievement, financial need, involvement in nursing student organizations, and community activities related to health care. The Selection Committee does not accept separate documents after the application has been received.

Timeline

Scholarships are awarded in the spring of 2023 for use in the summer of 2023 and the 2023-24 academic year.

Pay Out

All checks are made payable to the school towards the account of the scholarship recipient. Scholarship money will be used to offset the cost of tuition, academic fees, and books only. Funds not used by the end of the scholarship-funding period are to be returned to FNSNA.

5 Ways Johnson & Johnson Is Working to Improve the Well-Being of the World by 2025 Nurses Change Lives

Throughout history, nurses have brought innovation to patient care that has profoundly changed human health. For over 120 years, Johnson & Johnson has been proud to support and elevate the visibility and impact of nursing by championing nurse-led innovation, supporting skills development, developing nurse leaders and strengthening nurse resiliency. We are committed to advocating for and empowering nurses globally as critical drivers of better human health outcomes. Because nurses change lives, and that changes everything. #changinghumanhealth #nurseschangelives All content available from the J&J Nursing channels is for informational purposes only. ©Johnson & Johnson Services, Inc. 2012

The Important Role of Phlebotomists in Healthcare

Phlebotomy has been a part of medical care for centuries. Because drawing and handling blood samples are very crucial and strictly requires accuracy all the time, having the skills and experience are important in this profession. At Sumner College Arizona our team makes sure you receive the best training possible as a Phlebotomy technician as we understand the vital role that phlebotomists play in the healthcare system.

What key roles do Phlebotomist?

Phlebotomy technicians are not only responsible for drawing and collecting blood samples of the patients, they also have other important roles in the healthcare system. You should have good communication skills because you will be the one to carefully explain technical procedures to the patients, especially those who are scared of having their blood drawn for a sample, and help minimize their fears and anxieties. More importantly, a phlebotomist should be proficient in record-keeping as they are tasked to keep patient and lab records up-to-date, properly label the samples with the patient’s vital information and keep supplies and equipment organized and in good condition. We’ve listed a couple of the primary roles that give a phlebotomist an important role in the health care system.

Earn a Phlebotomy Technician Certification at Sumner College Arizona 

Being certified shows proficiency, professionalism, and commitment to excellence – the keys to success in any profession. Our program is completed in 8 weeks and will prepare you for a career working as a phlebotomy technician in the healthcare industry.

Our eight-week phlebotomy program will equip you with the skills you need to get started in this profession and launch your medical career. Under the guidance of expert instructors, you’ll be trained in multiple blood collection techniques, as well as EKG skills, anatomy and physiology and proper collection and handling of specimens Upon graduation, you’ll have the skills and knowledge you need to find work in a hospital, physician’s office, lab or donation center.

Program Information

Registration Fee: $ 50

Supplies: $200

Tuition: $3,100

Total: $3,350

 

A Career As A Certified Nurse Midwife

Certified Nurse Midwives (CNMs) are becoming more common for women and mothers across the nation.  Overall employment of Nurse Midwives is projected to grow 45% from 2020 to 2030, much faster than the average for all occupations.

Nurse Midwives are primary health care providers for women of all ages and provide all types of gynecological, prenatal, and post-pregnancy care.

According to Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science, common tasks and duties include:

• Confirming and dating pregnancy
• Providing prenatal and postpartum care
• Caring for women during childbirth including monitoring the mother and fetus during labor, assessing labor progress, managing complications, assisting with pain management, performing episiotomies if needed, and delivering the newborn and placenta
• Providing education for new parents on infant care
• Supporting new mothers that are breastfeeding with education and training
• Preparing pregnant women for what to expect during the birthing process
• Performing preventive health screenings and tests
• Diagnosing and treating gynecological disorders such as sexually transmitted diseases and infertility

There are many different paths in the Midwifery field. They could include:

• CNM: Certified Nurse-Midwives are Registered Nurses who have additional certification as a Midwife. That double licensure gives them additional opportunity and training in the medical field. Specific Midwifery education is the same for a CNM and CM.
• CM: A Certified Midwife is someone who is certified as a Midwife, but doesn’t have a Registered Nursing license as well. The certification is identical for a CM and CNM, the only difference is the Registered Nursing license.
• CPM: A Certified Professional Midwife is certified and must have particular experience in home-birth or out-of-hospital settings. The certification requirements are much less than that of a CM or CNM. A Midwifery program may still be involved, but often it is less detailed and intense.
• Doula: Doulas are not maternity care providers, but provide informational and emotional support for a mother during childbirth. Doulas provide services to mothers while they are pregnant, during their labor and delivery, as well as after the baby is born. Some Doulas work directly for birth centers or hospitals, while others are hired directly by expecting mothers. Because Doulas don’t provide medical support, there aren’t direct legal requirements regarding their practice. Some doulas get formal training, though it’s not required.

The average CNM salary in the United States is $116,574, as reported by Salary.com.

If you’re truly interested in becoming a Nurse Midwife, start with your RN or BSN from a school like Sumner College and then pursue your CNM.

BSN Jobs

WHAT KIND OF JOBS CAN YOU GET WITH A BSN?

A bachelor of science in nursing will prepare you for a wide variety of job opportunities, including:

• Registered Nurse
• Operating Room/Perioperative Nurse
• Critical Care/ICU Nurse
• Emergency Room Nurse
• Labor and Delivery Nurse
• Medical/Surgical Nurse
• Charge Nurse
• Case Manager
• Home Health Nurse
• Hospice Nurse
• Oncology Nurse
• And many more…

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, registered nurses can expect a 15% increase in employment opportunities by 2026. This is considered to be much faster than the national average for all occupations. In today’s healthcare market, registered nurses with their BSN will have an easier time finding a job than those without a BSN:

• 43.7% of hospitals and other healthcare settings are requiring new hires to have a BSN
• Rate of job offers for new nursing graduates four to six months after program completion:
  • 89% for entry-level BSN graduates
  • 90% for entry-level MSN graduates

American Association of Colleges of Nursing

National Hispanic Heritage Month

Each year, Americans observe National Hispanic Heritage Month from September 15 to October 15, by celebrating the histories, cultures and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South America.

The observation started in 1968 as Hispanic Heritage Week under President Lyndon Johnson and was expanded by President Ronald Reagan in 1988 to cover a 30-day period starting on September 15 and ending on October 15. It was enacted into law on August 17, 1988, on the approval of Public Law 100-402.

The day of September 15 is significant because it is the anniversary of independence for Latin American countries Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras and Nicaragua. In addition, Mexico and Chile celebrate their independence days on September 16 and September 18, respectively. Also, Columbus Day or Día de la Raza, which is October 12, falls within this 30 day period.

At Sumner College we celebrate and honor the histories, cultures and contributions of American citizens whose ancestors came from all countries.

Important Phlebotomy Technician Skills for Success

What Kind of Skills Do You Need to Be a Phlebotomist?

Phlebotomists draw blood from patients for tests, research, transfusions, and/or blood donations. They work primarily in hospitals, doctors’ offices, blood donation centers, and laboratories. Along with drawing blood, they label the blood for processing, enter information in computer databases, and assemble and maintain all the medical instruments needed to draw blood.

Phlebotomists often explain the procedure gently to patients in order to calm their nerves. Sometimes, they also have to care for patients who have an adverse reaction after their blood is drawn.

Types of Phlebotomy Skills

Phlebotomists require a wide variety of skills. Some of these are hard skills, such as knowing how to perform certain medical procedures and dexterity for using equipment efficiently. Others are soft skills, such as compassion for anxious patients.

Phlebotomists usually have a constant flow of patients throughout the day. They need to be precise when drawing blood and labeling and keeping track of samples.

• Calculating the Quantity of Blood Needed
• Decontaminating the Puncture Site
• Documenting All Procedures
• Following Infection Control Guidelines
• Locating Appropriate Veins for Blood Collection
• Maintain Specimen Integrity
• Preparing Specimens for Transport to the Laboratory

Communication

Phlebotomists need to be able to clearly explain procedures to patients, and listen to their questions and concerns. Many patients will be nervous, so clearly explaining what is going to happen will put patients at ease. Strong verbal communication skills are critical.

• Oral Communication
• Nonverbal Communication
• Active Listening
• Explaining the Process of Extracting Samples
• Instructing Patients Regarding Proper Urine Collection
• Persuasion
• Writing Reports, Correspondence, and Policy

Data Entry

Most hospitals and doctors’ offices require phlebotomists to enter patient and specimen information in a medical record database on the computer. Having data entry skills and experience is a big plus for a phlebotomist.

• Data Management
• Accuracy
• Computer Skills
• Microsoft Office Suite
• Data Management Software
• Information Management

Dexterity

Physical dexterity (or motor skills) is critical for a phlebotomist. Phlebotomists have to work with their hands to handle equipment and draw blood. They need to be able to draw blood quickly and efficiently, with minimal discomfort for patients.

• Close Vision
• Hand-eye Coordination
• Working Quickly
• Performing Chemical Tests
• Promoting Workplace Safety

Empathy

Phlebotomists need to have strong interpersonal skills. In particular, they need to be able to empathize with and show concern and care for patients who are nervous. Empathy will help a phlebotomist interact successfully with patients and their families.

• Calming Anxious Patients
• Customer Service
• Emotional Intelligence
• Interpersonal Skills
• Patience

RN to BSN Degree – What is it?

The RN-BSN degree is designed for nurses that have earned their Registered Nurse (RN) licensure and would like to continue their educational journey by earning a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN). In addition to your RN licensure, a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree will prepare you for a thriving nursing career. In the highly competitive field of nursing, a Sumner College RN-to-BSN degree can help give you an edge in the healthcare world while experiencing minimal disruption to your work schedule. By earning this bachelor’s degree online, you’re able to remain employed while learning valuable skills that will result in greater career opportunities over time. 

Top Medical Assistant Skills

Top Medical Assistant Skills

Different employers may emphasize different skills when hiring staff, so be sure to read all job descriptions carefully. Be ready to provide examples of how you embody each skill because most likely your interviewer will ask you to provide explanations.

Here’s a look at the top medical assistant skills you’ll need:

Basic Office Skills

These office skills are similar to those done by an administrative assistant in any field. You’ll need telephone courtesy, strong written and verbal communication, and strong customer service skills.

In some cases, you will have to handle billing and bookkeeping, and you’ll have to troubleshoot computer problems. If you have experience with a particular computer system or software, mention that in your resume. Microsoft Excel and Word skills are commonly needed. You will need writing skills to handle correspondence.

Medical Administrative Skills

Medical administrative skills include monitoring inventories of medical supplies and re-ordering as needed, selecting the best suppliers by price and quality. You’ll schedule patient appointments, arrange for hospital admissions, work with laboratory services, update patient records after exams and test results, and record medical histories.

You could also have to handle billing, which involves processing insurance forms, reconciling co-pays, resolving insurance billing problems, and advocating for patients with their insurance companies.

You’ll likely need to learn medical practice software and screen sales reps, as well.

Medical Skills

Medical assistants are not doctors or nurses but must provide simple medical and nursing care under the direction of doctors. You’ll be asked to administer medications, give injections, apply dressings, draw blood, secure blood and urine samples, remove sutures, perform EKGs, and convey information and relay questions from doctors to patients and vice-versa. You’ll prepare treatment rooms for patient examinations.

You’ll arrange prescription refills, perform accurate assessments of vital signs, and possess basic life support (BLS) skills, such as CPR. You’ll have to follow infection control and safety guidelines as well as quality control standards when sterilizing and setting up instruments, maintaining medical equipment, and preparing treatment rooms for patient examinations.

Patient Interaction

Medical assistants often work directly with patients. Because of this, you need a whole set of skills related to customer service and what is loosely called “bedside manner.” You will need to explain medical instructions, information, and procedures in a clear, non-technical way and be able to receive, interview (and sometimes triage) patients.

You’ll receive patients and prepare them for exams. You’ll also need to remain calm and supportive with distressed or difficult patients. Fluency in a second or third language is helpful. And of course, you’ll have to maintain confidentiality.

When interviewing, be prepared to discuss specific experiences with patients and how you handled them, while maintaining patient confidentiality.

Personal Qualities

Emphasize the personal qualities you possess that make you the best person for the job you’re applying for. To be a medical assistant, you have to be detail-oriented, committed to accuracy, empathic, and adaptable. Good interpersonal skills are a must. You must also be able to multitask.

You must be an active listener. Possessing manual dexterity and speaking a foreign language are helping things to mention.

Sumner College’s Medical Assisting Program has classes starting every 10 weeks. Enroll in our Portland or Arizona classes today.

#Hiring – Medical Assistant Instructor (Full Time)

Title: Medical Assisting Instructor (Full Time on Campus)

Supervisor: Medical Assisting Program Director

Job Summary:

The Medical Assisting Instructor will teach classes for the medical assisting program. As an instructor you will assist in developing curriculum, grading examinations, answering student questions and training students to be the best in their career. Through support and coaching, the instructor will promote and direct successful student learning. While complying with all state and federal laws.

Requirements:

• Must have MA certification/diploma
• Minimum of 3 years’ experience as a Medical Assistant
• Knowledge of teaching methods, curriculum, and education programs, academic and/or vocational criteria

Duties and Responsibilities:

● Have a strong understanding of topics to be taught and prepare well for lectures.

● Creates a learning environment that encourages student involvement and participation

● Participates in and contributes to curriculum development by planning, developing, and evaluating new and existing courses and curriculum.

● Establish and communicate clear objectives for all learning activities.

● Integrates a variety of instructional techniques and enhancements, consistent with the physical resources of the teaching site, to reflect student needs/capabilities, and learning preferences.

● Prepares class sessions and assignments to help students grasp course content and how it integrates with overall student learning outcomes for the course.

● Teaches courses according to the syllabi descriptions and in accordance with defined course standards and outcomes.

● Documents students’ attendance, participation, and academic progress by giving and grading assignments, projects, quizzes and/or examinations that lead to a final grade, including feedback.

Contact Human Resources for more information or apply online at Linked In