How Do I Start a Career in Medical Billing?

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Are you interested in becoming a medical billing specialist? Administrative careers in the healthcare industry are challenging, rewarding, and stable. They provide you with the opportunity to maximize patient outcomes by supporting clinical staff while also helping individuals navigate the complexities of the healthcare system.

Choosing a career in medical billing requires a broad set of skills. It’s a diverse field where each day presents new opportunities for personal and professional growth. Employers compete for a limited pool of qualified candidates, forcing them to offer competitive benefits to retain top talent.

An easier way to enter the medical coding profession is by attending a vocational school. There, you learn the standards and practices that govern the industry. You also develop the investigatory and problem-solving skills needed to excel in your career. Formal education maximizes your employability and enhances your ability to advance throughout your career.

Why Start a Career in Healthcare?

There are many reasons to start a career in healthcare. From demand and respect to joining a select group on the frontlines, starting a healthcare career is both challenging and rewarding.

Demand

As our population ages, the demand for healthcare will continue to grow. Medical billing professionals and health information specialists are a vital part of the healthcare system. They ensure facilities and doctors are reimbursed for their services, allowing facilities to keep treating patients.

The importance of administrative support and continual patient need for healthcare services means your career will be more resistant to shifts in the economy and job market. The healthcare system cannot function without medical billers.

Respect

People have respect for those that work in healthcare. You’ll be considered a contributor to society’s well-being. People also respect the dedication, hard work, and resiliency it takes to thrive in the healthcare industry. Your peers will look to you as a role model and leader.

Healthcare professionals are esteemed for their problem-solving, time-management, and multi-tasking skills. A career in medical billing is a source of pride and accomplishment.

Never a Dull Moment

As a medical biller, you’ll be responsible for multiple time-sensitive day-to-day tasks. Depending on the size of your employer, you’ll also contribute to longer-range projects meant to shape institutional policy, education, and best practices. While your job will be stable, it will never be dull.

Some days you’ll be researching the codes needed to bill a complex surgical case. Other days, you’ll liaise with an insurance provider to resolve disputed claims over billing discrepancies. Then you may be asked to lead an in-service on proper medical documentation for a group of incoming med students.

Join the Frontlines

One certainty in life is that everyone, at some point, will need medical care. A career in medical billing places you at the frontline, supporting clinicians as they help people through accidents, emergency illnesses, and long-term care. You’ll work alongside doctors and nurses to help confront crises that the healthcare system must rise to meet head-on.

Medical billers must adapt to these situations to strategize documentation requirements, billing methods, and expansions to the coding process to keep the system functioning.

Multiple Options

Every clinical facility needs medical billers. You can find your niche, from small practices with a single doctor to vast hospital systems. The diversity of options ensures you can find an opportunity that offers the work-life balance, challenge, room for growth, and values that best suit your career plan.

You can seek positions that allow you to handle multiple tasks in the revenue cycle or find employment where you specialize in a subset of coding or reimbursement duties.

What Does a Medical Billing Specialist Do?

Medical billing specialists interface with insurance companies on behalf of healthcare facilities or clinicians. You will interpret medical records, generate invoices for the services rendered, and collect payment from the payers.

Medical billers hold doctors accountable by confirming documentation meets mandatory requirements, follow-up on denied and outstanding claims, and appeal rejected claims to secure payments.

How Do I Start a Career in Medical Billing?

An easier way to secure a job and begin a career in medical billing is by attending a vocational program. Almost all employers require formal training for their medical billers because the pace is too fast for on-the-job training, and accuracy is too vital.

Vocational schools tailor their curriculums with the workplace in mind. They provide you with the necessary knowledge to perform your job duties and leverage workplace technology to limit your learning curve once you’re in the field.

Beyond teaching the theoretical knowledge needed to generate bills, vocational schools help build your confidence and nurture the problem-solving, analytical, and soft skills you’ll need to succeed and rise through the ranks.

What Do I Learn During a Medical Billing and Coding Program?

Success in medical billing and coding depends on your thorough understanding of the complex healthcare reimbursement system and the nuances of successfully navigating insurers’ requirements while adhering to strict federal guidelines.

Your coursework will be intensive but rewarding. Completing a vocational program tells future employers that you can set a goal, persevere through adversity, and grow as an individual. These are high-value skills. The coursework you will review during your medical billing and coding program includes:

Medical Records and Documentation

All rendered services must be properly documented. The medical billing and coding program will teach the components of a complete medical record, how to interpret the healthcare data, and the guidelines for resolving discrepancies in the documentation.

You’ll also learn about the commonly used electronic health information management software. Schools use current systems that are similar to what you’ll use once you’re working in the industry.

Health Insurance and the Billing Cycle

Your instructors will provide a comprehensive overview of how healthcare reimbursement works. You’ll learn about claim generation, bill submission, insurance review, and payment posting. The coursework aims to give you insight into each phase of the revenue cycle so you can understand the importance of effective medical billing and work in any facet of the system.

You’ll learn best practices for creating bills to minimize errors and rejected claims. Instructors teach using real-world examples and simulated billing tasks, so you’ll begin generating bills before you’re even employed.

Anatomy and Physiology

Precise clinical terminology ensures every aspect of a patient’s illness, injury, and treatment is correctly documented. This specificity is vital for the continuity of care.

You’ll take anatomy and physiology courses so you can understand medical records and create accurate bills. The coursework covers the 11 body systems, the roots of clinical terminology, and the diseases and ailments you’ll see documented daily.

ICD-10, CPT, and HCPCS

Medical billers are responsible for taking narrative clinical data from clinicians, translating it into an alphanumeric code used by insurance companies, and generating invoices for the services patients receive.

You will learn Current Procedure Terminology (CPT-4), International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems (ICD-10), and Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System (HCPCS). These coding protocols are like languages. Instructors cover how to use research tools to investigate diagnoses and procedures so you can bill any claim that comes across your desk.

Health Insurance Claims

Your coursework will teach you to read insurance plans and understand their rigorous standards. As a medical biller, you’ll generate claims that go to both government and private insurers. You’ll learn how to read and interpret denials, delays, and resubmission requests that insurers issue in response to claims.

You’ll learn how to research rejected claims and write appeals based on the denial. Medical billers have the opportunity to work for insurers, handling the billing cycle from the opposite side.

Ethics and Best Practices

All healthcare professionals must adhere to the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), federal privacy laws, and their employer’s policies. You’ll learn about relevant federal laws and your compliance requirements during the medical billing and coding program.

Medical billers must only generate accurate bills for rendered services. Instructors will also cover ethical topics regarding waste, fraud, and abuse, which drive up healthcare costs system wide.

What are the Benefits of Formal Education?

Most employers, especially the best ones, require billers with formal education. Attending a vocational school helps your resume stand out and signals both your commitment to the field and your ability to accomplish goals.

Benefit #1: Mentorship from Instructors

Vocational schools employ instructors who are trained in the theories that govern medical billing and have ample real-world experience. Your instructors are also industry veterans who understand the dynamic nature of administrative healthcare careers, the unique challenges medical billers face, and ways to position their students for success.

They will provide workplace insight to keep your education grounded in practical application. In addition, they offer advice about navigating a professional work setting, collaborating with clinicians, and potential avenues to take your career.

Benefit #2: Learn By Doing

Vocational schools provide you with the requisite theory, but they thrive by simulating the workplace. You’ll be able to make mistakes and learn from them as you complete case studies, generate bills using actual clinical data, and deconstruct complex medical records.

As your coursework progresses, you’ll gain confidence in your ability to generate a bill before you even begin your first day at your new job. This development will help you hit the ground running on day one.

Benefit #3: Cooperative Peer Groups

Medical billing classes are challenging because of the breadth and depth of information they cover. You and your classmates will work together to support one another in study groups.

They’ll provide motivation and encouragement as you work through tasks as a group. Working together will build camaraderie as you all pursue the same goal. Developing collaborative skills will help your career growth because you’ll feel comfortable contributing during department meetings.

Benefit #4: Career Services

Vocational schools have dedicated staff to assist you in job placement. Their career services centers offer resume advice, mock interviews, and certification exam preparation. Schools also have vast alumni networks that provide leads about jobs and offer mentorship to students and recent graduates.

Career services staff helps you identify promising opportunities through their pre-existing relationships with area employers. Your instructors also offer insight into what to look for and avoid in potential career opportunities.

Want to Learn More?

Gwinnett Colleges & Institute’s Medical Billing and Coding programs will provide you with the opportunity to learn insurance coding and processing, medical administrative procedures, and the regulatory requirements in the healthcare delivery system.  School externships provide the opportunity to apply the medical billing and coding skills learned in the classroom in actual medical settings. Gwinnett Colleges & Institute offers medical billing & coding courses to gain essential skills and training to achieve entry-level positions in this career field. These medical billing & coding courses will be the first step in starting a rewarding career.

Contact us to learn more about how you can become a medical billing and coding specialist today.

 

Where Can I Work as a Nurse?

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Nurses are fixtures in hospitals, clinics, doctor’s offices, and nursing homes; they couldn’t run without them. But today’s registered and licensed practical nurses are increasingly found in a wider range of settings as communities recognize their value. Let’s take a closer look at where today’s nurses are making a difference.

Where Can I Work as a Nurse?

Where you can work as a nurse depends in part on your education. Both registered and licensed practical nurses are professional caregivers who work in similar settings. However, each has a slightly different skill set that’s better suited for some healthcare environments than others, so their employment opportunities and job responsibilities vary.

Hospitals

RNs and LPN work side-by-side in hospitals caring for the same patients, but their scope of practice is different.

RNs have the training required to manage acutely ill patients with complex medical needs. Responsibilities include:

  • Planning, implementing and supervising nursing care.
  • Administering high-risk drugs and blood transfusions.
  • Pain management.
  • Monitoring patients for changes in condition.
  • Performing complex treatments.
  • Initiating emergency care.
  • Patient education.

LPNs work as bedside caregivers under the supervision of an RN, performing duties such as:

  • Helping patients to eat, dress and shower.
  • Obtaining vital signs.
  • Giving low-risk oral medications and injections.
  • Inserting urinary catheters.
  • Checking blood glucose.
  • Light wound care.
  • Tracking intake and output.
  • Assisting with therapeutic and recreational activities.
  • Interdepartmental transportation.
  • Providing emotional support.

LPNs are less independent in hospitals than in other settings because of patient acuity. And they have less direct contact with physicians and other professionals on the healthcare team, registered nurses take the leadership role. However, by taking advantage of what each does best, RNs and LPNs make an indispensable team.

Nursing Homes and Assisted Living Facilities

Nursing homes care for stable patients that need medical supervision but not hospitalization. Assisted living facilities offer medical and personal support services. Both employ registered and licensed practical nurses, but an LPN’s skills were tailor-made for the role. As an LPN in a long-term care setting, you will

  • Assist patients with activities of daily living.
  • Administer medications.
  • Insert urinary catheters.
  • Track intake and output.
  • Dress wounds.
  • Collect biological samples.
  • Manage medical and mobility equipment.
  • Support family members.
  • Provide emergency care.
  • Offer psychosocial support.
  • Help with therapeutic activities.
  • Supervise paraprofessional staff.
  • Coordinate appointments with outside medical providers.
  • Assist with transportation and finances.

In nursing and assisted living facilities, LPNs work directly with professional staff and are often in supervisory positions as charge nurses or unit directors. It’s a great place for entry-level nurses to spread their wings.

RNs in nursing homes also have direct care roles, performing most of the same duties as LPNs, but most assume leadership roles that also include:

  • Performing admission assessments.
  • Managing residents’ psychological needs.
  • Administering IV medications.
  • Feeding tube changes.
  • Departmental budgeting.
  • Staff scheduling and supervision.
  • Disaster planning.

Clinics

Clinics are smaller than hospitals, but they offer more services than private practices. Cost-effective, they’re growing in popularity around the country as the population becomes more mobile. Both employ nurses to help treat minor injuries and illnesses, but because clinics see a smaller volume of patients, nurses manage both clinical and administrative responsibilities.

In general, an RN’s role includes:

  • Physical assessments
  • Assisting with exams
  • Pain management
  • Referrals
  • Documentation
  • Complex procedures
  • Patient education

LPNs:

  • Record health histories
  • Take vital signs
  • Collect fluid samples
  • Manage medical records
  • Assist with diagnostic testing and wound care

Clinics have fewer staff members than large facilities, so the team is tight knit. LPNs may have more of a voice in leadership matters.

Private Practices

The role of nurses in private practices has changed in the past decade. Medical assistants have largely replaced nurses as doctors’ liaisons. Still, LPNs are hired to perform practical nursing tasks in offices that offer clinical services such as infusions while RNs serve as patient navigators and educators.

LPNs employed in private practices:

  • Triage patients.
  • Assist with diagnostic tests.
  • Give medications and perform treatments.
  • Manage emergency equipment.

RNs:

  • Manage complex referrals
  • Offer patient education
  • Serve as resource navigators
  • Client outreach

A private practice is an ideal environment for nurses who enjoy working with the same patients and peers every day. The circle is narrow, but it allows you to build strong interpersonal relationships.

Other benefits of working in an office environment include regular hours and a favorable work-life balance. It’s a perfect schedule for parents with school-aged children.

Home Health Care

The demand for home health nurses is skyrocketing as seniors seek alternatives to institutionalized care. Both RNs and LPNs play a role, coordinating with patients, families, and medical providers to create a safe home environment for ill or aging adults who want to remain independent.

Registered nurses:

  • Complete admission assessments.
  • Ensure a safe home environment.
  • Manage medical equipment orders.
  • Follow-up on post-surgical cases.
  • Create individualized care plans.

LPNs follow the care plan, helping patients and their families manage:

  • Activities of daily living
  • Medication needs
  • Tube feedings
  • Mobility and transportation
  • Meal preparation and homemaking
  • Ventilator, tracheostomy, and oxygen equipment
  • Environmental safety
  • Psychosocial needs

Research shows that the involvement of nurses on the home front improves patient satisfaction with their healthcare and lowers medical costs.

Schools

As mainstreaming children with medical issues becomes commonplace, so has the need for nurses in schools. School nurses work with students, families, peers, and educators to ensure that all children can safely participate in a full range of activities.

Registered nurses take the lead by:

  • Identifying at-risk students.
  • Creating customized care plans.
  • Creating school-based health policy.
  • Managing emergency equipment.
  • Overseeing disaster preparedness.
  • Acting as administrative safety consultants.
  • Serving as a health safety net.

Licensed practical nurses help by:

  • Administering medications and treatments during school hours
  • Managing vaccine records
  • Transportation assistance
  • Student outreach
  • Recordkeeping

Public Health Departments

The recent pandemic has underscored the need for improved public health efforts. Coordinating with officials from the federal to the local level, nurses play a vital role in bringing health information and basic services to their communities.

RNs:

  • Analyze health data and identify at-risk demographics.
  • Develop wellness programs.
  • Serve as individual and community health advocates.
  • Provide disaster relief.
  • Promote public safety.
  • Work with policymakers to improve access to affordable medical care.

Practical nurses assist by:

  • Collecting health data.
  • Giving immunizations.
  • Providing health screenings.

While most public health nurses work in office settings, there’s a growing trend toward mobile nursing. Transportation is a barrier to accessibility, but clinics-on-wheels are bringing much-needed medical services to under-served rural populations.

Industry

Occupational health nurses offer health services and safety programs to workers within industries and the community. They work with employers, staff, and government agencies to create a culture of safety. As in most settings, RNs and LPNs have different roles because of their education.

RNs:

  • Assess workplace health and safety issues.
  • Interpret OSHA regulations.
  • Implement safety guidelines.
  • Guide employees who’ve had workplace injuries.
  • Create occupational health initiatives and emergency management plans.

LPNs focus on more practical tasks, such as:

  • New employee safety orientation.
  • Drug screenings.
  • Personal safety device fittings.
  • First aid and emergency medical services.
  • Occupational health follow-up referrals.

As an occupational health nurse, you may work in a particular industry, such as manufacturing or agriculture, as an on-site health advocate for employees while helping employers reduce workplace injuries and associated costs. Or you can work in an occupational health clinic, following up on illnesses and injuries.

Occupational health nursing is growing as employer’s credit early intervention with lower workplace injury rates and declining costs.

How Do You Become an LPN or RN?

Being a registered nurse requires a degree. The push is on nationwide for more bachelor’s-educated RNs but getting an associate degree from a vocational school qualifies you for the same professional license and many of the same jobs.

Positions in management and nursing education typically require a four-year degree or higher, but getting an associate degree lets you get your feet wet. You can earn and gain experience while building on your education.

Associate degree nurses can take RSN to BSN bridge programs in which their work experience counts toward portfolio credit. In some cases, you can take fewer courses and earn a degree in under 18 months. Meanwhile, the connections you make on the job establish your reputation as a nurse and pave the way for professional growth.

If you want to become a nurse without a degree, consider becoming a licensed practical nurse. It takes a vocational school diploma. Programs focus on practical nursing tasks with no general electives required. The learning is intense, but you can graduate in under one year.

Becoming an LPN is an excellent way to break into the nursing field without breaking the bank or missing too many paychecks. It’s also the perfect way for hesitant nurses to get a feel for the industry before committing to years in school.

You’ll have the opportunity to explore your options, working with different types of patients in diverse environments. It’s a chance to network with future employers and set career goals. Being an experienced LPN may also help you ascend the wait lists for RN programs faster.

Final Thoughts

One of the most valuable parts of a nursing career is its flexibility. You can work as an RN or an LPN in a wide range of places where the work is always interesting and opportunities flourish, you’re never stuck or bored. As a nurse, the journey is as rewarding as the destination.

An easy way to launch a nursing career is to enroll in a vocational school practical nursing program. You’ll graduate with a diploma in months, not years, having spent less time and money than your college counterparts to break into the industry.

Becoming an LPN is also an attractive option for students who want to be nurses but who aren’t yet sure which direction they want their careers to take. Working in different settings helps you get a feel for different types of nursing. Many students start as LPNs, so they can earn while they learn, gaining experience and insight as they work toward a degree part-time.

But while experience and aptitude play a part in which jobs nurses grow into, it’s important to be realistic. State law limits a nurse’s scope of practice based on their training, so no matter how much enthusiasm and experience an LPN has, they will never become an RN without a degree. Practical nurses have good jobs, but opportunities for advancement are limited.

Florence Nightingale once said that nurses should never consider themselves finished with education. So, whether you begin your nursing career as an LPN, an RN, or a BSN, where you start is always less important than where you’re going.

LPN Program

Gwinnett Institute in Orlando offers a Practical Nursing diploma program that trains LPN students for positions delivering basic bedside care to patients. LPN courses create employment opportunities that include entry-level practical nursing positions in long-term care facilities, nursing homes, hospitals, rehabilitation centers, urgent care facilities, occupational care centers, and physician offices.

Upon successful completion of the program and demonstrated nursing competence, the college graduates will be eligible to apply to take the NCLEX-PN or NCLEX-RN licensure examination. *  

Registered Nurse Program

The Associate of Science in Nursing degree program at Gwinnett College provides training to prepare college graduates to enter the nursing profession as a registered nurse.  Classroom theory, challenging assignments, skill labs, simulations, and clinical experiences help to prepare college graduates for an entry-level nursing position.

RN to BSN Program

The RN to Bachelor of Science in Nursing/RN-BSN program is designed to provide professionals currently licensed as registered nurses the flexibility of online study to build upon the knowledge gained through previous training and education. The RN to BSN program courses are designed to assist college students with developing the core knowledge and skills needed to provide patient-centered care and to work collaboratively with other professionals in the field.

*While Gwinnett Colleges & Institute provides test preparation and review assistance to college students, it cannot guarantee any college student will be able to take or pass any type of licensure exam. College students must be mindful throughout their entire training program that licensure is a pre-requisite for employment as a nurse and to diligently prepare themselves to meet this important requirement.

Contact us today to learn more about becoming an LPN or RN at Gwinnett College.

What is a Paralegal vs a Lawyer?

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Are you interested in the law but don’t want to spend 7 or more years to become a lawyer? Did you know that you can become a paralegal in a fraction of the time? Lawyers and paralegals work together to protect their clients’ interests. Although both of these professionals work in the same industry and even in the same office, they do not share duties or responsibilities. In fact, each professional has a specific function within the legal system.

Why Do People Get into the Legal Field?

Some people are looking for a stable, secure career. Others are focused on ensuring equal justice for everyone under the law. Those who choose the legal field are fortunate because they can satisfy several needs with their career. Many people are drawn to the idea of helping others. You might help people plan for their future with wills and estates, support healthy communities by working in family law or assist inventors to protect their intellectual property.

In fact, it is the inherent diversity in the legal field that attracts many people. Some professionals thrive in the adversarial atmosphere of the courtroom. Others prefer to place an emphasis on business with a focus on acquisitions, mergers, real estate, or finance. Perhaps you will help with the defense of an accused individual in criminal court or help a struggling family to file for bankruptcy. The available options are practically limitless.

What Does a Paralegal Do?

Paralegals work in support of lawyers. A variety of tasks and responsibilities may fall within their purview. These tasks may include performing legal research, drafting legal documents, and maintaining electronic and paper files.

Gather Facts in a Case

In many law offices, it falls to the paralegal to investigate and gather the pertinent facts in a case. As a paralegal, you may research the laws and regulations that pertain to the case while also organizing the perhaps thousands of documents that may be required to be accessible and easy to find.

Case Prep

You will also assist with the preparation of cases. This is accomplished through gathering and organizing evidence for review by the lawyer. Sometimes, written reports that summarize the evidence or other findings are needed. You may be tasked with acquiring formal statements and affidavits from a variety of clients and witnesses. Filing documents with the court or other government entities is a common responsibility.

Client Contact

Frequent client contact is required in some paralegal positions. This means calling, emailing, and meeting with people in person to schedule depositions, interviews, and other events. Your role can vary widely depending upon the type of law office in which you work. For example, a paralegal in a corporate setting may spend time preparing documents like shareholder agreements, employee contracts, and annual financial reports. You may also maintain awareness of new government regulations that might alter business practices as well.

Managing Logistics

As a paralegal working in a litigation firm, you may perform more research, obtain, and organize evidence that will be used at deposition and trial as well as draft settlement agreements. Managing the logistics of going to trial may fall into your responsibilities too.

Clearly, your role as a paralegal is critical in any legal setting. You could find yourself doing something different every day of the week. Being able to deal with some degree of unpredictability is a valuable asset as a paralegal.

What Does a Lawyer Do?

Like paralegals, lawyers may work in a wide variety of settings, and they may choose to focus their professional efforts in a certain area of the law. For instance, some lawyers represent individual people while others are employed in a corporate setting in which their employer is also their client. Still other attorneys act as legal representatives for government agencies.

Represent a Client

Above all, it is the responsibility of the lawyer to provide advice and representation to their clients to the best of their ability. This can involve a great deal of communication with clients, co-workers, judges, witnesses and numerous other individuals and entities.

Legal Research and Analysis

On top of performing legal research, it is the responsibility of the lawyer to provide legal analysis of complex issues. Additionally, the lawyer is called upon to interpret legal rulings, regulations, and laws. It is critical for lawyers to effectively communicate both verbally and in writing as they are asked to present facts in a clear and cogent manner and perhaps also present persuasive arguments.

Advise and Advocate

Lawyers act as advisors and advocates. This means that they advocate for a client by representing them at a civil or criminal trial. On the other hand, they act as advisors who provide counsel to people and entities about their legal rights and obligations. This means that they can make recommendations regarding advisable courses of action in a wide range of personal and business matters.

Like paralegals, lawyers often choose to focus their professional efforts in a certain field. Some practice family law while others enter the realm of intellectual property. There are tax lawyers, securities lawyers, environmental lawyers, and a host of others.

What Are the Advantages of Being a Paralegal vs. a Lawyer?

Both paralegals and lawyers have important roles to play within the legal system. However, there may be significant advantages to taking the path to become a paralegal. Paralegals and lawyers have responsibilities that overlap in many cases, and they must both be prepared to meet urgent deadlines.

However, there are many differences between the two professions as well. One example of this is in the courtroom. The lawyer takes a leading role, presenting arguments, questioning witnesses, and presenting facts to the judge and jury. The amount of scrutiny to which they are subjected can be intense.

Paralegals are Behind the Scenes

The paralegal’s job in the courtroom tends to be more behind the scenes. Much of the preparation leading up to a court appearance may have been the paralegal’s responsibility, but it’s possible that they will not even go to court. Alternatively, the paralegal may be seated in the gallery or beside the lawyer, offering support and assistance throughout the proceedings. If you prefer not being center stage, then the paralegal role is a better fit for you.

Lawyers Assumes Public Responsibility

Basically, it is the lawyer who can give legal advice, sign legally binding documents and make appearances in court. This means that although the paralegal may do much of the background work, it is the lawyer who ultimately assumes public responsibility for it. This may be for good or not good, depending upon the outcome. Shouldering less responsibility can be a major advantage that attracts individuals to the paralegal profession.

Paralegals Aren’t in College as Long

Additionally, it is possible to become a paralegal in a much shorter time. Lawyers must earn a four-year bachelor’s degree and then a three-year law degree. Even then, obtaining employment can be a tricky proposition.

Becoming a paralegal is possible after completing a program at a vocational school. In less than two years, it is possible to enter a career, rather than just another job. Job prospects tend to be rosier for paralegals too. The outlook for growth in the field is on the rise and shows no sign of slowing. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the demand for paralegals is projected to grow 12 percent in the coming decade.

Paralegals Don’t Have to Pass the Bar

A less obvious advantage of choosing to become a paralegal is that there is no bar exam to pass. It’s not unusual for people to complete law school only to fail the bar exam in the state where they want to practice. If you opt to become a paralegal, you won’t have to worry about this.

What Is an Easy Way to Become a Paralegal?

An easy and efficient way to become a paralegal is by attending a program at a vocational school. These programs result in a paralegal diploma or degree, which may be a primary requirement for getting work as a paralegal. Vocational schools offer quick, flexible training programs that allow you to enter the workforce in the legal field in less time than you can imagine.

What Are the Benefits of a Formal Paralegal Program?

Perhaps the foremost reason for completing a formal paralegal training program is that most potential employers may not even interview you if you don’t have a paralegal diploma. That diploma gets your foot in the door, and your dedication to your profession does the rest.

A Complete Curriculum

When you complete a formal paralegal education, you have the benefit of being exposed to a complete curriculum. This means that you become familiar with many different aspects of the law and the skills that are needed in the modern legal office.

Make Mistakes and Learn From Them

A formal education program is the ideal place to make mistakes and learn from them. The better educated and informed you are before entering the workplace, the more attractive your resume will be to prospective employers.

Real World Experience

Through your classroom work, you will become familiar with critical legal terminology while also gaining practice with mock cases. Thanks to the experience and guidance of your instructors, you’ll gain valuable insight into common legal practices and pitfalls to avoid.

Career Services

Career services are also a benefit offered by vocational school. If you’re looking for an educational institution that supports your professional aspirations, then you’ll be well served by a vocational school.

Final Thoughts

The legal field is dynamic and fast-moving. It needs people who are bright, intelligent, and dedicated to giving their utmost in a professional environment. If this sounds appealing to you, then take the time to consider becoming a paralegal. The path is easier and faster than becoming a lawyer, but equally fulfilling. You may even use your education and experience as a paralegal as a stepping-stone to bigger things. When you earn a paralegal diploma or degree, the sky is the limit for your future.

Want to Learn More?

Ready to learn more about becoming a paralegal or legal assistant? The Gwinnett Colleges & Institute diploma and degree programs in Paralegal Studies provide students with the theoretical and practical knowledge and the legal skills necessary to perform many paralegal functions including research, writing, investigation, and interviewing.

Contact us today or complete the Request More Information form on the top of the page to take the next step towards your new career in the Paralegal field.

What Kind of Job Can I Get with a Microsoft Office Certification?

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Are you’re hoping to get an office job, but wondering what qualifications you need? Are you asking yourself if there is a certification for Microsoft Office? If so, what steps do you need to obtain this certification?

Is There a Certification for Microsoft Office?

Yes, there is an Expert Certification program for Microsoft Office. To earn the certification, you must pass three out of four Associate exams and two out of three Expert exams. The Associate Exams cover Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook, while the Expert exams focus on Word, Excel, and Access.

What Software Programs Are Covered Under This Certification?

This certification focuses on the Microsoft Office suite of software programs. If you decide to get certified, you can expect to learn about the following:

Word

Microsoft Word is a basic word processing software system. It’s ubiquitous, convenient, and easy to use. Although even first-timers can usually grasp the basics, the system includes several features that appeal to experienced writers and computer professionals alike.

In addition to its built-in spell checker, dictionary, and thesaurus, Word offers users the ability to designate their own formatting templates. Text layouts, margin defaults, titles, and headers can all be customized according to user preference.

One of Word’s greatest assets is a program called WordArt. This feature allows the user to add formatting effects to their text, thereby creating a more visually striking document. Instead of simply underlining or bolding the text, users can apply shadowing, reflection, beveling, or even sophisticated three-dimensional effects.

Excel

Excel is an electronic spreadsheet program that allows users to store data with tables and cells. This program is an important asset to businesses because it eliminates the need for paper spreadsheets, which are both messy and space-consuming.

With Excel, you can store several worksheet pages in a single file. A group of pages is called a workbook. You can access any of the pages in the workbook without closing and opening numerous files, another convenient time-saving benefit.

A cell in Excel can hold numbers, text, dates and times, or formulas. This makes the program useful for calculations. Enter the numbers and let the system take care of the Math.

PowerPoint

PowerPoint is Microsoft’s premier presentation program, and a standard element of the Office Suite software package. If you’re hoping to land a job that relies heavily on presentations, such as an insurance company or investment firm, then it’s in your best interests to learn more about PowerPoint.

While PowerPoint is an essential tool in the business world, it also comes in handy in educational settings. The program uses a slide format to convey information in a way that’s both entertaining and easy to understand. Plus, it’s fully integrated with other programs in the Microsoft Office Suite, so you can import your info from Word or Excel into your presentations.

Outlook

Outlook is an email client that is used to send and receive messages through Microsoft’s Exchange Server. In addition to relaying messages, you can use Outlook for access contact, calendars, and task management.

Like PowerPoint, Outlook is a component of the Office Suite. It’s also part of the Office 365 system, you can however use it as a standalone application. The system can also be integrated with SharePoint for the purposes of project collaboration.

Outlook’s basic features consist of email service, search functions, flagging, color coding, and preview pane options. You can use its calendar function for scheduling and staff communication, which eliminates the need for a separate calendar-sharing program. With 99 gigabytes of archiving data, the system should be able to handle all your communication and scheduling needs.

Access

The Access application is included on the Expert certification list because it’s a more sophisticated version of Excel. That’s right, it’s a spreadsheet like program, that’s capable of handling more data at one time and offers advanced searchability compared to Excel.

Access is part of Microsoft’s 365 family of applications. While Excel is used primarily for simple calculations and individual projects, Access is designed to store and manage much more information. The system also makes it easy to retrieve and apply the data in various applications with the aid of pre-made forms and questions.

Access can be connected to many other applications. When other apps generate useful data, it can be automatically imported to the Access system. This is a handy time-saving feature that makes Access a great asset to large enterprises.

What Jobs Might Be Available To Certificate Holders?

Most jobs benefit from Microsoft Office knowledge but specific jobs should get Microsoft Office certification. Jobs like administrative assistant, office manager, data analyst, and desktop publisher use Microsoft Office in almost everything they do. Having the certification can capture the eye of employers to your knowledge of Microsoft Office and commitment to learning.

Job #1: Administrative Assistant

Also known as an administrative aide, this individual is responsible for helping administrative professionals stay on task. With the administrative assistant taking on organizational tasks, the administrator is free to focus on their advanced responsibilities.

Duties and responsibilities may vary, depending on the role of the professional. However, the job of an administrative assistant can include answering phones, greeting visitors, organizing meetings, scheduling appointments, composing and editing documents, collating and distributing mail, filing, and managing business accounts. Most of these tasks benefit from the knowledge of Microsoft Office.

The tasks you’ll be responsible for as an administrative assistant may shift from day to day, even within the same company. The job requires strong multitasking skills and plenty of attention to detail. If you’re looking for an entry-level position that offers plenty of variety, this could be the job for you.

Job #2: Office Manager

This position represents a step up from administrative assistant duties. While you may still be responsible for scheduling appointments and meetings, greeting visitors, and providing basic administrative support, you’ll also serve as the point person for the office.

What does this mean? In essence, you’ll be the person that makes sure everything is running smoothly on a day-to-day basis. This could mean contacting maintenance when there’s a problem with the building, running errands, procuring groceries and general supplies, light bookkeeping or paying vendors. You may also need to maintain a close relationship with the human resources department to stay up to date on the latest company policies.

To fill this role, you’ll need experience with several software applications. Many companies look for candidates who are proficient in Excel and Outlook. As with the administrative assistant role, you should have a keen eye for detail and superb communication skills. It helps immensely if you’re able to think creatively and work well with others. Strong organizational skills are also a must.

Job #3: Data Analyst

As a data analyst, you’ll use automated tools to gather data from primary and secondary sources. While that might sound dry on the surface, data analysts need the ability to transform this raw information into insights that can be used to shape the future of the company.

Job duties include maintaining and developing databases, removing corrupted data, and fixing errors whenever necessary. As the job title suggests, you’ll be analyzing the data to assess its quality and identify its meaning. With the aid of statistical tools, you can identify and interpret trends that could have important ramifications for the business. A certification in Microsoft Office shows your proficiency in Excel and Access programs for data analysis.

Job #4: Desktop Publisher

Desktop publishers create documents and products, such as business proposals, financial reports, and newspapers, with the aid of publishing software. Tasks include formatting and combining text, photos and illustrations, data, charts, and other visual elements to create a cohesive whole.

To succeed in this role, you’ll need an artistic mindset and strong proofreading skills. The ability to think creatively and to adapt well to rapid changes will serve you well as a desktop publisher. Knowledge of Microsoft Office is sure to come in handy, particularly the Word and PowerPoint programs.

How Do You Prepare For The Microsoft Office Certification Exams?

An easy way to prepare for the Microsoft Office certification exams is to enroll in a vocational school that offers a diploma in computer operations. You’ll gain a practical understanding of Microsoft Office that will serve you far beyond the exams. Since your goal is to become an asset to whatever business you join, these classes are a worthwhile investment.

What Are The Benefits of a Formal Education?

Attending a vocational school allows you to acquire the skills you need get an office job. However, landing a job is only the first step. You will want to stand out as a skilled and knowledgeable member of the staff. By taking coursework in computer operations, you’ll have a significant advantage over competitors who’ve received only on-the-job training.

Learn a Complete Curriculum

These courses cover much more than the basics. Instead of learning only the bare minimum, you’ll dig in to the intermediate and advanced functions of Microsoft Office. When you learn on the job, you may only learn what you need to know to perform certain everyday tasks. Enrolling in a computer operations program will provide you with a comprehensive knowledge of the entire Microsoft Office suite.

Industry Experienced Instructors

Instead of teaching you the basics, you’ll be guided by industry experienced instructors that can answer questions and offer one-on-one attention. This can play a role in your eventual job success, especially if you’re a hands-on learner.

Lean How Microsoft Office Programs Work Together

The best classes will teach you how the various Microsoft Office programs can work together to make your tasks easier. These are details you might miss out on if you attempt to learn about the Microsoft Office yourself. After all, you might not discover some of these features, especially if you don’t know what to look for.

Take Practice Exams

When you enroll in a computer operations program, you’ll also have the opportunity to take practice exams. If you don’t perform at your best when put under pressure, these exams are a great way to demystify the process. You can also identify any potentially problem areas and work harder to understand the questions with incorrect answers.

Career Services

Once you’ve completed the computer operations program, the vocational school will provide career services to ensure that you find the right job. That’s another benefit that you would miss out on if you tried to teach yourself Microsoft Office. Career services help you build a resume, prepare for interviews, and identifies jobs that match your knowledge and passion.

Final Thoughts

Now that you know which jobs are available for those that attain a Microsoft Office certification, the sky’s the limit. Take the first step toward a career as an administrative assistant, office manager, data analyst, desktop publisher or one of the many office jobs available in many different industries and Gwinnett College will be with you every step of the way.

Want to Learn More?

The Computer Operations diploma training program is designed to provide college students with job-related training in a variety of computer fields.  Gwinnett College students will complete computer training courses relating to the various Microsoft Office applications relating to word processing, spreadsheets, and presentation creation. The Computer Operations diploma program also includes training in administrative office procedures and accounting.

Contact us to learn more about the Computer Operations program today.

Should I Get a Nursing Degree or Diploma?

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Nursing education comes in as many options as nursing itself. For students, it’s great to have choices. But the training you choose now can have a significant impact on your career trajectory. Are you better off getting a nursing degree or a diploma? It pays to consider your options carefully.

Should I Get a Nursing Degree or Diploma? 

A diploma or degree is required in all states to be a nurse, there are no shortcuts. You need a diploma to be a practical nurse (LPN) and a two- or four-year degree to be a registered nurse (RN).

Which you choose depends on your career goals and what type of training program fits into your life. There’s a lot to think about, but it begins with understanding the roles that practical nurses, registered nurses and bachelor’s-educated nurses have.

What Does an LPN Do? 

Under the supervision of a doctor or registered nurse, LPNs provide direct patent care for clinically stable patients in nursing homes, doctor’s offices, hospitals, clinics, and private homes.

Focused on practical tasks, their responsibilities include:

  • Bathing, feeding, and dressing patients
  • Taking vital signs
  • Monitoring intake and output
  • Administering medications
  • Performing wound care
  • Tube feedings
  • Ventilator management
  • Inserting urinary catheters
  • Removing sutures and staples
  • Assisting with therapeutic activities
  • Collecting biological specimens for testing
  • Educating patients
  • Supporting families
  • Supervising non-licensed staff
  • Emergency and end-of-life care

What Do RNs Do? 

RNs have the same duties as practical nurses, but they assume responsibility for more medically complex patients in acute care environments.

Additional responsibilities include:

  • Patient assessment
  • Starting IVs
  • Performing blood transfusions
  • Pain management
  • Post-surgical care
  • Complex wound management
  • Advanced life support
  • Supervising practical nurses
  • Care planning

What Does an RN with a BSN Do? 

They have the same responsibilities as RNs with associate degrees, but they take on the most complex roles including supervisory, administrative and leadership functions.

As the healthcare system expands, nurses with advanced training are moving into roles once held by doctors. In hospitals, RNs with bachelor’s degrees work in critical care units and as clinical specialists in fields like infection control, mental health, wound care, and case management.

Where Can You Get a Nursing Diploma or Degree? 

Practical nurses can get a diploma from Gwinnett College. We also offer two-year associate degrees in nursing and RN to BSN degrees. We offer all three nursing diplomas and degrees for you to choose from.

Diploma or Degree? Making the Right Choice 

There’s no wrong way to go to nursing school, but education is an investment, and you want to spend your time wisely. Training defines your future as a nurse, so look at the pros and cons of degrees versus diplomas.

Program Length

LPNs and RNs are both state-licensed professional caregivers, but each role requires progressively more training. Practical nursing programs take around one year to complete. Getting a nursing degree takes at least two years. Diploma programs are a good option for adult students who can’t afford to be unemployed for long.

The Curriculum

The curriculum is similar for all nurses, but degree programs are more in-depth. Vocational school LPN programs focus on practical skills while degree programs delve into nursing theory. Each layer of education adds more to a nurse’s knowledge and abilities. The more you know, the more jobs you’ll be eligible for.

Concepts included in an associate degree program that are not in the practical nursing curriculum include:

  • Pathophysiology
  • Advanced assessment skills
  • Evidence-based nursing practice
  • Research and development
  • Nursing technology
  • Public health

BSN programs dive deeper into the heart of nursing. The objective is for students to develop both superior clinical and management skills. Students in bachelor’s degree programs receive extra instruction in:

  • Health
  • Research
  • Genetics
  • Informatics
  • Medical law and ethics
  • Leadership principles
  • Management models
  • Public health policy

Clinical experiences for nurses also vary. For LPNs, rotations are short and limited. RNs can spend time off-campus working in a variety of different settings to get the widest range of experiences possible.

Employment Settings

Practical nurses have the ideal skillset for monitoring stable patients with ongoing medical needs. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, 38 percent work in nursing care facilities, 14-percent of LPNs work in hospitals, 13 percent are employed by doctors and 12 percent provide home healthcare. Most work in nursing homes, assisted living centers and private homes where their skills are invaluable.

RNs with associate degrees work in similar settings, but more are employed in hospitals. Better trained, they can handle sicker patients.

Most RNs with BSNs begin their careers by working in hospitals where they can perfect their clinical skills and eventually rise into management positions. BSNs are also eligible for certification in a wide range of clinical specialties from wound care and dialysis to case management and diabetes education. Roles in schools, government and public health typically require at least a bachelor’s degree.

Professional Autonomy

All licensed nurses govern their own practice. Most, however, work collaboratively with doctors, therapists, and other health professionals as part of a team.

In general, LPNs are supervised by RNs while RNs, to an extent, are supervised by physicians, administrators, or registered nurses with advanced degrees. Because they have more training and real-world experience, registered nurses have more professional autonomy. Working at a higher level, they take the lead in planning patient care.

Schedule Flexibility

The fastest way to launch a nursing career is to attend a training program full-time, but that’s not a lifestyle-friendly option for everyone. Many vocational schools offer part-time diploma programs with evening classes, a rarity among colleges.

Advancement Potential

Unlike other careers in which experience can be a substitute for training, education requirements for nurses are strict. No amount of experience can make an LPN into an RN, the scope of practice is different.

Associate-degree nurses have the same professional license as bachelor’s-educated RNs, so they can advance with time on the job. However, despite having the same clinical skills, their advancement potential is limited in some settings. Moving into managerial positions in hospitals without experience and additional coursework could prove challenging.

RNs with associate degrees can work as charge nurses and floor supervisors, but leadership roles are typically reserved for candidates with bachelor’s degrees. Some employers require a BSN to consider candidates for managerial positions.

Furthering Your Education 

As a nurse, building on your education is simple but not always straightforward. Diploma programs are structured differently than degree programs, so credits aren’t always interchangeable. As an LPN, you may have to repeat some courses when transferring into a degree program.

However, the good news is that if you’ve applied for an RN program with a long waitlist, being an LPN can rocket you to the top. It’s a useful strategy in more ways than one.

Many students are unsure of their career goals when they get into nursing, so working as an LPN for a while is an opportunity to earn income and gain experience. After six months, many new nurses have a better idea of what type of nursing they like and whether getting an associate’s or a bachelor’s degree is a better choice.

Final Thoughts

All education is noble, but the training you get today sets the stage for the future. You want to make smart career decisions. But the path you choose matters less than taking the first step. For nurses, all roads can lead to the same destination.

Practical Nursing Program

The Practical Nursing program at Gwinnett Institute provides training to prepare you to enter the nursing profession as an LPN. After graduating from the Nursing diploma program and successfully passing the NCLEX-PN licensure exam, you will further your career to become a licensed practical nurse.

Registered Nursing Program

The Associate of Science in Nursing degree program provides training to prepare you to enter the profession as a registered nurse (RN). Upon successful completion of the nursing training degree program and demonstrated nursing competence, you will be eligible to apply to take the NCLEX-RN licensure examination.*  

*While Gwinnett Institute provides test preparation and review assistance to college students, it cannot guarantee any college student will be able to take or pass any type of licensure exam. College students must be mindful throughout their entire training program that licensure is a prerequisite for employment as a nurse and to diligently prepare themselves to meet this important requirement.

Contact us today to learn more about becoming an LPN or RN at Gwinnett Institute.

Is LPN a Good Career Choice?

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Nursing has always been a noble career choice, but it hasn’t always been easy to join the medical field. However, today the healthcare system is expanding, and there’s an unprecedented opportunity and growth potential for licensed practical nurses. If you’re passionate about helping others, seize the day.

What Does an LPN Do?

An LPN is a fully credentialed, entry-level nurse. Under the supervision of a doctor or registered nurse, they provide direct patient care in a wide range of health settings from hospitals and long-term care facilities to homes and private practices. Their responsibilities vary by setting but may include:

  • Assisting patient with activities of daily living; dressing, bathing, toileting and eating
  • Reporting changes in physical condition
  • Taking vital signs
  • Administering medications
  • Monitoring intake and output
  • Wound care
  • Performing tube feedings
  • Ventilator management
  • Inserting urinary catheters
  • Measuring blood glucose
  • Giving insulin injections
  • Assisting with therapeutic exercises
  • Collecting laboratory specimens
  • Nursing documentation
  • Supervising paraprofessional staff, such as nurse’s aides
  • Patient and family education

As full members of the healthcare team, LPNs collaborate with physicians, therapists and other medical professionals to bring the best in care to their patients.

Is Becoming an LPN a Good Career Choice?

Jobs in healthcare offer far-reaching advantages, but what makes practical nursing a better choice than other medical careers?

Job Security

Pouring your heart into a job that may be obsolete in ten years isn’t a good investment. Yet that’s what many people are facing as technology displaces humans in the workplace. However, according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the nursing field will continue to grow through the next decade and beyond. It’s a field that relies on the human touch.

Never a Dull Moment

Counting down to quitting time, from the moment you walk into work, is emotionally exhausting. As an LPN, you won’t have time to be bored. You’ll be on the front lines of medicine where fearless people get difficult jobs done.

Camaraderie

Collaboration is rare in some industries, but healthcare is a team sport. As an LPN, you’ll work in a supportive environment in which colleagues work together toward a common goal.

Professional Autonomy

Few entry-level workers have as much professional freedom as LPNs. Nurses are licensed and autonomous, managing their own practice within the limits of their job description.

Personal Challenges

A dead-end career is like emotional quicksand. It’s impossible to grow as a person. However, nurses face daily challenges that enhance their personal potential, paving the road to maturity and success.

Favorable Work-Life Balance

More workers than ever are looking for careers that won’t overwhelm their lives. Nursing is intense when you’re on the clock, but jobs are flexible.

You’ll work some weekends and holidays if you’re employed in a nursing home or an acute care facility, but demand for nurses has resulted in employers adapting schedules to make them more lifestyle friendly. For Monday through Friday hours, consider working in a doctor’s office or clinic.

Upward Mobility

Practical nursing can be a forever career or just the first step toward becoming an RN or more. LPNs are encouraged by healthcare administrators to build on their training and experience through higher education. It’s an easy climb up the career ladder.

Professional Respect

Practical nursing is vital to the healthcare field. As an LPN, you hold a position of trust. Patients, peers, and clinical professionals appreciate what you do, recognizing your training, skills, and dedication.

Fulfillment

“Making a difference”is more than a cliché for nurses, it’s their mission. The goal is to improve the odds that patients get well or live their best lives by optimizing their care. The lifelong connections you make with patients and peers are personally fulfilling and irreplaceable. Every day brings a sense of accomplishment. Few careers that require less than a year of training are as empowering as nursing.

How Do You Become an LPN?

An easy way to become an LPN is to enroll in a vocational school program. Training is intense, but you’ll graduate with a diploma in under a year, ready to work in your choice of settings.

It’s an ideal way for adults who want a career change to make a move without spending years in school. You can do it without putting your life on hold. The only prerequisites to starting an LPN program are a high school diploma or general equivalency certificate and the willingness to work hard.

Training is a blend of classroom instruction and off-site clinical rotations in healthcare facilities. Let’s take a closer look at what you’ll learn as a student and how it will help shape your career.

What Do You Learn During an LPN Program?

Practical nursing programs are geared toward beginners. They’re popular among nurse’s aides, but little experience in healthcare is necessary. Gwinnett College will take it from the top. Topics you’ll explore include:

Body Structure and Function

Anatomy and physiology are the foundation of nursing education. This course investigates how the body is made and how its complex systems work together synergistically. You’ll review the cardiovascular, respiratory, lymphatic, endocrine, digestive, and genitourinary systems including associated disorders and treatments.

Human Growth and Development

This course delves into human growth and development theory. Nurses work with people of all ages, so you learn how to recognize the distinct physical, emotional, and psychosocial needs of all demographic groups from newborns to senior citizens. You’ll learn about major developmental milestones and how we change through the years, preparing you to work in pediatric clinics, nursing homes, and hospitals.

Nursing Fundamentals

The Nursing Fundamentals class dives into the art of nursing, examining its storied history and rapid evolution. An introductory course upon which others expand, you learn about the nursing process. From preventive healthcare and community wellness to end-of-life nursing, you learn how to approach health holistically and compassionately.

Subjects include health assessment, disease states, nutrition, communication techniques, ergonomics, body mechanics, human sexuality and social development, and patient privacy.

Infection Control

Infection control is the science of preventing the spread of disease. In healthcare settings, dangerous pathogens can proliferate, so it’s up to nurses to keep their peers and patients safe. You’ll learn how bacteria, viruses and parasites grow and spread and how to stop them by breaking the chain of infection through sanitation and immunization.

Personal and Family Care

LPNs provide personal care, assisting with activities of daily living such as bathing, dressing and eating. You will learn helpful hygiene techniques and how to manage mobility restrictions.

You will be well-equipped with the practical skills necessary to care for any age group in any setting with an emphasis on supporting the family unit. Topics also include community health and public health policy.

Mental Health Concepts

Mental health training offers insight into emotional challenges from anxiety and depression to addiction and psychosis. You will explore psychology, group dynamics, chemical dependency and treatment models, learning how they affect individuals and communities.

You’ll learn how to recognize cognitive impairments, substance abuse disorders, behavioral issues, and emotional crises, so you can help patients stay safe and stick to their treatment plans.

Certification Preparation

LPNs are state-licensed to practice after passing the NCLEX, the National Council Licensure Examination. The letters “PN”mean it’s the practical nursing exam. The NCLEX-RN is the comparable test for registered nurses.

Exams are developed by the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN). Updated annually to reflect the best nursing practices, questions evaluate the candidate’s competency. Vocational school programs “teach to the test,”so you have great odds of passing on the first try.

What’s the Difference Between an RN and an LPN?

All nurses are licensed, professional caregivers who’ve met minimum education requirements and passed a test demonstrating proven skills. The level of education they receive, however, determines their job responsibilities and advancement potential. RNs have at least two years of training, and more than half hold a bachelor’s degree. As frontline caregivers, the push is on nationwide for better-educated nurses.

The curriculum for RNs and LPNs is similar, but RNs learn more about nursing theory, the scientific principles behind nursing interventions. While LPNs focus on practical nursing skills, RNs direct patient care and troubleshoot complex issues.

They Work Side by Side

In most healthcare settings, RNs and LPNs work side by side but in slightly different roles. LPNs are more likely to provide direct care, RNs have more assessment and administrative responsibility.

Managerial Advancement

Advancement into managerial positions is easier for RNs, but pushing paper isn’t for everyone. Nurses who thrive on direct patient care make the best practical nurses. LPNs have supervisory positions and even leadership roles in nursing homes and assisted living centers.

Students who are on the fence about which type of nursing credentials to pursue should consider their long-term career goals. If you have your heart set on being an RN, it’s worth pushing through challenges. But becoming an LPN first has advantages.

Educational Timeline

Becoming an LPN is quick. For adults who can’t afford to be out of the workforce for two or more years, there’s no better option. And for students who want a career in healthcare but aren’t yet sure what type of nursing they like, becoming an LPN is one way to get your feet wet. The nursing field is so diverse that new graduates struggle to find a job that’s the right fit.

Trying out different roles to get a feel for what they’re like enables better long-term career decisions. And while you’re at, you’re gaining valuable experience and making connections that open the door to greater opportunity. Admission to registered nursing programs is highly competitive, but LPNs have an advantage in the admission process.

Final Thoughts

Is becoming an LPN a good career choice? It is. Whether it’s your first step on the career ladder or your last, it’s a move in the right direction. If you don’t feel like you make a difference in your current job, the healthcare community is ready for you. Jobs come and go, but nursing is a career.

Ready to start a good career and work toward becoming an LPN? The Practical Nursing program at Gwinnett Institute provides training to prepare college graduates to enter the nursing profession as an LPN.  Classroom theory, challenging assignments, skill labs, simulations, and clinical experiences help to prepare college graduates for an entry-level nursing position. 

After graduating from the Nursing diploma program and successfully passing the NCLEX-PN licensure exam, nursing students will further their career to become a licensed practical nurse. There is an overall need for LPNs in response to the aging baby boomer population.

*While Gwinnett Institute provides test preparation and review assistance to college students, it cannot guarantee any college student will be able to take or pass any type of licensure exam.  College students must be mindful throughout their entire training program that licensure is a prerequisite for employment as a nurse and to diligently prepare themselves to meet this important requirement.

Contact us today to learn more about becoming an LPN at Gwinnett Institute.

Can a Medical Assistant Do EKGs?

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One way in which medical assistants contribute to better healthcare is by performing diagnostic tests. Convenient, it saves patients a trip to the hospital and conserves valuable resources. If you’re passionate about science and have an aptitude for technology, you’ll appreciate the excitement that doing laboratory tests provides. But which diagnostics can a medical assistant perform, and does it include EKGs?

What Tests Does a Medical Assistant Perform?

Which diagnostics you’ll do regularly as a medical assistant depends on the hospital, clinic or practice you work for. But you’ll be trained to do these tests:

Urinalysis

Medical assistants are not only trained to collect urine specimens, but they’re also taught how to perform urinalysis, a test that examines the contents of urine for abnormalities indicating an infection or other medical condition. From reading test strips to examining samples under the microscope, medical assistants learn how to identify the components in urine that could spell trouble from white blood cells and crystals to red blood cells and casts.

Pregnancy Tests

Urine-based pregnancy tests are done both to detect pregnancy and to rule it out before doing x-rays. In a women’s health practice, you may perform these daily.

Nasopharyngeal and Throat Swabs

A new role evolved for medical assistants during the pandemic, doing nasopharyngeal swabs. Essential for Covid-19 testing, it expands on the throat swabs done to diagnose strep throat infections.

Occult Blood Testing

The presence of occult blood in feces, blood you can’t see, suggests a wide range of medical conditions from gastrointestinal ulcers to colon cancer. The screening test is simple, place feces on specially treated paper, add chemical regents and observe for color changes. Medical assistants perform this test often as part of annual physicals for older adults.

Mantoux Testing

Tuberculosis remains a public health threat, so testing is part of pre-employment physicals for many workers. Performed by medical assistants and read by nurses, the Mantoux test is done by injecting tuberculin toxin between the two most superficial layers of skin.

Phlebotomy

Phlebotomy, the process of drawing blood from a vein, is necessary to collect samples for testing. Medical assistants are trained to draw and process specimens, testing them in-house when possible or shipping them to a laboratory.

EKGs

Among the most important tests medical assistants do are EKGs. There are several types that medical assistants perform or assist with. Let’s take a closer look at what an EKG is and the medical assistant’s role.

What Is an EKG?

An EKG, or ECG, is an electrocardiogram. Developed at the turn of the 20th century by the Dutch physician and medical researcher, Willem Einthoven, it’s a simple test that maps electrical activity in the heart through leads applied to the body’s surface. Heartbeats are recorded as waves, each corresponding to a different phase of the cardiac cycle:

P Wave – starts when the sinoatrial node, the heart’s pacemaker, fires an electrical impulse.

Q Wave – measures the impulse as it travels through the septum, the bridge between the right and left sides of the heart muscle.

R Wave – the tallest peak on a normal EKG, reflecting the contraction of the left ventricle.

S Wave – occurs as the lower chambers of the heart muscle depolarize, and the right ventricle contracts, forcing blood through the lungs.

T Wave – marks the end of the cardiac cycle as the ventricles relax.

There are two types of EKGs that medical assistants perform. The first is a standard 12-lead EKG that gives doctors a two-dimensional view of heart function. Done with the patient at rest, it takes about ten minutes to complete in an office or inpatient setting.

The second is portable Holter monitoring for patients who experience symptoms such as shortness of breath, dizziness, or palpitations, only occasionally or during activity. Patients are fitted with discrete devices as small as a deck of cards. Worn for up to two weeks, Holter monitors can catch abnormalities that regular EKGs miss.

What Do EKGs Tell Doctors?

An electrocardiogram is just one of several diagnostic tests used to assess cardiac function and diagnose disorders, such as:

Heart dysrhythmias — abnormalities in the heart rate and rhythm

Ischemia — chest pain resulting from decreased blood supply to the heart muscle

Electrolyte imbalances — high or low levels of mineral ions that regulate heart function

Cardiomyopathy — thickening of heart chamber walls secondary to heart failure or high blood pressure

Heart attacks — the death of heart muscle due to coronary artery blockages

Early diagnosis of these heart disorders improves the odds of successful treatment. A quick, painless, and inexpensive test, the EKG is among the fastest ways to detect a heart attack.

What Are the Steps to Perform an EKG?

Medical assistants are responsible for the EKG process from start to finish. The steps include:

Equipment Preparation

Before the first test of the day, medical assistants do quality control checks on the EKG machine to ensure that it’s working properly. They restock the necessary supplies, disinfect shared spaces, and turn off unnecessary electrical devices, such as cell phones, fans and air conditioners, which could interfere with the tracing.

Prescreening

Medical assistants screen patients for physical limitations before testing begins. People with heart failure, for example, can’t lie down without having shortness of breath, so accommodations must be made. The goal is for the patient to be comfortable enough to remain still, movement causes artifacts in the tracing.

Patient Education

Getting the best EKG results requires patient cooperation, so medical assistants explain the process in detail before the test begins to alleviate stress.

Patient Preparation

Helping patients prepare physically for an EKG is straightforward, but each step is critical for the best results.

As a medical assistant, you will:

  • Safeguard patient privacy
  • Remind patients to remove metal jewelry and body piercings that may interfere with the test
  • Offer loose-fitting garments to make electrode placement more comfortable
  • Help position the patient on the exam table
  • Shave the hair and cleanse the skin where the electrodes will be applied

Performing the EKG

To perform the EKG, the medical assistant sticks the electrode pads firmly on the patient’s body, avoiding bony prominences and broken skin. Once placed, the color-coded leads that transmit the electric impulses are attached and the electrocardiograph is turned on.

The patient is then asked to take a deep breath and hold it while remaining as still as possible until the tracing is complete, it takes less than 30 seconds. Preliminary results are recorded in the patient’s chart for the doctor to review. Any unexpected symptoms or glaring abnormalities are reported before the patient leaves.

Aftercare

After the test, the medical assistant removes the electrodes and helps physically impaired patients peel off the pads. Patients are reminded when to expect results and who they can call with inquiries. The exam room is then restocked and sanitized for the next patient.

How Often Does a Medical Assistant Do EKGs?

In a busy cardiology office, a medical assistant could do dozens of EKGs per day, some are hired exclusively for that role. In a hospital, clinic, or general practitioner’s office, you may do several per week to a few per day.

EKG Skills for Medical Assistants

Performing EKGs is a technically straightforward task, but it also requires sound clinical judgment and people skills. Among the most essential are:

Empathy

Medical assistants work with patients from all walks of life, many of whom are anxious about diagnostic tests. The more you can put them at ease, the more likely they’ll be physically relaxed, so the EKG will be more accurate.

Patient satisfaction is also important, so medical assistants should consider the procedure from the patient’s point of view, improving their comfort in whatever way possible.

Attention to Detail

Performing an EKG is simple, but there’s little room for error. Poor technique can skew the results, resulting in care delays. Attention to detail is crucial.

Good Communication Skills

Medical assistants coordinate with physicians, colleagues, and patients during the EKG process. From explaining the process to patients to notifying the doctor of unusual findings, good communication skills keep things running safely and smoothly.

Stamina

Doing EKGs requires bending, twisting, and reaching to place electrodes and assist patients with physical challenges. Being in good physical condition makes the job easier.

Critical Thinking Skills

Critical thinking is the ability to analyze facts and make sound decisions. It’s a skill medical assistants will use every day as they troubleshoot issues pertaining to EKGs from how to calm a frightened child to when to notify the doctor of abnormal findings. Critical thinking is a must for prioritizing workflow and managing emergencies.

A Commitment to Lifelong Learning

Healthcare evolves continually, and so must your skills as an EKG technician. New techniques and insights into EKG interpretation are always on the horizon. As a medical assistant, you’ll need to embrace lifelong continuing education.

How to Become a Medical Assistant

If doing EKGs sounds intriguing, one of the quickest ways to get training is to enroll in a vocational school medical assisting program. You’ll graduate in less than a year with EKG and other valuable skills while enjoying benefits, such as financial aid, small class sizes and job placement services. A diploma is your key to a secure future in a growing industry.

Final Thoughts

Medical assistants have broad-ranging responsibilities, but few are as exciting or meaningful as doing EKGs. Working side-by-side with doctors, you’ll peer into the human body using the latest in technology and bring better health to your community, one patient at a time.

Want to Learn More?

Gwinnett Colleges & Institute offers medical assisting courses to gain essential skills and training at multiple campuses from Lilburn, Sandy Springs and Atlanta/Marietta to Orlando, FL and Raleigh, NC. The core curriculum at these campuses focuses on the medical assisting skills and training you will need to seek entry-level employment in physicians’ offices, clinics, hospitals, and other medical settings needing the services of associates trained in both front and back office medical assisting skills. These medical assisting courses will be the first step in starting a rewarding career.

Contact us to learn more about how you can become a medical assistant today.

Is There a Certification for Microsoft Office?

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Are you interested in an office job and wonder if there is a certification for Microsoft Office? The good news is yes, there is. Microsoft Office certification may be one of the most valuable credentials that you attain, and it is most important if you are considering an office or executive assistant position. Whether you are looking for your first job, or you already hold an office position, the certification can help distinguish you from your peers and help you earn the career that you deserve. With the Microsoft Office certification, your resume becomes stronger. Instead of just stating that you are “proficient”in Microsoft Office products, you can announce that you are accomplished, and the certification proves it.

What are the Different Types of Office Jobs?

One of the nice things about training for an office assistant job is that you can use your Microsoft skills in just about any work environment. Here are just some of the industries that are currently looking to fill office positions:

  • Energy
  • Real Estate
  • Medical and Dental
  • Education
  • Retail
  • Travel and Entertainment
  • Communications Technology
  • Legal and Law Enforcement

Who Uses Microsoft Office?

Whether you are an accountant who uses Microsoft Excel as a tool for bank and account reconciliations or a human resources specialist that gives PowerPoint presentations that help employees get the most from their company benefits, you can be more efficient with additional training and certification in the Microsoft Office suite. A certification in Outlook will help you organize your contacts, calendar, and email better, resulting in more production. Microsoft Office is the lifeblood of any office.

What Are Other Microsoft Office Certification Benefits?

There are many benefits to getting a certification in Microsoft Office. Some of those benefits include:

A Competitive Advantage

When you and another applicant are going for the same position, your certification will give you the competitive advantage. Not only are you proficient in Microsoft Office but you also have a certification. This means you are well versed in the basic, intermediate, and advanced functions of the software. Employers know that you are fully trained on Microsoft Office and can skip that part of the training.

Filling Knowledge Gaps

In addition to improving your resume, taking coursework leading to Microsoft Office certification helps fill in any gaps you might have in your knowledge of Microsoft Office programs. You may be using one or more of the applications already, but taking a course focused on the software will help you be aware of gaps in your training so you can become proficient in functions of the program that you may not even be aware of. Also, every release of the Microsoft software package offers new features. This coursework will help you to understand and use the latest attributes and put them to work toward your best interest. Furthermore, knowing that you have a specialist’s knowledge of the most-recent Microsoft capabilities is sure to boost your confidence and value on the job.

What is Included in Microsoft Office Software?

Microsoft Office is a collection of productivity applications that launched over 30 years ago. In that time, it has grown to include more applications, be more efficient, and become a staple in most offices. It started with the three programs: Word, Excel, and PowerPoint. Access and Outlook have been added to the suite to round out the function of Microsoft Office. In addition, the applications have been enhanced to interact with each other and use common utilities like spellcheck. Here is an overview of the five applications that are part of Microsoft Office:

Microsoft Word

Word is a word processor and one of the most widely used of the Microsoft applications. Its purpose is to assist you in creating, editing, and storing letters, documents, contracts, and reports. It has robust features to format and edit. Word is used throughout the business world, government, and education. An office assistant would use Word to create a letter for mailing, record office minutes, or create a press release for a new product offering.

Microsoft Excel

Excel is a spreadsheet application offered by Microsoft. It start with a matrix of columns and rows like a sheet of graph paper. While Word is designed for verbal creations, Excel uses numbers. It has the power to store number data and make calculations. Graphing capabilities and pivot tables are some of the more advanced features of Excel. Keeping track of petty cash expenditures or company equipment that has been assigned to employees are just two examples of how an office assistant could put Excel to work for them.

Microsoft PowerPoint

PowerPoint is an application for creating slideshow presentations. The slides can include text, images, and charts. PowerPoint presentations can be shown on a computer display screen, printed on paper, or converted to slides. PowerPoint integrates with other Office products, including Word and Excel. Assisting the boss with a presentation on upcoming business plans or this year’s budget, an executive assistant could turn to PowerPoint for help creating the visuals for this meeting.

Microsoft Outlook

Most people may think of Outlook as an email platform, but it has some powerful features for performing other tasks. These features include a calendar, scheduling, note taking, and contacts modules. An office assistant may use Outlook to not only send and receive their emails but also to schedule meetings and communicate important information throughout the company. An executive assistant may have access to several calendars, giving them the power to coordinate between schedules.

Microsoft Access

Access is a database management tool for users to manage data in a database. While Excel is great for computations, calculations, and logical functions, data is easier to manipulate in Access. Filtering, inputting, sorting, and grouping are some of the tasks that Access can lend a hand with. It can accommodate thousands of records at a time. It also integrates with many of the other Microsoft Office applications. For example, the marketing department may want to know the customers in a specific area code or zip code. Loaded into Access, the administrative assistant could quickly sort the data and provide the information to the marketing team. If you have too many data sorts to comprehend, then Access is the software you want to use.

How is the Microsoft Office Certification Exams Administered?

The certification exam is designed to test how skillfully you apply the Microsoft Office software to create business solutions. Not only is the exam timed, but the number of keystrokes is also taken into consideration as a measure of your efficiency.

Are There Different Certification Levels?

There are two levels for the Certification: Associate and Expert. To attain the Associate level, you must pass three of the four exams that cover Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook. For the Expert level, you must pass two of the three exams for Word Expert, Excel Expert, or Access Expert. Furthermore, the Associate Certification is a prerequisite for taking the Expert level exams.

How Can You Prepare for the Microsoft Office Certification?

Some people may think that they can learn all they need to know about Microsoft Office on their own. The problem with that approach is that they don’t know what they don’t know.

Whether you have some, a lot, or no experience with the Microsoft Office programs, attending a computer operations program is a good way to learn about business duties including the use of Microsoft Office. This approach can ensure you are fully prepared for the Microsoft Office certification exams. Many students have found it is beneficial to take the certification exam shortly after completing their training. This way the material is still fresh in your minds. With the certification in hand, you are qualified for administrative jobs in all industries, government, and non-profit organizations. In addition, your personal schedule, communications, and records will benefit from the organization and skills you learn from the certification.

What are the Benefits of a Formal Education?

There are many benefits to getting a formal education to prepare for the Microsoft Office certification exams. These benefits include:

A Complete Curriculum

The first benefit of a formal education is that you learn all the Microsoft programs from start to finish. Classes are taught in progression, each lesson building on the prior. This way you lay a foundation that you can build upon throughout the computer operations program.

The Latest Microsoft Office Software

Microsoft Office software can be expensive but taking a computer operations program will allow you to learn on the latest and most advanced software that Microsoft offers. It is important to learn on the actual programs you will use when you start working in an office. Plus, you will get to learn the latest and greatest functions that are offered by the newest Microsoft Office version.

Industry Experienced Instructors

It is hard to learn by yourself. You can watch a bunch of YouTube videos, but will you really learn everything you need to pass the Microsoft Office certification exams? Attending a vocational school program allows you to learn from an industry experienced instructor that can offer one-on-one attention, while tailoring the curriculum to your learning style.

Practice Exams

A great benefit of a formal education is that you can take practice exams that are offered by the vocational program. Are you ready to take the certification exams? Once you pass the practice exam, you will know what is on the exam, how the questions are asked and what you need to know to pass. It also builds confidence for exam day.

Career Services

One of the best benefits of attending a vocational school is the career services that we offer. We will help you build your resume, practice for interviews, and find the job that fits your passion. A vocational school has ties with the community, and we may even hear about jobs before the general public. Regardless of the industry you want to work in or the type of office job you are looking for, Gwinnett College will help you find the right fit for your career aspirations.

Final Thoughts

Now that you know more about the Microsoft Office certification exams, ready to learn more about Gwinnett College’s computer operations program. Prepare for the Microsoft Office certification and your first day at your new office position. You bring the passion, and we can supply the curriculum.

Want to Learn More?

The Computer Operations diploma training program is designed to provide college students with job-related training in a variety of computer fields.  Gwinnett College students will complete computer training courses relating to the various Microsoft Office applications relating to word processing, spreadsheets, and presentation creation. The Computer Operations diploma program also includes training in administrative office procedures and accounting.

Contact us to learn more about how you can become a medical assistant today.

How Long Does It Take to Become a Medical Assistant in Georgia?

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Jobs in the medical field are popular for their many benefits, but most can take years in college to train for. It’s a barrier for students with enthusiasm and aptitude. But the good news is that you don’t have to wait to fulfill your higher education goals. If you have your heart set on a healthcare career, you can become a medical assistant in less than a year by graduating with a diploma from a vocational school in Georgia.

Why Do People Get Jobs in Healthcare?

Careers in healthcare have a lot to offer both personally and professionally. But it’s the personal rewards that draw most people to the field. You’ll thrive as a medical assistant if:

You’re a People-Person

If you like getting to know people and learning about their stories, healthcare is a person-centric field. You’ll meet physically and emotionally vulnerable patients from all walks of life that need care. You’ll put a human touch on medicine and make connections that will last a lifetime. Working in the healthcare field has benefits beyond a paycheck.

You’re Team-Oriented

Medicine is a collaboration among many healthcare professionals, including medical assistants. If you don’t feel supported in your current job, you’ll enjoy the camaraderie in the healthcare field. You’ll work with like-minded people focused on a shared goal, delivering top-quality care.

You Want to Help Your Community

Americans are aging and retiring in record numbers, many millions in the next decade. As they do, they’ll need more highly trained staff to deliver preventive medical services, so the demand for frontline healthcare workers has never been greater. As a medical assistant, you’ll support your neighbors, caring for them as individuals and at the community level through education and outreach services.

What Does a Medical Assistant Do?

Medical assistants have a diverse range of clinical and administrative responsibilities. They support the clinical staff by managing tasks that require training, while bridging the gap between the office and the exam room with their clerical expertise. Medical assistants are the jacks-of-all-trades that private practices, clinics, and hospitals depend on to keep things run smoothly. As a medical assistant, you’ll:

Schedule Appointments

Front office assistants handle most of the scheduling in a doctor’s office, but when it comes to squeezing in emergencies or booking procedures, medical assistants have the clinical training needed to schedule urgent or complex visits.

Triage Phone Calls

Office assistants handle routine inquiries, but medical assistants manage health-related calls. When patients phone in troubling symptoms, medical assistants ask clinical questions on the doctor’s behalf, triaging messages from the most to the least urgent.

Room Patients

After check-in, medical assistants help patients prepare for exams. They escort patients to treatment rooms and help them change while performing basic clinical and administrative tasks that save the doctor valuable time.

Update Medical Records

Among those duties is to update the patient’s health record so the provider has the most current information with which to make effective treatment decisions. You’ll review a patient’s medication and allergy lists, note physical complaints, and perform verbal pre-screenings for pain, mental health, and home safety issues.

Take Vital Signs

Medical assistants take a patient’s temperature, blood pressure, pulse, and respiratory rate at each visit, creating an ongoing record to track changes that could point to disease. It’s a simple yet technical task that requires sound clinical judgment and people skills.

Do Diagnostic Tests

Among a medical assistant’s most important responsibilities is performing diagnostic tests. In school, you’ll learn to check blood glucose levels, analyze urine samples for signs of infection and take electrocardiograms. If you enjoy science and technology, it’s exciting work that offers opportunities to specialize.

Working in a cardiology office, for example, you may do dozens of EKGs per day while a medical assistant in a urological practice will do urine testing. Becoming skilled at diagnostic testing is a good way for medical assistants with a strong interest in a particular type of medicine to enter a specialty field.

Perform Phlebotomy

Blood tests, like minor surgeries, can be performed in a doctor’s office with the help of a blood tests offer doctors insight into their patients’ health.

Once a service only accessible in hospitals, phlebotomy is now offered in most private practices. In a vocational school program, you’ll learn how to take and process blood samples.

Assist with Minor Surgical Procedures

More doctors are offering in-office surgical procedures from mole removals to biopsies for their patients’ convenience, but they can’t do it alone. As a medical assistant, you’ll set up instrument trays, prepare safety equipment, pass instruments during the procedure, and keep a close eye on the patient’s comfort and well-being.

Manage Infection Control

Medical settings can harbor viruses and dangerous strains of drug-resistant bacteria. From screening patients for symptoms of infection to disinfecting exam rooms and equipment between visits, medical assistants take the lead in keeping patients safe.

Educate Patients

Medical assistants can’t diagnose or treat illness, but they can educate patients about their doctor-prescribed treatment plans. As go-to sources for clinical information, it’s rewarding to help patients better understand their physician’s recommendations from dietary advice to medication safety. You’ll also help prepare people for surgeries with pre- and post-procedure instructions.

Help Around the Office

Medical assistants receive training in general office procedures from filing and faxing to writing correspondence and managing inventory. Instruction also includes billing, coding and filling out insurance forms.

In a large facility, most medical assistants have a greater clinical than administrative role. But in a small office, you may be involved in a broader range of clerical activities when you have downtime. From helping the front office with referrals and assisting the back office with insurance claims, you’ll dabble in it all. One of the best parts about being a medical assistant is the opportunity to spread your wings and use your full range of talents.

How to Become a Medical Assistant in Georgia

There are several ways to break into medical assisting in Georgia. Gone are the days when you can find a medical assisting job without formal training, the healthcare industry has become too complex and the cost of on-the-job training too high. Employers in Georgia want applicants with proven skills.

But while some medical assisting students opt to get an associate’s or even a bachelor’s degree, most candidates get diplomas from vocational schools because it’s an easier option. The only prerequisites are a high school diploma or general equivalency certificate, compassion, enthusiasm, and the willingness to work hard.

How Long Does It Take to Become a Medical Assistant in Georgia?

How long it takes to become a medical assistant depends on your choice of training and career goals. It takes two years in college to get an associate degree and four to obtain a bachelors. But full-time students can get a diploma in less than a year by graduating from a vocational school program in Georgia. You’ll qualify for certification and can apply for the same jobs as college graduates because the curriculum is just as comprehensive.

And most vocational schools in Georgia offer the same perks as colleges, like career services, plus value-added benefits from smaller class sizes and hands-on training to flexible learning options and hands-on training.

Final Thoughts

If you don’t have 2 to 4 years to get a formal education, then consider a vocational school program. In less than a year, you can start working on the frontlines of healthcare in Georgia. Take the first step with us and learn about the medical assistant program at Gwinnett Colleges & Institute today. Bring your passion and enthusiasm and we will supply the rest.

Want to Learn More?

Gwinnett Colleges & Institute offers medical assisting courses to gain essential skills and training at multiple campuses from Lilburn, Sandy Springs and Atlanta/Marietta to Orlando, FL and Raleigh, NC. The core curriculum at these campuses focuses on the medical assisting skills and training you will need to seek entry-level employment in physicians’ offices, clinics, hospitals, and other medical settings needing the services of associates trained in both front and back office medical assisting skills. These medical assisting courses will be the first step in starting a rewarding career.

Contact us to learn more about how you can become a medical assistant today.

 

Medical Assisting Instructor – Atlanta campuses, posted 3/4/2022

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Gwinnett College (all Atlanta campuses) is seeking potential Instructors in our Medical Assisting programs. Instructors in this allied health field are expected to teach a variety of classes including clinical lab classes, front office classes, and science classes. Courses are being held in-person and on-campus. All campuses utilize Canvas as our learning management system.

Schedule
Classes are scheduled Monday through Thursday from 9:00am-3:30pm; 24 hours per week.

Begin Date
Classes officially begin on Monday, April 11, 2022. Training is expected to completed prior to the first day of class.

Requirements
Applicant must have at least five (5) years of practical work experience in healthcare. Medical assisting experience is preferred, but comparable positions will be accepted.
Applicant must have at least an Associate Degree in any field.
Having a national certification, ie NCCT, AHS, AMT, AAMA, is preferred but not required.
Prior teaching experience is preferred but not required.

Please submit resumes to TDavis@gwinnettcollege.edu.