Though both administrative and clinical medical assistants manage and supervise some of the elements in the health care practice, there’s a large difference between the two. In general, administrative medical assistant are in charge in handling clerical duties and are responsible in office operations while clinical medical assistants work more directly with physicians and patients. The extent of their scope of work depends under the state law which the health care office is located. Clinical medical assistants do fulfill some clerical duties in some instances most especially in smaller health care offices.
For medical administrative assistant they are primarily the first persons that patients and office staff see in a health care office. They are often placed at the front of the office or reception area. They are commonly referred to as the receptionist or medical secretary. A level of knowledge in computerized medical office software is also required for administrative medical assistants since they are in charge of filling in and updating medical files of patients, and organize lists of some equipments and supplies of the medical facility. Some knowledge in accounting and bookkeeping is also needed for billing and coding of accounts. Other operating skills on fax and copy machines may also be needed for communications.
Clinical medical assistants scope of work as mentioned, vary on the state law when dealing with patient care. But the common tasks they perform are recording medical histories, checking vital signs, explaining treatment procedures to patients, preparing patients for physical examinations, purchasing or maintaining supplies and equipments and they are also in charge in keeping medical facilities neat and clean. Medication and special diets are also screened by clinical medical assistants. Seldom do clinical medical assistants interact with patients on waiting or reception areas except when they are there to call in the next patient.
Regardless of their duties both administrative and clinical medical assistant may work to about 40 hours a week. But can still depend on the size of the medical facility.
Administrative or clinical capacities of medical assistants may be determined during the national certification aside from their level of education. Both are also required to complete a year or two of training program which is accredited by the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools.
The difference between administrative and clinical medical assistant can be equated to the front versus back of the office. But with these designated areas, both types of medical assistants work hand in hand in the success of operating the health care facility.
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Medical Assistant Certification Exam Tips
Like any other type of exam, taking the medical assistant certification exam can be nerve-wrecking. Excitement and nervousness all rolled into one can be overwhelming but this is quite natural. To get focused and a little relaxed before and during an exam can be possible by being prepared. Preparedness and being organized are keys to pass in any type of exam.
It is advisable to take the medical assistant certification just right after graduating or finishing medical assistant training. In this way the information acquired is fresh and your mind is still set on the topics. Don’t wait for years before taking the exam since you’ll need to restudy again some topics.
When choosing for a program or school for review, make sure it is accredited by ABHES (Accrediting Bureau of Health Education School) and CAAHEP (Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Programs).
For more detailed and correct information about review programs and examinations on medical assistant certification it is best to contact directly or search online on the said accrediting bodies.
For medical assistant certification similar to other medical fields, do need a lot of memorization. In order to “digest” much information properly and for easy recall will require breaking down of information. Try to break down topics or chunks of information into segments and take short breaks during study time. Cramming a week or two before the exam is not advisable and it will just cause too much stress.
Tools to aid during study periods are also vital in acquiring much knowledge on the subjects. Textbooks on medical assistant certification exams and other publications are available on bookstores. Search online if there are available publications such as this that care updated and competent. When answering these textbooks try timing yourself just to simulate an actual timed exam. Also get into extra courses or reviews offered by the school or program. Though these aids are important for review, it is still most effective to have an organized and complete jot down of notes during lectures. Having some alternate approaches in studying can also help acquire information easily. Accompany some videos on medical instructional tapes that may be available in the library.
Whichever type of program, courses taken in school for medical assisting certification will usually include topics on clinical and diagnostic procedures, first aid, laboratory techniques, medical terms, pharmacology, patient relations and office management.
When reviewing never neglect on having proper sleep and diet. Preparedness comes with being well fit both mentally and physically. And don’t forget to have confidence in yourself.
It is advisable to take the medical assistant certification just right after graduating or finishing medical assistant training. In this way the information acquired is fresh and your mind is still set on the topics. Don’t wait for years before taking the exam since you’ll need to restudy again some topics.
When choosing for a program or school for review, make sure it is accredited by ABHES (Accrediting Bureau of Health Education School) and CAAHEP (Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Programs).
For more detailed and correct information about review programs and examinations on medical assistant certification it is best to contact directly or search online on the said accrediting bodies.
For medical assistant certification similar to other medical fields, do need a lot of memorization. In order to “digest” much information properly and for easy recall will require breaking down of information. Try to break down topics or chunks of information into segments and take short breaks during study time. Cramming a week or two before the exam is not advisable and it will just cause too much stress.
Tools to aid during study periods are also vital in acquiring much knowledge on the subjects. Textbooks on medical assistant certification exams and other publications are available on bookstores. Search online if there are available publications such as this that care updated and competent. When answering these textbooks try timing yourself just to simulate an actual timed exam. Also get into extra courses or reviews offered by the school or program. Though these aids are important for review, it is still most effective to have an organized and complete jot down of notes during lectures. Having some alternate approaches in studying can also help acquire information easily. Accompany some videos on medical instructional tapes that may be available in the library.
Whichever type of program, courses taken in school for medical assisting certification will usually include topics on clinical and diagnostic procedures, first aid, laboratory techniques, medical terms, pharmacology, patient relations and office management.
When reviewing never neglect on having proper sleep and diet. Preparedness comes with being well fit both mentally and physically. And don’t forget to have confidence in yourself.
Pharmacy Technician Practice Exam Benefits
The pharmacy technician practice exam benefits the technician in all areas learning and study. The practice exam can also serve as a learning tool. Students can grade themselves on their subject knowledge by taking a before and after practice test. The before exam will let students know where they currently stand in their studies. They can receive a firsthand glance at what areas they need to work on, and what areas they are progressing in currently. The post practice test helps students to recognize that instructional level of mastery they now acquire. There is no charge for the practice exam. Students who study effectively should have no problem, passing the pharmacy technician certification exam.
Many websites encourage the use of practice tests and exams, to familiarize students with the process of test taking. Students can obtain a free copy of the pharmacy technician guidebook, by downloading a copy to their printer or computer, or by requesting one from the administering testing agency. The practice exam give student a clear, and concise overview of what they already know, and what more they need to know, to achieve certification. Students can develop their own study method, by customizing their practice book according to their areas of strength and weakness.
The guidebook and practice exams are self-study aids, or self help resources. Everyone learns and comprehends differently. Some students are more visual, than auditory and they can benefit from reading through a guidebook, and taking a practice exam on a regular basis. They have the ability to retain a large percentage of written information, and reapplying it in writing when the time comes. Auditory learners, on the other hand, may not remember much of what they see, what their memory will allow them to play back memories of almost every word they hear. They will be able to transfer what they hear onto their practice exam, by writing it down.
There are a great number of benefits that the pharmacy technician can benefit from. The practice exam can be taken via internet, pen and paper, or by the use of flash cards. Many websites will allow the tech to create an online account where they are able to access many resources to help them perform well on their test, and also on their job. The tech will have access to new breaking updates in medication changes, laws and policies. If the pharmacy technician passes all their practice exams they are sure to pass the state or national exam as well.
While on the job, pharmacy techs should continue the learning process and acquire the required knowledge not only to secure the required pharmacy tech C. E. credit which is mandatory to renew certification of registration but also to perform well on their day to day job.
Many websites encourage the use of practice tests and exams, to familiarize students with the process of test taking. Students can obtain a free copy of the pharmacy technician guidebook, by downloading a copy to their printer or computer, or by requesting one from the administering testing agency. The practice exam give student a clear, and concise overview of what they already know, and what more they need to know, to achieve certification. Students can develop their own study method, by customizing their practice book according to their areas of strength and weakness.
The guidebook and practice exams are self-study aids, or self help resources. Everyone learns and comprehends differently. Some students are more visual, than auditory and they can benefit from reading through a guidebook, and taking a practice exam on a regular basis. They have the ability to retain a large percentage of written information, and reapplying it in writing when the time comes. Auditory learners, on the other hand, may not remember much of what they see, what their memory will allow them to play back memories of almost every word they hear. They will be able to transfer what they hear onto their practice exam, by writing it down.
There are a great number of benefits that the pharmacy technician can benefit from. The practice exam can be taken via internet, pen and paper, or by the use of flash cards. Many websites will allow the tech to create an online account where they are able to access many resources to help them perform well on their test, and also on their job. The tech will have access to new breaking updates in medication changes, laws and policies. If the pharmacy technician passes all their practice exams they are sure to pass the state or national exam as well.
While on the job, pharmacy techs should continue the learning process and acquire the required knowledge not only to secure the required pharmacy tech C. E. credit which is mandatory to renew certification of registration but also to perform well on their day to day job.
Pharmacy Technician Certification Exam Overview
The pharmacy technician certification exam, is not required in all states, but is mandatory in many states. The exam is a requirement to applicants who have successfully completed an accredited pharmacy tech training program. The exam will test the students in areas of natural science, math, medication calculations, and dosage distribution. Students may take the exam online at a pre-approved website, or in a classroom setting. The exam has an estimated 140 multiple choice questions, with 15 of these questions being none scoring.
Each exam question has at least four possible answers. Students should choose their answers wisely. We all know that when taking a test, ultimately there is only one correct answer. Students may not know what questions are none scoring or not, but it is important to answer every question, whether the answer is known, or not. Candidates have exactly three hours to take the test. Whether or not the student passes, the exam will depend totally on the student. A good study plan help students prepare for exams without feeling stress, and anxiety. Some students tend to “freeze up” or become non-responsive during test time. This causes many students to fail at test time, even though they may know all the right answers.
The test is required of all pharmacy technicians who wish to become certified. While many states do not require certification, many states do. There are several test taking options that the tech can choose from to obtain certification. They can attend an onsite approved testing facility, they can take the exam at the institution that provided the training, or they can opt to take the exam online. The online pharmacy technician certification exam is probably the quickest and most convenient way to take the exam. Results can be delivered more quickly than waiting for results to arrive by mail carrier, or regular mail.
Preparation is the best tool, (besides general knowledge) to use when preparing to take any type of test or exam, no matter how trivial, or simple the test itself may seem. Students who have registered to take the exam should obtain a copy of the exam guidebook to certification. The guidebook is free and downloadable from an appropriate website, or it can be obtain by acquiring a copy by mail request. Developing a self-study approach to learning and test taking is what makes a successful pharmacy technician successful. Practice does make perfect, or near perfect.
While on the pharmacy job, candidates need to update their knowledge from time to time to keep up with the ever changing medical industry by taking various continuing education as provided by the facility they are working in or external medical education institutions or attending workshops and seminars.
Each exam question has at least four possible answers. Students should choose their answers wisely. We all know that when taking a test, ultimately there is only one correct answer. Students may not know what questions are none scoring or not, but it is important to answer every question, whether the answer is known, or not. Candidates have exactly three hours to take the test. Whether or not the student passes, the exam will depend totally on the student. A good study plan help students prepare for exams without feeling stress, and anxiety. Some students tend to “freeze up” or become non-responsive during test time. This causes many students to fail at test time, even though they may know all the right answers.
The test is required of all pharmacy technicians who wish to become certified. While many states do not require certification, many states do. There are several test taking options that the tech can choose from to obtain certification. They can attend an onsite approved testing facility, they can take the exam at the institution that provided the training, or they can opt to take the exam online. The online pharmacy technician certification exam is probably the quickest and most convenient way to take the exam. Results can be delivered more quickly than waiting for results to arrive by mail carrier, or regular mail.
Preparation is the best tool, (besides general knowledge) to use when preparing to take any type of test or exam, no matter how trivial, or simple the test itself may seem. Students who have registered to take the exam should obtain a copy of the exam guidebook to certification. The guidebook is free and downloadable from an appropriate website, or it can be obtain by acquiring a copy by mail request. Developing a self-study approach to learning and test taking is what makes a successful pharmacy technician successful. Practice does make perfect, or near perfect.
While on the pharmacy job, candidates need to update their knowledge from time to time to keep up with the ever changing medical industry by taking various continuing education as provided by the facility they are working in or external medical education institutions or attending workshops and seminars.
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
What is Fast Track LPN Program and Where Can I Get One?
Licensed practical nurses have always played very essential roles in providing safe and effective nursing care. LPNs have always been one of the foundations of healthcare institutions. However, it also a reality that a lot of circumstances have prevented students from getting a nursing career. This has been truly aggravated by the present issue of healthcare manpower shortages. Presently, there are limited number of nursing instructors while the number of students wanting to get a nursing career have constantly been increasing.
The Fast Track Practical Nursing (FTPN) certificate program, also popularly known as fast track LPN program, provides a convenient solution to meet the needs of both ends. After completion of the fast track LPN program, a Certificate of Completion in Fast Track Parctical Nursing is awarded to the LPN student. Graduates of fast track LPN program are then eligible to take the NCLEX-PN, which is being conducted by the Nursing Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) in coordination with the Pearson Vue. The NCLEX-PN is again an attempt to standardize not only the licensure for practical nurses, but most importantly, it gives an assurance of a safe and effective nursing practice among LPNs.
Students of fast track LPN program may take only up to two semesters before finishing the entire course. Fast trackLPN training program includes lectures on different essential nursing theories and fundamental nursing skills; and hands-on clinical or hospital experience. The students of fast track LPN program are equipped with the essential nursing theories and fundamental nursing skills before they are exposed to the clinical or hospital settings. Fast track LPN program aims on preparing students as they try to promote a safe and effective nursing practice in their entire nursing profession. These fast track LPN program students are then eventually exposed to acute, extended and intermediate hospital or clinical settings.
Graduates of fast track LPN program who have passed the NCLEX-PN are also guaranteed with a number of employment options. Employment options for fast track LPN would include various clinics, hospitals, nursing homes and extended care facilities. The licensing requirements for fast track LPN are solely the responsibility of the State Board of Nursing. Fast track LPN certification may be obtained from a number of lpn nursing schools in a number of states. These schools are duly accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCA). The HLC ensures high quality education, especially, on short-term courses like fast track LPN program.
The Fast Track Practical Nursing (FTPN) certificate program, also popularly known as fast track LPN program, provides a convenient solution to meet the needs of both ends. After completion of the fast track LPN program, a Certificate of Completion in Fast Track Parctical Nursing is awarded to the LPN student. Graduates of fast track LPN program are then eligible to take the NCLEX-PN, which is being conducted by the Nursing Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) in coordination with the Pearson Vue. The NCLEX-PN is again an attempt to standardize not only the licensure for practical nurses, but most importantly, it gives an assurance of a safe and effective nursing practice among LPNs.
Students of fast track LPN program may take only up to two semesters before finishing the entire course. Fast trackLPN training program includes lectures on different essential nursing theories and fundamental nursing skills; and hands-on clinical or hospital experience. The students of fast track LPN program are equipped with the essential nursing theories and fundamental nursing skills before they are exposed to the clinical or hospital settings. Fast track LPN program aims on preparing students as they try to promote a safe and effective nursing practice in their entire nursing profession. These fast track LPN program students are then eventually exposed to acute, extended and intermediate hospital or clinical settings.
Graduates of fast track LPN program who have passed the NCLEX-PN are also guaranteed with a number of employment options. Employment options for fast track LPN would include various clinics, hospitals, nursing homes and extended care facilities. The licensing requirements for fast track LPN are solely the responsibility of the State Board of Nursing. Fast track LPN certification may be obtained from a number of lpn nursing schools in a number of states. These schools are duly accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (NCA). The HLC ensures high quality education, especially, on short-term courses like fast track LPN program.
Does LPNs need continuing education?
It is a fact that LPNs need continuing education. The constantly upgrading healthcare delivery system and the many technological advancements have required all individuals to constantly update themselves. Therefore, continuing education is necessary in order to ensure the delivery of a high quality service. Since the healthcare system is a service-oriented sector, continuing education is a must for all its workers. LPN and RN continuing education is any form of education or instruction in the form of seminar, online course, workshop, work-based activity and specialization that LPNs enroll themselves after the acquisition of their respective licenses. LPN continuing education is practically any program or course designed to update LPN participants on the recent trends about the practice of nursing. LPN continuing education is designed in order to ensure continuing competence among LPNs. Each state has its own policy about the need for continuing education among LPNs. Some state would require a specific number of hours or courses in order for LPNs to be able to renew their licenses. Aside from license renewal, LPNs need continuing education in order to keep abreast with the constantly upgrading nursing practice. Furthermore, LPNs need continuing education to be able to constantly promote their client’s comfort and safety during their entire nursing care.
Since LPNs need continuing education, different colleges and universities have exerted a lot of efforts in order to meet the unique needs of LPNs. Different topics have been prepared by different organizations in order to respond to the strong need for quality nursing care. Some of the topics for LPN continuing education would include Injury and Illness Prevention; Management, Teaching and Counseling; Different Case Management and many more. LPNs needing continuing education are provided with various options. Different colleges and universities have prepared regular formal courses, seminars and workshops. Different hospitals and institutions have also invested on their LPNs need for continuing education in order to ensure quality in the delivery of holistic nursing care. A wide range of online courses on various topics are also made available in order to meet the unique needs of LPN for continuing education.
Since a reasonable amount of resources are being exhausted by different organizers on LPNs need for continuing education, the cost for each course may also vary. The different factors that greatly affects continuing education cost would include the kind of materials used, department fees, programs used and presentation cost. Since LPNs need continuing education, free online courses are also made available in order to encourage compliance among LPNs while at the same promoting an effective and efficient nursing care.
Continuing education can also potential help LPN if they wish to advance their career through various LPN to RN programs made available by medical education institutions.
Since LPNs need continuing education, different colleges and universities have exerted a lot of efforts in order to meet the unique needs of LPNs. Different topics have been prepared by different organizations in order to respond to the strong need for quality nursing care. Some of the topics for LPN continuing education would include Injury and Illness Prevention; Management, Teaching and Counseling; Different Case Management and many more. LPNs needing continuing education are provided with various options. Different colleges and universities have prepared regular formal courses, seminars and workshops. Different hospitals and institutions have also invested on their LPNs need for continuing education in order to ensure quality in the delivery of holistic nursing care. A wide range of online courses on various topics are also made available in order to meet the unique needs of LPN for continuing education.
Since a reasonable amount of resources are being exhausted by different organizers on LPNs need for continuing education, the cost for each course may also vary. The different factors that greatly affects continuing education cost would include the kind of materials used, department fees, programs used and presentation cost. Since LPNs need continuing education, free online courses are also made available in order to encourage compliance among LPNs while at the same promoting an effective and efficient nursing care.
Continuing education can also potential help LPN if they wish to advance their career through various LPN to RN programs made available by medical education institutions.
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