What do you want to be?
Jackson College has what you are looking for! Jackson College is pleased to offer THE BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN ENERGY SYSTEMS MANAGEMENT. TRANSFER DEGREES: Associate of Arts Associate of Science Associate of General Studies OCCUPATIONAL DEGREE: Associate of Applied Science PROGRAMS OF STUDY: 3D Design and Animation Accounting Administrative Assistant Advanced Manufacturing: CNC/Machining Industrial Systems Manufacturing Design Welding Allied Health General Studies Automotive Collision Repair Automotive Service Technology Aviation Flight Technology Business Administration Cardiac Sonography Computer Programming Specialist Computer Service Technician (A+/Network+) Computer Support Specialist Corrections Culinary Arts & Hospitality Management Cyber Security Digital Photography EKG Technician Electrician Electronic Health Records (EHR) Electronic Technology/ELT Electronic Technology/Microcomputer
Emergency Medical Technology Energy Systems Technology Engineering, Fundamentals of Entrepreneurship Environmental Science Executive Assistant Financial Services General Sonography Graphic Design Graphic Design/Print Production Health Administration/ Insurance Specialist Law Enforcement Management Marketing Medical Assistant Medical Insurance Coder/Biller Medical Office Support Microsoft速 Networking Microsoft速 Office速 Specialist Multimedia Web Design Networking Specialist Nursing Nursing-LPN to ADN Occupational Studies Pharmacy Technician Phlebotomy Technician Pre-Professional Science Practical Nursing Radiography Respiratory Care Sales Studio Art Vascular Sonography Video Production Web Technology: eCommerce Consultant eCommerce Designer eCommerce Entrepreneur eCommerce Manager eCommerce Specialist
For more information scan the QR code or go online to www.jccmi.edu/Academics
Publisher: Cynthia S. Allen Editor: Dotty Karkheck Writer: Marilynn Fryer Graphic Design: Ashley Banks
JACKSON COLLEGE
SOURCE
CAREER
Questions about JC programs and services described in this publication should be directed to Student Services at 517.796.8425. Comments or questions about the publication should be directed to the Marketing Department at 517.796.8416.
Fall 2015 • Volume 2 Issue 1
2
Online classes: Are they right for you?
4
Why go to college
6
Tech jobs continue to grow in Michigan
8
Training funds available for local businesses
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JC offers corrections core for fast track to a corrections career
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Emergency medical services offer opportunities
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Financial aid can help with college costs
14
Culinary careers offer full menu of opportunity
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New degree offers careers in medical field
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Michigan’s in-demand jobs
20
Medical assistant a fast growing career
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Find help for your classes
24
Boost your job search skills with help of career coach
Photography: JC Marketing Staff
JC BOARD OF TRUSTEES
Samuel R. Barnes Chairman
John M. Crist Vice Chairman
Sheila A. Patterson Secretary
Donna L. Lake Treasurer
Matthew R. Heins Trustee
Dr. Edward A. Mathein Trustee
Philip E. Hoffman Trustee
Dr. Daniel J. Phelan President
2111 Emmons Road Jackson, MI 49201 www.jccmi.edu
Questions? Visit www.jccmi.edu/careersource
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Online classes:
Are they right for you?
With Jackson College’s distance learning program (JetNet), completing a college degree has never been more convenient! Online courses provide educational opportunities by way of one’s home computer and the Internet. Students may study any place they have a computer with Internet access. Courses will transfer to two- and four-year colleges, which can help make completing college a reality. When considering distance learning programs, ask yourself a few questions to determine if you are ready. Distance learning is ideal for you if: • You have time in your schedule to add a course commitment. • You have consistent Internet access and a computer, preferably at home.
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• You are a motivated, selfdisciplined and responsible learner. While online courses offer great flexibility, there will be no one reminding you of deadlines or making sure you understand the subject. • You have computer skills necessary to take an online course. A complete understanding of e-mail, word processing, using the Internet and other technologies required in the course is necessary. • You have sufficient reading skills to comprehend course materials. Almost all your information will come in the form of written text. • You have sufficient writing skills to communicate with your professor through e-mails, write class assignments, attach documents to e-mail, or communicate through threaded discussions and chat rooms. • You have appropriate study and time management skills. Being able to schedule one’s time to complete assignments by due dates without procrastination is necessary. • You are comfortable contacting your instructor and communicating any need for help or clarification.
Learn more at www.jccmi.edu.
Access community colleges across state with Michigan Colleges Online Jackson College students now have more options for online learning with the launch of Michigan Colleges Online. The MCO, under the umbrella of the Michigan Community College Association (MCCA), expands access to online learning by allowing students to take courses at any of the 28 Michigan community colleges. In addition to receiving support services from their home college, with no interruption in financial aid, all credits earned via the MCO transfer back to the student’s home college. University students may also benefit from the MCO to access community college courses to help them along their academic path. “Michigan Colleges Online represents the next generation in distance education delivery. It provides immediate access to high quality higher education courses and incorporates intuitive technologies that not only facilitates enrollment, but also enhances the overall learning experience for our students,” said JC President Dr. Daniel Phelan, chair of the MCO Advisory Board. The State of Michigan provided funding support for the construction of the MCO. Governor Rick Snyder and the Legislature recommended a $1.1 million appropriation in 2013 for community colleges to make Michigan Colleges Online a reality. Read more at www.micollegesonline.org.
Questions? Visit www.jccmi.edu/careersource
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Why go to college? 4
Fall 2015 • Career Source
More education = more opportunity. If you finish high school and go on to college, you will have a wider variety of jobs to choose from, and you’ll earn more—especially in the long run. Going to college provides several benefits. A college education can help you in many ways. Why should you go to college?
Get a good job. More and more jobs today require an education beyond high school. College graduates have more jobs to choose from than those who don’t pursue education beyond high school.
Prepare for a career, not just a job. A college education can boost your communication skills, expand your knowledge base, make you methodical and organized, boost your confidence, and expose you to a whole new world of learning. In addition to preparing for a career, a college education can help you learn how to work well with others and develop problem-solving skills, something many employers look for in all employees.
Prepare for lifelong learning. Many of today’s college majors didn’t exist 10 or 15 years ago – such as new media, e-business, and homeland security. Education can help prepare you to be a lifelong learner, important in a changing world where tomorrow’s careers are still unknown.
MORE EARNING POTENTIAL. A college education decreases your chances of becoming unemployed while it increases your earning potential. Think of it as an investment in yourself that yields significant future earnings.
Find your fit in tomorrow’s workplace. It’s more important now than ever to have the right skills for the workplace. Manufacturing careers in Michigan are dwindling or going high-tech, while careers like health care and computer technology are searching for qualified workers.
Make lasting memories. Make lasting memories. Whether it’s academic achievements, a memorable professor or hanging out with friends and ordering pizza at 1 a.m. while playing video games, many remember their college years as some of the best of their life! Questions? Visit www.jccmi.edu/careersource
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Great tech state Tech jobs continue to grow in Michigan Careers in technology fields continue to grow. Michigan ranked 12th in the nation for the number of technology industry jobs in 2014, according to a recent report. Tech industry jobs include fields relating to high-tech manufacturing, high-tech services, software services, engineering and other services. The tech industry in Michigan saw an increase of 8,100 jobs in 2014, for a total of 196,100 industry workers, according to the annual Cyberstates 2015 report, a study by the Computing Technology Industry Association. The growing tech workforce earned annual average wages of $82,200, some 76 percent than the average private sector wage in Michigan. Tech workers now account for 5.6 percent of Michigan’s total private sector workforce, and represented payroll of $16.1 billion in 2014. “Michigan is not only a strong industry cluster for the car industry, but also for the tech industry,” said Alexi Madon, director, state government affairs, TechAmerica. “The tech industry accounts for nearly 4 percent of our economy and nearly 10 percent of our entire private sector payroll. We also added technology jobs in 2014 at an extremely healthy clip, the fifth fastest tech employment growth in the nation.”
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Get started Jackson College offers students a start in many of today’s tech fields, with certificate and associate degree offerings, as well as transfer opportunities.
Computer Information Systems Computers reach into almost all aspects of our lives. More and more workers will be needed to keep computer and technology-related equipment running, and develop new products, applications and uses. Interested in a computer technology-related career? Workers should enjoy activities of a scientific and technical nature, as well as activities that require creative imagination and problem-solving skills. JC’s various computer programs are designed to prepare students to work with, design and manage computer-based information systems. Programs include: • 3D Design and Animation • Administrative Assistant • Computer Programming Specialist • Computer Science Transfer • Computer Support Specialist • Cyber Security • Electronic Technology/ELT
• Electronic Technology/Microcomputer • Graphic Design • Microsoft® Office® Specialist – Certificate • Networking Specialist • Web Design • Web Technology: eCommerce
Engineering Engineers bring together the worlds of science and commercial application in their work. JC’s Fundamentals of Engineering Certificate offers a sequence of courses that provides students with the fundamentals of math, problem solving, science skills and more, necessary for those working toward becoming an engineer. Students may spend their first two years at JC then transfer on to a university to complete their bachelor’s degree. Students interested in engineering should take a lot of math, physics and the “hard” sciences, as well as computer programming.
Science Pre-Professional Science Certificate prepares students to transfer to fouryear universities either as science majors or as pre-professional students. It can also help students find positions as lab assistants while they continue their education.
Advanced Manufacturing Prepare for a career in a vital industry where you can work with advanced equipment to create cutting-edge products. Advanced manufacturing, in today’s industrial world, is a broad term that refers to the use of technology to improve products and services. JC offers programs in: • Advanced Manufacturing • CNC/Machining • Industrial Systems • Manufacturing Design • Welding
Training funds available for local businesses! Jackson College now has $500,000 available to local companies for training assistance through the Michigan New Jobs Training Program (MNJTP). Work with Jackson College’s Corporate and Continuing Education staff, experts in the area of professional and continuing education, to create a training program perfect for your needs! Funds are available for training assistance and may pay for a variety of training options for employers – customized training, courses at public or private training institutions, online courses, skills assessment and certification and more. Funds may be used for employers creating new jobs or expanding operations in the state and who meet certain criteria. “Jackson College has created an excellent manufacturing training group capable of training every department in our facility,” said Donny Crumbsy, organizational development and training coordinator for Martinrea Jonesville. “All of their instructors are truly subject matter experts!” To get started, employers must complete the online workforce training interest survey that can be found at www.jccmi.edu/cce. Training dollars are awarded to businesses on a first-come, first-serve basis, so don’t wait! Take your business to that next level. For more information on this and all of Jackson College’s Corporate and Continuing Education offerings, contact Tina Matz, Director of Workforce Training, at 517.796.8671.
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Fall 2015 • Career Source
corrections in your future?
Is a career in
Let Jackson College help! Hundreds of jobs are available with the Michigan Department of Corrections, and Jackson College has created educational offerings to help put students into a corrections job in a matter of weeks! To help students meet the minimum 15 college credit hours of required course work to become a corrections officer, JC will offer a Corrections Core class, CRJ 299, this summer at W.J. Maher Campus. This will be an accelerated six-week program in which students will attend class from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., MondayFriday, from July 20 through Aug. 28. During that time, students will complete 15 credit hours – five classes – needed for future corrections officers. Students who qualify may receive financial aid or use veterans’ benefits for the Corrections Core, CRJ 299. Upon completion, they will earn a skill set credential from JC, and may continue their studies toward a certificate or associate degree. Cost of the program will be equivalent to 15 contact hours tuition. Corrections officers oversee and participate in the custody, security and treatment of prisoners in correctional facilities, while some may also work for local municipalities in jails. With numerous retirements, there is a large demand for corrections officers, both men and women, in facilities throughout the state. For more information about the Corrections Core, contact Mary Jo Kennedy, director of criminal justice programs, 517.990.1346 or KennedyMaryJo@jccmi.edu.
Questions? Visit www.jccmi.edu/careersource
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Helping hands in a crisis: Emergency medical services offer opportunities Careers in emergency medical services offer the excitement of helping others. Strong leaders with a heart for helping others may find EMS careers a good call. Paramedics and emergency medical technicians are a lifeline in times of crisis. Jackson College offers educational programs for students hoping to become a paramedic, emergency medical technician-basic, and medical first responder. • The College offers both an associate degree and certificate program in paramedic, the emergency health care professional who performs many more advanced procedures, including administering drugs, interpreting electrocardiograms (EKGs), performing endotracheal intubations, and using monitors, manual defibrillators and other complex equipment. • EMT-basic is the minimum level for basic life support. JC offers a concentration and skills set in EMT-basic. • Medical first responder offers basic knowledge of assessment and care, and is taken by fire, police and other rescue workers. Students take EMS 113, a five credit hour, onesemester course that prepares them for licensure. Students going into the field should first have a strong desire to help people. Given the nature of the job, people who are leaders, those who aren’t hesitant to step up and make a decision, are a good fit for EMS.
Ryan Chadderton
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At Jackson College, students benefit from caring faculty and top facilities. “On surveys, students remark about how caring our faculty are. We want them to succeed, and we will stay late, stay after class,” said Ryan Chadderton, program director. “We also push them hard sometimes, set high expectations. The reason I give is that if they ever care for one of my own family, I’m comfortable knowing that they are prepared.”
Fall 2015 • Career Source
The College’s Health Laboratory Center features an actual ambulance in the EMS classroom, a benefit for students to practice loading a patient and working in the tight space. Students also practice on high-fidelity simulation mannequins that can mimic an emergency situation. Actions are recorded by the simulator, and students and faculty can debrief afterward to see what went right and what went wrong. With these tools and resources, students go from the classroom to the job with very little transition time. “What I enjoy most is feeling like you can make a difference in patient care, seeing what you can actually do to help someone,” said paramedic Kayla Riggs, a 2014 graduate of JC who now works with JCA. Jobs are plentiful now in emergency medical services, and with the Baby Boomer generation getting older, Kayla Riggs the demand for workers is expected to grow to meet the rising need. JC typically has many EMS graduates working at Jackson Community Ambulance and Huron Valley Ambulance services, though jobs are available in other areas of health care as well, such as a hospital emergency room. EMS is also the perfect program to launch a health care profession, a stepping stone to medical assisting, radiography, respiratory therapy, sonography, and nursing. “It’s a very rewarding career. It’s not just any job where you go home and know you’ve made a difference in someone’s life,” said Casper Vanderkarr, 2014 graduate who is now a firefighter-paramedic for the City of Jackson Fire Department. While people’s lives may be in an EMT’s hands at some point, Chadderton said the profession still fights the perception that they are all just “ambulance drivers.”
Casper Vanderkarr
“EMS is relatively new as a profession, and many don’t understand all we can do in the field,” he said. “I think we will see it change.” According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, careers are expected to grow 23 percent in the next several years, much faster than average. After completing their courses, students are eligible to take a National Registry Exam to become state licensure. Salaries range from $30,000-$40,000.
Questions? Visit www.jccmi.edu/careersource
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The bottom line:
Financial aid can help with college costs!
What assistance is available? Financial aid is the common term for money to help with college expenses. The U.S. Department of Education should be the first source to figure financial aid. Aid is also available from scholarships and grants from state governments, schools, employers, individuals, private companies, nonprofits, religious groups and professional organizations.
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Fall 2015 • Career Source
Most students receive some kind of financial aid to help pay for their college education. Financial assistance can be available in: • Grants – money that doesn’t have to be paid back • Scholarships – money that doesn’t have to be paid back • Work-study – money you earn while working • Loans – money you borrow that is paid back with interest Aid may be used to cover school expenses, including tuition and fees, books and supplies, and transportation. The amount received is based on a person’s need, as determined by federal guidelines. Both the College and the JC Foundation provide scholarship funds to qualifying students. Please visit the financial aid website at: www.jccmi.edu/businessoffice/financialaid/ for specific information.
How do I get started? To apply, complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online at www.fafsa.ed.gov. With limited financial aid available, the sooner one completes the form, the better. After applying, you will receive your Student Aid Report (SAR) via e-mail. Check the SAR over carefully and ensure that everything is accurate. The Financial Aid Office at JC will contact you via your student e-mail account once they have received your FAFSA information. Please be sure to respond quickly to any requests for additional information so that your financial aid package can be determined.
Did you know? Currently 87.6 percent of Jackson College students receive some form of financial aid. It’s worth it—apply! If you have questions, call any JC location, or stop by the Student Services Center on Central Campus, currently located on the first floor of Potter Center.
Questions? Visit www.jccmi.edu/careersource
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Culinary careers
offer full menu of opportunity! Jackson College’s culinary arts and hospitality program is refining its recipe as it prepares for a new bachelor’s degree option planned for 2016! Jackson College culinary arts and hospitality program offers the opportunity for students to earn an associate degree, certificate, concentration and skill set. It also provides a foundation for continued culinary arts studies, currently under development and soon to be available at JC, as well as chef certification through the American Culinary Federation (ACF) as well as the NRAEF ManageFirst and the ServSafe National Certification. Students prepare for careers in a restaurant, hospitality or institutional setting. In the workplace, culinary arts professionals may prepare food, supervise and coordinate the activities of food service workers or dining room employees, plan
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Fall 2015 • Career Source
menus, estimate daily or weekly needs, order and maintain inventories of supplies and equipment, and keep records of meals served. New culinary arts and hospitality management instructor David Hooper, who brings 31 years in the culinary industry, has immediately gone to work getting to know JC’s program and refining it to create “pathways” for students to move smoothly through the program. With an associate degree, graduates can find positions such as cook, kitchen manager or sous chef. Pursuing further study with a bachelor’s degree will bring the opportunity for more money and more stability in one’s career, and opportunities for advancement. Careers are also available in test or lab kitchens, where top chefs create new foods for major chains like McDonald’s, or for fine hotels or casinos. Opportunities in the field of culinary and hospitality are more abundant than ever, Hooper said. “I would say there are more choices. There’s never been a time when it’s been hard for people who have the skills to find employment, but now, with more options, they may find more satisfying career tracking. Because we have so many opportunities in the field now, you don’t have to be there every holiday, every weekend, working 70-80 hours a week.” A true passion for the art of cooking is a critical ingredient for the career. Hooper said sometimes people will watch a show on TV’s Food Network and think they really want to do that, but when they get into it, find it’s not really for them. For those who do, the job can be its own reward. “You are given the opportunity to be creative, to hone in your managerial skills, people skills, and organizational skills, while at the same time, doing what probably most people wish they could do, play with food,” Hooper said. Median wages for chefs and head cooks in Michigan averages about $36,800, with a range of $21,900 to $83,700. Demand is expected to grow 5 percent in the coming years.
David Hooper has spent 31 years in the culinary industry, most recently coming from the Adoba Hotel (formerly the Hyatt Regency) in Dearborn, where he was executive chef. He also owned and operated his own catering company for many years. Hooper loves cooking, and started taking classes in high school before David Hooper applying for Schoolcraft College’s culinary program. A waiting list there sent him to the military, where he also cooked, and he came back to complete Schoolcraft’s program and join the field. Today he is a certified executive chef from the American Culinary Federation, and is working to become a certified culinary administrator. He holds a master’s degree in education, and is applying for a doctorate program. In addition to his work in the field, he started teaching after participating in non-profit effort to help former prisoners get back on their feet by providing culinary training. His catering company partnered with a local bar and grill to provide training for former prisoners re-entering society. While teaching the program’s participants was rewarding, because of the recession and lack of funding, it was shortlived. Afterward, Hooper began teaching at Dorsey Culinary Academy, where he stayed for five years. He also taught one year in Louisiana.
New degree offers
careers in medical field with
healthy futures
Today’s health care system is a growing and fast-moving field. To help meet the demands of today’s health care workplaces, Jackson College launched a new Associate in Applied Science in Health Administration/Insurance Specialist degree, now available completely online! This degree may be a good fit for those interested in the medical field but not necessarily having clinical contact with patients. It builds on and continues
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Fall 2015 • Career Source
the medical coder/biller certificate, providing students with additional coding and billing training and practicum experience while incorporating business and administrative topics relating to health management. Students may find careers in health administration, medical biller, medical coder, practice management, medical secretary or medical receptionist.
Kristin Spencer
“This will offer students the skills that they will need to get a job, if they are interested in moving up in the health care field,” said Dr. Kristin Spencer, program director for the medical assistant program. “It will also prepare them for advanced study of a bachelor’s degree program, if they are interested in higher level management in the medical field.”
To succeed in the medical coding/ billing and administration fields, students should be self-motivated, determined, flexible and patient. In working with insurance companies, requirements may change frequently, and workers need to be able to change their ways of doing things quickly. Mary Douglas is a Jackson College graduate who now teaches in the coding/billing program, and works as a team leader for Medicare billing at Allegiance Health. “Students can take this degree and go into many facets of the industry. They will have good overall exposure to the health field,” she said.
Mary Douglas
• Careers in medical records are expected to increase about 22 percent over the coming years, while demand for medical and health services managers is also expected to increase about 22 percent, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. • Jobs may be available from medical practices, hospitals and clinics, or directly with insurance companies and third-party medical billing companies. To learn more, contact Spencer at SpencerKristinM01@jccmi.edu.
Questions? Visit www.jccmi.edu/careersource
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MICHIGAN’S
IN-DEMAND JOBS! Programs that are high-demand, high-wage careers available from Jackson College: Cardiovascular Technologists and Technicians – Cardiac sonographers use ultrasound to obtain images of the heart, called an echocardiogram. These images can help a doctor to diagnose any blockages or abnormalities in the heart or in the flow of blood within the arteries around the heart. Complete the Associate in Applied Science in Cardiac Sonography.
Diagnostic Medical Sonographers – Sonographers are skilled health care professionals who work in hospitals and medical imaging clinics to take and record ultrasound images of the body’s internal structures, which are then used by physicians to make diagnoses. Complete the Associate in Applied Science in General Sonography.
Emergency Medical Technicians and Paramedics – Emergency medical personnel provide medical care to patients in times of crisis and emergency. Complete the Associate in Applied Science in Emergency Medical Technology.
Electrical Repair, Powerhouse/Substation/Relay – Inspect, test, repair or maintain electrical equipment in generating stations, substations, and in-service relays. Complete the Associate in Applied Science in Energy Systems Technology, also possible Associate in Applied Science as Electrician.
Licensed Practical Nurses – LPNs provide basic medical care to patients, such as checking blood pressure, changing bandages, helping patients bathe or dress and more. Complete Practical Nursing Certificate.
Medical Assistants – Medical assistants are multi-skilled health care practitioners trained to work in the business and clinical parts of a medical office, clinic or hospital. Complete the Certificate or Associate in Applied Science in Medical Assistant.
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Medical Records and Health Information Technician – Organize and manage health information data to ensure quality, accuracy, accessibility and security, using medical code systems to categorize patient data for insurance reimbursement and more. Complete the Medical Insurance Coder/Biller Certificate and/or the Associate in Applied Science in Health Administration/Insurance Specialist.
Radiologic Technologists and Technicians – Radiographers, also referred to radiologic technologists, produce X-rays and use other imaging techniques such as CT and MRI, essential in diagnosing medical problems. Complete an Associate in Applied Science in Radiography.
Respiratory Therapists – respiratory therapists, assist in the care of patients with breathing or other cardiopulmonary (relating to the heart and lungs) problems. Complete an Associate in Applied Science in Respiratory Therapy.
Registered Nurses – Nurses work to promote health, prevent disease and help people cope with illness. Registered nurses (RN’s) provide care, treatment, counseling and health education to individuals, families and their communities. Complete the Associate of Applied Science in Nursing, or the LPN-ADN Associate in Applied Science.
Telecommunication Equipment Installers and Repairers – Telecommunications equipment installers and repairers set up and maintain devices or equipment that carry communications signals, connect to telephone lines, or access the Internet. Complete the Associate in Applied Science in Electronic Technology/ELT.
Truck Drivers – Learn to drive a commercial, heavy and tractor-trailer truck to transport goods from one location to another. JC offers truck driving training in cooperation with ABC Training and Testing.
Many more job opportunities are available. Speak with an academic advisor to learn more! www.jccmi.edu/CCE/EmploymentServices.htm Sources: Michigan’s Hot 50 In-Demand Jobs, Department of Technology, Management Questions? Visit www.jccmi.edu/careersource and Budget, and the Career Outlook 2020 Jackson Area, DTMB
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Medical assistant
a fast-growing career that offers a
healthy future
Every time you visit the doctor, chances are, you visit with a medical assistant. Medical assistants are versatile health care professionals who work in the business and clinical parts of a medical office, helping physicians, podiatrists, chiropractors and optometrists’ offices run smoothly. It’s a fast-growing field, with employment projected to increase 29 percent or more by 2018. Earnings of medical assistants vary depending on experience and skill level, ranging from $21,400-$38,000.
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“Medical assistants can really do almost anything clinical or administrative in a medical setting,” said Dr. Kristin Spencer, medical assistant program director at JC. In smaller offices, medical assistants are usually “generalists,” while those in larger offices may specialize in a particular area under the supervision of department administrators. Clinical duties may include taking medical histories, recording vital signs, explaining treatment procedures to patients, preparing patients for examination, and assisting the physician in the exam room. They may draw blood, perform an EKG, give an injection, manage scheduling, coding and billing, utilize electronic medical records, provide patient education, advocate on behalf of patients and much more. Tina Maule returned to Jackson College as an adult and found her dream in medical assisting. Today, she is a medical assistant at Allegiance Family Medicine – Summit Woods. Tina Maule “I love my job. You are treated with respect, you work as part of a team, and you’re helping others. I couldn’t have picked a better career.” Medical assistant classes educate the students in all areas, preparing them with necessary skills and interpersonal savvy. Students learn skills in classroom and in lab, and are able to apply those skills when they go out to their externship experience in medical settings.
Sarah Monroy
“I love it, it’s a really good program,” said student Sarah Monroy. “We learn the skills to be successful, and that helps in developing confidence.”
Students may become medical assistants in about 18 months to two years going all three semesters, fall, winter and spring, with the benefit of affordable tuition; price and compare JC’s program with others to see the savings. Associate degree or certificate in medical assistant options are available. The associate degree program allows students to transfer to a four-year university to obtain a bachelor’s degree in health management or related program. Students must also pass an exam, the Certified Medical Assistant Examination, compiled by the American Association of Medical Assistants, which helps to certify their skills. Certification is now a requirement by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services for health professionals entering information into an Electronic Health Record system. To learn more, e-mail Spencer at SpencerKristinM01@ jccmi.edu
Questions? Visit www.jccmi.edu/careersource
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Finding help for your classes! College can be a challenge, but Jackson College’s Center for Student Success works hard to make students comfortable and successful in their classes, with free tutoring and more!
Monica Bouman
“The primary goal for the Center for Student Success is to welcome all who enter the College with warmth, acceptance and helpful support,” said Monica Bouman, director, Center for Student Success. “Oftentimes students are hindered with barriers like pride, intimidation and embarrassment that help is needed. We here in the Center do our best to see that each student leaves feeling welcomed and accepted in hopes that return visits occur.”
Tutoring Find help for a tough class with tutoring. Peer tutors, certified tutors and professional tutors are available to help you understand assignments, prepare for tests, develop better study skills and more. “As a student, tutoring was probably the most important resource I had to get through my math courses. As a tutor, I get to help other students get through the same concepts that once troubled me, and my understanding of the material gets reinforced at the same time,” said Faith Adams, student and tutor.
Faith Adams
Becoming a tutor can help students earn some extra money while helping others. Tutors go through training for certification, endorsed by the College Reading and Learning Association.
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Fall 2015 • Career Source
Here for you!
Accommodations for learning assistance Students with special needs, such as a learning disability or physical handicap, can make learning accommodations through the Center for Student Success. Available services include specialized technology, recording lectures, sign language interpreters, test accommodations, note-taking assistance and more. Don’t be afraid to ask for the available help -- in college, students needing accommodations do need to initiate the process. “Unlike the K-12 system, students need to advocate for themselves in order to initiate the accommodations process,” Bouman said. “It is not uncommon, however, for the future student’s high school to be our first contact in the process. I also encourage faculty referrals, admissions referrals, and good old-fashioned walk-ins.” The Center also offers study skills workshops on topics such as test-taking anxiety or time management. Staff members work with students who face personal dilemmas or crises that may derail their education. They can help finding community resources, or they may make mental health referrals to LifeWays or the campus Health Clinic.
Get started! All services are FREE to students, and all may benefit. “One of the biggest misperceptions is that only students with a documented disability or that begin college enrolled in a developmental course need to utilize the center,” Bouman said. “Eliminating this misperception is a continuous goal for our center’s team. Think about it; if you as a student can frequent the center before the point in the semester when it’s too late to salvage a grade, imagine the stress it would save you! Use the center sooner rather than later, and we can guarantee positive results!”
“When I first became a tutor, my only real incentive for coming to work was the paycheck. Within the first few weeks however, everything changed. As I began to notice I was having an effect on students, just by lending them a guiding hand, I quickly fell in love with my job. A little over a year later, I am more confident than ever in my own studies, and I have been incredibly touched by those students that have told me I changed their college experience. Just as I had an effect on my students, my students had an effect on me, as now I am heavily considering a career in education.” - Angela DeMarco, 2015 Tutor of the Year
The Center for Student Success is located in Potter Center, Federer Rooms. Help is also available in Lenawee County at Jackson College @ LISD TECH from liaison Christine Brown, and at the Hillsdale LeTarte Center, from liaison Sue Skiendziel. For more information contact 517.796.8415.
Questions? Visit www.jccmi.edu/careersource
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Boost your job search skills
with help of career coach Boost your game in the job search with the help of Jackson College’s Career Coach. Located in Potter Center near the Institutional Research office, Certified Professional and Career Coach and Employer Liaison, Dr. Michelle Shields will help students with work-based learning opportunities, job search strategies, and the application process. Additionally, she will connect with employers in the community regarding personnel and hiring needs. She will offer workshops and individual guidance on a variety of career preparation areas:
Resumé Critique: This workshop focuses on providing basic information needed to build a resumé that will highlight your professional skills, abilities and experience to give you the competitive edge.
Interviewing Techniques: This workshop focuses on preparing you to enter the interview process with confidence. Learn about key questions that may be asked, how to answer interview questions successfully, proper etiquette and body language, and appropriate clothing for an interview.
Preparing for Success: This workshop will educate you on search strategies, research tips, what you should do to be prepared for an interview, how to represent yourself professionally during the interview, image and presence awareness, and how to follow up after an interview.
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Fall 2015 • Career Source
Social Media Presence:
This workshop will show you the difference between spring breaker and serious job seeker. Demonstrating the importance of a positive digital image and how employers are utilizing the Internet to research candidates.
Networking Skills: This workshop will provide you with information on how to network and make the most out of your personal connections and new connections. In today’s workforce, a high number of all jobs are never advertised and get filled though personal connections and networking relationships. Students may attend workshops or meet for a one-on-one consultation. The Career Coach office is located in Potter Center Room 211. Appointments and block scheduling available at all JC center locations. To learn more, e-mail Michelle M. Shields at shieldsmichellm@ jccmi.edu, or phone at 517.990.1381.
An Evening With Martina McBride
September 19, 2015
Smash Mouth
October 10, 2015
The Lettermen
October 24, 2015
Matthew West and Francesca Battistelli November 1, 2015
Clifford the Big Red Dog Live! November 8, 2015
You’ve Got a Friend:
James Taylor & Carole King Tribute
November 21, 2015
Sister’s Christmas Catechism: The Mystery of the Magi’s Gold
December 5, 2015
Swing’n the Holidays:
Featuring the Jive Aces & Special Guests, The Satin Dollz
December 13, 2015
Moscow Festival Ballet: Cinderella
January 9, 2016
Hormonal Imbalance
Starring: Sally Fingerett, Debi Smith, Nancy Moran and Deirdre Flint
January 22, 2016
Steven Curtis Chapman February 6, 2016
Golden Dragon Acrobats February 21, 2016
PFX - The Pink Floyd Experience March 20, 2016
Kansas
April 15, 2016
New building opening Fall 2015! Apply now!
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