Monthly Archives: May 2012

PIHT – We are here for YOU!

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Pennsylvania Institute of Health and Technology students are the most important part of our campus and we offer a variety of resources to help them succeed. A great career and a great life starts with a great education… and we are there every step of the way.

PIHT Resource Center

It’s not just a library at PIHT, it’s a full Resource Center! Whether it’s books, magazines, newspapers or other types of periodicals you need or online tool assistance, Helen Snaith is always willing to help you find what you need. The Resource Center is available as a quiet place for students to work on projects, group work and homework and it’s open all day. Don’t stress about your next project or big assignment, stop in and see how the Resource Center can help you succeed in your classes.

 

Certification Club

Obtaining a certification in your program of study is a great asset as you complete your enrollment at PIHT and start the career-search process. The Certification Club at the Pennsylvania Institute of Health and Technology provides fundraising opportunities with all proceeds going toward certification fees for students. The club covers all majors and types of certifications including:

  • QuickBooks
  • Microsoft Specialist
  • A+
  • Certified Medical Assistant

Looking for a way to get involved? The club is always accepting new members! If you’re interested, please contact Angela Hlatky for more information. Her info can be found here: http://www.piht.edu/campus-directory.php

 

Career Management

The end result of your enrollment….landing your first career! Career Management Director, Michelle Sinal is an excellent resource for students at PIHT. Students who might need assistance finding a part-time job to assist in finances during enrollment can always visit Michelle for quick assistance. Also, as students begin Externships in their programs of study, Michelle is an excellent resource to place you in a facility that is a great fit for you. Finally, at the end of your enrollment, she will prepare you for a successful job search and keep you connected through the Alumni Association where you and other PIHT graduates can continue to network and promote professional development. To reach Michelle stop in her office or find her contact information by clicking here : http://www.piht.edu/detail.php?page_id=20


For more information on graduation rates, median debt of students who have completed their programs, and other important information, please visit our website at www.piht.edu/programs.

It’s My Last Quarter! Bobbi Keller Student Highlight

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Bobbi Lynn Keller has just started the last module of her enrollment at Pennsylvania Institute of Health and Technology in the Medical Office Administration Program.

Bobbi felt welcomed when she toured the campus and knew the location of PIHT was perfect because it was close to home. She also, explained, “Although the school was small, it felt big and new. Everyone was working hands-on and they really took the time to make sure the campus was a good fit for me. It definitely was!”

Bobbi said that PIHT opened her eyes to a better future for not only herself, but her family, too. “I feel confident that I will succeed in my career because my instructors believed in me and helped me through my courses,” she said.

Bobbi had a great experience at PIHT. She said, “I enjoyed the people and the time frame of the enrollment…you only have to be in school for 18 months compared to four years and the daily schedule of classes is only Monday – Thursday. Classes only run from 8am to 2:30pm which frees your evenings for work or spending quality time with your family. They also have functions and give you many great opportunities to bond with your PIHT family.”

Bobbi’s advice for future students is to never give up! She advised, “Ask questions…there are no stupid questions. Be yourself and make new friends because your PIHT family will always be there for you. That’s why they are such a great place to get your education. Even after you graduate, you can come back five years later and PIHT will still be there to support you!”


For more information on graduation rates, median debt of students who have completed their programs, and other important information, please visit our website at www.piht.edu/programs.

PIHT Student Highlight – Amy Johnson

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Amy Johnson has big goals as she nears her graduation date from Pennsylvania Institute of Health and Technology this August from the Business Administration program.

Amy wants to start a towing business called Precious Cargo, if the name is available.
She explained, “I will be the only female in Southwest PA to own a towing business.”

Before starting at PIHT, she was a housewife and worked several different seasonal jobs.

“I enrolled in PIHT because I was tired of the hard work I was doing and I wanted to do something better with my life. I have always wanted to start my own business but I didn’t have the computer skills or knowledge to do so. I like the fact that the classes at PIHT are small and I could get one-on-one attention if needed,” she said.

At PIHT, Amy says her favorite part was that she always felt like she belonged. She explained, “Everyone always treated me like I was equal.”

Amy is a member of the Student Ambassador Club at PIHT which was designed to assist new students as they begin their enrollment. Current students make them feel welcome and answer questions as they get started in their programs. She also helps by volunteering at the parties and activities that PIHT is involved in including the Heart Walk, Car Show, Arbor Day Tree Planting and the Cancer Walk all held at the campus in Uniontown, PA.

Amy contributes her great enrollment and her success to the teachers at PIHT, particularly one individual.

She said, “Every teacher I had at PIHT played an important part in my school success. One teacher who had the most influence was Ryan Langley. He did everything he could to teach me what I needed to know and he could explain things many different ways to make sure each person understood what he was teaching. If I had questions about starting my business, he would get me the information I needed and he never minded all of my crazy questions. He always had an answer in a timely fashion, too. He gives each one of his business students the confidence to do what we have our hearts set on, even if no one else believed in us. He is an exceptional teacher!”

“PIHT has definitely equipped me with the tools to succeed. I feel very confident in what I have learned and I am not afraid at all to go out into the world with the skills I’ve been taught. Not only do I have my classroom skills, but also hands-on experience from completing an externship,” explained Amy.

Amy says PIHT has changed her life for the better because she gained confidence back that she had lost being a housewife. She said, “I had a fear of technology when I started and now I’m not afraid of it at all. When I got married and raised children, I lost touch with who I was and PIHT helped me regain my identity!”

Starting her own business will open many new opportunities for Amy and she hopes to serve as an inspiration to other women. She says, “Women can do anything if they work hard and set their mind to it!”

Amy would recommend PIHT to others. She explained, “It’s a small school where you can feel comfortable and everyone knows you by name. You are treated with respect from the faculty, the teachers and the other students and you always have answers to your questions. You have a feeling of belonging and learn things that are very important in for field. Plus, you get hands-on experience!”


For more information on graduation rates, median debt of students who have completed their programs, and other important information, please visit our website at www.piht.edu/programs.

Medical Office Administration-Tips & Tricks For Your Career!

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Once you complete your degree in Medical Office Administration, you will be working with administrative professionals within an office environment. This article will introduce you to some tips and tricks that will help distinguish you from other professionals. 

Dress and act the part:

You will be the first person the patient sees when entering the office and you should provide a good first impression. That means always dressing professionally, and using that wonderful smile to greet patients. Dressing the part also provides confidence, as the old saying goes” when you look good, you feel good!”

Top of the line dress clothes can get a little heavy on the wallet, however certain stores offer up some great deals. Some of the higher end bargain retailers are Gabriel Brothers, Burlington, and JC Penney. If these options are still too pricey for your budget, do not rule out Salvation Army, Goodwill, and Dress for Success.  Also, always keep a positive attitude. Medical offices can get very busy, and your team will appreciate you not losing your cool.

Learn the Software:

This could vary with each office; however once you find the job you want, check out what software they use. The more proficient you become, the more doors are going to open for you. The goal of any job is to make yourself indispensable, and you achieve that by acquiring knowledge. In the professional world, knowledge is power. For example, say your office uses Microsoft Excel to schedule appointments. If you were the Excel expert, wouldn’t you feel good knowing that they relied on you?  As stated, software programs can vary but some common ones include Microsoft Office, QuickBooks, Peachtree, and any other third party medical/scheduling software. Don’t just rely on your company training, do some independent research. Google is a great source to find info on any of these.

Model Yourself after the Best

Although this article is about Medical Office Administration, this tip is universal. The first week that you enter a new job, find the best worker in the office and observe them. You should observe everything; professionalism; work ethic, knowledge in certain areas, communication, etc. You want to identify their strengths and weaknesses, and then model yourself after them. Obviously, if they are in a higher position, they understand what it takes to obtain and keep that position “Learn from others mistakes, and not your own”; is another old adage that proves to be true in this situation.  It also gives you a good idea of what your company is looking for in terms of leadership, and how well they treat their best employees.

Practice Organization

I know what you’re thinking; organization is not something you can practice! You either have it or you don’t! That is simply not true, and your organizational skills are a crucial part of what you bring to an organization. As a medical office administrator, they expect you to be organized. That is, at least one reason, why they pay you. You should not fight it, just practice, practice, practice. The good news is you have complete control over this process because it all starts with you. How can you organize a busy office when you don’t have your own affairs in order? Doesn’t make sense does it?  So, you can start by taking an honest look in the mirror and realizing where you can be more organized in your personal life. This will help you recognize it quicker on the job. Organization is more mental training than physical training. If you can train your mind to make these types of conscience decisions, you will become an essential part of your office.


For more information on graduation rates, median debt of students who have completed their programs, and other important information, please visit our website at www.piht.edu/programs.