It might seem obvious: Dental assistants work in dental clinics and medical assistants work in hospitals—but there’s more to it than that. Both careers share a high capacity for growth in the next ten years, but daily work experiences and duties differ considerably between them. Which path is right for you?

Dental Assisting

Almost all dental assistants work in dental offices, alongside dentists. Most work full time during the day, while some work evenings and weekends, which may result in higher pay. A one or two year training program will provide you with the necessary skills to confidently handle any situation as a dental assistant. Dental assistants can expect to make a median wage of $36,940 per year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Essential Qualities

• Detail Oriented
• Enjoy working with hands
• Interpersonal skills
• Listening skills
• Organizational skills

Medical Assisting

Medical assistants may work in several different settings, including hospitals, clinics, and specialized medical offices, like optometry clinics. It’s their job to record patients’ personal information and history, measure vital signs, assist with examinations and schedule patient appointments. Most work full time, and some work nights or weekends which can create the ability for a flexible schedule. Training programs take only 15 months, and annual median wages are $31,540, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Essential Qualities

• Analytical skills
• Detail oriented
• Interpersonal skills
• Technical skills

Whether you’re interested in dental or medical assisting, if you’re ready for a stable and secure career with long-term potential, training is available for compassionate people like you!

Visit ibmc.edu or call 1-800-NEW-CAREER to start your training at IBMC College in Longmont, Greeley, or Fort Collins and get into a career with purpose that offers stability for years to come!

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Licensed estheticians, cosmetologists can expand skill set, possibilities with this Chemical Peel course

Starting today, IBMC College will be enrolling interested licensed estheticians and cosmetologists into its Chemical Peel certification course – a three-day training that starts September 9 at the IBMC College Fort Collins campus, 3842 S. Mason Street.

The course, held over three Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day, will teach participants the various types of chemical peels and their differences and functions, along with contraindications to treatment and the management of adverse side effects. Participants will learn the various types of peels including Glycolic Peels, Jessner’s Peels, Tricholoacetic Acid Peels and Salicylic Acid/Designer Peels.

In addition to hands-on training, participants will take part in theory classes where they will learn the anatomy and physiology of aging and solar-damaged skin, assessing the client’s suitability, as well as post-treatment care. They will also need to be prepared to have a peel performed on them, as well as performing peels on a model.

By completing this course and passing the practical and written final exams, estheticians and cosmetologists can expand their service offerings to clients and become more marketable in this expanding career field – over the next 10 years, skin care specialist jobs are projected to grow by a faster than average pace of 12%, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Benefits of receiving chemical peels as a client include:

• Controlling acne and over-productive sebaceous glands
• Correcting pigment problems, like melasma
• Smoothing rough and dry skin
• Correcting uneven pigmentation caused by sun exposure, birth control pills, aging, etc.
• Smoothing fine lines and surface wrinkles

The chemical peel certificate program costs $500, which includes the final exam, books, and Image I peel protocol and products used during the course training. However, if you are a graduate of IBMC College, you have the opportunity to save 10% on the total program cost if you enroll for the September 9 class start.

There is no federal funding for this program; it is cash or credit card payment only due at the time of enrollment into the course. There is an optional post treatment kit that students may purchase for $25.

In order to enroll in the course, the participant must be at least 18 years old, be a licensed esthetician and/or cosmetologist and have proof of high school graduation or GED.

If you are interested in expanding your skill set and growing in your career as an esthetician or cosmetologist, call IBMC College’s Fort Collins campus now at (970) 223-2669 or visit www.ibmc.edu for more information to get started today!

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In such a broadly defined career field as medical assisting, there are many paths you can take after graduating with a diploma from a career-training college. Whether you’re ready to treat patients, or you’re a behind-the-scenes type of person, there’s a career for you in medical assisting.

Clinical Medical Assistant

When you think of medical assisting, this is what probably comes to mind. Clinical medical assistants work closely with doctors and patients to ensure clinics and hospitals run smoothly. They perform tasks like preparing patients for medical examinations, documenting vitals and medical histories, and even perform minor procedures. If you want to be in the thick of the action, this is the right track for you!

Administrative Medical Assistant

Are you a great communicator with attention to detail? Administrative medical assistants take on the more clerical duties in a medical facility, including scheduling appointments, maintaining records and communicating with patients. If you have a knack for keeping things organized and on-schedule, you may be a perfect candidate for administrative medical assisting.

Specialized Medical Assistant

With so many subfields in healthcare, there’s bound to be a specialization you’ll be passionate about. From family medicine to geriatrics, OB/GYN, pediatrics and more, choosing a specialization can be difficult, but exciting. The specific tasks of a specialized medical assistant vary depending on their specialization, but after obtaining a diploma in medical assisting from an accredited career-training college, you’ll be confident and ready to take on anything.

Training to become a medical assistant can take as little as 15 months through IBMC College, and it can prepare you for a lifetime of stability and security. Gain the skills and confidence to take on any career in medical assisting. Visit ibmc.edu or call 1-800-NEW-CAREER for more information, and to start your training at IBMC College in Longmont, Greeley or Fort Collins.

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The healthcare industry has changed in dramatic ways over the past decade, but the future is looking bright for Medical Billing and Coding Specialists. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the career is expected to grow 15 percent through 2024 – a much faster rate than average. Still, the occupation can appear mysterious to those unfamiliar with the health and insurance industries.

What is Medical Billing and Coding?

When you visit a doctor, she or he needs to make notes about the treatment or examination you receive. These notes allow your insurance company to know the details it needs to process your medical bill.

Since there are so many types of treatments and examinations, everyday descriptions would make for a bill that’s messy and difficult to read. That’s where Medical Billing and Coding Specialists come in. They translate notes from doctors into a specialized language for medical and insurance industries so the billing process is as easy as possible for everyone.

Why is the industry growing?

In 2015, the medical industry saw a huge change in the way medical billing and coding was required to be performed. A new medical coding standard became mandatory, with a significantly more detailed system of codes required. Since the new system has been implemented, demand for Medical Billing and Coding Specialists to help with the growing workload has exploded.

In addition, our aging population is increasing demand for healthcare services. According to census data, our population’s average age is increasing; that means more demand for testing, treatments and procedures that will all need to be processed by a Medical Billing and Coding Specialist.

Become a Medical Billing and Coding Specialist

With career training through IBMC College, you can gain the confidence and hands-on knowledge needed to thrive as a Medical Billing and Coding professional. Visit ibmc.edu or call 1-800-NEW-CAREER for more information, and to start your training at IBMC College in Longmont, Greeley or Fort Collins and get into a career that offers stability for years to come!

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Cosmetology is a rapidly-growing career field in Colorado, and it’s a great path for people who love to make others feel and look great. Estheticians and cosmetologists perform beauty services in salons, spas and barbershops. Test your knowledge and see how much you really know about hair, skin and nail care!

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IBMC College’s Longmont campus secured numerous school supplies to be donated to St. Vrain’s Crayons to Calculators school supply drive.

Throughout the summer, IBMC College campaigned newly enrolled students to donate a school supply or $5 to its School Supply Drive to help area children get the supplies they need to head back to school.

Three northern Colorado IBMC campuses in Fort Collins, Greeley and Longmont raised an estimated $675 worth of school supplies and donations from May 31 through August 7. IBMC participates in school supply drives on an annual basis, but extended its donation period this year in order to make a bigger impact for our area schools. Supplies donated included pencils, pens, notebooks, notebook paper, markers, highlighters and folders.

The school supply drive not only helped area school-aged children, it also helped incoming IBMC College students afford to enroll in the College by waiving their registration fee of $50 if they donated to the cause. Many prospective students were excited to learn that their money would be benefiting the children of their local communities.

Three local school supply drives benefited:

• Fort Collins, Salvation Army School Supply Drive
• Greeley, Greeley-Evans School District 6 School Supply Drive
• Longmont, St. Vrain Valley School District’s Crayons to Calculators Drive

To learn more about IBMC College’s accelerated, career-focused programs, visit any of the IBMC area campuses in Fort Collins, Greeley or Longmont, call 1-800-NEW-CAREER or visit ibmc.edu.

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Instructor Melissa Newbanks and her son Kalvin pose for a photo with her husband and students during IBMC College’s Red Day on August 17, 2017.

August 22, 2017

Students, staff and faculty at IBMC College’s Greeley campus worked to raise awareness for hemophilia, a rare blood disorder, for four consecutive Thursdays in July and August.

Participation at the campus, located at 2863 35^th Ave., consisted of students, staff and faculty paying a $1 donation to wear the designated attire for that day. At the end of the four-week Hemophilia Awareness campaign, $100 was raised by IBMC students and staff.

The money collected will be presented to the Colorado Chapter of the National Hemophilia Foundation at the Hemophilia Walk on August 26 in Denver. Greeley instructor and campaign organizer, Melissa Newbanks, will present the donation on behalf of IBMC students and staff in the name of her son, Kalvin, who has hemophilia.

The Hemophilia Walk in Denver is expected to draw more than 1,000 supporters and participating businesses.

“We’re so proud to have IBMC Greeley included in the list of supporters (of the hemophilia walk)!” said IBMC Greeley Campus President, Mary Matsutani in an email about the campaign.

The weekly rotating attire for Hemophilia Awareness at the campus included a Hawaiian-themed day, IBMC pride day, favorite sports team day and the college’s own creation for bringing awareness to hemophilia, Red Day. Participants wore red in support of those who have the disorder.

To find out more information about hemophilia and how you can donate to the cause, visit cohomo.org

To learn more about IBMC College’s accelerated, career-focused programs, visit any of the IBMC area campuses in Fort Collins, Greeley or Longmont, call 1-800-NEW-CAREER or visit ibmc.edu.

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When you visit your dental office, there are a lot staff you might interact with. It’s completely normal to think to yourself, “Who does what?” While Dentists, Dental Assistants and Dental Hygienists are all there to achieve the same goal—a healthy smile for all of their patients—each position plays a different role, and requires varying levels of education and training.

Training

Dental Assisting is the quick career path into the dental industry. Graduates are often hired at dental offices soon after completing their programs, due to an increasing demand for the profession in recent years. To become a Dental Assistant, you’ll need to graduate from an accredited program and pass an exam. Most programs take about a year to complete, and are offered at career-training colleges or vocational schools.

Dental Hygienist programs typically take three years to complete, and most require applicants to have completed one year of college. Courses ranging from anatomy to medical ethics give them the skills to work alongside dentists, but in a more independent fashion than a Dental Assistant.

As for Dentists, it takes a lot of time—and even more determination. In fact, to enter most dental schools, you’ll need to have a bachelor’s degree already. Admission to dental school is competitive; tests, along with grade point average, interviews, and recommendations are all considered during the admission process. Overall, the education takes about eight years to complete.

Responsibilities

As you lay back in your chair at the dental office, you’re greeted by a friendly voice and a smile. The Dental Assistant asks how you’ve been taking care of your teeth as she sets up the Dentist’s workstation. She then leads you to another room to take x-rays. As you leave the office, the Dental Assistant might help you set your next appointment. This is what a Dental Assistant’s afternoon could look like.

The Dental Hygienist is likely the next face you see during your visit. While Dentists handle most major procedures, Dental Hygienists are responsible for cleaning teeth and examining patients for oral diseases. They also work to educate patients about oral hygiene techniques.

Though Dentists take on a leadership role in the dental office, they still perform medical procedures when needed. Typically, dentists perform tasks like repairing cracked or fractured teeth, removing decay and filling cavities, and prescribing medications.

If you’re interested in a dental career, don’t wait to get started! IBMC College offers fast, hands-on training that could have you working in a dental office in a little over a year. View our dental programs page to see what you can achieve, or call 1-800-NEW-CAREER now.

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IBMC College is pleased to announce Kelley McCleave, Jacob Adams, John Lobato, and Sarah Horvath were recognized by the Colorado Association of Career Colleges and Schools (CACCS) for their outstanding academic achievements at their annual banquet on Sept. 8. This year’s CACCS awards ceremony – held at the Art Institute Penthouse, 1200 Lincoln St. in Denver – celebrated students in the Colorado career college system who excel in their programs and strongly exhibit three qualities: commitment, performance and leadership/professionalism. Each student who is honored must have a serious and unwavering commitment to his/her academic and professional career goals. He/she must show high performance in the categories of attendance, grades, class activities and classroom work. Finally, he/she must demonstrate leadership and behave professionally, both in the classroom and within the community. This year, Jacob Adams, an IBMC College student in the Computer Support Specialist program at the Greeley campus, was named the Student of the Year in the category of Computer Technology. John Lobato, who also attends the Greeley campus in the Business Administration & Accounting program, was also named Student of the Year in the Business/Management category. IBMC College Longmont campus Paralegal student, Sarah Horvath, also won Student of the Year award in the Specialized Trades category. Additionally, IBMC College Greeley campus Cosmetology graduate Kelley McCleave was honored with Meritorious Recognition in the Cosmetology category. IBMC College is honored to have such a dedicated group of individuals as students, and we congratulate Kelley, Jacob, John and Sarah on their awards!

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If you’re considering a career in Dental Assisting, you’re not alone. With an expected growth rate of 18% through 2020, it’s a hot career for those looking to make real life changes. But beyond industry demand for the profession, there are plenty of great reasons to consider it. Confidence After completing a training program in Dental Assisting, you’ll know you can take on anything. From helping dentists with important medical procedures to fielding health questions from patients, you’ll have a skill-set that will make you feel self-assured and knowledgeable in your field. Earning Potential Did you know that dental assistants in the US make an average of $36,940 per year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics? In a little over a year, you could get your certification as a Dental Assistant and go from working in a restaurant to doubling what you would have made. Independence It can be difficult to get on your feet as a young person today. A growing number of Millennials are choosing to live with their parents longer as it’s become increasingly difficult to afford a home. As a medical professional, you can gain financial independence, and you’ll have the freedom to work almost anywhere in the country! Professionalism Professionalism is about being respectful, accountable, and taking tasks head-on. As a Dental Assistant, you’ll find that these traits are just another part of the job for you. You may find that you’ve grown in more ways than you can imagine by the time you’re done with your program. If you’re interested in a career as a Dental Assistant, don’t wait to get started! IBMC College offers short-term, hands-on training that could have you working in a dental office in a little over a year. View our dental assisting program page to see what you can achieve, or call 1-800-NEW-CAREER now.

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IBMC College students were encouraged to don their best jerseys and sports gear during this session’s Student Awards Assembly, hosted by the Education Department and Student Services, on Thursday, September 28, at the Fort Collins, Greeley and Longmont campus locations. The assemblies were off to a great start with team spirit and decorations abound. Students were served nachos to celebrate the festivities. Students from all programs were recognized with awards for outstanding achievement during their last five weeks of classes. Rising Star Award – This award is provided to new students within the first five to ten weeks of his or her program. The student must demonstrate academic excellence, good behavior, perfect attendance and a dedication to their particular area of study. The following students were awarded: Fort Collins Campus: Kimberly Higdon, Kelsi Mehaffey Greeley Campus: Arlene Duran, Dana Kreutzer Longmont Campus: Amy Cross, Tamara Dawson Star Student Award – Award recipients are students who have been enrolled at IBMC for longer than 10 weeks. Good grades, ethical behavior and adhering to the attendance policy are requirements to receive this honor. The following were named Star Students this session: Fort Collins Campus: Megan Green, Lexi Hall Greeley Campus: Savannah Archuleta, Brandy Christy, Amy Mikash Longmont Campus: Carla Brauer, Jasmine Childs Student of the Quarter – These students maintain high grade point averages, demonstrate professionalism, serve as role models to their peers and regularly attend class with a positive attitude. The following students were named Student of the Quarter: Fort Collins Campus: Angie Carter, Katy McAneny Greeley Campus: Heidi McGuire, Veronica Montez, Karlee Wolach Longmont Campus: Patricia Mohon, Kristina Prentice Artist of the Quarter: These students are nominated by the faculty for demonstrating professionalism, exceptional attendance and supporting other students in their program. The following were named Artists of the Quarter: Fort Collins Campus: Siri Tucker Greeley Campus: Lindsey Ibarra, Stephanie Rice Longmont Campus: Vanessa Ledezma Dean’s List Recipients: These students have achieved a Grade Point Average of 3.5 or higher. The following students were placed on the Dean’s List during this session: Fort Collins Campus: Heather Bell, Ivy Benefiel, Heather Blackenship, Alecsander Bratton, Abigail Burke, TyAnne Carlton, Guadalupe Castorena, Kelsey Crider, Yvonne Frigon, Christa Garza, Katrina Giardina, Chelsea Hayes, Natika Hirsch-Cook, Hazel Jenson, Anita Jones, Kayla Klawin, Kristin Kirk, Vanessa Knight, Andrea Manship, Katherine McAneny, Leslie Mora-Oropeza, Nicole Morgan, Rachel Ramirez, Annedina Ramos, Cassandra Roberts, Marissa Salazar, Diana Sandoval Bobadilla, Marley Sedillo, Michael Smartt, Marissa Spencer, Jessica Stephens, Johnathon Tamlin, Hannah Unitt, Allison Urban, Claire Vazquez, Laura Whitted, Kayla Wiley Greeley Campus: Anna Aldava, Chloe Allen, Abigail Alvarado, Grace Alvarez, Maria Arce-Flores, Erika Balfanz, Daniel Bernhardt, Kristen Bessey, Tiffany Brown, Celine Deutsch, Jennifer Donnelly, Sara Gale, Andria Garcia, Alissa Garza, Azucena Gomez, Maricela Guzman, Jannet Haro, Randi Henkel, Ingrid Hernandes Bonilla, Lindsey Ibarra, Noemi Ibarra Guijosa, Jennifer Jahrman, Kirsten Karges-Weaver, Melissa Kincheloe, Donna Krautschun, Francely Lara Granados, Sindy Lemuis Ruiz, John Lobato, Lisa Lucero, Cody McSwain, Elizabeth Meh, Pamela Melendez Alcantar, Rae Anne Moore, Edith Morales-Perez, Nancy Moreno, Sandra Morones, […]

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IBMC College across northern Colorado will be hosting a free, family-friendly Halloween Trick-or-Treat event at each of their three campus locations. The event, held from 4-6 p.m. on October 31, will feature Trick-or-Treating for all ages of children – with games with prizes, crafts, photo booths and face-painting at some campus locations – along with tours of the campuses. Students, faculty and staff, as well as the public, are welcome to bring their children for a costume-filled trick or treating tour of the campus. Each campus will have decorations and costumes to honor their theme – Fort Collins will be superheroes, Greeley will be Disney-inspired, and Longmont has reached out to Realities for Children in Boulder – to encourage a fun, safe and friendly environment for adults and kids of all ages. IBMC College campuses are located in: Fort Collins at 3842 S. Mason Street, (970) 223-2669 Greeley at 2863 35th Avenue, (970) 356-4733 Longmont at 2315 N. Main Street, (303) 651-6819 To learn more about this event, visit ibmc.edu/halloween.

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You might be asking yourself, “what is Medical Billing and Coding, anyway?” It’s a fast-growing career in the medical field, but the terminology can be a little confusing at first. When you visit a doctor, she or he needs to make notes about the treatment or examination you receive. These notes allow your insurance company to know the details it needs to process your medical bill. The problem is, there are so many types of treatments and examinations that common language would make for a bill that’s messy and difficult to read. That’s where Medical Billing and Coding Specialists come in: they translate notes from doctors into a specialized language for medical and insurance industries so the billing process is as easy as possible for everyone. It’s an important task in today’s healthcare industry, and It turns out, there are plenty of reasons why it’s a great career to get into! No Medical School Required Many believe that to become a medical professional, you need several years of rigorous and expensive training. Medical Billing and Coding is different; training takes a little more than a year at an accredited career-training school—meaning you can enter the healthcare workforce fast. Competitive Salaries The median wage for Medical Billing and Coding Specialists in 2016 was $38,040 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. What does that mean for you? After completing a career-training program, you could potentially double what you may have previously earned at a restaurant or movie theater job. You’re Helping People Everyday Though you won’t be treating patients, you will be saving lives by making sure data is up to date and accurate. Medical billing and coding is an important part of the field, because errors can lead to unhappy patients or even the wrong medical treatment. It’s In-Demand Through 2024, Medical Billing and Coding Specialists’ jobs are expected to grow 15 percent, which is much faster than average. Software can do some of the leg work when it comes to medical coding, but there’s no substitute for a human who can check for errors and organize information in a way that’s easy for other people to understand. Potential to Move up Working in Medical Billing and Coding will put you right in the middle of the medical administration field. With the increased demand for doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals, there will also be a need for more administrative professionals in the field. Over time, you could expand your expertise and develop the skills to become a healthcare administrator. With career training through IBMC College, you can gain the confidence and hands-on knowledge needed to thrive as a medical billing and coding professional. Visit ibmc.edu or call 1-800-NEW-CAREER for more information, and to start your training at IBMC College in Longmont, Greeley or Fort Collins and get into a career that offers stability for years to come!

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Starting today, IBMC College campuses across northern Colorado are accepting donations of new, unwrapped toys to its Santa’s Workshop toy drive through December 13. IBMC College is helping students this holiday season by stocking Santa’s Workshop at each campus location with toys donated by students, staff, faculty and the general public in order for students to be able to “shop” for gifts for their families. To further boost the toy drive, all proceeds from our salons and massage clinics from Thursday, December 7 and Friday December 8 will go toward the Santa’s Workshop fund to purchase toys. “Caring Individuals … Changing Lives” isn’t just the College’s vision statement, it’s a way of life. That’s why the event was created, and that’s why IBMC College’s three campuses will participate in the event. Any toys that are not picked by IBMC College students on the “Shopping Day,” held at each IBMC College campus on Dec. 15, will donated to a local toy drive or charity in Fort Collins, Greeley, or Longmont, Colo. Any toys that are not picked by IBMC College students on the “Shopping Day,” held at each IBMC College campus on Dec. 15, will donated to a local toy drive or charity in Fort Collins, Greeley, or Longmont, Colo. If you would like to participate in the event, you can donate any new, unwrapped toy for children ages newborn to 18 years old, or a minimum of a $5 donation to any IBMC College campus: Fort Collins, 3842 S. Mason Street Greeley, 2863 35th Avenue Longmont, 2315 N. Main Street To learn more about Santa’s Workshop, visit ibmc.edu/santas-workshop or call 1-800-495-2669.

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If you’re the type of person who’s happy to help others, why not make a career of it? Medical Assistants are a valuable asset to any clinic, hospital or other medical facility. With the healthcare industry growing so quickly, there’s a huge need for more compassionate people to care for our aging population. Make the Decision to Become a Medical Assistant Taking the leap from a steady, comfortable job to training for a new career can be scary. But it’s important to ask yourself, “Will I be happy if I’m still working this job years from now?” Medical Assisting will continue to challenge you to grow over the years, and some say that patient care has brought purpose to their lives. As you consider the career, take the time to think about the work environment, job outlook and even similar positions, like Dental Assisting. Attend a Career Training School In as little as 15 months, you can complete a Medical Assisting Diploma program at IBMC College. With a wealth of hands-on training, you’ll learn the necessary skills to thrive after graduation. From emergency procedures to laboratory techniques, you’ll gain the right knowledge at the perfect pace. If you’re worried about classes interfering with your schedule, you should still look into career training. A lot of students are able to continue working and caring for their families, because courses are offered in the morning, afternoon and evening. Become Certified After completing your diploma program, you’ll need to get certified to be considered for a career with most employers. You’ll be tested on your knowledge in everything from human anatomy to clinical and diagnostic procedures. No need to worry—it’s all in the training you’ll receive from IBMC College. Find a Medical Assistant Position After you’ve graduated and become certified, you’re ready to get started. Congratulations! The career is one of the fastest growing occupations in the U.S., so there are many employers looking to hire. In fact, employment of Medical Assistants is expected to grow 29% nationwide through 2026, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Depending on your aspirations, you can choose to work in a physician’s office, hospital, or one of many types of clinics. There are literally dozens of different types of positions Medical Assistants can work in. Find a place you love, and find satisfaction in helping people for the rest of your career!

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IBMC College recently completed its annual Santa’s Workshop toy drive, a holiday donation event that benefited a total of 62 students’ families between each of its three northern Colorado campus locations. Students, staff and faculty donated money or new, unwrapped toys from Nov. 27 through Dec. 13 to assist with the cost of holiday gift shopping for students. To further boost the toy drive, all proceeds from the college’s salons and massage clinics from Thursday, Dec. 7 and Friday Dec. 8 went toward the Santa’s Workshop fund to purchase more toys. An additional $845 were raised through this effort. A “shopping day” on Dec. 15 was held at each campus, so students could pick out toys to give their children and family members during the holidays. “It was incredible how appreciative the students were for the help.  We… had a great time connecting with them,” said Steve Steele, IBMC College CEO and Fort Collins Campus President in an email about the toy drive. “We had the best time helping our students with their shopping. Today absolutely put holly in our hearts!” said Mary Matsutani, IBMC College’s Campus President in Greeley. All toys that were not picked by IBMC College students on the “Shopping Day,” were donated to a local toy drive or charity in Fort Collins, Greeley, or Longmont, Colo. IBMC College is committed to serving the communities of northern Colorado, through charitable efforts, and life-changing career training. To read more about Santa’s Workshop, visit ibmc.edu/santas-workshop or call 1-800-495-2669.

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On Dec. 14th, IBMC College received notification of accreditation approval from its new accrediting body, the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC). IBMC College began the transition process to the new agency in anticipation of the Department of Education’s decision to not recognize the authority of its previous accrediting body, the Accrediting Council for Independent College and Schools (ACICS), in Dec. 2016. In order to become an ACCSC accredited institution, each IBMC College campus hosted an on-site ACCSC team visit. As a matter of course for the team visit, each IBMC College was required to undergo a complete review of curriculum, educational processes, advertising, student retention, student outcomes and student satisfaction. The college excelled in the critical area of accountability and was awarded a full five-year Grant of Accreditation. “This is a great display of confidence in our organization’s ability to meet ACCSC’s strict requirements of accreditation,” Barbara Kearns, IBMC College Regional Director of Regulatory Affairs and Compliance, stated in an email about the accreditation change. Prior to the accreditation change, IBMC College had built a solid reputation of integrity with ACICS having experienced citation free ACICS on-site team visits and federal Program Reviews with no negative findings. However, the college decided to move forward with a new accrediting agency when the Department of Education withdrew recognition of ACICS as an accreditor in December of 2016. IBMC College has provided quality education throughout Northern Colorado since 1987 and, under new accreditation, plans to continue providing the same quality career training education for in-demand careers to the Northern Colorado population.

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Since the beginning of medicine, physicians have always needed some assistance. With the help of student-aides, ancient doctors were able to care for more patients—more quickly. These people wouldn’t have called themselves Medical Assistants back then, but they often filled that role, performing supporting tasks for the primary care provider. Hospitals, clinics and treatment centers have always employed personnel to support doctors and nurses and perform administrative tasks. Today, Medical Assistants make up a huge portion of the positions in the American healthcare industry—and demand for them is still growing at 29% through 2026 (Bureau of Labor Statistics). Medical Assistants can execute administrative tasks like billing, scheduling appointments and assisting with insurance claims. They also carry out basic medical tasks, like taking vital signs, recording medical history and helping out during examinations.   What’s the difference between a Medical Assistant and a Nursing Assistant? There are a lot of positions in the healthcare field, so it’s easy to get them confused. One thing’s for sure—a Medical Assistant does NOT do the same job as a Nursing Assistant, or CNA. While both help out with the daily tasks related to patient care in healthcare facilities, Medical Assistants tend to perform a more administrative role, and often are tasked with more responsibility. Medical Assistants are able to do things like administer injections, assist with medications and record patient health information. They work closely with doctors and nurses, and can perform a wide variety of jobs. CNAs take on daily maintenance tasks like assisting patients with basic hygiene, helping them eat, and assisting them with getting in and out of bed. Often, they work in facilities where patients need long-term care, like nursing homes.   What do Medical Assistants do on a daily basis? Medical Assistants often begin their days by making sure the doctor’s exam room has everything needed for the appointments that day. Then, they may begin checking in patients, verifying their health records and recording important health information like blood pressure readings. Everything before and after the patients’ visit with the doctor is in the Medical Assistants’ hands, from taking vital signs and making the patient comfortable to cleaning up the exam room afterward. You may also find yourself booking appointments for patients or working with pharmacies to ensure they have the medication patients need. Every day is a little different, but you’ll always be working closely with doctors and patients.   Who hires Medical Assistants? Clinics Generally, work in a clinic is predictable in hours and tasks, yet not all clinics are the same. There are many different types of specialized clinics in medical sub-fields like optometry, podiatry or neurology. Most Medical Assistants start their career in this setting. Hospitals If you’re not one for routine, a hospital might be for you. It’s a faster, more unpredictable environment, and you never know what your day will look like. It’s a very satisfying career—you’ll know you made a difference by the end of the day. Outpatient Care Centers Outpatient care […]

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Dental Assisting is a great choice if you’re looking for a new career, or just starting fresh out of high school. It’s a unique career in the fast-paced medical field—where no two days are the same. If you’re interested in helping people, and making important personal connections on a daily basis, then short-term Dental Assisting training might be the right path for you. Working conditions Can’t stand the thought of staring at a computer screen all day? Dental Assistants enjoy the freedom to move around and interact with a lot of people. They perform a variety of tasks—from assisting dentists with procedures to processing X-rays. Still, there is time to sit and relax while they maintain patient records and schedule appointments. Dental offices tend to be clean, safe and upbeat work environments. You can work anywhere With a diploma in Dental Assisting, it’s difficult to feel tied down. Dental Assistants are needed in every part of the country, from big cities to smaller towns. And with so many types of specialists in dentistry—from oral surgeons to orthodontists—there are plenty of different types of offices and clinics you could work in. Connecting with patients Working as a Dental Assistant, you’ll quickly realize your importance in the office. Patients will rely on you for assurance, comfort and hospitality when they’re nervous. A welcoming smile can make a big difference in a patient’s visit, and rarely will they hide their thankfulness. Gateway to other opportunities Becoming a Dental Assistant is a great way to get your foot in the door of the dental industry. If you decide to go a different direction after a few years of working, you’ll be in a great position to become an office manager or dental assisting instructor. You’ll also have an excellent foundation for continuing your education to become a dental hygienist or an Expanded Duty Dental Assistant. Job outlook There is a huge demand for Dental Assistants going into 2018. With the career projected to grow 19 percent through 2026, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Those with Dental Assisting diplomas can be picky about where they want to work. That means opportunities for better pay, more benefits and more respect on the job. Fast training Dental Assisting programs typically take about a year to complete—some even less. The Dental Assisting diploma program at IBMC takes just 10 months, with an option for a degree in Dental Office Administration in 19 months. Finish your training quickly, and get to work fast. Pay and benefits While the cost of training is relatively low, the income potential of a Dental Assistant can be exciting. The median annual wage for Dental Assistants was $36,940 in 2016 nationally, with the highest 10 percent earning more than $52,000 per year across the US, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. In Colorado, Dental Assistants earn an annual mean wage of $38,590—about $18.50 an hour. Most Dental Assistants receive medical insurance, paid holidays, free dental care and paid sick […]

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2016 IBMC College Graduate Nichole Byers Nichole Byers is an IBMC College graduate with a diploma in Medical Assisting. She attended the Fort Collins campus. Unlike most students in the program, Nichole already had a background in medicine when she began. She worked as an EMT for 8 years, later becoming a manager of group homes for developmentally disabled adults. Today, she works as a Medical Assistant for Associates in Family Medicine, a northern Colorado healthcare provider with an emphasis in family medicine. Why did you choose IBMC? “The hours fit my schedule. I had already completed all my prerequisites at Front Range (Community College) for nursing, but could not do the hours they needed. I originally went in to do nails (at IBMC) but I was talked into Medical Assisting because of my background.” What did you gain by attending? “I was lucky to have great instructors that helped me get the basics of Medical Assisting. They helped me learn to use equipment and do tests I would have not been able to use otherwise. I looked forward to their classes because I knew I would learn something, or at least be able to use the skills I already knew.” What did it take to land your job after graduation? “The school helped me get my externship, but I would like to think my skills and professionalism got me the job. I took great notes and asked lots of questions. I was not afraid to jump in and do what needed to be done. I think they liked my ‘go-get-it’ attitude. It was a blessing to get my current job. I would not have gotten it so quickly had I not attended IBMC.” What’s your job like? “I love the job I have now. I room patients, order tests, make phone calls, give immunizations, work with other facilities and providers to provide continuity of care for our patients, fill in with other providers if mine is out, and so many other things… I am also lucky enough to work with an OB (obstetrics) provider, so I do a lot of care related to that as well. I will be very sad when my doctor retires. I plan to stay with him till the end. We have built a great relationship and make a good team.” Any advice for those on the fence about the program? “DO IT! It is worth it.”

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