It should be no surprise to hear that the dental industry is booming in Colorado. Careers in the field can provide stability, great pay and an opportunity to help others. And while you may not have the time or funds needed to become a dentist, you still have great options in the field. Dental Assisting is a solid choice for those looking to get into a professionally satisfying career fast. It’s not just a job—it’s a calling. What’s more, there’s huge demand for more Dental Assistants in Colorado—so it’s a great time to get ahead by beginning your training. You probably have some questions about the career before you decide to jump in. To help guide your decision, we’ve put together a list of common questions that you might have and answered them. 6 frequently asked questions about Dental Assistants 1. How much money do Dental Assistants make? The median annual wage for Dental Assistants in the U.S. was $36,940 in May 2016, with the top 10 percent earning more than $52,000 per year, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. You should know that pay does vary by employment setting. For example, a dental assistant who works at a college or university might earn less than average, while one who works in a hospital would likely earn more than the average. 2. Where do Dental Assistants work? If you guessed dental offices, you’re pretty much right. The vast majority of Dental Assistants work in the offices of dentists—9 in 10, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Other places you could find work as a Dental Assistant are hospitals and clinics. 3. What is the job outlook for Dental Assistants? Worried about finding a job after graduating with a diploma in Dental Assisting? You shouldn’t be. The truth is, Dental Assistants can even be picky about where they work. With employment projected to grow 19 percent through 2026, the role is expanding much faster than the average for all occupations. With demand for skilled employees high, you could be looking at some very competitive wages. 4. What do Dental Assistants do every day? You’d probably like to know how you’ll be spending your time at work. Most Dental Assistants spend a lot of time working with patients. It’s your job to make sure they’re comfortable, maintain their appointments and records, and help out with procedures. You’ll also get to know your dentist very well. Every day, you’ll assist them by cleaning equipment, preparing their stations for procedures and lending a hand during those procedures. Over time, you’ll learn to anticipate the needs of your dentist, your patients and the office as a whole. 5. How do you become a Dental Assistant? Becoming a dentist takes many years, and a large financial investment. Dental Assisting is much more accessible. To become a Dental Assistant in Colorado, you’ll need to graduate from an accredited program and pass an exam for certification. Most programs take about a year, but there […]

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Amanda is a Colorado native, having grown up in Canon City. She moved to northern Colorado in 2005, and in 2015, she made the decision to attend IBMC College. Today, Amanda is a successful Criminal Defense Investigator in Fort Collins, and she’s loving her career. Amanda was happy to share her story of attending IBMC, and had some very kind words for her former instructors.     What made you decide to attend IBMC? “After researching schools, I found that IBMC’s class times would allow me to continue to work a full-time job. It was certainly geared towards the working adult.” Are you happy with your decision? “I am happy with my decision. I appreciated the small class sizes, the dedication the entire IBMC staff has towards the students furthering themselves, and the overall education I received from IBMC to prepare me for my new career.” What did you gain from your time at IBMC? “I had a huge support team—no question to the staff’s commitment to watch me succeed. As a 40-year-old woman, I was happy to build relationships with staff members and fellow students. I know I have formed lifelong friendships.” How has your life changed? “It has not been long since I attended IBMC, but I can say I have found that I have been able to obtain a very respected, fulfilling place of employment to start my new career. My salary has increased. I have started working towards my bachelor’s degree. I feel proud of my accomplishments—both while attending IBMC and after.” Where do you work now? “I am proud to say I am working at the Colorado State Public Defenders office as a Criminal Defense Investigator in Fort Collins. General duties include learning and developing skills in organizing and preparing case files. Working on all phases of investigation for misdemeanor, juvenile, and felony cases, including but not limited to; interviewing, serving subpoenas, report writing, reviewing discovery, locating and collecting records, coordinating witnesses, and testifying. Using digital audio and video recording devices, as well as other cameras, recorders, and standard computer and office equipment, measuring tools, maps and internet sources.” Are you happy in your current position? “I absolutely love it. I have a very rewarding position that allows me to utilize the skills I learned from IBMC. The hands-on experience has taught me many more skills and techniques as well. The atmosphere and coworkers are amazing and encouraging.” What did it take to land your job after graduating? “When it came time for me to do my externship, I had a family law office that offered for me to do it in their office. (I also had) a criminal defense law office that didn’t just want me to do my externship there, but they offered me a position with the firm. I turned down the job offer, but accepted the externship offer, as I intended to stay with my current employer. Then, Heather Conner, the Senior Career Service Coordinator (at IBMC College), asked me to […]

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Jorie Pepper, IBMC College Graduate Jorie Pepper is an IBMC College graduate with a degree in Paralegal Studies. She’s from Greeley, Colorado and attended the campus there, having graduated in 2015. Since then, she’s worked her way up into a position she loves in her field. Read what Jorie had to say about her time at IBMC College: What made you decide to attend IBMC? “The non-judgmental atmosphere, the teachers, the administrative staff. When I first attended IBMC in 2012—getting my Associates in Medical Assisting—I was at a crossroads, trying to decide what to do with my life. I realized that law still interested me a lot more than Medical Assisting. After deciding Medical Assisting was not for me, and that I wanted to change my career path, I called Darla (IBMC Admission Representative). We set up an appointment for the same day and she already had my class schedule ready when I went to the appointment. She listened patiently and talked me through a lot of tough decisions. Instead of asking a ton of questions, she supported my decision and never once made me second-guess my decision.” Why did you want to study law? “I have always been interest in law and I had always considered going to law school; it was a goal of mine written on several goal sheets in middle school and high school. When I decided the medical field was not for me, I went to Aims to get my associates in criminal justice and start the process for law school, but going to Aims was not as personable as IBMC. The classes were huge and personally knowing the teacher was difficult to obtain. I then decided that having a family one day was more important than being an attorney. And, being an attorney would take up way too much of my time, leaving little time for a family. Next best thing is to work for them, so I decided to become a Paralegal. I had a great experience while obtaining my Medical Assistant degree. I loved he atmosphere and the teachers/staff, so it was really no contest. IBMC did everything Aims would have done, but IBMC was faster, and you have more of a personal experience.” Are you happy with your decision? “I am very happy with my decision. I worked very hard to get to where I am at. All of the late nights that included studying and doing homework—all of the sacrifices in both my personal life and professional life that were made ultimately led me to a very good career. I spent a lot of time being frustrated and had a few moments of being overwhelmed. But in the end, I do not regret one thing.” What did you gain from your time at IBMC? “IBMC helped me learn how to research, communicate effectively, and stay organized. The list goes on.” How has your life changed since attending IBMC? “Since attending IBMC, I accepted a job at a collections law firm […]

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Anna Aldava, IBMC College Paralegal Graduate College can have a lot of unexpected side effects. For Anna Aldava, it meant she was given the chance to come out of her shell through her experience with IBMC’s student life. She was also able to finish her program with a dream job offer from her externship host—before even graduating. Anna attended the Greeley campus from October 2016 to December 2017, and she shared some insightful thoughts about her time at IBMC. What were you doing before your time at IBMC? “Before IBMC, I was an on/off again student, and I attempted cosmetology—it definitely wasn’t for me. When I quit my job with the three high profile companies I worked for, I was lost. I had no idea what I wanted to do with my life. I knew I definitely didn’t want to be miserable or settling for just anything, but I had no idea what direction I wanted to go within my new career.” Why did you choose IBMC? “My mom had an informational session, and I went in to be supportive. I ended up signing up for the Paralegal program that same day.” Why the sudden decision? “(IBMC College Admissions Representative) Darla made me feel comfortable and reassured me someone would always be there if I needed help—she was correct. Or, it could have been the adrenaline rush of planning out a new journey. As a child I always wanted to be a Judge, but never pursued my education because I never believed it was something I could afford. Now that I am older, I knew that it was possible.” Are you happy with your choice? “Yes, I enjoyed the intimate class sessions and the one-on-one attention I received with my instructors. Not once did they ever make me feel like I was out of place, or I didn’t belong there.” What did you gain from your time at IBMC? “I am a quiet and reserved person. IBMC helped me come out of my shell and regain the ability to converse with others, and gain confidence to ask for help if I didn’t understand something in class or within my program. I have gained a few close knit friends, had opportunities to meet others within the CALSS organization (a membership provided through IBMC), and they opened so many other doors for me education-wise, because I gained the confidence to interact with other folks.” Where do you work now? “I am presently employed with the City of Greeley in the Finance Department under the Assistant City Manager and Real Estate Manager. I deal with the day-to-day operations of the Real Estate Department: preparing, executing and recording municipal real estate agreements; while providing oil and gas administrative assistance that includes setting up and routing documents for electronic signatures and keeping up with the database; along with linking necessary documents into the City’s GIS System. I help maintain the Finance Department’s web pages and google documents, and assist the Assistant City Manager and Assistant […]

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How many people can truthfully say they love their career? Well, most massage therapists tend to say they do. The career boasts below-average stress levels and above-average flexibility, according to U.S. News’ “Best Jobs Rankings.” Massage therapists can work from home, in salons, spas, high-end resorts, and even cruise ships. If you’re considering becoming a massage therapist but you’re not sure where to start, read these five steps to get a better idea of what you’ll need to do. 1. Learn about the career and establish goals Massage therapy is a great career path, but there are some important choices to make before entering the field. What type of massage would you like to learn? Would you like to work as a solo practitioner, or work for an established spa or massage business? Start considering these options before you enter a program, so you can make sure you’ll learn what you need to achieve your goals. 2. Complete a therapeutic massage program If you have a high school diploma and an interest in massage, you’re qualified to enter a massage therapy program. Typically, a diploma in massage therapy takes about 15 months, and can be completed at a vocational or career training college. Associate’s degrees may also be available through community colleges, but they tend to take longer to complete. Your program of study should include courses like anatomy and physiology, therapeutic massage, and clinical massage applications. 3. Obtain licensure Most states regulate massage, and many others are following suit. In Colorado, licensed massage therapists are required to have 500 hours of training from a board-approved massage therapy school. Your therapeutic massage program must be nationally accredited, and it needs to be approved by the Colorado Division of Private and Occupational Schools. Candidates for licensure are required to pay an application fee to take the licensure exam. When you pass, you’ll be a fully-licensed massage therapist. 4. Get a business license (optional) While this step is optional, you’ll need business licensure if you plan to work as a solo practitioner, which accounts for 67 percent of all practicing therapists, according to the American Massage Therapy Association. If you’d like to work in a spa, healthcare setting or somewhere else as an employee, you can skip this step. 5. Keep learning and teach others As in almost any career, the learning never ends. There are so many different techniques and philosophies related to the career that you can add to your professional repertoire, from Swedish massage, to deep tissue, hot stone, Thai, prenatal massage and more. When you become confident and highly-skilled as a massage therapist, you may find that you also enjoy teaching others. Take the opportunity to instruct a massage class, or teach the employees at the business you manage or own.

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Brandie Romero, a Longmont resident and Colorado native, was tired of living paycheck-to-paycheck. She wasn’t quite making enough money to get by on her own, and she wanted change. As a mother, Brandie needed a way gain financial independence while still caring for her daughters. She chose IBMC College as a path to a stable career in Dental Assisting, because she knew the flexibility that the college offers would work with her busy parenting schedule. After graduating in 2017, Brandie is loving her career and enjoying the security it’s brought to her life. Are you happy with your decision to attend IBMC? “Yes, I am completely happy because I am financially supporting myself and my daughters. And I am succeeding in the career I wanted.” How has your life changed? “Before attending IBMC, I was living with my parents on government assistance. Now that I have graduated from IBMC, I have my own apartment, I own my own car, and I take care of my children financially.” Where do you work now? “I work at Adventure Dental, Vision & Orthodontic.” What’s your job like? “I am a Dental Assistant. I take care of children from the age of 1 up to 21. I clean their teeth, floss their teeth, take X-rays, talk about treatment needed and what to expect, chart data and share my knowledge of good oral hygiene with the patients and parents.” Are you happy in your current position? “I absolutely love my position I am in. I wake up looking forward to enjoying my job.” What did it take to land your job after graduating? “I had help with my externship (from IBMC College Career Services Department) being placed at Adventure Dental. During my externship, I was offered the position. I had great positive feedback for how I was doing—how I took care of patients, and how I handled my job.” Do you have any advice for someone thinking about attending IBMC? “IBMC College is an amazing school. It’s worth going to. The school does not let you down.”

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How to Care For Your Long Hair

Long, healthy hair is highly sought after in the beauty world, but it’s not something you can achieve overnight. It takes dedication and patience, and can often cause frustration. Stress, pollution and diet are just a few of many foes you’ll combat as you grow your hair out. But there are a few things you can do to make sure you avoid damaging or losing any hair.

Use the right hair brush:

Long hair is prone to breakage, and using a regular hairbrush can aggravate it even further. You can use a natural fiber brush to reduce friction when brushing. Boar bristle brushes are popular natural fiber brushes, and they can keep your hair looking and feeling smooth and silky. Using one gently will also make your hair less likely to break or knot up.

Trims:

By regularly trimming your hair, you’ll fend off damaged, broken or split ends. Experts say you should visit the salon once every three months to keep your long hair looking great.

Don’t over-wash your hair:

Washing your hair everyday will strip it of its essential oils, which work to keep your hair healthy. Daily washing will create a vicious cycle of natural oil over-production to compensate for the dryness caused by over-washing. Don’t put your hair through this kind of stress!

Vitamins:

A healthy scalp is the foundation for healthy hair, and that’s what vitamin E will give you. By improving blood circulation to your hair follicles and normalizing oil production, Vitamin E helps you to grow healthy and strong hair. Vitamin E caplets are available at almost any grocery store or pharmacy.

Diet:

Omega-3s are fatty acids that our body can’t make itself; they need to be provided by what we eat. They help to keep hair shiny and strong, in addition to other benefits like reduced risk for heart disease. Oily fish like salmon or herring contain Omega-3s, as well as plant sources like avocado or walnuts.

Sleep:

Sleep is when the body does most of its repair work. When you miss out on it, not only does your hair suffer, but so do your skin, muscles and almost everything else! Shoot for 8 hours of sleep when possible.

Use a heat protectant:

A heat protectant spray will form a barrier on your hair to protect it from heat damage when you style it. It will keep your hair shiny, and help you to avoid breakage when you straighten or curl your hair. It’s an important step to take, especially for those with long hair.

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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 35^th Avenue
• Longmont, 2315 N. Main Street

To learn more about Santa’s Workshop, call 1-800-495-2669.

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4 Steps to Become a Certified Medical Assistant

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.

STEP 1: 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.

STEP 2: Attend a Career Training School

In as little as 10 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.

STEP 3: 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.

STEP 4: 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 Santa’s Workshop toy drive benefits 62 northern Colorado families

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, call 1-800-495-2669.

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Train for a medical career—even with your busy schedule

Changing careers is never easy—but it is possible. With career opportunities expanding in the healthcare industry, more qualified Medical Assistants and Dental Assistants are needed now.

While online courses might be tempting for those with busy schedules, they simply cannot give you the hands-on training needed to excel in the medical field. Community college is another option, but it’s often difficult because of limited class schedules and offerings. Career training provides a realistic route for those seeking change.

If you’re working full time, taking care of children, or dealing with whatever life has thrown your way, you know that flexible scheduling is important. That’s why IBMC College offers classes to fit anyone’s schedule—because not everyone has time for a traditional college program.

While each of the three schedules offered by IBMC College can provide you with the same great training needed to succeed in the healthcare industry, they each have their own benefits that you’ll need to take into consideration.

Those who attend in the morning will enjoy time to relax and do homework in the afternoon, and might have an easier time transitioning into a regular 9-5 schedule after graduation. It feels great to get everything done early in the day!

Mid-day students can get out of school the same time their kids might, which allows for important family time. And, students can come in early for extra help from their instructors and peers if they ever need it.

Evening students can work by day and train by night. It just makes sense to continue earning while you’re learning! And, if you study right before class, the material will be fresher in your mind.

With campuses in Longmont, Greeley and Fort Collins, not only is IBMC flexible, it’s also close to home. Now is the best time to start preparing for your future. View our programs page to see what you can achieve, or call 1-800-495-2669 to schedule a tour of your nearest campus now!

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5 Steps to becoming a licensed massage therapist

How many people can truthfully say they love their career? Well, most massage therapists tend to say they do. The career boasts below-average stress levels and above-average flexibility, according to U.S. News’ “Best Jobs Rankings.” Massage therapists can work from home, in salons, spas, high-end resorts, and even cruise ships.

If you’re considering becoming a massage therapist but you’re not sure where to start, read these five steps to get a better idea of what you’ll need to do.

1. Learn about the career and establish goals

Massage therapy is a great career path, but there are some important choices to make before entering the field. What type of massage would you like to learn? Would you like to work as a solo practitioner, or work for an established spa or massage business? Start considering these options before you enter a program, so you can make sure you’ll learn what you need to achieve your goals.

2. Complete a therapeutic massage program

If you have a high school diploma and an interest in massage, you’re qualified to enter a massage therapy program. Typically, a diploma in massage therapy takes about 15 months, and can be completed at a vocational or career training college. Associate’s degrees may also be available through community colleges, but they tend to take longer to complete. Your program of study should include courses like anatomy and physiology, therapeutic massage, and clinical massage applications.

3. Obtain licensure

Most states regulate massage, and many others are following suit. In Colorado, licensed massage therapists are required to have 500 hours of training from a board-approved massage therapy school. Your therapeutic massage program must be nationally accredited, and it needs to be approved by the Colorado Division of Private and Occupational Schools. Candidates for licensure are required to pay an application fee to take the licensure exam. When you pass, you’ll be a fully-licensed massage therapist.

4. Get a business license (optional)

While this step is optional, you’ll need business licensure if you plan to work as a solo practitioner, which accounts for 67 percent of all practicing therapists, according to the American Massage Therapy Association. If you’d like to work in a spa, healthcare setting or somewhere else as an employee, you can skip this step.

5. Keep learning and teach others

As in almost any career, the learning never ends. There are so many different techniques and philosophies related to the career that you can add to your professional repertoire, from Swedish massage, to deep tissue, hot stone, Thai, prenatal massage and more. When you become confident and highly-skilled as a massage therapist, you may find that you also enjoy teaching others. Take the opportunity to instruct a massage class, or teach the employees at the business you manage or own.

The post 5 Steps to becoming a Licensed Massage Therapist appeared first on IBMC Career College in Colorado.

February 26, 2018

IBMC College, northern Colorado career-training college with campuses in Fort Collins, Longmont and Greeley, announced its plans today to shorten the length of three of its diploma programs—Clinical Medical Assisting, Dental Assisting and Cosmetology.

“In an effort to provide students with a quicker, more concise way to get into their career field, we have restructured some of our diploma programs,” Steve Steele, IBMC College CEO and Fort Collins Campus President, said.

If students enroll for the March 19 class start and beyond, IBMC’s Clinical Medical Assisting and Dental Assisting programs will be reduced from 15 months to 10 months, as prescribed by the College. Additionally, the Cosmetology program will be reduced from 1,800 clock hours to 1,500 (shortening the length of program to 13 months, as prescribed), following the state of Colorado’s 2017 reduction in required program hours.

IBMC College has determined that the shortening of these programs would be advantageous to current and prospective students, citing discussions with its Program Advisory Committee (PAC), a diverse group of employers from the northern Colorado community who advise the College in decisions regarding education and graduate employment.

“The feedback allowed us to streamline the curriculum,” Steele said.

IBMC was able to condense its programs by combining some existing classes and shortening others. Students will still receive hands-on training, as well as classroom theory, according to Diana Gunderson, IBMC College Vice President of Education.

“It should give more students a realistic way to go back to college. Quicker, personal investment-friendly options should be attractive to students who previously could not make this investment in themselves,” Steele said.

Gunderson says this change in program structure is the direction that other colleges in the industry have been trending toward in recent years.

“In order to be competitive in the marketplace, we made the decision to shorten our programs, taking care to maintain the high standard IBMC College has held for more than 27 years,” she said.

To learn more about IBMC College’s accelerated, career-focused programs, visit ibmc.edu, call 1-800-495-2669, or visit any of the IBMC area campuses in Fort Collins, Greeley or Longmont.

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You may have heard the news: Dental Assisting is booming in Colorado. It’s a fun, respectable career path that can provide financial stability. What’s more, it provides a great work environment. Still interested? Read on.

What is Dental Assisting?

A dental office is a busy place. The whole team operates under a tight schedule—all working to provide great dental care and excellent customer service. Dental Assistants are there to take care of some patient care and administrative tasks so that dentists can focus on more intensive dental procedures. Scheduling appointments, maintaining dental records, assisting with x-rays, helping the dentist during procedures, or even instructing patients on proper oral hygiene are all in the job description.

How is Dental Assisting different from Medical Assisting?

Dental Assisting and Medical Assisting are both growing careers—great for those who enjoy a fast-paced environment with important responsibilities. The major difference between the two is that Medical Assistants work with all different parts of the patient’s body, while Dental Assistants only deal with the mouth. In that sense, there’s more predictability in the work, which can make for a calmer work day.

So the jobs are similar, but what about the pay? Well, Dental Assistants tend to earn significantly more than Medical Assistants. The average annual wage for Dental Assistants in 2016 was $36,940, while that of a Medical Assistant was $31,540, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Both fields can be entered quickly and without much hassle, since most programs tend to be less than a year. For those seeking a career change, this is great news. Moreover, it can also be a respectable path after high school; It’s faster than a bachelor’s or associate’s degree, and you can start making a living wage much sooner than your peers.

What’s the difference between a Dental Hygienist and a Dental Assistant?

You’ve heard these terms before, but if you don’t work in the industry, you may not be very familiar with the job titles yet. While a Dental Assistant works closely with a dentist to assist with patient care, a Dental Hygienist tends to work one-on-one with patients. As their title suggests, a hygienist’s main duty is to clean patients’ teeth.

While becoming a Dental Assistants takes just a few months, earning a degree as a dental hygienist requires about 3 years of education. A lot of hygienists began their careers as Dental Assistants to test the waters of the industry, later returning to school for more training.

Who hires Dental Assistants?

If you guessed dental offices, you’re 90 percent correct. The other 10 percent of Dental Assistants work in hospitals, physicians’ offices and clinics, performing the same tasks as those in dental offices.

What will a Dental Assisting diploma teach me?

Throughout your training, you’ll gain the confidence and skills needed to start working in the dental field. It’s as simple as that. Much of what you’ll do as a Dental Assistant will require a lot of practice to perfect, so your hands-on class time will be essential as you hone your skills in assisting with procedures, maintaining records and completing lab tasks.

You’ll also gain practical knowledge in subjects like anatomy, radiography and dental office management that will be crucial as you work with dentists and patients every day. If you’re looking at Dental Assisting as a stepping stone toward a different career, you’ll get a great foundation through your required coursework.

Are there different concentrations or specializations in Dental Assisting?

Some Dental Assistants may come to a point where they believe they’re ready to take on more responsibility. In order to do so, you often need additional qualifications. An Expanded Duty Dental Assistant (EDDA) course is a quick, inexpensive route to potentially greater pay and greater responsibility. It also has the added benefit of not disrupting your regular work schedule, with classes often offered over the course of just a couple weekends.

As an Expanded Duty Dental Assistant (sometimes also referred to as an Expanded Function Dental Assistant), your daily job duties may expand to include:

• Caries and cavity classifications
• Tooth morphology
• Cavity preparations
• Properties of amalgam
• Esthetic restorative materials and procedures
• Placement of bases and liners
• Etching
• Bonding
• Composite resin
• Amalgam utilizing two-handed and four-handed dentistry
• Crown and Bridge Impressions
• Cord Packing
• Temporary Crown Fabrication and Cementation
• Orthodontics

How long will a Dental Assisting diploma take?

Program length varies by state mandate and by the college you attend, but at IBMC College in northern Colorado, you can finish your diploma in as little as 10 months. With start dates multiple times a year, you can always begin your training soon.

Curious about other medical programs? Be sure to check out our Dental Office Administration, Medical Assisting and Medical Billing & Coding programs, as well.

The post The Ultimate Guide to Dental Assisting appeared first on IBMC Career College in Colorado.

IBMC College students were encouraged to dress as their favorite movie character during this session’s Student Awards Assembly, hosted by the College’s Education Department and Student Services, on Thursday, March 1, at the Fort Collins, Greeley and Longmont campus locations.

The assemblies were off to a great start as students walked on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and movie posters lined the walls. Students were served popcorn, Red Vines and Coke to celebrate the festivities. Students from all programs were recognized with awards for outstanding achievement during their last five weeks of classes.

See Pictures - Fort Collins Assembly See Pictures - Greeley Assembly  See Pictures - Longmont Assembly

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: Robert Hale
• Greeley Campus: Mariah Andree, Vivian Bautista, and Victoria Dominguez
• Longmont Campus: Jonathon Rodriguez and Stevie Limas

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: Kari McFarland and Karen Cooney
• Greeley Campus: Loni Arguello, Mariah Gallegos, and Natasha Opdyke
• Longmont Campus: Andrea Quinonez and Angela Carrillo

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: Kirstin Souder and Jennifer Hoffman
• Greeley Campus: Shawna Bishop, Crystal Lewis, and Victoria Riddle
• Longmont Campus: Jared Mays and Meaghan Hammond

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: Karen Walters
• Greeley Campus: Elizabeth Hernandez and Mayrani Regelado
• Longmont Campus: Rachel Bromwell

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, Melody Bell, Ivy Benefiel, Alecsander Bratton, Abigail Burke, Kelsey Crider, Jessika Damian, Kendra Dill, Lindsey Eaton, Sage Faucette Bethurum, Amanda Ford, Alexa Frye, Jaqueline Gomez, Alexis Hall, Chelsea Hayes, Mikeely Heacock, Kimberly Higdon, Natika Hirsch-Cook, Jennifer Hoffman, Peggy Holbrook, Kristin Kirk, Michelle Lebron, Laura Lynch, Andrea Manship, Krista Matuszek-Long, Katherine McAneny, Nicole Morgan, Richard Radtke, Rachel Ramirez, Danielle Robbins, Cassandra Roberts, Diana Sandoval Bobadilla, Michael Smartt, Kristin Souder, Brenda Thompson, Hannah Unitt, Claire Vazquez, Paola Villareal, Laura Whitte, Savannah Zerbst
• Greeley Campus: Chloe Allen, Heather Allen, Abigail Alvarado, Grace Alvarez, Loni Arguello, Erika Balfanz, Daniel Bernhardt, Shawna Bishop, Lisa Brodie-Zaffree, Andrea Bustamante, Yaritza Concepsion, Naomi Cornell, Marlee DeMarse, Celine Deutsch, Arlene Duran, Farel Garcia, Graciela Garcia, Jesenia Garcia, Alissa Garcia, Miranda Geist, Kasandra Gonzalez Lopez, Karlee Grant, Jodie Hackleman, Jannet Haro, Elizabeth Higgins, Kara Hobson, Lindsey Ibarra, Kirsten Karges-Weaver, Melissa Kincheloe, Francely Lara Granados, Sindy Lemus Ruiz, John Lobato, Bibiana Lopez, Lisa Lucero, Yolaine Mayea Vargas, Pamela Melendez Alcantar, Edith Morales-Perez, Norma Munoz, Micaela Pinon Flores-Marquez, Tara Radke, Mya Ramirez, Mayrani Regalado, Delilah Robinson, Brianna Rubio-Castillo, Michelle Sanchez, Tonisha Sands, Katrina Silva, Marina Stringer, Amber Tamporello, Kalynn Trujillo, Sandra Trujillo, Jessica Vazquez, Cindy Vincente-Chuc, Andrea Villalobos, Madison Wallace, Sierra Windholz
• Longmont Campus: Stephani Barraza, Samantha Brand, Margarita Cardenas, Angela Carrillo, Jasmine Childs, Nathaniel Cortez Saloman, Amy Cross, Alyssa Cummings, Luis DeJesus, Victoria Dwinal, Alishia Emery, Valine Felan, Eileen Gonzalez, Mikayla Hedrickson, Elizabeth Hilton, Jennifer Huichapan, Ashley James, Erika Jimenez Araujo, Elizabeth Longacre, Dominique Luna, Kodi Mathews, Sarmin Nakarmi, Katherine Phillips, Kristina Prentice, Karen Quiroz, Raquel Salomon, Caitlin Simington, Lesli Soto, Tanesha Torkelson, Daniel Uribe, Lydia Valenzuela, Ashle White

President’s List: These students have achieved a Grade Point Average of 4.0. The following students were placed on the President’s List during this session:

• Fort Collins Campus: Adam Alumbaugh, Elizabeth Baker, Ashley Benavides, Kaitlyn Boyko, Morgan Cooke, Karen Cooney, Brittany DeFelice, Mayra Del Toro, Lily Dye, Chevon Eimen, Samantha Ferreira-Ornelas, Carlos Gonzales, Megan Green, Hannah Hale, Robert Hale, Barbara Hill, Rachel Kennedy, Dominique Kiefer, Amanda Kindall, Bethany Koch, Jessica Larrew, Erin Leesley, Alondra Lemus, Jocelyn Lints, Kari McFarland, Candace McGraw, Desiree Moore, Adrienne Murphy, Linda Norby, Erin Olivas, Natasha Opdyke, Zoey Osborne, Gabrielle Pellegrino, Nicole Perez, Devin Raber, Paola Reyes, Isabella Romero, Tiffani Sanford, Krysta Schultz, Becky Sebold, Abigail Sharp, Sherlauna Silfven, Gwendolyn Still, Tara Tedesco, Kylie Tee, Diana Timmerman, Lindsey Trask, Alinah Valdez, Nadia Vargas, Stephani Vaughn, Lenise Veno, Karen Walters, Erica Weinberg, Rachel Westcott, Erin White, Morgan White, Alexis Wronkoski, Sabrina Zimmerman
• Greeley Campus: Matilde Agg, Mariah Andree, Savannah Archuleta, Thomas Bathauer, Ashley Behring, McKynzie Burke, Kimberly Christopherson, Brandy Christy, Liza Davis, Linda De Larosa, Victoria Dominquez, Cortlynn Franklin, Maggie Frediani, Angelia Frierson, Christopher Grasmick, Justin Guinn, Rachel Guzman, Tyler Heabel, Crystal Lewis, Andrea Lopez, Amy Marinelarena, Amanda Masden, Margarita Matthews, Tasha May, Heidi McGuire, Amy Mikash, Moiria Nelson, Gwen Palafox, Jaedyn Probasco-Brace, Treanna Reppert, Victoria Riddle, Sonja Rohn, Daisy Soto, Kristiann Vargas, Stevie Wadsworth
• Longmont Campus: Mariela Abrego, Jessica Baker, Molly Baker, Kelsi Berglund, Kaitlin Biehn, Shelly Boisen, Rachel Bromwell, Alexandra Castaneda, Bethani Dageenakis, Tamara Dawson, Mikaela DeBarris, Jessica Enriquez, Elizabeth Forga, Georgia Glasser, Darilyn Griffiths, Mariah Gurrola, Meaghan Hammond, Elizabeth Harrison, Nicole Hawf, Heather Hayes, Ariel Holloway, Mark Kipena, Samuel Leonard, Stevie Limas, Nora Lujan, Mariah Maestas-Alvidrez, Esmeralda Martinez-Tapia, Jared Mays, Stephanie Medina, Eva Mejia, Kiah Miller, Hannah Mints, Elizabeth Morgan, Andrea Quinonez, Jazmin Ramirez, Jonathon Rodriguez, Christine Ros, Juliana Santamaria, Karla Santamaria, Crystal Smith, Christopher Sutton

Exceptional Attendance: These students have missed 0-25 minutes of class time in the last five weeks between all their classes in their program. The following students have met the requirements for Exceptional Attendance during this session:

• Fort Collins Campus: Adam Alumbaugh, Karen Cooney, Kelsey Crider, Brittany DeFelice, Chevon Eimen, Samantha Ferreira-Ornelas, Megan Green, Chelsea Hayes, Kimberly Higdon, Amanda Kindall, Kristin Kirk, Abril Marquez, Zoey Osborne, Nicole Perez, Richard Radtke, Tiffani Sanford, Michael Smartt, Gwendolyn Still
• Greeley Campus: Vivian Bautista, Ashley Behring, Brandy Christy, Celine Deutsch, Angelita Estrada Aguilar, Cortlynn Franklin, Maggie Frediani, Rachel Guzman, Kirsten Karges-Weaver, Fabrice Komwe, Crystal Lewis, Tasha May, Amy Mikash, Jaedyn Probasco-Brace, Sonja Rohn, Daisy Soto, Kalynn Trujillo, Kristiann Vargas
• Longmont Campus: Shelly Boisen, Rachel Bromwell, Drew Cross, Tamara Dawson, Jessica Enriquez, Elizabeth Forga, Meaghan Hammond, Mark Kipena, Stephanie Medina, Cyrstal Smith, Christopher Sutton

Faculty of the Quarter – This award is voted on by IBMC students and provided to an instructor that demonstrates a devotion to students and their education. This person provides hands-on training and a mentality of going that extra mile to benefit students in the classroom and upcoming careers. These faculty members have been named Faculty of the Quarter:

• Fort Collins Campus: Marla Laude, Therapeutic Massage Instructor
• Greeley Campus: Stacy Rhoades, General Education Instructor
• Longmont Campus: Yvonne DiPaola,

Staff of the Quarter: This award is voted by IBMC students, as well as fellow IBMC College staff and faculty members, to award the staff member at each campus who helps the students day in and day out and goes the extra mile to support his/her department or team. The following are the winners:

• Fort Collins Campus: Cheylan Beaver, Senior Student Success Coach
• Greeley Campus: Mary Matsutani, Campus President
• Longmont Campus: Austin Toque, Admissions Representative

IBMC College would like to extend a big congratulations to all our student, staff and faculty award winners!

For more information about accredited programs and other accelerated career-training courses at the IBMC College, call (800) 495-2669 or go to www.ibmc.edu.

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IBMC College in Longmont meets local need in training and job placement

IBMC College, career and vocational training institution, is celebrating eight years of providing career training and job placement in Longmont, Colo.

Between 2016 and 2017 alone, IBMC College’s Longmont campus graduated 99 students, 76 of whom are now employed in their career training field.

With the booming population growth trend of the past several decades in Colorado, a substantial need for medical professionals, beauty professionals and other vocationally trained workers has emerged. IBMC College’s two most popular career training programs—Medical Assisting and Cosmetology—are expected to grow in Colorado at increases of 35.2% and 25.7% respectively through 2024, according to estimates provided by ProjectionsCentral.com. All other career training programs offered boast projected growth increases ranging from 22.7% (business) to 54.7% (skincare specialists).

The college, with programs ranging from medical assisting to cosmetology, was founded in 1987 in Fort Collins, Colo. It established a location at 2315 N. Main St. in Longmont in 2011. Since then, IBMC’s Longmont Career Services Department has helped (number) of graduates find positions in their chosen field after graduation.

2017 Dental Assisting graduate Brandie Romero says she chose IBMC College to help her gain financial independence after struggling to support herself and her daughters. With the help of IBMC’s Career Services Department, she was able to find her ideal position.

“I had help with my externship (from IBMC College Career Services Department) being placed at Adventure Dental. During my externship, I was offered the position,” Romero said.

Her job as a Dental Assistant has allowed her to fulfill her goal of supporting her family, and high-demand role in Colorado’s rapidly growing dental industry.

“I’m completely happy—I’m financially supporting myself and my daughters, and I’m succeeding in the career I wanted,” Romero said.

Genevieve Gallo, IBMC College Cosmetology graduate tells a similar story. While attending IBMC College, her resume was sent to Ulta, a cosmetics and skincare retail store and salon, by IBMC’s Career Services team. There, she obtained a position as an esthetician.

“IBMC was a huge help because they sent Ulta my resume, and if it wasn’t for the education they had given me, I would’ve failed my technical interview,” Gallo said.

Gallo, a former barista, says she’s proud of her new job and now feels a strong sense of purpose in her work.

“I’m able to help people with their skin problems and make them feel more confident and beautiful,” she said. “I want to push myself harder as an individual to work as much as I can—I know that I can do more than make coffee all day.”

In February 2018, IBMC College announced its plans to shorten the length of three of its diploma programs—Medical Assisting, Dental Assisting and Cosmetology. Starting March 26, IBMC’s Medical Assisting and Dental Assisting programs were reduced from 15 months to 10 months. Additionally, the Cosmetology program was reduced from 1,800 training hours to 1,500 (approximately 13 months), following the state of Colorado’s 2017 reduction in required program hours.

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

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Am I ready for cosmetology school?

Do you find yourself checking beauty boards on Pinterest daily? Are you constantly watching makeup tutorials on YouTube? Or do you show off your nail art on Instagram? It may be time to consider attending a cosmetology school.

You may have dreamed of styling hair and doing makeup on a movie set, or owning your own hair salon, or simply working in a spa. But without attending cosmetology school and becoming licensed, it’s unlikely that you’ll succeed in any of these careers.

In most ways, it doesn’t resemble traditional college, but don’t be fooled—cosmetology school is not always easy. You’ll need to be ready for the journey, and there are plenty of things to consider before you begin. That’s why IBMC College put together a checklist to help you decide if you’re ready for cosmetology school.

Do you enjoy helping friends and family with beauty care?

If you’re already experimenting with beautifying your friends, that’s a great sign. It takes more than just a casual interest in beauty to be prepared for cosmetology school. It needs to be a real passion if you want to do it all day, every day for as career.

Do you enjoy spending a lot of time with others?

You’ll be working with people your whole career—and it starts immediately during your training. Being sociable and friendly is a big part of being a cosmetologist. It helps your clients to feel at ease during their visits, and it keeps them coming back. Still, we’re not saying shy people can’t attend cosmetology school. Your time spent training is a great opportunity to improve your social confidence while perfecting your craft.

Are you a hands-on learner?

The career requires knowledge, but it also demands just as much dexterity. You will start working hands-on with real clients early on, but your instructors will be there to help you every step of the way. You’ll also work with mannequins, view lectures and read the required textbooks.

Do you keep up with beauty trends and changing styles?

Beauty trends move fast—and this is where your Pinterest, Instagram and YouTube habits can come into play. Each year, new hairstyles, skincare trends and nail designs come into vogue. As a cosmetologist, it’s your job to keep up!

Are you a motivated, dedicated person?

If you don’t give cosmetology school your all, you could begin to struggle. You’ll be learning a lot quickly, and at times it will be difficult. If you have a real passion for the craft, you should have the focus and drive needed to succeed.

Ready to take the leap and train to become a professional cosmetologist? Our experienced Admissions Representatives can answer your questions about IBMC College’s program, financial aid and more. Call 1-866-937-4507, or visit an IBMC campus in Fort Collins, Greeley or Longmont to see our modern salons.

The post Am I Ready for Cosmetology School? appeared first on IBMC Career College in Colorado.

What’s the difference between a Medical Assistant and an LPN?

The healthcare industry is an excellent place to find a rewarding, stable career in Colorado. With an exciting work environment, competitive pay and plenty of opportunities for career advancement, there are a lot of reasons to consider a healthcare profession. According to The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, healthcare is expected to grow at a rate of 18 percent through 2024—much faster than average.

Still, it’s not always clear what your career options are. And, it can be difficult to tell the difference between the various roles of healthcare professionals. It’s important to know the details before you get started.

The difference between a Medical Assistant and a Licensed Practical Nurse

LPN Daily Tasks

LPNs (Licensed Practical Nurses) usually tend to the physical care of patients—performing tasks like administering medicine, helping with personal hygiene and checking vital signs. They handle duties that are more complex than what Medical Assistants might do, but less complex than the duties of a registered nurse.

Medical Assistant Daily Tasks

Often, Medical Assistants are subdivided into two categories: Clinical Medical Assistants and Administrative Medical Assistants. Administrative Medical Assistants are more likely to make appointments, answer phones and maintain patient records than to assist in examinations.

Clinical Medical Assistants work under the direction of a doctor, assisting with tasks like taking patient’s vital signs, helping with exams, and preparing samples for laboratory tests. Depending on where you choose to work, job duties vary. Overall, your main job will be to ensure doctor visits run smoothly and comfortably for the patient and the physician.

Medical Assistant Job Description

Administrative Medical Assistant Duties

• Using computer applications
• Answering telephones
• Greeting patients
• Updating and filing patient medical records
• Coding and filling out insurance forms
• Scheduling appointments
• Arranging for hospital admissions and laboratory services
• Handling correspondence, billing, and bookkeeping

Clinical Medical Assistant Duties

• Taking medical histories
• Explaining treatment procedures to patients
• Preparing patients for examination
• Assisting the physician during exams
• Collecting and preparing laboratory specimens
• Performing basic laboratory tests
• Instructing patients about medication and special diets
• Preparing and administering medications as directed by a physician
• Transmitting prescription refills as directed
• Drawing blood
• Taking electrocardiograms
• Removing sutures and changing dressings

Licensed Practical Nurse Job Description

• Maintain patients’ history records
• Provide bathing and dressing assistance
• Update the doctors about the status of the patient
• Measure the vital signs of a patient
• Assist doctors and registered nurses with various procedures and tests
• Care for and feed infants
• Clean, assemble and use medical equipment
• Monitor a patience response and medication
• Administer and monitor the amount and frequency of medication
• Supervise nursing assistants

How to become an LPN

Programs to become an LPN typically take about a year to complete and can be found at community colleges and technical schools. After completing your program, you’ll be required to take and pass a state-approved examination to work as an LPN.

With such rapid growth in the healthcare field, hospitals, clinics and other facilities are always looking to hire more qualified medical professionals.

How to become a Medical Assistant

Getting started as a Medical Assistant is as easy as finding a career training program at a vocational college and enrolling.

Program length varies by state mandate and by the college you attend, but at IBMC College in northern Colorado, you can finish your diploma in as little as 10 months. With start dates every five weeks, you can begin your training soon.

Some colleges, including IBMC College, even offer career placement assistance after graduation. That means you’ll have help with resumes, interviews and more. It can make the job hunt a lot easier.

Visit our Medical Assistant program page to learn more about short-term Medical Assisting training at our campuses in Fort Collins, Greeley and Longmont, Colorado.

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What is an Expanded Duty or expanded function dental Assistant?

While a career in Dental Assisting is a rewarding journey in itself, gaining an Expanded Duty Dental Assisting certification is a quick way to start taking on more responsibility and increase your value in the dental office.

There are some key differences you might enjoy after obtaining your Expanded Duty Dental Assistant certification (sometimes called Expanded Function Dental Assistant).

As you might expect, Expanded Duty Dental Assistants tend to perform more advanced tasks in the dental office than entry-level Dental Assistants. It can be exciting to learn valuable new skills and begin working with more independence. Dentists are often looking to hire qualified Dental Assistants—especially those with an EDDA certification.

Dental Assistant Responsibilities

Whether you have your expanded duty certification or not, your main undertaking is to assist the dentist with any and all tasks in the dental office. Dental Assistants might schedule appointments, prepare patients for treatments, sterilize equipment, process billing and payment, or process x-rays and lab samples. After obtaining an EDDA certification, you’ll likely begin to take on other duties:

Expanded Duty Dental Assistant Responsibilities

• Caries and cavity classifications
• Tooth morphology
• Cavity preparations
• Properties of amalgam
• Esthetic restorative materials and procedures
• Placement of bases and liners
• Etching
• Bonding
• Composite resin
• Amalgam utilizing two-handed and four-handed dentistry
• Crown and Bridge Impressions
• Cord Packing
• Temporary Crown Fabrication and Cementation
• Orthodontics

Dental Assistant vs EDDA Average Salary

Salary estimates provided by payscale.com

Expanded Duty Dental Assistants enjoy an average pay that is typically higher than that of an entry level Dental Assistant in Colorado. The additional certification is a relatively small time and monetary commitment compared to the initial training to become a Dental Assistant, so it’s an excellent investment in yourself—because it pays off fast.

How to become a Dental Assistant in Colorado

Program length varies by state, but at IBMC College in northern Colorado, you can finish your diploma in as little as 10 months. With start dates multiple times a year, you can always begin your training soon.

You’ll gain practical knowledge in subjects like anatomy, radiography and dental office management that will be crucial as you work with dentists and patients every day. When you complete your program, you’ll need to pass an exam to become certified as a Dental Assistant in Colorado.

How to become an Expanded Duty Dental Assistant in Colorado

At IBMC College, the EDDA certificate program is only five, 8-hour days over the course of 3 weekends. This schedule allows you the flexibility to be present at your job during the week and train on the weekends.

Dentists are often looking for ways to streamline the processes of their offices, so some are willing to pay for Dental Assistants to receive further certification that will qualify them to perform more tasks.

Asking your employer to consider covering the cost of the EDDA certification is an option, but paying out of pocket is an option, as well. The cost for the program is $1,500 in total (includes the final exam, books, and materials for the course), but IBMC College offers a payment plan if students are not able to pay in full at the time of enrollment.

Getting started at IBMC College

Interested in getting your EDDA certification in Fort Collins or Longmont? IBMC College is now enrolling for upcoming sessions. Visit our Expanded Duty Dental Assisting program page for more details, or call 1-866-574-6834 for more information.

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What’s the difference between a Cosmetologist and an Esthetician?

It feels great to look good. Feeling beautiful gives us the confidence to ask that guy on a date, or slay a job interview, or just make a great first impression. Beauty specialists—like Cosmetologists and Estheticians—are here to help make it happen.

You’ve heard these terms before—they’re both careers that are on the rise in Colorado and across the country, especially in recent years. In fact, each profession is expected to grow at a faster-than-average rate in the U.S.

Cosmetology and Esthetics are both careers that demand a person who’s good with their hands, creative, and a great listener. It’s a rewarding experience to boost someone’s confidence and transform their attitude. While the two careers are similar and overlap in many ways, there are some important differences to note about the two beauty professions.

If you’re not sure which route is right for you, take a look at the descriptions of each career—try to picture yourself performing the daily tasks of the job. If they sound like things you would enjoy doing, you’ll know you’re on the right path.

What does an Esthetician do?

Beauty Care with a Focus on Skin

Estheticians have extensive training in caring for skin. They’re passionate about helping people feel confident and attractive, and helping them choose the right products for their skin type. An Esthetician is not to be confused with a dermatologist, which is a medical doctor who specializes in skin. An Esthetician can work in a salon, spa, or even a resort. Treatments they may perform include:

• Waxing
• Facials
• Microdermabrasion
• Chemical peels
• LED light therapy
• Eyelash extensions
• Makeup application

Become a Certified Esthetician in Colorado

Becoming an Esthetician in Colorado is a relatively quick process. At IBMC College, the Esthetician career training program is just 6 months* long, and it includes a ton of hands-on beauty classes—from Facials and Skincare, to Hair Removal, and Management, Ethics, Interpersonal Skills & Salesmanship. After finishing your coursework, you’ll need to pass an exam to receive your certification as a licensed Esthetician in Colorado.

what does a Cosmetologist do?

A Hair-Centric Beauty Career

A Cosmetologist will mainly focus on clients’ hair, but is often also capable of assisting clients with makeup, nails and minor skin treatments as well. Usually, a Cosmetologist will begin their career working in a salon setting, but they can also work for themselves. In fact, 45% of Cosmetologists nationwide are self-employed. On any given day, a Cosmetologist might perform tasks like:

• Hairstyling
• Haircutting
• Hair coloring
• Perms
• Up-dos
• Hair treatments
• Makeup artistry
• Manicures and pedicures

 Become a Certified Cosmetologist in Colorado

To complete a Cosmetology diploma program in Colorado, you’ll need to clock a minimum of 1,500 hours on the salon floor. At IBMC College, you can fulfill that requirement and achieve your diploma in as little as 13 months.* Licensing for Cosmetologists also requires that you pass a state-mandated exam to show that you’ve learned what you need to be a competent Cosmetologist.

Getting Started with Beauty School

IBMC College offers both Cosmetology and Esthetician career training programs in Fort Collins, Greeley and Longmont, Colorado. View our program pages to learn more about specific program requirements, and how you can complete your beauty courses in just over a year.

*As prescribed, IBMC College’s Esthetician Certificate program can be completed in 6 months.

*As prescribed, IBMC College’s Cosmetology Diploma program can be completed in 13 months.

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