Career Services Representative/Externship Coordinator Tara Dallara with South Jersey U.S. Congressman Rob Andrews

Prism Career Institute Cherry Hill Campus Career Services Representative/Externship Coordinator, Tara Dallara, is pictured above with South Jersey U.S. Congressman, Rob Andrews, who visited the school recently.

The Career Services department at Prism helps arrange Externships for Medical Assistant students who complete this requirement before graduation. The supervised Externship gives Prism students the advantage of on-the-job type experience at area facilities that may include doctor’s offices, clinics, labs, hospital and medical centers. This transition from program training to profession often turns into job offers for Prism grads.

The Career Services department is serious about helping graduates succeed and our success is measured on how well our graduates do. To prepare graduates for successful career opportunities, help is provided in resume development and mock job interviewing techniques. Career days and fairs offer potential employers a chance to visit Prism and meet with staff, students and graduates. The Career Services Department works hard to establish partnerships with the employment community and provide opportunities for rewarding and long lasting employment.

Students and staff at Prism Career Institute Cherry Hill campus know Medical Assistant with Externship student Stephanie Cruz because she is full of sunshine. Recently, Stephanie was nominated and selected by her instructors as Student of the Month for November, 2012.  The award is given to Prism students who show exemplary grades, class attendance and overall attitude.  Stephanie offered to be a student ambassador for her class and was the first student to donate to a homeless shelter drive the school was supporting.

Stephanie Cruz, Medical Assistant with Externship student at Prism Career Institute Cherry Hill campus

There’s another example of why Stephanie received the honor.  Her car broke down just after starting training at Prism. Rather than give up, she walked to school for a time in all kinds of weather – hot, cold, rain, you name it.  “Sometimes people make excuses for not following through and I was determined not to make that happen,” Stephanie said. She’s since corrected her car challenge but the temporary misfortune certainly wasn’t the least part of why Stephanie became Student of the Month.

A Pennsauken resident, Stephanie is a 2010 graduate of LEAP Charter Academy, Camden, “I tried college after high school but it just wasn’t for me,” she said. “I was taking a lot of classes that were not in the medical area and it was taking too long. That led me to go to Prism where I can concentrate on medical classes.”

Stephanie’s mom and grandmother provided inspiration to go into the medical field and she often played nurse with them growing up using all of the pretend childhood medical supplies and tools; but that was just the beginning.  Sometimes she’d end up at the hospital with bumps and bruises where she got to know the doctors and nurses during visits and decided she wanted to spend her life helping people get better.

When it comes to the Medical Assistant training program at Prism Stephanie says she’s the type of learner that does well from 3 perspectives: seeing, hearing and reading.  She’s created her own study guide and goes over it constantly. “I would recommend Prism and tell others to go for the opportunity”, she added. “The teachers are very supportive and helpful and you get a great chance to get ready for a medical career.”

She’s currently preparing for National Healthcare Association (NHA) certification with Prism’s help.  One certification is in Phlebotomy, an area she loves.  And that’s where her “steady hand and kind heart” should come in very handy in Stephanie’s future.

Prism Career Institute Cherry Hill is located at 3 Executive Campus, just off Rt. 70 across from the Crowne Plaza Hotel. The Egg Harbor Twp. Campus is located in Bay Port One, 8025 Black Horse Pike. For more information about training programs, call 1-800-644-4443 or visit prismcareerinstitute.edu.

Graduate’s Name: Shakerah Thomas
Program Attended: Medical Assisting
Employed By: Holy Redeemer Hospital – Philadelphia, PA

This is her story: Before enrolling at Prism Career Institute Shakerah worked as a Home Health Aide. “I always aspired to become a Registered Nurse, I decided to begin my journey with the start of becoming a Medical Assistant. I chose Prism Career Institute because after interviewing with other schools, I found the staff to be the friendliest. The level of curriculum was the highest as well.”

Shakerah began training for Medical Assisting on 11/29/2010 and graduated on 1/6/2012. Shakerah performed her Externship with Castor Primary Care Physicians and had a great experience. “My experience with Prism Career Institute was both emotionally and academically supportive.”

Upon completion of her program, Shakerah was offered a full-time position with Holy Redeemer hospital as a Medical Assistant. She is able to utilize all of her clinical and administrative skills in her position and couldn’t be happier. “My days are very hectic, but the most rewarding aspect of working as a Medical Assistant is knowing that I am making a difference in the lives of the patients that I interact with.”

Shakerah is now currently enrolled in Delaware County Community College to continue the road to her ultimate dream of becoming a nurse. “I would recommend Prism Career Institute to anyone who is ready to begin a new journey in their life. Everyone at Prism showed support my whole way through and I will always be grateful.”

Graduates Name: Danielle Miles
Program Attended: Medical Assisting
Employed By: Lawndale Internal Medicine – Huntingdon Valley, PA

This is her story: Before enrolling at Prism Career Institute Danielle was enrolled in Community College for Ultrasound/Radiology Technician classes and working in Retail. When Danielle and her mom experienced a tragic house fire, her whole world turned upside down. Danielle and her mother stayed in various places trying to get their lives back on track. “I knew I had to keep going somehow, I would drive past Prism Career Institute everyday on my way to work and one day I decided to stop by and I am so glad I did. It was the beginning of a new chapter in my life.”

Danielle began training for Medical Assisting on 10/3/2011 and recently graduated on 7/24/2012. She has since been offered a full-time position as a Medical Assistant with the same site she completed her Externship. “I would like to thank Ms. Donna Seawright for her dedication in helping me find the right site for me that allowed me to shine. I worked so hard to prove my capabilities during my time on Externship, but I did so much more! I proved to my supervisor and myself that I can do anything I put my mind to – and it feels so good!”

Danielle is currently utilizing all of her skills learned in the Medical Assisting program; she would recommend Prism Career Institute to anyone seeking to make a change in their life. “You need to have commitment, if you are not in it for the right reasons you will not succeed. Make sure that it is your time.”

We are so proud of Danielle and so happy that her success began with us. “I would like to thank Ms.Tamika Adams for keeping me grounded even on my worst days. She was a very positive influence on me and made learning easy and enjoyable. I would also like to thank Ms. Karli Harris for being my positive “daily stalker”, encouraging me in my job searching, and staying on top of me. She was very influential after completing my training and inspired me to pursue this opportunity that led to my success.”

Graduates Name: Michael Kammerer
Program Attended: Medical Billing and Coding Specialist
Employed By: Fox Rehabilitation Center – Cherry Hill, NJ

This is his story: Before enrolling at Prism Career Institute Michael had been unemployed for a year. “I was extremely unmotivated.” After countless dead end interviews with positions only offering minimum wage, Michael realized he needed to do something more. “I knew then that I needed to continue my education, improve my skills and hopefully that would help me to pursue a new career. I came home one afternoon and my step-mother told me she had scheduled an appointment for me at Prism for the next day and to not be late.”

Michael began his training for Medical Billing and Coding on  1/9/2012 and recently graduated on 8/30/2012. “My experience with Prism Career Institute was amazing! Everyone was very supportive and they motivated me continuously throughout my program. The instructors, career services and the rest of the staff were always pushing me to do my best. I went from being an average student in high school to completing the Medical billing and Coding program with an A average.”

Michael was able to secure an amazing opportunity with Fox Rehabilitation for the portion of his Externship. “I couldn’t have done it without the continuous support of Career Services, I interviewed for an open position and received confirmation of employment my last day on site.”  Michael is currently working full-time as a Customer Care Coordinator. “I enjoy the patient interaction the most, and also the ability to utilize the skills I learned in the program. I would recommend prism Career institute to anyone, especially anyone who has struggled in traditional college. Prism provides you with the hands on knowledge and training in a fast-paced course, allowing you to complete the program and get the skills you will need to become employed.” Michael was outstanding in his time here and was recently selected as the valedictorian at our 2012 graduation ceremony. “I’d like to thank Karli Harris for being the most instrumental person in my time here.”

Let’s congratulate Flossie Coriolan, current Practical Nursing student, for winning Student of the Month.

Flossie Coriolan: September Student of the Month

Flossie was born and raised in Haiti until 1980 when she came to America with endless possibilities.

From a very young age, Flossie knew she wanted to help people. She studied nursing in High School and then went onto college for sociology and psychology becoming a social worker. Once she was in her profession she knew it was not what her heart truly desired. Nursing was her passion. Her grandmother had fallen ill with colon cancer and Flossie was one of the primary care takers. Once her grandmother had passed she knew this is where she needed to be, helping people just in a different capacity than before.

Her motivation and dedication to school assignments and projects is what keeps her resolute and successful. Flossie explains that being strict with herself pays off, making sure whatever she starts she follows it through to the end.

Working with abused children is where she wants to roll up her sleeves and dig in. She hopes to work for the state of NJs DYFS someday.

Her experience at Prism has been challenging, “Prism Career Institute prepares you for the field, and makes you stronger. You have to be ready to work hard. Go for it and nothing is impossible with God.”

Help from Family & Positive Attitudes are Part of the Plan

Preston Bell

When Preston Bell decided to become a Medical Assistant student at Prism Career Institute Cherry Hill, his inspiration came from someone very close to his heart – his Mother.

Preston’s mom is a Registered Nurse (RN) at Cooper University Hospital and is the driving force behind him. She has set the standard for success and has been a role model, often helping with homework and with emotional support.

Preston admits he “paid the price” by not taking high school seriously. “Now I don’t procrastinate,” he said. “Coming to Prism has been a second chance and a new start for me.” And he is making the best of it with a perfect 100% attendance record. “Prism has been great; the school has given me everything I’ve asked for. I would recommend anyone to come here.”

Sharon Goldman

Like Preston, Sharon Goldman was inspired to enroll in the Medical Assistant program because of family. In Sharon’s case it was her four children ages 8, 5, 2 and 1. Sharon certainly has her hands full but has a positive attitude, always looking at the glass being half full, that sets her apart from others.

Prism’s Medical Assistant program can be completed in 9 months. Students receive valuable preparation help for Certification through the National Healthcare Association (NHA). Career Services department works closely with all students in providing externships and job placement assistance.

Sharon and Preston plan to use their Medical Assistant training as a stepping stone to become RN’s one day. “I love it at Prism,” said Sharon. “I don’t want to leave. I am very happy with Prism. They work with you and assist you with getting your medical certifications. As long as you keep up with your grades and attendance you will be fulfilled.”

Prism Career Institute Cherry Hill is located at 3 Executive Campus, just off Rt. 70 across from the Crown Plaza Hotel. There’s access from public transportation and plenty of free parking. For more information about Medical Assistant or Practical Nursing programs call 1-800-6444-4443 or visit www.prismcareerinstitute.edu.

By: Rene Wilson and Tara Dallara – Career Services Department, Prism Career Institute Cherry Hill Campus

U.S. Congressman, Rob Andrews, who has represented New Jersey’s 1st Congressional District in Burlington, Camden and Gloucester counties since 1990, visited Prism Career Institute Cherry Hill campus recently and spoke about America’s need to train workers in growing career areas.

Congressman Rob Andrews

“I’m worried about our students and our country,” Andrews said. “Five years from now American companies will create 5 to 7 million jobs that we won’t be able to fill. Some of these jobs in healthcare are jobs that Prism Career Institute is training for. I was at Manor Healthcare today and they told me that they just got some great, terrific Licensed Practical Nursing hires from Prism.”

Andrews is a ranking member of the House Committee for Education and the Workforce. The Congressman has a long history of support for education efforts in South Jersey which has resulted in helping the area receive re-training funds for the unemployed and laid off residents. He noted that employers need to have more say in government funding and training outcomes and there should be no solution to the country’s training challenges that does not include career training schools.

“Let’s find people who are educating the public the right way and make it easy for them to do it,” Andrews said.

Prism Career Institute also has campuses in NE Phila. and Upper Darby, PA and Egg Harbor Twp., NJ. Information is available at www.prismcareerinstitute.edu.

By: Kevin Quinn, Vice President of Admissions/Marketing,
Prism Education Group

“When I walk out of the courtroom and I know I nailed it, that’s the best feeling on the world, I never go home not feeling challenged.” That’s what Susan Huntley, a Deputy Attorney General in the NJ Office of the Attorney General, Department of Law & Public Safety, told Paralegal students in a recent presentation at Prism Career Institute’s Upper Darby campus.

Huntley accepted an invitation to share her legal experienceand provide good advice to Prism Paralegal students pursuing Associate in Specialized Business Degrees (ASB). She highlighted the vital role Paralegals play daily interfacing with attorneys while relating her own story that reinforced the value of education and completing personal goals.

Between graduating from the College of Notre Dame of Maryland with a B.A in English and receiving her Juris Doctorate from the Widener University of Law, Huntley taught English in Japan, worked as a flight attendant with United Airlines and was an Area Marketing Manager with Borders Books & Music. She was also bitten by the “pageant” bug at age 17 and went on to become a “triple crown” pageant titleholder having won titles of Mrs. Pennsylvania International 2008, Mrs. Pennsylvania United States 2010 and Mrs. Pennsylvania America 2012.

She shared with Prism students that “Paralegal is a great career if you like to think, solve problems and research. I ask my Paralegal all the time to do research and in a typical day there’s documentation work, assignments drafting motions and legal brief writing.”

She encouraged Prism students to invest in themselves, graduate and pursue their dreams. “I’m still paying off $100,000 in law school student loans but it was worth every penny. Your education is too.”

Prism student, Ken Carpenter of Media, attended the talk. “Mrs. Huntley spoke on the necessities of becoming a successful Paralegal. She’s a very unique and down to earth person and I’m sure she inspired the students to be confident and with hard work they can help win court battles for their law firm.”

Prism Career Institute Upper Darby campus is located at 6800 Market Street, directly across from the 69th Street Terminal. More information about the Associate in Specialized Business Degree (ASB) earned by Paralegal graduates is available at www.prismcareerinstitute.edu or by calling 1-800-571-2213.