12 comments (Add your own)

1. Holly Stonesypher wrote:

i hadn't planned on getting my Certified Medical Assistant (CMA) when I graduated, but my instructor, Ms.Pat, talked me into it. boy, am i glad that i did this. i am working for warren clinic and beat out medical assistants from other schools since they were not certified or had the inferior RMA. I'm not sure about Pharmacy Tech, Massage Therapist, Surgical TEch or other programs, but being certified has benefited me! Thank you CCC!

March 25, 2008 @ 10:54 PM

2. Kim Hollows wrote:

i first got my RMA but later got my CMA and Warren Clinic is paying me $2 more per hour!

March 29, 2008 @ 12:18 AM

3. Teresa Knox wrote:

As a Dental Assistant, it is not required in the state of Oklahoma to be certified, but if you graduate from an accredited program that allows for you to be eligible for certification (either the RDA or CDA), then I would highly reccomend it. I worked as a Dental Assistant for ten years, but didn't get my CDA until my 5th year. The local dentists appreicate this certification for they know that Certification represents knowledge. It declares that you strive for excellence. Per the Dental Assistants Association, please note the following:
It’s good for your career
Many dentists will only hire certified assistants and it is often an ongoing condition of employment
Certification may give you an advantage over assistants who are not certified
Certification may give you a bargaining edge when negotiating salary
Certification of numerous DAs provide strength in numbers when requesting benefits and pay increases
Attaining a recognized standard of practice makes you equally marketable to other employment opportunities and puts you on a level playing field
It’s good for your confidence
Continuing education keeps your skills up to date
A certified designation may earn you more respect and recognition in the work environment
Your certification demonstrates to your patients that you have chosen to invest in their health
By displaying your certificate, you show pride in your professionalism
You have professional credentials widely recognized by the dental profession
You are helping to ensure the safety of the public
It’s good for your profession as a whole
Until Dental Assistants in Oklahoma are regulated, certification is the only way to show that you have been educated and trained. When regulation becomes mandatory, the transition will be much easier

March 30, 2008 @ 1:48 PM

4. Jameka Mathis wrote:

AAS in pharmacy tech

April 17, 2008 @ 9:59 AM

5. Jessica Molina wrote:

I'm not a student yet at CCC, but I plan on it. I was in a surgical technology program in Chickasha, Oklahoma and had to quit going for family reasons... anyway... The instructors that I had preached a great deal about how one should go for certification. Not only do you get paid more, but you are more likely to get the job over someone who is not certified. So, I plan on taking my certification test once I go back and finish the class.

June 6, 2008 @ 11:57 PM

6. Sarah Gragg wrote:

I know I will have my degree when I am done with the Vet assistant program but is there a certification process for Vet Assistants, and how does that work?

June 24, 2008 @ 10:57 PM

7. Jamie Kidder wrote:

Jessica - I'm glad to hear that you're heading to Tulsa to join our Surgical Tech team! They'll be very happy that you've chosen to relocate to Tulsa to continue your education with us! Your instructors in Chicksaw were absolutely correct about being certified as opposed to not. You are much more marketable! Even more so if you accompany your ST certification with an Associates Degree, which you can do by adding 6 months onto your program. The trend (nationally) is changing in the ST field, and it's best to have the Associates piece under your belt before that change hits Oklahoma (so you're not behind the 8 ball)... This may be something you can look into when you come to CCC for a visit if you haven't done so already...

July 7, 2008 @ 10:32 AM

8. Leah Shaw wrote:

Hey guys!
Just wondering the benefits paywise of dental assisting. I am currently in the program, but currently make 11 dollars an hour as a CNA! I hate my work, being a CNA, and its very hard...which is a big reason I switched to a better career with a better atmosphere. But, I would hate to see myself work hard, pay 9 grand and graduate making less than i make as a nurse aide! Do these problems typically come up? A cut in pay after school is finished?

July 27, 2008 @ 10:45 PM

9. Christina Licona, CDA wrote:

Leah,
That's a reasonable question. After all, you're investing your time and money to learn a new career to better yourself. Just like any career, our pay is based on so many factors. First of all, demand. The dental assisting field is projected to continue to grow by leaps and bounds. Opportunities for dental assistant positions are generally abundant in this area as well as all over the country. You knowledge and experience also play an important roll in how much money you can make. While you're here, we are going to give you, in my opinion, the best education you could ever hope for, so be here every day. Your knowledge will grow and the hands on practice that you will get in lab each week will begin your experience. Your time at your externship will increase that experience and then, of course, the longer you work in the field, the more money you will make. Finally, how well do you interview? Are you a good negotiator. Do you have something to negotiate with? (ie: experience, talent, good work reputation etc) Do you show up every day? On time? Do you have a great attitude? Are you a team player? What benefits are you receiving in addition to your income?
As you can see, there are so many factors that are involved when talking about income. And that is up to you. The average to start is competitive with what you are making now. It's my expectation that if you apply yourself while in school and learn the art of good communication and negotiation, you can expect your income to grow as your experence grows.
The last thought I'd leave with is in response to your comment "I hate my work" Boy can I relate to your comment... but I can relate to it because of what I did prior to becoming a dental assistant. I've been in dentistry for nearly 18years and I LOVE it. How much is that worth to you? To me it's priceless.

August 4, 2008 @ 10:25 AM

10. Charlin Graham, CST wrote:

Jessica- I am the ST instructor here at Community Care College and I am glad you have decided to join us to finish the ST program. I was thrilled to hear that there are other instructors out there that promote the certification as much as we do here. We have recently been given a great opportunity to become a testing site for the national ST Certification. We recently had twelve students sit for the exam and it went very well. Our current pass rate for the exam is at 85% for that class which is higher than the national pass rate at 69%. I would be more than happy to answer any questions that you might have about class or the program. Please stop by and say hello when you come in.

August 8, 2008 @ 12:39 PM

11. Misty wrote:

I am enrolled in the dental program, I plan on taking my basics after I complete the program, but my question is...will I not be certified, or an ideal employee, until after I have completed my basics?

August 9, 2008 @ 9:54 PM

12. MJ wrote:

Certification is the most important thing for anyone wanting to become a Surgical Technologist. Most of my friends in my class passed their certification and have gone on to get good jobs and even sign-on bonuses. The hospitals in Tulsa and surrounding areas only hire CST's in any department a ST is needed. (L&D, CSD, CATH, SDS, etc) So we say if you plan on becoming a Surgical Technologist get certified and go for the associate's while you're at it- it will help more than you think!

August 17, 2008 @ 2:28 AM

Add a New Comment

Your Name:

Your Email/URL (Optional):

Your Comment:

Enter the code you see below:

 

Comment Guidelines: No HTML is allowed. Off-topic or inappropriate comments will be edited or deleted. Thanks.