Panucci & Jackfert Orthodontics –
Externship Highlight

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WVJC collaborates with Panucci & Jackfert Orthodontics to provide dental assisting students hands-on learning opportunities during their externship. Panucci & Jackfert Orthodontics has provided the communities of South Charleston, WV, and Gallipolis, OH, with excellent orthodontic care since 1993.  Orthodontic care is delivered with the expert assistance of a talented and friendly team utilizing the most advanced techniques available.

Panucci & Jackfert Orthodontics offers a comprehensive range of orthodontic treatments for children and adults that allows students to receive a great overview of the specialty dental field. WVJC’s dental assisting students observe and perform hands-on skills in a professional orthodontic office setting with up-to-date dental equipment and advanced technology. Students have the opportunity to take digital x-rays, prepare and sterilize instruments, perform lab procedures, and interact with patients.

The staff and faculty at WVJC are grateful for the collaboration with Panucci & Jackfert Orthodontics.  Students love the friendliness of the staff and the opportunity to learn the latest and greatest advancements in the orthodontic field. The externship experience is extremely beneficial for students as they apply their skills in a dental office setting.

If you are looking for a fast-track training program that provides you an externship experience, request information here!

Pharmacy Technician – Progam Highlight

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Jamie McGuire, the WVJC Pharmacy Technician Program Director, beamed with excitement when we sat down to discuss the advantages students have when attending the WVJC Online Pharmacy Technician Program.

“Pharmacy technicians are in demand within many versatile settings,” Jamie tells us. These settings include hospital and clinic pharmacies, community and retail pharmacies, veterinary pharmacies, and pharmacies in primary care organizations. It is also no surprise to find pharmacy technicians in education and training settings, prisons, the military, and pharmaceutical production or sales in the pharmaceutical industry. In WVJC’s program, we assist our students with obtaining the knowledge and skills necessary to pursue a position in any of these pharmaceutical areas.

Through the WVJC Online Pharmacy Technician Program, students can expect to learn how to compound medications, assemble medication for prescriptions, fill and label prescriptions, and verify the accuracy of those orders. Students also learn how to provide patients and other healthcare professionals with relevant information regarding medications. Within their roles as pharmacy technicians, these foundational skills are the gateway for advancement. WVJC’s program also gives students an understanding of medication therapy management, insurance and billing, and specialized medications such as chemotherapy. Our pharmacy technician students not only learn these skills, but also get to bring these learning concepts to life as they participate in hands-on training through weekend clinical activities, externship experiences, and WVJC’s new customized pharmacy technician simulation training. Alongside the simulation training, WVJC Online students will receive a home kit completed with the tools they need to get hands-on training right in their home, so they feel confident on their first day of externship and as they start to merge into their career.

When asked which characteristics students need to succeed in this career, Jamie replied, “someone that is ready to go on an adventure! Most individuals think that it is academics or ‘book smarts’ that will make them succeed in this field. However, it is not just academics. Many mistakes happen during the learning process, and they have to be able to learn from those mistakes and let them go. Students that are willing to work hard and willing to push forward are the ones that succeed.”

Not only is the academic experience an adventure for WVJC Online students, but the career progression for pharmacy technicians looks promising for a fulfilled career journey. As pharmacists continue to evolve to provide more direct patient care, you can expect to see an evolution in the role of pharmacy technicians as well. We are already witnessing the first steps into the future of pharmacy technicians due to COVID-19, as pharmacy technicians are currently administering vaccinations to patients on the frontlines. As the demand for pharmacy technicians continues to increase, you will see more advanced certifications coming into play for pharmacy technicians to continue to grow in their field.

“Being a pharmacy technician is one of healthcare’s best kept secrets, because there is so much opportunity, demand, and growth happening in the industry. It is a surprisingly rewarding industry to dive into and is more than what meets the eye!” Jamie exclaims.

To learn more about WVJC Online’s exciting Pharmacy Technician program, request information here!

What I Would Wear – College Edition

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WVJC Charleston students came together to share with you what they would wear in different scenarios. Starting with a typical school day, then transitioning to their externship, and then on to their career.

On a typical day, students spend time in the classroom getting hands-on experience. So students can dress more casually.

When our students start the externship process, they get to work in their field and receive on-the-job training! Here you’ll see students modeling what they wear for medical assisting, dental assisting, information technology, and business administration externship training.

Once students complete their 18-month program and externship, they are ready to start their careers! At WVJC, we strive to prepare you for a great career and a great life. Let’s get started on yours today!

 

 

Information Technology – Program Highlight

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The fast-track Information Technology (IT) Associate Degree Program at West Virginia Junior College Charleston is an 18-month program that prepares graduates for a wide variety of entry-level positions in the technology field.  The IT Program begins with courses in PC repair and troubleshooting, operating systems, peripherals, and mobile devices. Students then progress into an in-depth course sequence focusing on networking skills and technologies, such as routing and switching.  The IT Program also focuses on security and server management, and administration. During the last 12 weeks of the program, students complete an externship to apply the IT skills learned in the classroom in the workplace.

Professional certifications are important in the technology field. In addition to earning an associate degree, WVJC students in the IT program prepare for three leading industry certifications from CompTIA. These include the A+ certification, which focuses on PC troubleshooting and repair, the Network+ certification, which focuses on networking skills and technologies, and the Security+ certification, which is optional and focuses on information security.

The Information Technology program is now enrolling for evening classes.  If you are interested in learning more about the fast-track, career-focused programs at WVJC, such as Information Technology, request information here!

Wheeling Health Right – Externship Highlight

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West Virginia Junior College is honored to have collaborated with Wheeling Health Right to provide hands-on learning opportunities for our Medical Office Administration and Clinical Medical Assistant students.

Wheeling Health Right’s journey and commitment to their patients is undeniably admirable. Beginning as a soup kitchen in the 1980s to today, where they have been able to provide free medical services to those that are uninsured and underinsured in the Brooke, Ohio, Marshall, Wetzel, and Tyler Counties in West Virginia and Belmont County, Ohio.

Our medical office students get hands-on experience in providing client care, upholding office organization, maintaining medical records, and performing basic billing and coding through our collaboration with Wheeling Health Right. Our medical assisting students get to experience direct patient interactions, where they are able to assist physicians with patient examinations, perform patient care techniques such as obtaining vitals, and gain a deeper knowledge of skills in basic clinical laboratory methods.

As Wheeling Health Right continues to grow its comprehensive medical care, preventative care, and pharmaceutical services, West Virginia Junior College is thrilled to see more opportunities open up for its students. West Virginia Junior College finds this externship opportunity to be incredibly beneficial for their allied health students because of Wheeling Health Right’s passion, commitment, and knowledge in providing exceptional patient care to vulnerable populations.

To learn more about WVJC’s exciting externship program, request information here!

All Smiles Dental, LLC – Externship Highlight

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All Smiles Dental, LLC is a dental office located in Bridgeport, WV. West Virginia Junior College has been fortunate enough to have a contract with All Smiles Dental for the past couple of years. This contract allows our students to complete their externship at their bustling office. Students work with up-to-date equipment and newer technology to expand their knowledge as a dental assistant. All Smiles offers dental care such as general dentistry, prevention, implants, denture, crowns, and so much more. This experience gives WVJC students the chance to expand and learn about the different areas of dentistry in one office.

Students who complete their externship at All Smiles Dental gain experience in four-handed dentistry; this means that the dental assistant’s two hands are assisting the dentist’s two hands, reducing the amount of time a dental exam or procedure may take. They are able to interact with the patients, take digital x-rays and even learn how to use a Cerec machine.  A Cerec machine is a machine where you take a digital impression of a patient’s mouth and design a crown. Then, that design is sent to a machine that utilizes computer-aided design (CAD) and can create a crown in the office. This valuable knowledge is what students look forward to in their externship.

Our students at WVJC Bridgeport are very thankful that they have the opportunity to complete their externships at All Smiles Dental. Students rave about how much they love going there and their experience while in the office. All Smiles has also expressed how grateful they are to have our WVJC students. They have also graciously donated their older chairs to the Dental Assisting program, which helps our students in the classroom.

WVJC Bridgeport graduate Kristina Conaway completed her externship at All Smiles Dental and stated that she loved the office. Kristina said she learned how to assist the doctor and take impressions and x-rays on patients by herself. She loved the experience that she received from the office and hopes to work at an office like All Smiles Dental in the future.

If you’re looking for a fast-track Dental Assisting program that can provide you an externship experience like the one our students receive at All Smiles Dental, LLC, then take the first step today and request information here!

The Importance Of An Externship at WVJC

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West Virginia Junior College offers many great experiences to help you start your career. From the instruction specific to your program, to the exceptionally dedicated staff and faculty, our staff does everything they can to help our students be successful. Additionally, all enrolled students participate in an externship that is specific to their program. Whether you are a residential or online student, an externship will be completed. These externships provide hands-on experience for our students in the field they will be working in.

The dedicated range of hours necessary to complete your externship is 90 or 160 hours. These hours are completed in a 12-week time span. WVJC has developed many relationships with reputable businesses in and around our student’s location of residency to assist with making their externship term go as smoothly as possible.

Being given the opportunity to work with a location site for your externship hours is beneficial in more than one way. This opportunity should be added to a professional resume, giving employers the opportunity to see hands-on experiences gained to partner with your education. Many WVJC students are offered employment opportunities from the locations at which they complete their externship.

WVJC strives for student success and promotes the valuable experiences that students are able to achieve within their externships.

To learn more about WVJC’s externship program, request information here!

Carlie Wagner – Graduate Highlight

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Before deciding to attend WVJC, Carlie Wagner was a senior at Buffalo High School. Carlie understands the importance of a college education and she knew from a young age that she wanted to earn her degree.  When she started looking at colleges, she knew she wanted a fast track program that would lead her into a career. Carlie also knew that she did not want to spend years taking classes that were not related to her field of study and the burden of unnecessary student loan debt.

Carlie was interested in the medical field starting at a young age. She chose the Clinical Medical Assistant Degree Program at WVJC because her goal is to be a Registered Nurse. Carlie said, “My favorite part about attending WVJC was meeting new friends and learning new information.”  Carlie enjoyed her Anatomy and Physiology classes with Dr. Settle. She said, “In high school, I hated Anatomy, but in college I thoroughly enjoyed it! Dr. Settle and Chelsea Abbott made learning fun.”

During the last 6 weeks of her program at WVJC, Carlie completed 160 hours of externship at Charleston Area Medical Center Urology.  She loved her externship experience at CAMC! She even had the opportunity to work with her mom during that time. Carlie described her externship as an easy transition into the medical field. She said, “I received training for a week and then I was able to chart and triage patients by myself.”

In December 2020, Carlie accepted a position as a Certified Medical Assistant at Marshall Pediatrics. She said, “I am looking forward to learning new things and working with babies and little kids.” After getting some experience as a medical assistant, Carlie’s goal is to further her education to become a Registered Nurse.

Carlie said, “I would totally recommend WVJC to any friend I know who doesn’t want a big debt and is looking for a quick program to get them out in the world and love what they are doing.”

If you would like to know more about the fast track medical programs or other programs at WVJC, request information here!

Mountain State Medical Specialties – Externship Highlight

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At West Virginia Junior College, we not only provide you with small classes and a great experience, but also with a hands-on externship. During the end of your program, you will be assisted with finding a great site to provide the best hands-on experience for you. Many businesses in the area are more than happy to help our students become the best professionals they can be.

Mountain State Medical Specialties is just one facility that continuously provides our students with excellent hands-on experiences. They provide our students with the ability to see professionals at work every day, striving to be the best medical facility they can be. Mountain State Medical Specialties began in 1994 as a solo practice under the name of C. Bradley Franz, MD. He started his offices in Clarksburg and Elkins, WV. After some time it grew, the first dermatology associate was added, and Franz Dermatology Inc. started. The practice now known as Mountain State Medical Specialties includes providers in dermatology, family medicine, asthma, allergy care, and Mohs Micrographic Surgery for skin cancer.

At WVJC, we are confident in the care they provide to their patients by seeing how much they provide to the WVJC students. This site has many locations and is dedicated to hiring excellent medical staff.   We are thankful that they provide our students with the learning experience they do.

A recent graduate that completed her externship at Mountain State Medical Specialties couldn’t say enough about how wonderful it is there. She said, “Not only did I learn so much there, I became comfortable and felt like I was part of the family.” She was asked to join the team at Mountain State shortly after graduating from the Clinical Medical Assistant program. She is happily employed there and highly recommends them for your health care needs.

To learn more about WVJC’s externship program, request information here!

New Year, New Career at the Bridgeport Campus

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It goes without saying that the year 2020 has been a roller coaster ride for us all. As we are rapidly approaching a new year, hoping it will be better than 2020, let’s consider a new you.   We all make the cliché “New Year’s resolutions,” like dieting, eating better, and exercising more. These are all important to our overall well-being, but this year maybe a new you, and a new career, is what you are seeking.

This is the time and year to evaluate your lifetime goals and dreams, and really think about your career. Perhaps for some, the pandemic has made you reevaluate your job. Many of you have possibly been putting off taking the next step to continue your education, due to children being your number one priority. However, even though that is understandably something that could hold you back, perhaps in 2021, it’s time to begin thinking about yourself and the career of your choice.

At West Virginia Junior College Bridgeport, we offer a variety of programs that might be what you are looking for. The training programs at WVJC include medical assisting, medical coding, IT, dental, nursing, and practical nursing. Our classes are small and hands-on with an externship that will allow you to be hands-on in the classroom and a real world setting.

The time is now! Use these steps to help guide you to a great career in the new year!

Brainstorm/Evaluate:

Brainstorming is a way to generate new ideas and is the beginning stage in developing the possibilities of what you are looking for. This creates an environment that is uninhibited and non-judgmental to explore all the many options of what you are looking for in your new career.

Get Motivated:

Motivation can be difficult from time to time, but is a key factor in being successful. Staying motivated to work toward your goals and dreams will help your dream and goals become a reality. Take the time to find a group of people you can rely on to help you stay motivated on the tough days.

Start Your Job Search:

Once you have decided to continue your education with WVJC and the program of your choice, start job searching. Researching the field and understanding the job market’s needs and demands will help you finalize your choice. This will help you explore your career choice and understand the places that would work for you and your lifestyle. Understanding the job demands in your town/city will be beneficial to you and your new start.

Toward the end of your program, every WVJC student is offered a Career Prep class that will help you build your resume, cover letter, interview skills, and, most importantly, assist you in landing that career you have always wanted. WVJC’s career management director will sit with you and really get an understanding of what career fits best with you and your lifestyle.

Dreams come true here at WVJC, and this is the year for you. When considering those new year’s resolutions this year, dig a little deeper and find the education and career you have been looking for.

To learn more about WVJC’s career training, request information here!