December is typically the month we give gifts to each other. January is the month we give gifts to ourselves. It might be a huge sale at a nearby superstore or online. It might be membership in a fitness center that follows a new year’s resolution. Better yet, it might be an action to increase knowledge and improve career opportunities — like signing up for a new educational or training program, taking the next exam, exploring new job possibilities or interacting more often with a learning partner.

As a Penn Foster student you have given yourself such a gift. You have given yourself the gift of learning in a targeted way that will open new career options for you and could change your life. What a gift!

This gift might not feel totally comfortable yet — sort of like a new pair of shoes. But if you use this gift regularly, you will be amazed at how comfortable it will feel after a while — sort of like those shoes you just live in.

We know that independent learning isn’t easy, especially for people whose lives are incredibly full. But remember that being an independent learner doesn’t mean learning alone. We at Penn Foster College certainly see ourselves as one of your learning partners. We want you to succeed and advance in your life and career, so feel free to ask us for help anytime. Our faculty and student advisors will be happy to respond.

Also, have you ever thought about asking a friend to be a learning partner? He or she could simply ask you on a regular basis how you are handling your gift of independent learning. Or, perhaps this person might even sign up for the same program and learn with you. Either way, such a person could be one more gift for you and help make 2008 a VERY HAPPY YEAR.

Enjoy your gift of independent learning this year.

Richard W. Ferrin, Ph.D.
President, Penn Foster College

Announcing New Associate Degree Offered:
Medical Assistant Associate Degree

Penn Foster has added a new associate degree program — Medical Assistant Associate Degree. This program will prepare the student for a position in the medical field to work as an unlicensed multi-skilled allied healthcare practitioner who is competent in variety of clinical and laboratory procedures, as well as many administrative roles. Working under guidance of a physician or practitioner, typical duties of medical assistants include prep examination rooms, take vital signs, assist in minor surgical procedures, give injections, assist in laboratory operations, take x-rays, and administer electrocardiograms. Medical assistants also perform administrative duties, including patient communications, maintaining patient records, billing, scheduling appointments, ordering supplies and processing insurance claims.

With the proper credentials, a medical assistant can work at a hospital, nursing home, medical group practice or home health agency. Demand for Medical Assisting professionals is on the increase. The U.S. Department of Labor states that new job openings for Medical Assistants will grow 52% — that’s over 201,000 new job openings — in the decade between 2004 and 2014.*

For more information about this new degree program visit our website at Medical Assistant Associate Degree.

Related links:
www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes319092.htm#nat
www.medicalworkers.com/employment/medical-assistant-jobs.aspx
www.medicalassistant.net/medical_assistant_jobs.htm

*Growth figures represent a ten-year period ending 2012. Source: “National Industry-Occupation Employment Matrix,” a publication of the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Did You Know?

Our Penn Foster Student Website is available to you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to help you with almost all of your servicing needs. Many of our students regularly use this service to quickly access information regarding their account. If you’re not familiar with the services our website offers or if you’re a little timid on the computer, we’ve provided step-by-step instructions to help you out. Click here.

Penn Foster College Dean’s List

Click here to view the list of students who have recently achieved the Dean’s List honor and who have agreed to have their names listed. Congratulations to all!

Like Baking a Pie...Try this Formula for Success

Being successful is no more difficult than baking a pie. It’s a simple, easy step-by-step process according to Edward Brancheau, author of web article “Like Baking a Pie...Here Is Your Formula for Success!” Click here.

Who Studies Online?

Are you curious about other students who earn their degrees online? Maybe you share some of the same life experiences or goals. To read profiles of other adult students studying online through various schools, colleges and programs, including Penn Foster, visit this site: elearners.com.

Weblinks

Learn free vocabulary and give free rice!

Ever dreamed of seeing your name in the paper? Be careful what you wish for.

Job Matchmaker — MyJobHunter.com

New Year Goals — MyGoals.com

Looking for Employees

Penn Foster will post your job openings for free. Employers looking to find the right help, with specific skills and training, will be able to reach thousands of current students, near graduates, and graduates through job postings at
no charge. For more
information, contact JobPostings@pennfoster.edu.

Tell Us YOUR Story

There is no one better qualified to encourage our students than someone who has personally experienced and met the challenges of distance learning. Many students need inspiration, motivation, and support just to enroll, as well as continue with and complete their studies. Email your story to Jim.Healey@pennfoster.edu, or mail it to Jim Healey, c/o Penn Foster, 925 Oak St., Scranton, PA 18515. We would love to hear from you.

Penn Foster News Archive