At Prism Career Institute, our goal is to guide our students on their journey to a rewarding career. We offer several career-focused training programs designed to equip students with the skills and knowledge necessary to find success right after graduation. Prism Career Institute, serving students in Philadelphia, PA, and Cherry Hill and West Atlantic City, NJ, is fortunate enough to have dedicated instructors leading these programs, such as James Gordon. Take the opportunity to learn more about Gordon, his teaching methods, and why his students love learning from him.
About James Gordon
Gordon has been heading the Medical Assistant program at the West Atlantic City, New Jersey, location for two years, teaching students the ins and outs of the profession. Originally from Burlington County, Gordon began his career in the medical field after serving in the Army in 2011. While working as a medical assistant, Gordon realized his true passion was teaching.
“In the process of working as an MA, I had always wanted to be an instructor because of the impression my instructor had on me,” Gordon explains. “I told myself I can and want to do that, but I knew I had to put the time and effort in.”
The role of a medical assistant is crucial to a healthcare team. Sadly, James feels there aren’t enough qualified medical assistants to fulfill this need. “I am instructing because we need better MAs out there,” Gordon says.
Unlike other programs that offer minimal training, the medical assistant program at Prism Career Institute provides an in-depth look into what it’s like to be an MA.
“At Prism Career Institute, we emphasize training the students to have people skills, training them how to work on the computer systems, and teaching them what’s right and wrong as far as how they interact with patients,” Gordon says. “I believe that’s a very strong attribute that the school offers, and I personally hold myself to a higher standard to make sure I am fully preparing students for what lies ahead.”
Teaching Methods and Passion
To successfully learn all the skills needed to perform the duties of a medical assistant takes much time and effort. Likewise, teaching them involves using various methods and tactics. In addition to lectures and lab work, James uses a variety of other methods to better resonate with his students, especially the younger generation.
“Along with traditional styles of teaching, I also use a lot of newer learning tools to interact with the younger students who learn in a totally different way than students from the past,” Gordon says.
Aside from his effective teaching methods, what makes Gordon a highly-regarded instructor is his passion. “The thing that I like the best about being an instructor is being able to pour into these students,” he says.
Like many other jobs, being a medical assistant is hard work, but the impact of this role cannot be understated. It’s not just about having a 9-5 and making money, according to Gordon. It’s about changing lives and helping others.
“I feel like we’ve lost touch in that, and I try to bring that back and make it a main focal point in my teachings,” he says.
The Medical Assistant Program at Prism Career Institute
Many people share the goal of breaking into the medical field. Being a medical assistant offers many benefits, making it a desirable field. Those interested in pursuing a medical career can begin by enrolling in the medical assistant program offered at Prism Career Institute.
Our program is 24 weeks long and caters to students who are eager to learn and further their careers. Our career-oriented curriculum is focused on the latest procedures and equipment medical assistants utilize daily.
“I believe that the program is only going to get better and better as we go along. We’ve been revamping and restructuring,” Gordon says. “The opportunity is there. I tell the students, I am here for them. I am ready for new ones to come along and become great MAs with me.”
Anyone interested in learning more about the medical assistant program or other programs offered at Prism Career Institute’s locations in Philadelphia, PA, Cherry Hill, NJ, and West Atlantic City, NJ, can contact us today.