NJBIA member Frank A. Preston, president & CEO of ACI Medical & Dental School, discussed the vital role that trade schools have in responding to healthcare staffing shortages on a recent episode of “One-on-One with Steve Adubato,” which aired Tuesday night on NJ PBS.
ACI Medical & Dental School in Eatontown, now in its 20th year, trains students for in-demand medical and dental careers, Preston told Adubato. ACI, which is accredited by the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools, offers a variety of programs to jumpstart careers.
“We have two programs we really specialize in … Medical Assistant with Phlebotomy, EKG and Patient Care, and Our Dental Assistant with Radiology Licensing,” Preston said. “Both of these programs are accelerating, and within four months you’re starting your internship and or your employment.”
Vocational education and training are becoming an increasingly important pathway for people who are not able to go to a traditional college and for adults who may already have four-year degrees but are seeking a career change, Preston said.
“Within 14 weeks, people are able to get the clinical skillset they need to be able to successful on the front line,” Preston said. Many ACI graduates use the opportunity to work gain valuable work experience as a medical or dental assistant while also pursuing further education to become nurses, dental hygienists or physician’s assistants, he said.
To watch the entire interview, go here.
