Alexis Pinczes is a self-proclaimed hands-on learner. She's getting an unexpected opportunity to do just that in OCC's residence halls. Pinczes and her classmates in Workforce Development's Medical Assistant class are overseeing the regular collection of saliva from residence hall students for COVID-19 pooled surveillance testing. "It's been cool interacting and learning how to deal with different types of people. It can be hard to communicate wearing masks and talking through plexi glass but I enjoy it. It's helping me prepare for what I'll be doing."
The collection process is safe and simple. Pinczes and her classmates ID the students, instruct them on how to give a sample, and ID them again at the end of the sample-giving assembly line. The samples are sent to SUNY Upstate Medical University and the results are known in 24 hours.
Pinczes tried college right out of high school but didn't like her field of study. Then she heard about OCC's Medical Assistant program. "I'm a hands-on learner and this was perfect for me. We learn about something, and then we practice on each other. I've loved the class. It's perfect for me."
This group of students began taking classes in January and were scheduled to be done in August, but time missed due to the pandemic will extend class into September. That's when Pinczes will begin a four week internship at Housel Dermatology. She'll work 40 hours a week, prepping patients and assisting doctors in surgery. "The people who work with our program here lined this up for me. They found the perfect place based on how well I've done in class. Hopefully I'll have a full time job at the end."
Pinczes feels fortunate she found OCC's Medical Assistant program and encourages others to consider the path she chose. "If you are a hands-on learner I highly recommend this class. There is book work involved but it's very worth it. Getting a job through this program is so much easier. They help you with your resume, they help you find a place to intern, and contact the provider. I highly recommend it."
