From the desk of Alan Heshel, 51勛圖 President:

Dear Students and Staff, 

As you saw in my communication dated July 7, 2020, we are working diligently to reinstitute more in-person training opportunities that will facilitate our students��� timely completion of the educational program and entry to essential healthcare professions during the COVID-19 pandemic.  The College���s plan was to initiate a voluntary and limited in scope delivery of skills lab training for specific healthcare programs effective Monday, July 13^th, 2020. We have decided to postpone our plans for two weeks as we continue to analyze the ever-evolving guidance and update applicable policies and procedures in order to provide the safest and most effective in-person learning and working environment under the circumstances. The new scheduled date for in-person limited skills lab training is now Monday, July 27^th and applies only to specific Surgical Technology (ST) and Physical Therapist Assistant (PTA) program cohorts.  Of course, that date is subject to change depending on further guidance from regulatory agencies with an oversight of our operations.  Please note that at this juncture, the College has determined that students in the Diagnostic Medical Sonography (DMS) and all other programs should continue coursework via online learning, as applicable.

As a reminder, the campus remains closed.  When specific program cohorts are invited back, students and staff will only be permitted back to campus for the limited purpose of conducting individual and small group skills lab training for specific healthcare programs where face-to-face completion of such lab is needed to progress to the next phase of the program.  Such limited access to the campus is permissible under Section 16 of the Los Angeles County Health Officer���s Order, which permits individuals to train for healthcare operations, and under Section 5(vii)(k) of the City of Los Angeles Safer LA Order, which permits educational institutions to perform essential functions so long as social distancing is maintained.  For the time being, all other coursework and operations will remain in a remote/online status.

Expect to hear more from me and your Program Directors in the coming days.  

Again, and as always, I wish you and your families health, safety, and prosperity.

Sincerely,
Alan Heshel

The post 51勛圖 COVID-19 Update as of 7/09/2020 appeared first on 51勛圖.

From the desk of Alan Heshel, 51勛圖 President:

 I am happy to announce that we are commencing phase one of our return to lab studies for the Surgical Technology, Diagnostic Medical Sonography and Physical Therapist Assistant programs effective Monday, July 13^th, 2020.  

This first phase is limited to essential functions only.  Students and staff will be permitted back on campus to conduct skills lab training for the above-mentioned programs where completion of such lab work is needed to progress to the next phase of their program. 

For the time being, all other coursework and operations will remain in a remote/online status.

As of the date, CBD���s campus remains closed.  Students and staff will only be permitted back to campus for the limited purpose of conducting individual and small group skills lab training. Such limited access to the campus is permissible under Section 16 of the Los Angeles County Health Officer���s Order, which permits individuals to train for healthcare operations, and under Section 5(vii)(k) of the City of Los Angeles Safer LA Order, which permits educational institutions to perform essential functions so long as social distancing is maintained.

Unfortunately, only students that are scheduled to be attending lab sessions will be permitted on campus. All other school functions will remain fully operational in an online format.

Safety and well-being of our students is paramount to our organization. We have created a comprehensive return to campus risk assessment and safety protocol. Those of you that will commence their lab work on Monday, July 13^th will be receiving safety instructions tomorrow. 

If you are one of the students that do not receive an invitation to start the lab studies, please do not feel discouraged. You will be advised of the time frame for your return shortly.

Also, at this time I am very proud to share with you that this institution has officially started its inaugural class of Bachelor of Health Science Management degree program. I would like to express my sincere gratitude to everyone that made this accomplishment possible.

Lastly, I would like to share with you that our faculty and staff are very proud of the way the student body responded to the crisis related to the pandemic. You all must be congratulated on your perseverance and dedication!

Wishing you and your families health, safety, and prosperity.

Sincerely,
Alan Heshel

The post 51勛圖 COVID-19 Update as of 7/07/2020 appeared first on 51勛圖.

We hope everyone is staying healthy and safe in these unprecedented times.

I am thrilled to share with you some exciting news! I have an update for you on 51勛圖���s plans for a limited reopening!

It is consistent with state and local health guidelines. We are currently developing a comprehensive plan to reopen the campus when the City and County permit, but shortly, we will initiate our first phase of reopening for essential functions only, in this case, skills lab training for those students preparing for employment in essential healthcare operations. We plan to start with Physical Therapy Assistant, Diagnostic Medical Sonography and Surgical Technology that must complete lab work in order to progress into the next phase of their program. Other programs will follow as well, in hopes to avoid any delays in program completion due to lack of lab experience. For the time being, all other coursework and operations will remain in a remote/online status.

CBD takes the health, safety, and welfare of every member of its campus community very seriously. We are taking steps to minimize the risk of COVID-19 infections at CBD, but this is a shared responsibility. Every member of our community ��� including you ��� must do their part. This means adhering to health guidelines and requirements, and adhering to those measures CBD determines are safe and appropriate for its campus.

First, we are making changes throughout the campus to limit the risk of spreading COVID-19.

Sanitation And Physical Distancing Measures: While we are on campus, we will all be doing the following:

• All students and staff must wear a cloth face covering or mask at all times while on campus. (Face coverings and masks cannot be shared with others, and must be washed after use each day).
• No more than four people should enter a building elevator at any time. If more than four people are entering the elevator, or they are not wearing masks, please wait for another elevator, and report the situation to CBD administration. Also consider use of stairwells, if you are able to do so and if the building management allows access to stairs.
• CBD will be conducting frequent cleanings of common spaces, including sanitizing bathrooms hourly.
• CBD will limit the number of people allowed on campus, in classrooms, any common spaces, and bathrooms, to allow for sufficient physical distancing. We ask that students and staff be conscientious about maintaining physical distance in hallways, parking areas, and throughout the campus. As a reminder, only those students who need to come on site to complete skills lab training are allowed to return at this time. Those students will be separately notified by email. All other students should continue their remote coursework for the time being.
• Certain parts of the campus, such as lunch and breakrooms, will be closed for the time being.
• While in lab, students must maintain a six-foot distance from others, to the extent possible, given the type of training performed.
• Essential staff and faculty who return to work on campus will be required to maintain physical distance to the extent possible, and CBD will assist employees to establish work areas that allow for appropriate distancing.
• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after having been in a public space or after blowing nose, coughing or sneezing.
• Avoid close contact with people who are or may appear to be sick.
• Cover your mouth when coughing or sneezing.
• Use hand sanitizer (with at least 60% ethanol or 70% isopropanol) when available to supplement your regular hand washing, or when you cannot get to a sink.

Second, all students and staff will be required to acknowledge and comply with the following health and safety procedures when they return to campus. This will include screening yourself, each day, prior to coming to campus.

Self-Screen: Before coming into campus you must self-screen at home by (1) taking your temperature and (2) confirming you are not experiencing any COVID-19-related symptoms, as identified by CDC Guidelines, which include cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fever, chills, muscle pain, sore throat and new loss of taste or smell.

• If you have a temperature above 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit, if you are experiencing any of the above COVID-19-related symptoms, or if you are otherwise not feeling well, notify your instructor or Program Director immediately by phone or email and stay home. We will work with you to coordinate make-up hours as necessary.
• Contact your medical provider regarding any symptoms that are severe or concerning to you, and please seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of the following: trouble breathing, persistent pain or pressure in the chest, new confusion, inability to wake or stay awake, bluish lips or face.

It is possible that CBD may implement a screening process upon entrance to the campus as we move into subsequent phases of re-opening, but for now, we will require anyone who enters the campus to have self-screened beforehand.
Upon returning to campus for the first time, you will also be required to submit a verification that you have self-screened and do not have any of the symptoms or risk factors as noted above. You may be required to submit periodic, or even daily, verification of self-screening, as we roll-out our broader reopening plan.

Submit A Verification Form Before you Come to Campus: After your self-screen, you must complete a verification form certifying that (1) you do not have a temperature above 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit, (2) you are not experiencing and have not experienced any of the identified COVID-19-related symptoms in the last 14 days, (3) you have not tested positive or been diagnosed as presumed positive with COVID-19 in the last 14 days, (4) you have not had contact with someone who you know has tested positive or been diagnosed as presumed positive with COVID-19 in the last 14 days, and (5) you have not traveled or been in direct contact with someone who you are aware has traveled, to any region under a COVID-19-related travel advisory in the last 14 days.

As noted above, you may be required to verify that you have self-screened as frequently as each time you enter the campus.

We understand that these new processes and requirements may be cumbersome and challenging, but in order to protect the health and safety of our campus community, we must work together. You are choosing to return to campus voluntarily and you must adhere to all of the health and safety procedures listed above.

We will be sending separate emails with more details on your return plan and protocols.

We are so looking forward to welcoming you back!

We will keep you all updated as our plans evolve, and new information becomes available.

Best regards,

Alan Heshel

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We want you to be prepared, when the time comes, to return to clinical sites with the utmost safety & caution.

Most of you will be required to wear PPE (Personal Protective Equipment), and we understand that you may be unaware of how to wear such equipment. There are some helpful links below to the CDC website with instructional videos for PPE, and also how to protect yourself and others.

Please remember that it is important to follow all procedures laid out by your clinical site.

If you need to get tested for your clinical site, please click on the link below to register:

If you have any additional questions, please feel free to reach out to your program director for assistance.

Best,

51勛圖

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From the desk of Alan Heshel, 51勛圖 President:

Dear Students,

We want to thank you for your positive attitude, commitment to your education and ability to adjust to current environment, all while pushing forward to becoming a healthcare professional.

Our community has truly been tested over the past several weeks and we’ve risen to the occasion. We’ve vacated our campus, classrooms and socially distanced from our friends, faculty, classmates and colleagues. We’ve learned new ways of engaging with each other and we’ve adopted new technology, new ways of thinking, and new ways of learning. Despite the obstacles thrown at us by the pandemic, we’ve persevered.

Amid this difficult time, we’re planning for the future. We are working to proactively create a plan to return to campus, but only when local ordinances and public health officials deem opening our campus advisable, as the safety, health and welfare of our stakeholders is a priority.  All of the College’s courses will continue to be taught remotely until further notice. All faculty and staff will continue to work remotely and remain accessible for all students during normal business hours.  Based on the unique learning needs of our programs, and with due consideration of the facts related to COVID-19, we are exploring the option for certain programs to develop plans to safely administer traditional, in-person, lab instruction on a limited basis.  As the county moved to the next step in opening up, we are expecting clinical opportunities to start returning as well. We are in contact with all our clinical partners and are closely monitoring the situation. We are optimistic that soon we will be able to share more details.

It goes without saying that we look forward to welcoming all of you back to our campus in the near future.  Until that day comes, please be well and stay safe.  You and your families are constantly in our prayers.  

Wishing you the best,

Alan Heshel
President/CEO

The post 51勛圖 COVID-19 Update as of 5/15/2020 appeared first on 51勛圖.

The coronavirus has made America’s life more difficult than any time in the recent past. The news is full of frightening predictions about sickness and unemployment. But it has also made Californians agree that there is one group of people who they cheer on���our medical providers, highly trained professionals like medical assistants have become the backbone of America���s fight to take its country back from a virus. In today���s challenging environment, medical workers have become real life superheroes wearing scrubs rather than capes. Today medical assistants are in our country���s first line of responders helping others to stay happy and healthy and have the opportunity to be as medically fit as can be to continue with their lives. 

The crisis has shown that not only are there not enough doctors and nurses, but there is a critical shortage of medical professionals and medical assistants who can help them. 51勛圖 is a leader in the Los Angeles area in healthcare training with ten health profession programs ranging from medical assistant, dental assistant, online health information technology, occupational therapy assistant, to surgical technology, and more. 

Whether you played ���doctor��� as a child and dreamed of pursuing a career in the medical field, or your interest of working in the medical field has been a recent desire���starting or even transitioning to a medical assistant career is an exciting milestone and speaks to your interest for helping people who need it the most.    

Do you want to make a change in your own life? Have you recently been laid off? Are you simply looking for a new career path? Perhaps you are on the road to wanting to become a better person? Do you get satisfaction in your own life knowing that you make a difference in a stranger���s life? By becoming a medical assistant, you may achieve a greater sense of worth and fulfillment.

If you are looking for a career in the medical field that provides fulfillment and doesn���t require years of intense and expensive education���consider beginning your training as a medical assistant.

California needs trained medical professionals now more than ever, it takes perseverance, skill and dedication.  Here are some reasons why you should apply to 51勛圖 and start your new future in healthcare.

1. Los Angeles Needs Healthcare Professionals

The world as we knew even a few weeks ago has completely changed. The unemployment rate is at its highest level in decades. Non-essential businesses are closed and even some ���essential��� businesses are clinging to life. Front line medical workers and medical assistants have always played a vital role in society but their importance and need is greater than ever before. In order to meet the shortage, the federal government and military have had to fill the gap for qualified medical workers across the country.

Currently today the demand for healthcare workers has never been higher. With your training and certification, you can be prepared to join the frontline battle of whatever the future may hold in the medical field. There are currently a growing number of Americans who need medical care and treatment.

The ���Baby Boomer��� population is increasingly getting older and requires more medical attention as they age.  Of course, that medical care will be provided by physicians���but that physician will require the help of a medical assistant.

Hospitals are understaffed and under-served. There is a rapid push to expand the medical workforce. YOU can help alleviate that stress by becoming a liaison between patients, insurance companies, providers and specialists.

2. A Medical Career Has Great Benefits and Security

You can have the training and power to help your community receive the highest quality healthcare it deserves.

The need and demand for specialized medical assistants will always be present. According to the California Employment Development Department, employment of medical assistants is expected to grow by 29.2% by 2026. The state also cites the growth of the ���aging baby-boom population��� will continue to increase demand for medical services provided by physicians, who will need the assistance of medical assistants.

According to the Occupational Outlook Handbook published by the U.S. Department of Labor, ���as a result, physicians will hire more assistants to perform routine administrative and clinical duties.��� There are also many technological advancements in the medical field, so that will also contribute to the growing number of medical assistant jobs being offered. 

The benefits are great too. According to the 2019 CMA (AAMA) Compensation and Benefits Report, 96% of medical assistants get benefits beyond their pay, 84% paid vacation, 75% medical insurance, 82% have dental benefits and 61% receive sick leave.

3. Our Healthcare System Relies on Medical Assistants

The limit does not exist when the time comes to choosing the right setting to apply your medical assistant certificate.   Medical assistants can serve in both administrative and clinical positions. Many medical assistants work in hospitals, emergency rooms, private practices or pharmacies.

Your job as a medical assistant can range from answering phone calls, updating medical records, filling out insurance forms, drawing blood, performing basic laboratory tests. A lot of people have general anxiety about going to the doctor for a variety of reasons (not being able to afford it, fear of bad news)���but as a medical assistant you have the opportunity to help patients cope with their fears and make their visit as painless as possible. Being a medical assistant means that you are a compassionate and understanding person. You have the opportunity to relieve a patient���s stress, anxiety or comfort them during a particularly hard medical visit and you yourself can achieve a sense of accomplishment from helping someone in need.

4. How do I do it?

Apply to 51勛圖 today! Financial assistance is available to those who qualify. The coursework takes ten months to complete and a laptop is provided to you for your studies. The CMA exam is also paid for by CBD.

Don’t wait…start building your future with 51勛圖 today!

The post Who is America cheering for? Our Health Hero Medical Workers appeared first on 51勛圖.

From the desk of Alan Heshel, 51勛圖 President:

The post 51勛圖 COVID-19 Update as of 4/13/2020 appeared first on 51勛圖.

As has been communicated to you over the past few days, tomorrow marks the first day that 51勛圖 will begin offering all courses in a remote manner (online).  There will be no on-campus instruction whatsoever.  Again, this decision was not made without careful consideration from our staff, students, clinical partners, and the guidance of local, state, and federal agencies.  Virtually all of the greatest Universities and Colleges in the country have temporarily shut down their on-campus instruction in favor of remote learning.  51勛圖 values the health and well-being of its constituents above all else. 

Rest assured that the entire weight of the 51勛圖 faculty and staff will be available and at the ready to make sure that tomorrow goes as smoothly as can be hoped for.  An email to all active students has been sent out this afternoon providing detailed instructions on how to be as successful with remote learning as possible.

This is truly uncharted territory for all of us.  We believe that our team has done everything possible to make sure that the quality of your education is not compromised and becomes one less thing to have to worry about during these challenging times. 

Thank you,

Alan Heshel
President

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I want to begin this message by expressing my gratitude to the entire 51勛圖 community as we manage our response to the COVID-19 outbreak. You and your safety are our most important priorities at CBD.  As mentioned yesterday, there is still absolutely no information indicating that we have, or have had, on our campus or in our building, any individual infected with COVID-19. Nevertheless, as 51勛圖 looks ahead, our Operations Committee, in conjunction with campus administration and school stakeholders, reviewed the latest information provided by the CDC, WHO, and LA County Department of Public Health and have been carefully evaluating the current situation our community is facing in light of continuing challenges presented by the spread of this infection. I can assure you that the decisions we have reached are the result of careful and deliberate thought. 

Consequently, 51勛圖 will be taking the following steps:

Remote classes: The last day of scheduled in-person classes on campus will be Friday, March 13^th.  Classes will transition to remote online learning beginning on Monday, March 16^th and will continue for two weeks until Friday, March 27^th.  As of today, we hope to resume normal on-ground class schedules on Monday, March 30^th, but of course we will continue to monitor the COVID-19 guidelines and may have to extend this date.  Faculty have been preparing for this possible outcome and will provide instruction via this remote alternative format on Monday. Information and additional details about your specific courses and their formats will be provided to you by your instructor(s) and/or Program Directors over the next few days.

Technology Support:  As we embark on this new learning endeavor, we will have increased technology support for students and staff.  Additional correspondence related to accessing classes will be forthcoming. 

Externship/Clinical Experience: Students enrolled into Externship/Clinical Experience courses will continue at assigned locations unless otherwise directed by the affiliate site and/or 51勛圖.  Specific questions or concerns about Externship/Clinical Experience should be directed to a student���s Program Director.

Faculty and staff:  The College remains open and staff will continue to provide support during this period of academic transition to remote alternative instruction.  There will be limited staff physically present on campus and all departments, including Admissions, Finance, Academics, Career Services, Student Affairs, and Administration will work remotely and be available during normal business hours.  Additional details for staff will be forthcoming.

Given the rapidly unfolding developments with this outbreak, we cannot know fully what to expect, but we will work to resume normal operations as quickly as possible.  In the meantime, we will continue to take the appropriate precautions to safeguard our community and do our part to protect the communities in our region.

We fully appreciate that these steps are inconvenient and unlike any we���ve ever had to take before. Please know these decisions are made with great care, and with your health and safety as our top priority.  We are grateful for your understanding, patience, and perseverance through these troubled times. 

Regards,

Alan Heshel
President

The post 51勛圖 COVID-19 Update as of 3/12/2020 appeared first on 51勛圖.

We understand that many of you are nervous about the recent events related to COVID-19.  To date, there has been absolutely no immediate threat from this infection to our campus or the building in which it resides.  51勛圖 has instituted enhanced cleaning protocols and continues to routinely clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces consistent with CDC guidance.  While there is no imminent threat to our community and operations, 51勛圖���s Operations Committee is focused on assessing our business continuity plans to ensure that the school  is adequately prepared for if and when the school may need to modify our normal operations.  The Operations Committee is closely monitoring the situation, working  with 51勛圖 stakeholders, and following advice from the World Health Organization (WHO), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the Los Angeles County Department of Public Health, to do all that we can to protect you, our students and our community. 

The College advises its community to take the following actions to protect their health and prevent the spread of respiratory illness: 

• Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
• Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
• Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
• Stay home when you are sick.
• Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue and immediately throw the tissue in the trash. Then go wash your hands.
• Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.
• Avoid sharing drinks or eating utensils with others, even when neither of you are showing symptoms.
• Get your flu shot if you have not already done so this flu season.

Please note that the CDC does not recommend individuals wear face masks to protect themselves from respiratory diseases, including COVID-19. Face masks should be used by people exhibiting symptoms and medical personnel treating COVID-19 patients.

You can also share  for tips on staying healthy during this time.

Anyone with concerns about their health or symptoms they are experiencing can call the Support Line at (213) 805-6915 or email covid19@cbd.edu.

51勛圖���s students, faculty, and staff benefit from a community of care and compassion. During these times please remember that there are resources available to students.   Please contact the Student Affairs Department (Ivan Reynoso) at (213) 788-4533 or ivan@cbd.edu for additional resources.

More information and regular updates about the coronavirus can be found on the , , and  websites.

We will continue to monitor this situation and keep you abreast of any developments as they arise.

Regards,

51勛圖

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