Debra Daniels, Four-D College admission supervisor and community outreach representative, talks to potential students during career night. Photo by Chris Sloan

Patty Williams, Four-D College admission coordinator, schedules potential student Debra Adams, San Bernardino resident, with an appointment to see the vocational nursing counselor. Photo by Chris Sloan

(COLTON, Calif.) — Four-D College in Colton and Victorville became a hub of information, providing individuals interested in obtaining a career in the health care field gain insight into the highly specialized careers available through the college.

Offering potential students a variety of career options in the growing health care field, the goal of the Four-D College Career Nights was held recently was to raise awareness about the benefits of going to a post-secondary school rather than a traditional two-year or four-year school.

“We want you see that there are alternatives to going to a university. There is another way to accomplishing your goals,” said Tina Bridges, Four-D College vocational nurse instructor. “It takes time to get in to a program at a two-year university and students have to wait even longer to go out into the field, but here they don’t have to wait on a list.”
In today’s difficult economy, many careers once looked on as being secure are not as protected as they use to be. However, the medical field is one career path that continues to provide employment opportunities. For one attendee, Roxanna Lowe, this fact really hit home as she has been out of work for several months.

A resident of Yucaipa, Lowe was encouraged by her twin sister to attend the career night.  After hearing what Four-D College had to offer, she was so impressed she decided to enroll in their medical billing/coding program.

“I’ve been very interested in the medical field for a long time,” said Lowe. “I really liked Four-D College’s personal approach of assisting each student with their individual need.  I feel like they really listened to me, and were willing to work with me to make sure I’m given the best possible opportunity to succeed. That’s what really sold me.”

“Some of the benefits of coming to a school like Four-D College, opposed to going to a community college or four year school is that it costs less money, requires less hours, and takes up little of your time,” said Debra Daniel, Four-D College admission supervisor.

“By going to a post-secondary school you have the opportunity to obtain a career in a specialized field in a shorter amount of time. When you graduate, you will have the ability to earn a good income, which is a great return on your investment,” continued Daniel.

For Latoya Tatum, a resident of Rancho Cucamonga who heard about the career night through the internet, flexible class schedules and Four-D College’s supportive staff were the determining factors for her to enroll.

“I have a friend who came to Four-D College and enrolled in the vocational nursing program. She told her about how flexible the schedules were and how supportive the staff is,” said Tatum. “When I found out about the career night, I decided to come and check it out for myself. I’m glad I did. I think Four-D College is the right place for me to pursue my career.”

“The medical field is right and ready for everyone here, regardless of whatever obstacles you might have to overcome,” said Daniel. “We understand that things in life often take us off our path. If you are looking for a career and not just a job, we are here to give direction to students so that they can either return or stay on their educational path.”

Four-D College provides education in the growing health care field at locations in Colton and Victorville. It offers programs in medical assistant, medical billing and coding, dental assistant, massage therapy, pharmacy technician and vocational nursing. Both campuses have received full accreditation from the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES).

New courses begin monthly at Four-D College and most courses are offered in the day and evening. Massage Therapy and Dental Assistant programs are offered in the daytime only.

For more information or a free tour call (909) 783-9331 or (760) 962-1325 go to http://www.4DCollege.edu.

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Jason Ramirez of Apple Valley, a recent graduate of the Four-D College Vocational Nurse program, used Veterans’ Administration benefits to help pay for his education. Four-D College encourages other veterans to learn how Four-D College can help transition from the military to a new career. Photo by Chris Sloan

Four-D College Director of Admissions Angelo Lioudakis, shown here in his days as a member of the United States Army, as well as specially trained financial advisers, can help potential students who have served in the military use their Veterans’ Administration benefits to pursue their educational goals at Four-D College.

(COLTON, Calif.) Members of the military and their families can receive college training to begin a new career in health care at Four-D College. The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs has approved all programs at Four-D College for veteran tuition assistance reimbursement.

“Four-D College is proud to serve those who serve our country,” said CEO and President Linda Smith. “We encourage military members and their families to consider Four-D College as they seek to advance and grow in their careers.”

These benefits also apply in many cases to the spouses, and children (ages 18-26) of military members. Retired, disabled and honorably discharged veterans who served after Sept. 11, 2001, and spouses of deceased or disabled veterans are also often eligible.

Jason Ramirez, 32, of Apple Valley, completed the Vocational Nursing program in April 2011 using veterans’ benefits for tuition assistance.

Ramirez served as a medic in the United States Army, primarily at Ft. Lewis, Washington, from 1998 through 2005. He then got married, and moved with his wife to Apple Valley in 2009.

“I had wanted to use my veterans’ benefits to study nursing,” Ramirez said. “A nurse at Desert Knolls’ Convalescent Hospital, where Four-D College students practice clinical, told me about the Victorville campus, so I went there to check them out.”

A financial aid adviser helped Ramirez submit paperwork to the Veterans’ Administration to cover his tuition. A short time later he began studies in the vocational nursing program.

“The Post 9-11 Veterans bill provides even more help with tuition than mine did, so I definitely would recommend anyone who has recently served in the military take advantage of this opportunity to further their education,” Ramirez said. “If they had experience working in health care in the military, Four-D College should be able to help them quickly obtain certification to continue their career outside of the military.”

“We understand the demands and challenges of advancing or reentering an increasingly competitive job market upon the conclusion of active duty service,” Director of Admissions Angelo Lioudakis said. “We are pleased to be able to offer an affordable, quality education to help them prepare for and excel in a rewarding career in the health care industry.”

“We are committed to helping our veterans and their eligible family members develop the skills and knowledge required by today’s workforce,” said Lioudakis.

Four-D College has specially trained advisors at both campuses who can assist potential students in how veterans’ benefits can be used. These include Lioudakis, who served in the United States Army for three years and the Army Reserves for five years.

With a campus in Victorville, Four-D College is one of the most easily accessible college campuses to the Marine Corps Logistic Base in Barstow and the Ft. Irwin National Training Center.

Meanwhile, Four-D College’s Colton campus is near the homes of many families with a member serving the Reserve or Guard military forces at March Air Reserve Base.

Both campuses are also convenient for Inland Empire residents who served their country at military installations elsewhere, then relocated to San Bernardino or Riverside counties later.

Four-D College can accept most Veterans Affairs educational benefits. It will be able to accept the Post 9/11 GI Bill benefits starting Oct. 1, when the U.S Department of Veterans’ Affairs modifies that bill so it can be used to pay tuition for apprenticeships, on-the-job training and certificate programs.

Four-D College provides education in the growing health care field at locations in Colton and Victorville. Four-D College offers programs in vocational nursing, medical assistant, medical billing and coding, dental assistant, massage therapy and pharmacy technician. Both campuses have received full accreditation from the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools.

New courses begin monthly at Four-D College and most courses are offered in the day and evening. Massage Therapy and Dental Assistant programs are offered in the daytime only.

For more information or a free tour call (909) 783-9331 or (760) 962-1325 or go to www.4DCollege.edu.

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Jacqueline Ledesma of Victorville began a career as a massage therapist at Massage Envy spa in Apple Valley with the education she received through the Massage Therapy program at Four-D College. Photo by Chris Sloan

Robert Ruseico of Hesperia began a career as a massage therapist at High Desert Medical Group after completing an externship there at the end of his education at Four-D College. Ruseico is considering further college education to become a physical therapist. Photo by Chris Sloan

Tanya Stenner Reutler of Apple Valley began a career as a massage therapist at Desert Cities Chiropractic after completing an externship there at the end of her education at Four-D College. She hopes to some day become a physical therapist. Photo by Chris Sloan

(VICTORVILLE, Calif.) Some of them work in hotels, casinos, sports gyms and stand-alone health spas. Others work in doctors’ offices, chiropractors’ offices and physical therapists’ offices.

As massage therapists, all of them are members of one of the most rapidly growing health care fields in California.

“Massage is universal,” said Dale Sloan, director of the Massage Therapy program at Four-D College. “Who does not want to get a massage? It helps people to feel better, and makes the pain they were dealing with disappear.”

“Massage therapy has been around for thousands of years, and today it is used in many disciplines, including health care, sports and recreation,” Sloan continued. “Even though many therapists don’t work in a medical setting, massage therapy is still considered health care. It is regulated by the California Massage Therapy Council, which requires all massage therapists to receive 500 hours of education and training.”

At Four-D College, Massage Therapy students receive 760 hours of training. That training includes history of massage, ethical concerns, anatomy and physiology, and of course, massage techniques. Much of this training focuses on the health care aspect of massage therapy in addition to massage techniques.

At Four-D College, massage therapy is an eight-month program. After an introductory course, students spend two months studying anatomy and physiology, starting with bones and muscles, but also circulatory, lymph, nervous, endocrine, respiratory, digestive and reproductive systems.  They also learn medical terminology.

“The health benefits of massage therapy include relieving body aches, as well as stress and anxiety,” Sloan said.

After in-depth anatomy and physiology study, the students focus more extensively on therapeutic massage. Although they study massage strokes and other aspects of massage therapy in the introductory course, in their fourth month of study, this study becomes more hands-on.

By midway through the program, students have learned some of the most prevalent massage techniques, such as American, Swedish, and deep tissue massages. They also learn to give massages on the traditional massage table and chair massages.

“Our students go out into the community and give chair massages at health fairs and other public events,” Sloan said. “We have also given chair massages to radio DJs.”

Massage therapists and trained students (who donate their services) can give chair massages almost anywhere. For many, chair massages serve as an introduction to other forms of massage.

“Chair massage is different from table massage, because they keep their clothes on and are not fully relaxed,” Sloan noted. “But if someone is apprehensive about getting a full-body massage, a chair massage can help put them at ease.”

During their education at Four-D College, Massage Therapy students spend later months focusing on sports massage, how massage therapy can help those who are injured, and principles for working with older adults, pregnant women and infants.

Students will also learn how to keep medical records and how to work with insurance companies, as the massage therapy for an injured person could be covered by insurance if ordered by a chiropractor or physician.

Many massage therapists find work in a health care setting, or in a spa. Like any jobseeker, graduates of the Massage Therapy program will need to know the best ways to impress a potential employer. Others may immediately after obtaining certification wish to open their own massage therapy practice. With all of this in mind, Four-D College also spends a month instructing Massage Therapy students in business and professional ethics.

The final month of study is an externship with a spa or health care provider, where students put into practice what they have learned in a work environment. Sometimes, externships lead to employment; in other cases Four-D College works with the students before or after their graduation to find employment elsewhere.  Four-D College offers lifetime job placement assistance to all its graduates.

Sloan, who is himself completing a Master’s degree, also encourages students to continue their education beyond a certificate in Massage Therapy. “The more certificates and degrees a person has the better their chances of finding a job.”

It’s especially important for those interested in the medical aspect of the field, Sloan noted, as further training could help them to become physical therapists, chiropractors, nurses or doctors. Meanwhile, anyone who wants to one day open their own spa could benefit from business courses.

Four-D College provides education in the growing health care field at locations in Colton and Victorville. It offers programs in medical assistant, medical billing and coding, dental assistant, massage therapy, pharmacy technician and vocational nursing. Both campuses have received full accreditation from the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools (ABHES).

New courses begin monthly at Four-D College and most courses are offered in the day and evening. Massage Therapy and Dental Assistant programs are offered in the daytime only.

For more information or a free tour call (909) 783-9331 or (760) 962-1325 go to www.4DCollege.edu .

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Four-D College medical assistant graduate Sabrina Lorenzana, delivering quality care to patient. Photo by Chris Sloan

Sabrina Lorenzana enjoys working in an environment where she can help make a difference in the quality of care patients receive. Photo by Chris Sloan.

(SAN BERNARDIO, Calif.) At 23, Sabrina Lorenzana recalls that life has not always been easy. It was just five years ago she was seeking a different direction for herself and her 2-year-old son. Having worked a few odd jobs in both local restaurants and grocery stores, she wanted a career that would not only provide for her financially, but one she could feel good about as well.

One day while looking through her local paper, the San Bernardino resident came across an advertisement for Four-D College. Having always been interested in the medical field, she decided to call and set an appointment to learn more about the programs they had to offer.

“I remember how sick my grandfather had become,” said Sabrina. “He required in-home care. The nurse that was assigned to take care of him was so caring.  It left a big impression on me. I knew then that one day I wanted to help people that same way. Four-D College seemed like the perfect way to get started.”

After making her appointment to visit the Colton campus of Four-D College, Sabrina recalls how at ease she felt when discussing her education options with the admissions department.

“Everyone was so down-to-earth,” says Sabrina. “I met with the instructor, who talked with me and answered all my questions about the program.  Then they gave me a tour, and showed me the onsite daycare facility. Since I had a 2-year-old, it was perfect for me.  I could feel a very strong family environment.  I decided to enroll the same day.”

Sabrina chose the Medical Assistant program, explaining that it was the best fit for her, as it would give her a good understanding of the medical field and provide her a base to ultimately become a Physician Assistant.

“Overall my intention is to be able to help whoever is in need and give them the type of care that I saw my grandfather receive,” said Sabrina.  “It is a great feeling to be able to give back.”

After enrolling at Four-D College, Sabrina found her instructors to be extremely helpful and willing to assist her throughout the entire learning process. Describing the experience as a valuable “hands-on” approach to learning, she expressed how her instructors continue to encourage success, even after graduation.

As part of the learning process, Sabrina was placed as an extern at Dr. Mira Joshi’s pediatric office in Upland. While externs are not paid for work during this portion of their education, externships give students the practical work experience and skills needed to succeed in their chosen career path.

“It is so amazing working in a place where you get to see patients and their families really showing that they love and care for their doctor, who returns that same love and care to them,” said Sabrina. “I knew right away that this was exactly the career that was for me.”

Apparently Dr. Joshi agreed with Sabrina, because the very day she was scheduled to graduate from her eight-month program at Four-D College, Sabrina was given an offer to stay on as a full-time employee.

So how does Sabrina feel about her new career as a health care professional? She sums up her future as being very positive with much less stress.

“Life has changed dramatically for me,” said Sabrina. “Since graduating from Four-D College I have a great job and I am no longer living paycheck to paycheck. Life is much better now because I look forward to waking up and going to work in the morning and I come home with a smile. It really has been a blessing.”

Four-D College provides education in the growing health care field at locations in Colton and Victorville. Four-D College offers programs in vocational nursing, medical assistant, medical billing and coding, dental assistant, massage therapy and pharmacy technician.

New courses begin monthly at Four-D College and most courses are offered in the day and evening. Massage Therapy and Dental Assistant programs are offered in the daytime.

For more information or a free tour, call (800) 600-5422 or go to 4DCollege.edu.

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Dr. Clifford Walters, a former Loma Linda University graduate program director and OB/GYN, who now coaches other physicians in establishing effective medical practices, will be the keynote speaker at Four-D College’s Summer 2011 graduation on Aug. 26 at the Ontario Convention Center.

(COLTON, Calif.) – Dr. Clifford Walters, who has more than 30 years experience as an obstetrician/gynecologist and a coach for other physicians, will address the Summer 2011 graduates of Four-D College.

This graduation ceremony takes place 11 a.m. Friday, Aug. 26 at the Ontario Convention Center.

Dr. Walters is currently the president and CEO of Walters Consulting & Coaching, LLC. His current practice helps physicians of all specialties improve communication skills, provide better experiences for their patients and develop the talents of their employees.

He is a past president of the San Bernardino County Medical Society and a current delegate of the California Medical Society.

“We are honored to have Dr. Walters as the August 26 commencement speaker,” said Four-D College President and CEO Linda Smith. “As a member of the Medical Society and a professional consultant and coach who focuses on how to enhance relationships between the client and the medical provider, I know Dr. Walters will provide thought provoking comments that will encourage our graduates to strive to be excellent health care providers who will be cognizant of their patients’ needs.”

Dr. Walters said he will give a presentation encouraging the graduates to begin a flourishing life as a leader in health care.

“Whether they are a vocational nurse, dental assistant, pharmacy technician, medical assistant, do billing or coding, or massage therapy, they are leaders!” Dr. Walters said. “It is them, not the doctors who will lead the health care industry in the 21st century.”

Dr. Walters also previously served as the director of Loma Linda University’s Graduate Medical Education Program Core Curriculum Program for seven years. He was in private practice as a reproductive endocrinologist and OB/GYN for 13 years, and before then taught on the faculty of both Loma Linda University and the University of Connecticut.

Dr. Walters also graduated from medical school at Loma Linda University, and completed both an internship and residency at Loma Linda University Medical Center.

Four-D College provides education in the growing health care field at locations in Colton and Victorville. Four-D College offers programs in vocational nursing, medical assistant, medical billing and coding, dental assistant, massage therapy and pharmacy technician. Both campuses have received full accreditation from the Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools.

New courses begin monthly at Four-D College and most courses are offered in the day and evening. Massage Therapy and Dental Assistant programs are offered in the daytime only.

For more information or a free tour call (909) 783-9331 or in the High Desert (760) 962-1325 or go to www.4DCollege.edu .

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Melinda Guerrera of Fontana helps people have beautiful smiles by working as a dental assistant at Cooley Ranch Dental in Colton, having graduated from the Dental Assistant program at Four-D College. Learn more about a career as a dental assistant by attending Four-D College’s Career Night on July 14, at either its Colton or Victorville campus. Photo by Chris Sloan

Keith and Kevin Jackson, twin brothers in Victorville, both work as pharmacy technicians at the same major health care provider’s pharmacy in Victorville after graduating from the Pharmacy Technician program at Four-D College. Learn more about a career as a pharmacy technician by attending Four-D College’s Career Night on July 14, at either its Colton or Victorville campus. Photo by Chris Sloan

Anna Knorr of Phelan enjoys a career as a medical assistant at Mike’s Walk-In Clinic in Hesperia, having graduated from the Medical Assistant program of Four-D College. Learn more about a career as a medical assistant by attending Four-D College’s Career Night on July 14, at either its Colton or Victorville campus. Photo by Chris Sloan

Erin Thomas of Fontana cares for patients as a licensed vocational nurse at San Antonio Community Hospital in Upland, having graduated from the Vocational Nurse Program of Four-D College. Learn more about a career as a nurse by attending Four-D College’s Career Night on July 14, at either its Colton or Victorville campus. Photo by Chris Sloan

Esmerelda Avenado of Fontana began a career as a medical coder and biller at Cardiology Specialists in Riverside after graduating from the Medical Billing/Coding program of Four-D College. Learn more about a career as a medical coder and biller by attending Four-D College’s Career Night on July 14, at either its Colton or Victorville campus. Photo by Chris Sloan

Jackie Ledesma of Victorville is a massage therapist with the Massage Envy Spa in Apple Valley, having graduated from the Massage Therapy program of Four-D College. Learn more about a career as a massage therapist by attending Four-D College’s Career Night on July 14, at either its Colton or Victorville campus. Photo by Chris Sloan

(COLTON, Calif.) Four-D College will hold “Health Care Career and Resource Night” at both its Colton and Victorville campuses Thursday, July 14 from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

“Four-D College offers specialized training in six of the current top 10 health care careers,” said Linda Smith, president and CEO. “We offer Inland Empire residents, including those in the High Desert, an opportunity to learn about these career opportunities and how Four-D College can help them have successful careers in the growing health care professions.”

The programs Four-D College offers are Vocational Nurse, Dental Assistant, Pharmacy Technician, Massage Therapy, Medical Assistant and Medical Billing & Coding.

The Vocational Nursing program trains students to provide hands-on care to patients in hospitals, doctor’s offices, skilled nursing homes, and other health care settings. Duties include bedside care of patients, dispensing medication, and assisting physicians with treatments. Full-time students complete the program in 12 months, part-time students in 18 months.

The Dental Assistant program teaches the skills needed to work as an entry-level dental assistant in a dental office. Graduates of this eight-month program educate patients about oral hygiene, cavity prevention and nutrition, as well as perform dental procedures such as x-rays and tooth polishing.

The eight-month long Medical Assistant program prepares students to work under the direction of a doctor or registered nurse. Medical assistants perform duties such as administering lab tests and maintaining medical equipment, but also clerical duties such as arranging hospital admissions and maintaining patients’ records.

The eight-month long Pharmacy Technician program prepares students to work with a pharmacist, performing such duties as dosage calculations, drug labeling and assisting pharmacy customers.

The Massage Therapy program prepares students to work in both recreational settings such as spas and gyms, and health care settings such as with doctors, chiropractors or physical therapists. The eight-month program teaches students massage techniques such as Swedish, sports, deep tissue, lymph and prenatal, and also skills for working in health care settings.

The eight-month long Medical Billing/Coding program teaches students how to prepare documents for billing to insurance companies, government agencies and other payment sources.

“We want to make sure the Inland Empire understands the resources available to them,” said Four-D College Admissions Director Angelo Lioudakis. “We can provide that information to anyone who visits our campus, but a Town Hall setting will give them an opportunity to hear other peoples’ questions, and possibly learn more information than they would in a one-on-one meeting.”

The “Health and Career Resource Night” will provide an overview of the top health care careers and why they are in such high demand. Four-D College will provide information about how it prepares graduates for these careers. Most notably, most of Four-D College’s students complete their programs in one year or less.

“At Four-D College, students can finish a program and begin earning money in their new career in as little as eight months,” Lioudakis said. “And they won’t have to worry about not being able to enroll in a course they need.”

“We hope they will choose to attend Four-D College after they are armed with this information,” Lioudakis said. “But the important thing is that they know all their options.”

To attend the Health Care Career and Resource Night in Colton call (909) 783-9331. To attend in Victorville call (760) 962-1325.

Four-D College provides education in the growing health care field at locations in Colton and Victorville. Four-D College offers programs in vocational nursing, medical assistant, medical billing and coding, dental assistant, massage therapy and pharmacy technician.

New courses begin monthly at Four-D College and most courses are offered in the day and evening. Massage Therapy and Dental Assistant programs are offered in the daytime only.

For more information go to www.4DCollege.edu.

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