Extreme Caution Example!

Medical assistants are respected members of the healthcare team. They deliver the caring touch within the confines of a medical office and make a difference by helping people from all backgrounds, ages, and walks of life!

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Extreme Caution Example!...

"The world is a book and those who do not travel read only one page." Saint Augustine

Those looking for a medical assistant school must first understand the meaning AND purpose of a good medical assistant program. Don't become one of those horror stories where students wind up with certificates, or diplomas that are completely worthless, and with job placement assistance that consists of nothing but a list of doctors copied from the local area's Yellow Pages (if that much!).

REMEMBER:

A stamped certificate from a proper organization or school is a credible document. Although most online learning programs offer some sort of certificate upon course completion, the term "certificate of completion" should not be confused with "professional certification". Those are two different things.

A non-recognized, no-credit medical assistant online course certificate of completion is not the same as the documentation received upon graduation from a vocational medical assistant training program, and passing a national certified/registered medical assistant exam.

The purpose of a certification exam is to certify that a person is proficient, and qualified to perform a certain job, which earns them their professional designation.

Certification trough national certification bodies indicates that the individual has a specific set of knowledge, skills, and experience in the view of the associated certifying body.

When issued by a gray-area, unrecognized program, or worse, a diploma mill, it is by no means confirmation of conferment of an individual's knowledge, academic excellence, or qualification for a specific job.

WE LIKE TO GIVE EXAMPLES!

HERE IS ONE

ALONG WITH OUR OPINION:

A copy of Google Ad placed on the Web by St. Augustine School of Medical

Assistants as seen on 12/27/2006.

Note: The information provided here is Medical Assistant Net's own opinion about medical assistant training offered trough certain non-accredited courses offered online. Consumers must be aware that there are gray-area, non-accredited programs, or diploma mills as defined by the U.S. Department of Education and/or Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA) out there designed to move unsuspecting consumer's money into their pocket for little in exchange. To support this opinion we have provided relevant links which over time may change. We urge visitors to do their own research and form their own opinion. It is up to each individual to decide which type of medical assistant program best meets their needs. We first published this article on 8/30/2005.

St. Augustine Medical Assistant School Online???

St. Augustine Educational Services, or St. Augustine School of Medical Assistants online is one example where awareness pays off before signing up for their online medical assistant self-study program.

As Posted on St. Augustine's Home Page:

"An Accredited, Convenient and Affordable Online Distance Education Program. You can now study online to earn an accredited Medical Assistant Certificate in just 6-8 weeks! You may take the Medical Assistant exam online as often as needed to earn a passing grade."

*Click ad to see snapshot of landing page

ST. AUGUSTINE EDUCATIONAL SERVICES, INC.

St. Augustine School of Medical Assistants is advertised on the Web as an accredited medical assistant school through “The National Accreditation and Certification Board” and "HON" (*read more here). The site promises a comprehensive medical assistant education to "begin a successful career as a medical assistant" (end quote). The program normally costs $1215, but is permanently discounted to $645, instant online sign up for anybody! People can pay by PayPal or credit card, however, this money is non-refundable! There are no special pre-enrollment conditions, requirements, or qualification screenings.

ST. AUGUSTINE EDUCATIONAL SERVICES LOCATION(S)

Let's take a closer look at where they are located:

The St. Augustine School of Medical Assistants is found on the Web at www.medassistant.org and some other sister sites. In the past they were listed as a school in Florida*. However, the school is no longer there and the new location is listed as unknown. What IS KNOWN is that the St. Augustine Educational Services, Inc. official website is registered by Mark R. Stout out of Toms River in New Jersey.

Are You Thinking About Signing Up for Their Program?

Then ask yourself these questions in the decision making process:

Question # 1

"Are They a Real Brick and Mortar School?"

Answer: No!

St. Augustine School of Medical Assistants was originally listed as a University in Florida *See archived web page!

St. Augustine School of Medical Assistants website then stated that they are in the British Virgin Islands (BVI)

St. Augustine School of Medical Assistants is now listed on 2870 Peachtree Road in Atlanta, Georgia

But oops... What's this?

2870 Peachtree Road Google satellite image.

Google Satellite image thumbnail:

Hmm... No school campus here. Just a mall parking lot.

Question # 2:

"Who is the Dean of Education?"

Supposedly, the Dean of Education is a Dr. Mark Stout, but I can never get a person to answer when I call, or an email for more info. What is a Dean of Education's function?"

Answer: The term Dean of Education is commonly used in higher education. Although usage differs from one institution to another, a dean is usually the head of a significant department or collection of departments within a university (as "Dean of the Downtown Campus," "Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences.") Many colleges and universities have a position known as "Dean of Students," who is in charge of student services, and a "Dean of the Faculty," who serves as the faculty's voice in the school's day-to-day administration.

Question # 3:

"Who is Mark R. Stout?"

Is there a way to get some more information on Dr. (?) Mark R. Stout, and some of the listed faculty members, or how to contact them?

Answer: Here is some information on Mark R. Stout, self-proclaimed Dean of Education of St. Augustine School of Medical Assistants and former podiatrist in Toms River, New Jersey.

STOUT, Mark R., D.P.M.

License #MD00196500

The Foot Doctor

1868 Hooper Ave., Ste. 1A

Toms River, NJ 08753-8175

In October 2005 Dr. Stout's license to practice medicine and surgery was revoked by the New Jersey State Board of Medical Examiners. Read: In the Matter of Dr. Mark R. Stout's License...

Question # 4:

What is St. Augustine School's BBB Report rating?

BBB Rating: According to information in BBB files, it appears that this company is no longer in business. The BBB's mail to this company has been returned as undeliverable.

We have contacted this company on two occassions in an attempt to develop information. As of this date, we have not received a reply to our request. Additionally, we have received return mail on the Atlanta, Georgia address.

Out of Business

According to information in the BBB files, it appears that the company is no longer in business. The BBB's mail to this company has been returned as undeliverable.

Read the following...

Better Business Bureau Reliability Reports on

St. Augustine School for Medical Assistants: Unsatisfactory.

Business Name	Address	BBB Rating
St. Augustine School Of Medical Assistance www.medassistant.org	1455 Tallevast Rd. Sarasota, FL 34243 (941) 360-9899
St. Augustine Allied School	2870 Pechtree Rd. Atlanta, GA 30305 (770) 000-0000
St. Augustine Educational Services	2870 Pechtree Rd. Atlanta, GA 30305 (888) 817-4595

Question # 5:

What is National Certification Board Accreditation?

"I would like to see more info on St Augustine they claim they are accredited by an organization called “The National Accreditation and Certification Board”. It appears to be a totally phony website at www.acertification.org". Who are the chairmen, advisors, and committees? What does their accreditation mean when it comes to the quality of career training and vocational education? What are their requirements to achieve, then maintain accreditation? How long is the application process and how often is it reviewed? What are their standards of quality? Who votes for approvals? Who regulates them? Is there a summary of their latest reviews?"

Answer: The National Accreditation and Certification Board is a private non-government agency not recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. It is based in Owensboro, Kentucky and managed by three people, the "Rushers". Their web site is at www.acertification.org where for a one-time fee of just $200 anyone can buy a life-time accreditation certificate for alternative health programs, colleges and graduates. More info below:

Web site: acertification.org

Title: National Accreditation and Certification Board

Description: Offers accreditation for alternative health programs, colleges and graduates. Based in Owensboro, Kentucky.

Domain Name: ACERTIFICATION.ORG

Registrant Name: Steve Rusher

Registrant Organization: American Mystery Cat INC.

Registrant Street: 358 East Main Street

Registrant City: Fordsville

Registrant State/Province: KY

Registrant Postal Code: 42343

Registrant Country: US

Registrant Phone: 270.276.5384

Question # 6:

What is HON Accreditation?

"The St. Augustine online course for medical assistants says on their website it is accredited by HON. What's HON, hon'?"

Answer: The HON, or HONcode is a great system. It is, however, not an award system, nor does it intend to rate the quality of the information provided by a Web site. HON wants to help make sure readers always know the source and the purpose of the data they are reading on a web site. Any Web site owner can apply for HON review. Read: HONcode Policing the HONcode.

St. Augustine School of Medical Assistants Website is NOT a bonafide HONcode member. Details why their application has been revoked are listed on the HONcode site.

Question # 7:

So, Is the Program Properly Accredited, or NOT?

Answer:

Official State Non-Accredited Colleges & Universities Lists

The State of Maine has published a list of unaccredited degree suppliers (St. Augustine School of Medical Assistants in Georgia among them!*).

Oregon State has published a list of unaccredited degree suppliers (St. Augustine School of Medical Assistants in Georgia among them!*).

*As seen published on the respective websites on 12/27/2006

Armed with this information, potential medical assisting students, especially those considering their education online with St. Augustine School of Medical Assistants, should now be better equipped to make an informed decision before signing up for the St. Augustine Medical Assistant Certificate Program:

IN CLOSING...

Ask yourself this:

Is an institution offering substandard online training the same as a diploma mill?

May be not exactly; but nevertheless: consumer beware!!!