If you've ever been to the hospital, you've likely dealt with a patient access specialist. Patient access specialists (PAS) are typically the first point of contact. Their job is to help, direct, and comfort the patient. Often, a PAS will be responsible for scheduling, billing, and taking you to your appointment. They are also responsible for calling the insurance company, getting your messages to the doctor, and being there to generally answer any question you may have. Portland Community College is proud to offer training to anyone looking to join the profession.

Clinical Research Assistants (CR Assistants) spend their time performing trials for new treatments, diagnostic devices, and medications. They also work with patients directly in a healthcare atmosphere. They have important responsibilities that include: 

It is no secret that in the last decade, Portland's population has grown and the makeup of its workforce has changed drastically to include multiple protected classes. As a business manager, you must provide a healthy, safe, and respectful workplace for every employee. You must also continue to grow and improve in areas such as diversity, transgender employees, and workplace harassment. Workplace stress affects everyone within the company and can impact not only your team's morale but also their productivity. 

Being a great supervisor is not an inborn trait; it is developed through hard work. It takes a consistent effort to hone abilities. That’s why it’s important to have a good base set of skills, and the resources to hone those skills over time.

Heiko Spoddeck has worked at PCC for the last 16.5 years teaching math, physics, and chemistry. This year is the first time he will teach “Transgender Employees - Creating an Inclusive Community.”

Sean Harry has been with PCC's Small Business Development Center for the last eight and a half years. Before that, he helped budding entrepreneurs turn their hobbies into small businesses. He has started four small businesses and is always excited to share his experiences and the experiences from the many small businesses he has advised.

Grants are funds offered to companies, non-profits, and other organizations to help these groups reach their goals. For some organizations, grant money accounts for most or all of their operating budgets. Needless to say, it is essential for them to do their best to win these funds, which do not have to be paid back.

Regardless of what field you are in, whether you hold a professional license, or continuing education is required for your profession, everyone benefits from professional development on a regular basis. Proactively completing formal learning and development demonstrates initiative to your manager, and if you are the manager, it sets a great example for your staff.

Mediation Instructor Tsipora Dimant is a former program manager with PCC’s Community Education program – but her connection to Portland Community College runs even deeper. She arrived in the United States from Israel in 1974 and earned a GED, then an Associate’s Degree from PCC. Tsipora began studying mediation in 1992 and became an instructor for the subject in 2005. Inspired by the conflict in her native Israel, Tsipora strives to find resolutions to complex communication challenges. Her experience in mediation training spans decades and encapsulates diverse fields including small claims court, business, nonprofits and higher education.

Ann Wagoner is a yoga therapist, has taught yoga for over 25 years and is a certified practitioner of Ayurveda. She researched protocols and herbs for the prevention of cancer recurrence and is a NAMA presenter. She is also a student of Rama Jyoti Vernon and publishes yoga books. We recently asked her about her experience with Ayurveda, and what inspires her about teaching and the subject matter.