PCAT Prep: Do It or Fail!

Of course, I am a registered pharmacist with a Doctor of Pharmacy degree, now. So, I took the Pharmacy College Admission Test, also known as the dreaded PCAT. When I took the PCAT exam, you could pass the test with just the knowledge you learned from high school and your pre-pharmacy courses at an undergraduate college. There were a couple of books available you could study, but for the most part, it was not a very hard test. The hardest part was finishing the PCAT exam in the time allotted. We were only given about 30 minutes for each section with no clock in the room! I know. I forgot my watch. Doing sixty math problems in 30 minutes was pretty difficult, but I passed the test easily, about 85th percentile overall.

When I arrived at the pharmacy school, I was told by a few classmates and upper classmen that there was a book available at the time to pass the test with 99th percentile on all subjects. If you read the book tirelessly and memorized everything in it, you would pass with great ease. There were also PCAT practice exams in the book to hone your skills. I was shocked and wished that someone would have told me before I took the PCAT test what that book was. How could there be a book that not only helped you pass, but you could pass in the 99th percentile on all categories. I did not pay very close attention to what the book was or how to attain it. After all, I was already in pharmacy school.

I did not have to prepare for the PCAT or do PCAT prep, but I would have if I knew the scope of the test. Especially, if I was trying to get into pharmacy school now, I would study endlessly. It is extremely difficult to be accepted to pharmacy school now! You have to have close to a 4.0 GPA in undergraduate school and score a 75 or above on the PCAT. This is just the minimum scores! Most schools will not accept below 80 on the PCAT. I believe this book, the 2012-2013 Kaplan PCAT, and this CD course, 2012 PCAT Audio Learn, will help you pass the PCAT with great scores in every category. These PCAT prep lessons are essential to passing the test. This will allow you to master the PCAT and eventually get into a great pharmacy school. You will then begin your journey in the profession of pharmacy.

I have written recommendations for 8 students. All of them were accepted into pharmacy school. They have told me everything they had to do for the PCAT. I am trying to give you the best chance to achieve your goal of becoming a registered pharmacist by giving you the answer to the very first part, the PCAT preparation.I believe this book, 2012-2013 Kaplan PCAT, and this CD course, 2012 PCAT Audio Learn, will help you pass the PCAT with great scores in every category.

Meta Competency

Competency is defined as to be a standard based on which the performance of an individual is rated and the learning needs are evaluated on various grounds. This characteristic of an individual acts as an attribute bundle which further classifies the characteristic features of an individual, enabling him or her to deliver the best under any environment or situation. This concept is widely used for assess the various aspects of a job role. Competency plays a major role in defining the strategic decision-making process. It helps in predicting the performance on a specific standard. The various traits of individual accumulate to form, the behavioural aspect.

Measurement of competency is a complex process as it includes various aspects of one's behaviour, that includes skills, knowledge, image of self, motive, its construct and many more, each defining the conceptual end to each definition. Though it only attributes to a single trait, the meta-competency concept covers more number of characteristic features or behavioural concepts. It is used as a standard to increase the drive over numerous aspects of organization like sales and profit through appropriate judgement and identification of opportunities, goals in the development process. Widely covering numerous aspects it gives an overall evaluation of numerous distinct features of the core competencies for any specific role. This review is usually made across the organization in various jobs, levels and departments, so as to facilitate individual communication at both conceptual and practical level.

It must be understood that Meta competency is only applicable or can be used only at sections where the sub set competencies are already framed. This is useful in creating a logical connection between each and giving an evaluative paradigm under any set condition or environment for any job role or position in an organization. Though, in case additional drill into the existing job role is necessary it can be used under a well-defined strategic level. This concept demands a strategic mindset to create a conceptual and analytical framework for evaluating the various characteristics through necessary environmental scanning and trend analysis.

There are numerous disadvantages of Meta competency, though it gives an overall figure or act as a logical connection for the subset competencies. Unlike the competency mapping process, Meta competency mapping is comparatively tricky and demands appropriate knowledge over the various behavioural aspects and perspectives in connotation to the reason behind the process. This concept cannot be used to capture the overall image unless followed by two or more sub competencies. The predicted behavioural content base of any competency helps in framing up an assessment analysis model, thus creating a meaningful prediction of performance. From this one can anticipate the level and depth of this concept that leverage the growth and performance of the entire organization or business unit.

Review of Laureen Jandroep's Medical Coding Certification Review Blitz Videos

One of the best-selling AAPC CPC exam study guide that is only available online is The Medical Coding Certification Review Blitz Videos by Laureen Jandroep. This CPC exam study guide is targeted for students interested in getting certified for medical coding. Many have passed their CPC exam on their first try immediately after using it. With that in mind, here's a detailed review of her program.

What is it?

"Medical Coding Certification Review Blitz Videos" is an online and DVD video training and support program developed by Laureen Jandroep. Laureen Jandroep is an experienced teacher and coach to medical coders taking physician based certification board exams since 1999.

You will have access to Laureen's proven techniques to pass the Certified Professional Coder (CPC) exam by the American Academy of Professional Coders (AAPC). Her program also covers the Certified Coding Specialist-Physician Based (CSS-P) exam by the American Health Information Association (AHIMA).

Who is it for?

Laureen Jandroep has taught many students to prepare for the exams, and through her many years of experience has developed a sense for knowing what students need in order to pass. All these experience and strategies are condensed into these series of videos which are proven to work.

If you need to:

1. Quickly review all the chapters in the CPT book. 

2. Know the exam details on what to expect and what to do. 

3. Manage your time to answer exam questions, not ask questions in your head. 

4. Prepare your coding lookup strategies beforehand. 

5. Ask questions and get advise from an authority figure in CPC.

And most importantly, this program give you the confidence and tools to pass so you can keep your cool and focus on scoring high!

What is good about it?

The Medical Coding Certification Review Blitz Videos are a great review alternative to textbooks. Medical coding subject matter can be very technical and boring, so being able to digest it in video form is always a welcome relief. There are 9.5 hours worth of video so it is a comprehensive review divided into chapters.

The videos are narrated by Laureen with interesting and straight-to-the-point presentation. Laureen is an excellent presenter with a pleasant personality so you won't mind going through the videos again and again. Her advice and techniques for tackling difficult questions will help you to avoid pitfalls that cost you precious time. The videos are organized by chapters so you skip certain chapters if you're confident enough. As a 2011 special, you get these videos on nicely packaged DVDs as well. *Good news, this special bonus is extended for 2012 as well.*

On top of the videos, you get support as well. This is well worth the price of admission alone. You get access to her community of dedicated medical coders via a Yahoo Groups forum, so you can keep yourself up to date on average salaries, opportunities, or general news about CPC. Laureen also organizes monthly webinars where she interviews successful medical coders. This is a great resource for you ask questions and get guidance. Last but not least, you get a 60 minutes direct telephone support with Laureen so you can pick her expert brain on anything about medical coding, whether is it about the exam techniques, career advice, or coding in general.

How does it do it?

Medical Coding Certification Blitz Review Videos come as downloadable videos (you also get DVDs as a 2011 & 2012 special). The total running time of the videos are 9.5 hours so it is divided into chapters of 20-35 minutes each. As mentioned it comes with a 60 minutes telephone support with Laureen, access to a Yahoo Groups community, and monthly webinars. The program also comes with a 60 days money back guarantee.

Verdict

A quick search turns up very little results for video-based CPC/CSS-P exam preparation or review programs. Nevertheless Laureen Jandroep has done a great job in preparing the blitz review videos with excellent support.

The CPC Practice Exam Package Review

The number one reason why students fail the CPC exam on the first try is not having enough time to finish. The truth is, if you are about to go for the AAPC CPC certification exam, then one of the most important thing you can do to help you pass the CPC test on the first or next try is to do as much practice exams as possible. And you have to do it under conditions as if you're sitting in the exam hall. When you use a practice exam and time yourself, you'll be much better prepared in the real test.

With that in mind, here's a review of a medical coding prep package designed to help you do just that: The CPC Exam Package.

What is it?

The CPC Practice Exam Package is a digital download product designed to prepare you for the AAPC medical coding certification exam by providing you with a practice exam modeled after the real exam. It includes everything to help you re-create and analyze the CPC exam experience. If you're so inclined you can even get a friend to pretend to be the proctor by following the instructions included in this package.

Who is it for?

Browse any medical coding forums and you'll see a large percentage of exam takers just can't finish the exam in the allocated time. So if you want to make sure your time management strategies work during the exam, you'll need to practice.

This product is laser-targeted for medical coding students about to go for the AAPC CPC certification exam. That means no frills or unnecessary filler material to get you started simulating the real exam.

This practice package is for you if you:

- Want to finish AAPC CPC exam with time to spare 

- Need to practice your time management strategies 

- Work on your coding speed and accuracy 

- Studying for medical coding certification 

- Tutoring or teaching other people to pass the CPC exam 

- Want to see what an actual CPC exam is like 

- Taking the CPC exam the first time 

- Retaking it after failing the CPC exam

Verdict

The CPC Practice Exam Package as a digital product comes as PDF files so you can download it immediately after payment. In the end, it's a very affordable CPC practice exam with a great answer sheet, study guide, and additional materials to help you maximize your chances of passing the exam and getting certified.

The CPC Practice Exam Package Review

The number one reason why students fail the CPC exam on the first try is not having enough time to finish. The truth is, if you are about to go for the AAPC CPC certification exam, then one of the most important thing you can do to help you pass the CPC test on the first or next try is to do as much practice exams as possible. And you have to do it under conditions as if you're sitting in the exam hall. When you use a practice exam and time yourself, you'll be much better prepared in the real test.

With that in mind, here's a review of a medical coding prep package designed to help you do just that: The CPC Exam Package.

What is it?

The CPC Practice Exam Package is a digital download product designed to prepare you for the AAPC medical coding certification exam by providing you with a practice exam modeled after the real exam. It includes everything to help you re-create and analyze the CPC exam experience. If you're so inclined you can even get a friend to pretend to be the proctor by following the instructions included in this package.

Who is it for?

Browse any medical coding forums and you'll see a large percentage of exam takers just can't finish the exam in the allocated time. So if you want to make sure your time management strategies work during the exam, you'll need to practice.

This product is laser-targeted for medical coding students about to go for the AAPC CPC certification exam. That means no frills or unnecessary filler material to get you started simulating the real exam.

This practice package is for you if you:

- Want to finish AAPC CPC exam with time to spare 

- Need to practice your time management strategies 

- Work on your coding speed and accuracy 

- Studying for medical coding certification 

- Tutoring or teaching other people to pass the CPC exam 

- Want to see what an actual CPC exam is like 

- Taking the CPC exam the first time 

- Retaking it after failing the CPC exam

Verdict

The CPC Practice Exam Package as a digital product comes as PDF files so you can download it immediately after payment. In the end, it's a very affordable CPC practice exam with a great answer sheet, study guide, and additional materials to help you maximize your chances of passing the exam and getting certified.

Jim has a longer, and more in-depth review of this and more at his website HowToStudyForCPCExam. The full CPC Practice Exam Package review at his site reveals the pro and cons so you can be fully informed and kept up to date with the latest information on how to prepare and study for medical coding certification, medical coding in general, the certification exam, and related news about the industry. You'll also find great tips and useful resources to help you get certified.

Prepare for Engineering Entrance Exams With Top-Quality Study Material and Video Lectures!

Getting into a top engineering college in India is no mean feat! With so much competition and tough entrance exams, securing a seat in a reputed engineering college is a difficult task. Counted amongst the most coveted institutes in the world, IITs have a reputation of producing the best talent. Apart from IITs, there are many other reputed colleges in India that are popular among engineering aspirants. Cracking IIT JEE exam can make the dreams of all IIT aspirants come true.

IITs and other institutes follow a fool-proof filtration process that ensures only the most deserving get through. For an engineering aspirant in India, the preparation starts early. The students can be seen attending IIT preparation classes that are offered by many private institutes. Located in all parts of India, these institutes provide complete guidance and assistance required to clear the tough IIT test. Scores of students enroll into these institutes every year to realize the dream of getting into the college of their choice.

In recent times, Indian education sector has witnessed many changes. Technology has become an indispensable part of education. The spread of technology has not left the IIT coaching sector untouched. Apart from the traditional institutes, there has been a growth of many other companies that provide the best products and services to students. Providing all the support and guidance, these companies make it possible for the students to crack the entrance exam for IIT.

With the aid of best study material and IIT video lectures, these companies provide an opportunity to students to develop a deep understanding of different topics. The video lectures not just cover the entire IIT syllabus but explain each and every topic in detail. Covering Physics, Chemistry and Maths, the lectures meet all the requirements of students and help them prepare for IIT JEE papers in the comfort of their homes.

Similarly, the study material provided to the students can prove really handy while revising any topic. With the help of short notes, the students can considerable reduce their revision time. All engineering aspirants can easily find a reliable company that offers innovative and relevant products for IIT JEE exams. Some of these companies even provide personal IIT mentors that help students overcome all the challenges faced during the preparation and revision phase. Under the unique mentorship programs, the students can discuss all their queries with current IITians who have gone through the similar preparation phase.

All video lectures and study materials not just make the learning process easier, fun and effective but can be purchased at very reasonable prices. Providing the best IIT preparation solutions, these companies' help students prepare for tough engineering entrance exams efficiently and in a cost-friendly manner.

An Approach With Competency Mapping

Competency based models are the most effective of models being used in numerous organization and business units. These models are purely based on the integration between the attributes and behavioral pattern of an individual with the elements of the profile that accumulates to define the requirement. Each and every profile is unique irrespective of the similarity in level or status, as each one has its own functional base. The strategic content of a position or a role is well defined through the type of process being implemented in the unit. Competencies are mere behavioral elements that assimilate categorically to create a base of numerous abilities that includes relationships, risk-taking ability, leadership, innovation, decision making and many more factors.

Unlike the numerous processes developed to focus on a specific element, competency based models work in a programmed mode that clearly defines the timing and attributes to be taken into consideration while mapping with the requirement base. This further develops numerous sub-elementary processes that contribute towards development of specific environments. The implementation of models like competency mapping helps in creating a selective mode of development, by creating an implementation base in accordance to the requirement. The strategic objectivity of each process that supplements a specific goal, gets streamlined, and any attempt of deviation are controlled with these implementation.

Competency mapping has an evolutionary approach that keeps molding itself in accordance to the demand of the situation and the complexity of the process. This stabilizes the essential orientation of a unit towards the numerous processes and the profiles for which this concept is being used. Prime focus is mainly on channeling the assessment and development attempts towards determining factors or drives that directs the career development efforts. These attempts help in uncovering the gaps between the expected and actual competencies. The mapping of competencies demands an extensive and systematic approach to derive the best result or identifying key competencies further incorporating it in various other processes.

Competency stands on a mobile network that helps in rejuvenating the numerous propensity of development thus creating a perfect match between a profile and process with the individual's traits (behavior) that affects the performance. This is further gauged upon so as to redefine the process through appropriate training and developmental needs of the connection, though necessary coordination of individuals and other employees are also necessary to create a substantial base of interaction between the concept and behavior.