Seham Abouelhassan – 91��Ƭ

91��Ƭ Career & Technical Institute Welcomes Two New Instructors

Michelle Lang — Fri, 12 Feb 2021 21:49:45 +0000

91��Ƭ Career & Technical Institute (NCCTI) has two new members of its teaching staff: Yusto Awich, who is an alumnus of the school, took on the role of Building Trades Specialist instructor in September while Dr. Mamdouh Sorial became the instructor for the Clinical Medical Assistant (CMA) program in December.

“NCCTI is pleased to have Dr. Sorial and Mr. Awich join our team. Both come with industry-specific skills and teaching experience,” said NCCTI Director Rodney Brutton. “Our students will benefit greatly from their knowledge and will certainly be well prepared to enter the workforce from a theoretical and practical perspective.”

Awich graduated from the school’s Building Trades Specialist program in 2017 and after graduation started his own general construction business. Before enrolling at NCCTI, he was a New York City school teacher for about 10 years, teaching biology and sciences.

After William Robinson, who served as his Building Trades Specialist instructor, retired, Awich decided to go back to teaching in his new field.

“I saw the training that I got and I thought it would be a good time to come back and provide the same training that I got,” Awich said. “And also being that I’m a former teacher, I said this is another good way of giving back and combining skills.”

He started teaching NCCTI’s Building Trades students in September and enjoys the position. He still has his construction business for weekend projects, but he is now concentrating on his full-time role as an educator.

Sorial has an extensive background in the medical field. He worked in neuropsychiatry in his home country of Egypt before moving to the United States in 1997. When he came to this country, he was unable to find a residency so he decided to become a medical instructor. He has worked in many institutes of higher learning including Eastwick College in Nutley and National Career Institute in East Orange.

He knew his predecessor, Dr. Seham Abouelhassan, as well as NCCTI’s Patient Care Technician instructor Dr. Maha Koltowski, before coming on board which helped the transition go smoothly. He began teaching CMA students in December.

Sorial stresses the importance of students getting a certification instead of working jobs without room for growth.

“It is very good that we get people certified so they can have a real career,” he said. “It will open a lot of doors for work or for other education.”

Sorial feels comfortable at NCCTI and is happy to work with his colleagues and students.

“It’s a very nice place with very nice people,” he said. “I like this environment.”

Both instructors started working at NCCTI in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, which has made some changes to instruction. Students and staff members are required to wear face coverings and maintain social distancing. Because of class size, Sorial’s students come in person two days per week and he provides assignments for them to complete on the three days they stay home. Sorial said the split schedule can be a challenge, but he and the students are making it work.

Several of Sorial’s students have accepted temporary positions at University Hospital where they administer COVID-19 vaccines at the hospital’s Ambulatory Care Center.

Awich said all the programs at NCCTI help students establish a successful career.

“These types of skills really will set them up for jobs,” he said.

NCCTI is an accredited post-secondary career and technical institution that offers the following programs: Automotive Technician, Diesel Technician, Building Trades Specialist, Clinical Medical Assistant, Patient Care Technician, Community Healthcare Worker, Culinary Arts Specialist and Business and Computer Technologies. NCCTI also operates a comprehensive Financial Opportunity Center and Bridges to Career Opportunities Program sponsored by the local and national Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) offices. For more information, call 973-824-6484, log onto or visit 274 South Orange Ave., Newark.

NCCTI Graduate Has High Aspirations in Medical Field

Michelle Lang — Tue, 04 Feb 2020 20:58:16 +0000

Sakirudeen Hamidu has always had a passion for helping the sick and decided he wanted to make it his career. He graduated from 91��Ƭ Career & Technical Institute (NCCTI) in 2019 and now works at RWJBarnabas Health Medical Group. He hopes to continue his education through med school.

Hamidu began his studies in Ghana, West Africa, where he was born and raised. When he came to the United States in 2018, he knew he wanted to pursue a career in the medical field in this country. He was living with his cousin at the time and spoke about his goals. His cousin, who is a nephew of 91��Ƭ Board Chairman Dr. A. Zachary Yamba, suggested NCCTI and brought him to the school.

When he saw the facility and learned more about the Clinical Medical Assistant (CMA) program, Hamidu decided to enroll to take the first step in his medical career.

It was a decision Hamidu is happy he made. He graduated from the CMA program and began working at RWJBarnabas Health Medical Group in October 2019. He is a medical assistant and works out of three doctors’ offices: in Newark, Clark and Edison. As part of his job, he checks patients in and out, checks their vital signs, takes their medical history, draws blood and conducts in-office tests including rapid strep and flu tests.

“Once you find yourself doing what you want, there is nothing to complain about,” Hamidu said.

While he enjoys his work, Hamidu is continuing his education. He is currently taking prerequisite courses at Essex County College at night and hopes to transfer to Rutgers University to pursue a premed bachelor’s degree. Though he hasn’t decided what area of the medical field to specialize in, he is interested in the area of cardiology.

“Sakirudeen is bright and has a wonderful future in the health care field,” said NCCTI Director Rodney Brutton. “He brought his prior educational experience with him to NCCTI and his willingness to share his knowledge to enhance the learning experience of his classmates should be applauded.”

Hamidu said the environment at NCCTI was a perfect fit for him. He said his instructor, Dr. Seham Abouelhassan, was exceptional, making sure students understood the topics and providing a warm and welcoming classroom.

“When I had to speak in class, she made me comfortable,” Hamidu said. “She helped me a lot.”

Abouelhassan said Hamidu was one of her best students.

“Sakirudeen has proved to be responsible, punctual and meticulous, always willing to learn and showed great potential in both academic and practical skills,” she said. “Sakirudeen is diligent and motivated to achieve his goals. He has a pleasant personality and he gets along with others so his classmates liked and respected him. I know that he still has more ambitions and I know he will be fulfilling them soon.”

Working a full-time job and going to school isn’t easy, but Hamidu is used to juggling school and work. When enrolled at NCCTI, he attended class during the day and worked a night shift. After finishing a shift, there was no time to sleep. He would shower and go right to school. Though it was a difficult schedule, he said it was what he had to do to fulfill his goal.

“I tried to be consistent and just sacrifice and go to school,” he said.

The hard work paid off and with the help of NCCTI staff members, Hamidu was able to secure full-time work in his field of study.

“I just came to this country. I didn’t have any job experience. They helped me with my resume,” Hamidu said. “And they helped me with getting my job.”

NCCTI provided Hamidu with a recommendation and guidance prior to his interview, which helped him get hired.

Because of his positive experience, Hamidu recommends NCCTI to his friends and anyone interested in continuing their education.

“NCCTI has been a great start for me,” he said.

91��Ƭ Workforce Development Center Graduates Find Success At University Hospital

Michelle Lang — Thu, 29 Nov 2018 16:39:56 +0000

When students enroll in programs at 91��Ƭ Workforce Development Center, the goal is to provide them with an education and the skills necessary to obtain a job in their career of choice with a family income supporting wage. Solid training supported by employer partnerships help make that happen. Three recent Clinical Medical Assistant (CMA) graduates have started their careers at University Hospital, one of the employers with which 91��Ƭ Workforce Development Center has a relationship.

University Hospital is in very close proximity to Workforce and is visible from the health care classrooms, which is one of the reasons the school looked to develop that relationship. The hospital also is an anchor institution and has a well-known brand and reputation in Newark. And most importantly, it offers quality career opportunities.

91��Ƭ Workforce Development Center Director Rodney Brutton said, “The relationship with University Hospital adds value to our post-secondary career and technical school.”

He explained that because of the relationship, Workforce personnel know the licenses and certifications the hospital recognizes and work closely with students to ensure they meet the requirements to be considered for jobs.

University Hospital also sees the relationship in a positive light.

“University Hospital has a long tradition of community involvement. From employee volunteer efforts to partnership investments with other nonprofits, we are deeply committed to leading, collaborating and advocating to measurably improve the health of Newark and reduce disparities in targeted populations,” said University Hospital Chief Administrative Officer Annette Hastings. “We are committed to addressing needs that may go beyond our role as the leading acute care facility in the area. Our partnership with 91��Ƭ Workforce Development Center is indicative of that commitment.”

Graduates who have benefited from the relationship are happy to be employed and are enjoying their work. Tasmiyah Gary, Ariellen Orense and Abiba Sylla all went through the Workforce CMA program and work as full-time ambulatory care technicians (ACTs) for University Hospital. Sylla started work in the summer and Gary and Orense became employees in September.

ACTs work with outpatients and do a variety of tasks including taking a patient’s temperature, blood pressure, pulse, height and weight. They also do clerical work like scheduling appointments.

Before enrolling at 91��Ƭ Workforce Development Center, Orense was in nursing school but couldn’t afford to continue. She left school and took a job managing a restaurant but she wasn’t happy. She decided to become a CMA to start her career in the medical field while continuing her education to become a registered nurse and is happy with her decision.

“I really love it,” she said.

She also felt prepared for her job, thanks to CMA instructor Dr. Seham Abouelhassan.

“Dr. Seham taught us a lot. You could tell that she really cared about her students and really wanted us to do our best,” Orense said.

Gary was working at Dunkin Donuts when she heard about the opportunities at 91��Ƭ Workforce Development Center and decided to enroll. She’s happy that she did.

“I feel so grateful. When I hear other people’s stories, how it took them three years to get in here, I feel very appreciative and very grateful to be here at University Hospital,” Gary said.

Abouelhassan is very proud of her students for working hard and achieving their goals. She said the Workforce program prepares the students clinically for the tasks they perform on the job.

“Nothing was new when they went there,” she said.

University Hospital staff has found the graduates well prepared for their new roles.

“What is different about these new hires is that they came with a firm knowledge of the work and expectations. It was clear they were well trained and prepared on not just the subject matter but on the soft skills needed in the workplace,” said University Hospital Assistant Business Manager Lauren Singh. “It was an easy transition thanks to the program.”

Brutton said the graduates’ hard work, the work of their instructor and the relationship with University Hospital all contributed to their success.

“Much credit is extended to our lead CMA instructor, Dr. Seham Abouelhassan. Dr. Seham ensured Tasmiyah, Ariellen and Abiba had the requisite administrative and clinical skills to be of value for the University Hospital Ambulatory Care Center,” Brutton said. “The Workforce Center’s goal is to be a primary source for UH when they look to fill outpatient and inpatient job openings. We are extremely appreciative of the partnership.”

91��Ƭ Workforce Development Center is an accredited post-secondary career and technical school that offers the following programs: Automotive Technician, Building Trades Specialist, Business and Computer Technologies, Clinical Medical Assistant, Culinary Arts Specialist, Diesel Technician and Patient Care Technician. The school is currently accepting applications for all programs. or call 973-823-6484 for more information.

CMA Student Juggles Full-Time Job And Classes

Michelle Lang — Wed, 29 Nov 2017 18:54:17 +0000

Samaya Hutchinson is participating in the Certified Medical Assistant program at 91��Ƭ Workforce Development Center. She hopes to one day become a registered nurse.

Having a full-time job while going to school is never easy, but it becomes even more of a challenge when you’re working nights and attending classes during the day. That’s what Samaya Hutchinson is doing to complete the Certified Medical Assistant program at 91��Ƭ Workforce Development Center.
Hutchinson works as a certified home health aide at Brighton Gardens, Sunrise Senior Living in West Orange from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday. She also works Saturday afternoons and sometimes Sunday. She attends class from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. during the week.
Getting very little sleep hasn’t deterred the 21-year-old.
“It’s hard but I push myself because I want more for myself,” she said. “I want to finance myself so I don’t have to depend on my parents.”
Hutchinson moved to East Orange last year from Jamaica. She lives with her mother, stepfather, three sisters and two brothers.
She has wanted to work in the health care field since she was about 6 years old, when her grandmother passed away. “Because I didn’t have the chance to help her, I wanted to be a nurse,” Hutchinson said.
Her sister, who wanted to be a doctor, got very sick when she was 15 and passed away. That pushed Hutchinson even more toward health care.
Hutchinson’s ultimate goal is to become a registered nurse. She plans to complete the Workforce CMA program and work as a certified medical assistant full-time while also maintaining her role as a certified home health aide on the weekends. She wants to earn a bachelor’s degree as well, which she hopes to start working toward in 2019.
91��Ƭ Workforce Development Center staff members are convinced she’ll achieve her goals.
“Samaya is destined for success. She’s smart, hard-working and committed to making the necessary sacrifices to meet her professional and personal goals,” said Workforce Development Center Director Rodney Brutton. “This is evident by Samaya’s perfect attendance participating in the CMA program although she works a full-time job at Brighton Gardens, Sunrise Senior Living.”
“Ms. Hutchinson is a motivated and diligent student whom I had the pleasure of having in my class,” said CMA instructor Seham Abouelhassan. “Ms. Hutchinson is always willing to learn and has proven to be responsible and punctual in spite of her overnight job which I know to be tiresome and draining.”
Hutchinson enjoys taking classes at Workforce. She said it’s a friendly atmosphere with good teachers. She also has a very close relationship with the other students.
“My classmates are like family to me,” she said.
Hutchinson is very driven to attain the education needed to pursue her dream career and maintain independence. Another goal she has is to get a driver’s license and her own car next year.
“I’ve always wanted to help others and make people proud, especially my mom,” Hutchinson said.
She is well on her way to doing both.

New Workforce Instructor Brings Real World Experience

Michelle Lang — Thu, 28 Sep 2017 15:52:23 +0000

Seham Abouelhassan began as a certified medical assistant instructor for the 91��Ƭ Workforce Development Center July 26.

Students enrolled in the Allied Health program at the 91��Ƭ Workforce Development Center have a new instructor who practiced internal medicine for more than a decade helping them gain the skills needed for a fulfilling career: Seham Abouelhassan.
Abouelhassan became a certified medical assistant instructor at the Workforce Development Center, 274 South Orange Ave., Newark, July 26. She has been an instructor in the medical field since 2004, working at the now closed Drake College of Business in Elizabeth and the Westchester School for Medical/Dental Assistants. Prior to that, she practiced internal medicine in Egypt for 12 years.
“We are pleased to have Dr. Seham. She brings a wealth of experience, having worked as a Certified Medical Assistant instructor for several years and adds great value to our Allied Health care programs and school,” said Workforce Development Director Rodney Brutton.
Abouelhassan became an instructor after coming to New Jersey from Egypt. To practice medicine in the U.S., she would have had to go through residency again and at the time her children were young. Though it wasn’t her first career choice, she found teaching to be fulfilling.
“After that first job, I felt that I was born to be a teacher,” she said.
Her experience as an internist helps guide the instruction. She said she is able to give her students more information about diseases and diagnoses which is helpful when seeing patients. She also knows the ins and outs of ethics in the medical field, which she said is very important for the students to know.
Abouelhassan said her favorite part of her job is seeing students do procedures correctly and understand patients’ rights.
“You can see the results of your work. This is the best thing,” she said.
The scope of instruction is wide. Abouelhassan teaches students phlebotomy and how to conduct an EKG and take vital signs. The students learn how to work in an office and about safety in the workplace. She also introduces them to financial office management and billing and coding.
Abouelhassan said she believes many of her students will make good certified medical assistants.
“The way they pay attention in class and do procedures, I’m optimistic they will do fine and have good jobs,” she said.
Abouelhassan has advice for her students, which can be applied both to their studies and outside the classroom.
“I always tell them there are no automatic doors in life. You have to put forth some effort to get what you need,” she said. “I help you, but you have to help yourself first.”
Abouelhassan lives in Jersey City. She has a husband and two daughters, ages 26 and 24.