CNA vs PCT

CNA Versus PCT: What Are the Similarities and Differences Between the Two Careers

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Both certified nursing assistants (CNAs) and patient care technicians (PCTs) are vital members of health care teams. They provide basic care to patients, monitor patient conditions and report changes to nurses. Although both titles are often used interchangeably, it’s important to recognize these professions aren’t the same. In general, certified nursing assistants are responsible for helping patients perform everyday tasks, while patient care technicians may have more specialized duties. If you’re thinking about pursuing either of these roles, it’s important to know their responsibilities and educational requirements differ so you can make an informed decision. A CNA is a certified nurse assistant who provides basic care to patients in hospitals, nursing homes, and other medical facilities. CNAs help patients with bathing, dressing, and personal hygiene. Other responsibilities typically include feeding and bathing patients as well as monitoring patient vitals. They may also provide emotional support to patients and their families and record patient symptoms and progress. A PCT is a patient care technician who provides basic care to patients in a hospital setting. PCTs may work with patients who are recovering from surgery, those who are receiving treatment for a serious illness or those who are receiving palliative care. PCTs may also work with patients who are preparing to be discharged from the hospital. Typical duties of a PCT include taking vital signs, recording patient information and preparing and administering medication. Although there’s some overlap between the two professions, there’s also a great deal of differences between a CNA and a PCT in terms of job duties and levels of patient care responsibility. CNAs typically have more patient contact than PCTs and may also be responsible for more clinical tasks such as taking vital signs and recording patient information. PCTs typically work more with medical equipment and may also be trained to perform more complex tasks like drawing blood, administering EKGs or operating dialysis equipment. The median annual salary for a CNA is , but salaries can vary greatly depending on the state or region in which they work. CNAs in Missouri earn a median salary of $42,564. The job outlook for CNAs is also positive. projects that the number of positions for CNAs will grow by five percent between 2021 and 2031, meaning there will be plenty of opportunities for CNAs in the years to come. The average salary for a Patient Care Technician is . However, salaries can vary depending on the level of experience and education you have. The median salary of a Missouri-based PCT is $50,360. The job outlook for Patient Care Technicians is good, with employment expected to grow by 18 percent over the next ten years. This is much faster than the average for all occupations. Whether you’re inclined to become a CNA or a PCT, earning a from the fully accredited St. Louis College of Health Careers will equip you with the knowledge and hands-on skills needed to work in both roles. Candidates interested in becoming a licensed practical nurse are encouraged to apply for our four semester . To learn more about how SLCHC can help you pursue , call 866-529-2070.

respiratory system

Foods that Can Weaken the Respiratory System

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The human respiratory system includes the nose, throat, lungs and diaphragm. The main functions of the respiratory system are to transport air in the lungs to oxygenate blood and expelling carbon dioxide. It also helps protect the body against harmful particles that are inhaled. There are many diseases that can affect the respiratory system, including infections such as the common cold, flu, pneumonia, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and lung cancer. People prone to infections or those with lung disease or cancer should be especially mindful of their diet as eating certain foods can have negative effects on lung function and the respiratory system. Conversely, there are several foods that can have a positive impact on respiratory health. Including these foods in your diet can help keep respiratory disease symptoms at bay and help you live a healthy life. Did you know there’s an entire profession within the healthcare field dedicated to treating patients who have difficulty breathing? Respiratory Therapy is a medical specialty that deals with the diagnosis and treatment of disorders of the respiratory system. This includes the lungs, airways and chest wall. Respiratory therapists work with patients of all ages who have a variety of conditions, including asthma, cystic fibrosis and pneumonia. They may be responsible for the assessment, diagnosis and treatment of patients with breathing disorders. Respiratory therapists may also be responsible for educating patients and their families on how to manage their conditions. If you’ve been exploring the possibility of a stable and rewarding healthcare career without spending a lot of time and money pursuing medical school, becoming a respiratory therapist may be a great fit for you. The job outlook for respiratory therapists is good, with projecting that the number of respiratory therapist jobs will grow by 14 percent from 2021 to 2031. The median salary for respiratory therapists is $61,830. If you’re interested in helping people breathe easier, consider a career as a respiratory therapist. RTs work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, long-term care facilities and home health care. To become a respiratory therapist, you’ll need at least an . At SLCHC, our accredited RT program equips you with a strong academic background and hands-on experience to become a competent and highly sought-after respiratory therapist. To learn more, call 866-529-2070 or .

occupational therapy

Occupational Therapy Specialties You Can Master to Improve Your Value as a Therapist

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There are many benefits to becoming an occupational therapist. One of the most rewarding aspects of the job is helping people regain their independence and ability to participate in the activities they enjoy. As an occupational therapist, your role is to help people of all ages with a wide range of issues, from recovering from an injury to managing a chronic illness. OTs are also experts in helping people adapt to changes in their lives, such as a disability. They use a variety of methods, such as therapy, counseling and education, to help people achieve their goals. Another rewarding aspect of working as an occupational therapist is the opportunity to pursue a specialty. After a few years of general work, occupational therapists can choose to master a skill they’re passionate about and make it the sole focus of their work. Having an OT specialty is an excellent way to advance your career and stand out among the competition. Most importantly, having an occupational therapy specialty allows your patients to receive the expert care they need and deserve. Pediatric occupational therapists help children with physical, cognitive and emotional challenges improve their skills so they can participate more fully in everyday activities. Pediatric OTs help children improve their strength, coordination and mobility while developing their thinking and problem-solving skills. A pediatric OT may also help children learn how to improve their interpersonal and social skills. Gerontology occupational therapists help older adults maintain their independence and quality of life. OTs working in this field may help seniors with activities of daily living, such as bathing and dressing, or with more complex tasks, such as managing medications or using a wheelchair. They may also provide emotional support and guidance to caregivers. Hand therapy occupational therapists work with patients who have experienced an injury or illness that has affected the use of their hands. They help patients regain strength, dexterity and range of motion in their hands. In addition to providing treatment, hand therapists also educate patients on how to protect their hands and prevent future injuries. Driving and community mobility occupational therapists help people with disabilities learn or improve their ability to drive a car or use other forms of community transportation. They may work with people who have physical disabilities, such as difficulty using their hands or legs, or people who have cognitive or intellectual disabilities. Driving and community mobility occupational therapists may also work with people who have vision or hearing impairments. They may help people learn how to use public transportation, or to drive a car safely and independently. Feeding, eating and swallowing occupational therapists help people with disabilities or illnesses eat and drink. They may work with people who have difficulty swallowing, or those who need help to eat and drink independently. They may also work with people who have difficulty using their hands and patients who need help maintaining a healthy weight. Before you can become certified in the specialty of your choice and support a particular patient population, you’ll need to work as a general occupational therapist. This is actually a good thing, as it allows you to get plenty of exposure to different patients and specialties so you can discover what truly sparks your interest. Keep in mind, pursuing a specialty is optional. There are many occupational therapists without specialties who enjoy working with a diverse array of patients and engaging in various duties. To specialize in the field of your choice, you’ll need to obtain proper certification, which usually requires a fixed number of hours of work experience and passing a certification exam. Occupational therapists typically enjoy good job security and earn a high salary. They can work in a variety of settings, such as hospitals, schools and private clinics. If you’re thinking about becoming an occupational therapist, but you’re not sure if this career choice is right for you, consider becoming an occupational therapy assistant. As an OT assistant, you’ll help patients improve their quality of life while working under the supervision of an experienced occupational therapist. Becoming an OT assistant doesn’t require years of extensive schooling and can be an excellent starting point in your healthcare career. To learn more about the fully-accredited

coping with holiday stress

Coping with Holiday Stresses as a College Student

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The holidays can be a stressful time for anyone, but for college students, it can be especially difficult to cope with the added pressures of finals, family gatherings and financial concerns. Here are a few tips to help you cope with the stress and make the most of this special time. The holidays can be a busy time, so make a plan for how you will manage your time. If you everyday schedule is filled to the brim with schoolwork, household chores and a full-time job, finding time to attend Christmas parties and family get-togethers may be a challenge. Plan ahead, such as setting specific dates for Christmas shopping, attending parties or decorating your home. Make a list of things you need to do to help yourself stay organized and avoid feeling overwhelmed. The holiday season is a time for joy, family and friends. However, it can also be a time of stress and anxiety. It’s important to set realistic expectations for yourself and others during this time. Remember that you don’t have to do everything and that it is ok to say no. Take some time for yourself and enjoy the simple things. Be patient with others and remember that they may be going through their own stress. Most importantly, enjoy the time you spend with the people you care about. The end of the year can be a very expensive time with all the gifts, parties and travel. One way to avoid overspending is to set a budget and stick to it. Decide how much you can afford to spend on gifts, food and other expenses and then stick to that amount. Another way to save money is to shop for gifts online or at discount stores. If you’re crafty, you can also make your own gifts. Whatever you do, don’t go into debt trying to have the perfect holiday. The holidays should be filled with good cheer. It’s also a time when old conflicts and grudges can resurface when seeing people you haven’t been around in a while. It’s important to be aware of how your words and actions might be interpreted and to avoid potential conflicts. If someone says or does something that bothers you, try to address the issue in a calm and respectful way. If things get too heated, it’s always best to walk away and take a break. Being mindful and keeping the peace can allow you to enjoy the holiday season to the fullest. Some people find that taking a break from technology helps them focus on what’s important and allows them to truly relax and enjoy the holiday season. For many people, this includes taking a break from technology. This can mean unplugging from devices such as cell phones, laptops and televisions, and spending time enjoying activities such as talking, playing games and spending time outdoors. It’s not uncommon for the holiday season to be a difficult time for many people. It can be especially hard to cope if you’re feeling lonely or struggling with mental health issues. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, it’s important to reach out for support. There are many people who can help you through this time, including friends, family and mental health professionals. You can also find support through online communities or support groups. Whatever you do, don’t try to cope with these feelings on your own or with potentially unhealthy outlets. At the St. Louis College of Health Careers, we are committed to equipping students with the tools they need to be successful. If you find yourself overwhelmed with schoolwork or need advice on how to build your career, our devoted staff and faculty members are here to mentor you throughout your academic journey. To receive , reach out to a mentor via the student portal or speak directly to your academic advisor.

healthcare admin

What Is the Role of a Healthcare Administrator?

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Healthcare administrators are responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of a healthcare facility or institution. While physicians and nurses deal directly with patient care, healthcare administrators handle a wide range of facility or department-related tasks like patient records, finances and compliance. Most healthcare administrators have a bachelor’s or master’s degree in . However, roles and responsibilities may differ depending on the position or facility type (i.e., hospital, physician’s office, nursing home, physical therapy, etc.). While expectations and job requirements differ from one healthcare administrator to the next, there is often a core set of basic responsibilities that are standard across healthcare administrator positions. While a is not a requirement to get a job in the field, legitimate academic credentials can greatly increase your chances of securing a steady, well-paying job after you graduate. Most healthcare employers will often favor a candidate who has a healthcare administration degree and relevant field experience over an applicant who doesn’t have the relevant education or experience. If your goal is to become a healthcare manager or executive, pursuing a degree in healthcare administration is necessary to be eligible for higher-level positions. Regardless of the career path you choose in healthcare administration, academic experience and education will better prepare you for the field. In most cases, the roles and titles of a healthcare administrator vary depending on the facility and position. Oftentimes, healthcare administrators are given unique titles that might better explain their job responsibilities. If you are a highly organized person with an interest in the healthcare industry, a degree in healthcare administration may be a great fit for you. At the . Our programs are available in a convenient online format, making it easy for you to complete your coursework from anywhere you have an internet connection. Learn more about our programs or explore other by calling 866-529-2070.

what is nurse burnout?

Nurse Burnout: Is It Real and How Can It Be Prevented?

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  and long hours, burnout is a risk many nurses will face throughout their health career. According to the World Health Organization, burnout is an official . As an occupational phenomenon, the term “burnout” should only be used within the context of a person’s job or occupation — not as an illness or health condition. While it is not considered to be an ailment or disease, burnout can be diagnosed by a doctor. Stress influences our ability to make decisions. In a medical setting, decision-making is critical. When a nurse is no longer enjoying their job due to burnout, their behavior and attitude can impact their ability to provide optimal patient care. A nurse’s bedside manner is important to the patient’s health and level of care. Poor bedside manner is often one of the first signs that a nurse is suffering from burnout. Nurses who are burnt out may feel a lack of empathy and compassion toward their patients and become more cynical and insensitive. This can leave a patient feeling alone and unimportant and deter them from seeking medical care in the future. Initiating burnout prevention is an important task for hospitals and their staff, including the nurse managers and leaders. While a nurse should do what they can to prevent themselves from experiencing burnout, it is equally important for their workplace to be proactive in monitoring the wellness of nursing staff and to implement preventive measures. Whether you have already spent time working in the medical field or are looking to pursue a new health career, you can earn your diploma from the St. Louis College of Health Careers. We offer including Practical Nursing, Patient Care Technician, Medical Assistant, Respiratory Therapy and more. Learn from experienced practitioners and leaders in the medical community who will provide you with hands-on training and mentorship. Apply for our by calling 866-529-2070.

nursing students studying together

Tips and Tricks to Get Through Your First Year of Classes

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Entering your first year of college is equal parts exciting and intimidating. It’s not uncommon to be nervous about the transition regardless of how prepared you might be. In the days leading up to the beginning of your first semester, do your best to relax and brush up on helpful tips and tricks for succeeding in your first year of classes. Change can be overwhelming — add an academic workload to the mix and it can start to feel unmanageable. The best thing you can do when you first start college is to pace yourself. Don’t try to take on too much all at once. Give yourself time to adapt to your class schedule, the curriculum and assignments. You don’t need to be excellent at everything right away. Allow yourself the room to make mistakes and learn from them — that’s what college is all about. Meeting academic deadlines is crucial to your success. A lot of important dates will begin to pile up all at once and it can be easy to unintentionally miss due dates or forget to complete assignments. Managing a calendar is an absolute must when starting college. Using an online app or a physical planner can help you keep track of important dates. Everyone learns and absorbs information differently (A.K.A. learning styles), which means there are many ways to participate in class or study for an exam. Even if you think you know your learning style, don’t be afraid to explore new study techniques (i.e., flashcards, drawing, reading aloud, seeing a tutor or tutoring another student). You might even discover that you have more than one learning style — which is common for some students. It’s important to understand how to take advantage of each learning style and find ways to improve your study methods. While college could appear cutthroat, your classmates really aren’t your competition. Instead, they are your colleagues who are pursuing their education alongside you. Be open to chatting with the person sitting next to you or schedule time to meet with your peers outside of the classroom. It can be helpful to form study groups before a big exam or ask a classmate for feedback on a paper. The more you allow others into your learning journey, the better you’ll feel about the process. Extracurricular activities are also a great way to get involved on campus because they can introduce you to new and valuable perspectives and experiences. Most students who participate in sports or clubs or attend optional lectures or presentations find their relationships with their peers and professors are better for it. You are in school to learn material you have no prior knowledge of. Naturally, you will likely have questions for your professors or instructors in the middle of a lecture or lab. Your instructors expect you to have questions, so it will come as no shock to them when you don’t understand something. Don’t be intimidated by a classroom or fellow students and always ask your questions. Someone else likely has the same question but are too intimidated to speak up, or you may prompt the instructor to provide elaboration or clarification that will benefit the entire class. If you don’t feel comfortable asking questions in a classroom, you can reach out to your professor via email or schedule a meeting during their office hours. Aside from the goal to graduate college with a diploma, you should also think about short-term and long-term goals over the course of your academic career. Whether that’s making all As and graduating with honors or pushing yourself to enroll in a challenging course, your goals are often important steppingstones toward your career. College is what you make of it, so work hard, be brave and go for it. St. Louis College of Health Careers is committed to providing students with an understanding of our rapidly evolving healthcare landscape. Graduates leave our programs with a and can swiftly apply their skills in the field. We offer numerous associate, bachelor, master and diploma programs that qualify to take certification exams and enter health careers ranging from practical nursing to healthcare administration. Learn more about our by calling 866-529-2070.

how to fix the nursing shortage

How Can We Fix the Nursing Shortage?

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The high demand for nurses in the United States has plagued the healthcare industry for years. Today, the number of registered nurses in America has reached a staggeringly low number for many reasons, including the COVID-19 pandemic. With the aging baby boomer generation and large population of chronically ill and high-risk patients, the current supply of nurses is insufficient to keep up with growing healthcare needs. Our nation’s provide quality care in nearly every healthcare setting, including hospitals, doctor’s offices, behavioral health centers, specialized medical facilities and other institutions. The ongoing nursing shortage and staffing gaps are inevitably affecting patient care and safety as well as patient outcomes. The situation will only continue to get worse if steps are not taken to relieve the nursing workforce by recruiting newly qualified nurses and encouraging the expansion of training programs. RNs play a very important role in evolving and improving our country’s healthcare system, yet their ability to implement or experiment with new healthcare methods is limited by chronically stretched resources. It’s no secret that all aspiring nurses require an to pursue a health career. The problem is that while the country is suffering a nursing shortage, the education system is also suffering from a nursing faculty shortage. This directly impacts the number of qualified students a nursing program can accept — limiting the number of nursing graduates taking certification exams and entering the field. According to the from baccalaureate and graduate nursing programs in 2021. While faculty shortages are the primary cause, the lack of classroom space, clinical sites and preceptors are also contributing factors. In October 2022, the AACN released a that identified a total of 2,166 full-time faculty vacancies across 909 nursing schools nationwide. Pinpointing just one fix that could make all the difference is nearly impossible given the variety of factors at play, but there are changes federal policymakers and organizations could make that might help encourage greater participation in the nursing workforce and training institutions like St. Louis College of Health Careers. Resolving the nursing shortage in America is a lofty goal that won’t happen overnight, but you can be a part of the solution. If you are passionate about people and interested in a career in the healthcare industry, our accredited program may be for you. We combine hands-on practice with rigorous academics to equip students with the tools they need to pass certification exams and enter the nursing workforce. Graduates of St. Louis College of Heath Careers move on to find work at hospitals, residential care facilities, doctor’s offices, nursing homes, clinics and more. Learn more about our LPN program or explore other by calling 866-529-2070.

tech and occupational therapy

How Is Technology Helping to Improve Occupational Therapists’ Jobs?

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Innovations in technology have propelled occupational therapy to new heights. While many occupational therapists still implement conventional (and effective) treatment practices, like painting or using utensils, a growing number of occupational therapists are incorporating various technological solutions to enhance and enrich their patients’ occupational therapy experience. These solutions include using apps, video games and hearing assistive technologies. Some of these technologies are better suited for children, while others can be of great use to elderly patients. If you’re interested in learning more about a career in occupational therapy, know that technology will likely play a significant role in your everyday practice, allowing you to help your patients like never before. Occupational therapy is often confused with physical therapy. While occupational therapy does resemble physical therapy, the former can be much more nuanced. While physical therapy helps people regain mobility and restore physical health, occupational therapy aims to teach or restore daily living skills, such as eating or getting dressed, enabling patients to become more independent. For many years, occupational therapy was practiced without the use of technology. Nowadays, occupational therapists have access to many technological features that aid patients in overcoming their physical limitations. While many traditional OT methods are still highly effective, using technology can help with patient engagement, especially in the case of young children. For example, a child whose treatment includes drawing or coloring can use an iPad, instead of crayons, messy markers and coloring books to practice these skills. Elderly patients can use virtual assistants, like Alexa or Siri, to control their environment without having to get up or ask others for help. While teaching patients how to use a virtual assistant may sound unconventional, keep in mind the goal of occupational therapy is to help someone become more independent, which is something a virtual assistant does. IPads and virtual assistants are only a handful of technological solutions occupational therapists may use to enrich their patients’ treatments. People interested in a career in occupational therapy will likely need to earn at least a bachelor’s degree in occupational therapy and become certified through the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT). If you’re not sure whether occupational therapy is for you, you can earn an and work as an occupation therapy assistant. While your responsibilities as an OTA may not be as broad as those of an occupational therapist, you will still gain valuable work experience from helping patients overcome their physical and mental challenges. Choosing to become an occupational therapy assistant can be a safer path if you’re trying to keep your career options open. It is also an excellent steppingstone toward a long-lasting and financially rewarding career in occupational therapy. Our Missouri-based, six-semester program combines academic coursework with hands-on practice to create a well-rounded educational experience. As a SLCHC student, you’ll graduate with the necessary skills to adapt to the innovations and new technologies frequently found in modern healthcare. To learn more about our healthcare programs, call 866-529-2070 or .

becoming a phlebotomist

Is Becoming a Phlebotomist Difficult?

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Becoming a phlebotomist isn’t difficult but it does require completing an accredited training program. Fortunately, many of these programs can take less than a year to complete. Working as a phlebotomist may be difficult if you’re sensitive to the sight of blood and needles. Since the main role of a phlebotomist is to collect blood from patients, people who feel queasy when exposed to bodily fluids may have a hard time being successful in their role, even if they possess other relevant skills. Do you find working in the healthcare field appealing but you’re not sure where to start? Consider pursuing a career in phlebotomy. This entry-level career doesn’t require extensive training but can be an excellent choice for those wanting to eventually expand their skillset within the healthcare field. Phlebotomists work in a variety of healthcare settings where patients need to have their blood drawn, including hospitals, doctor’s offices, nursing homes, clinical laboratories and blood banks. If you’re not afraid of a challenge, working as an emergency room phlebotomist can teach you many invaluable skills, like remaining calm and collected in a chaotic and fast-paced environment. If you prefer working in a more predictable environment during regular business hours, you may be happiest working in a clinical lab or doctor’s office. Your work will require daily interactions with many people, some of whom may be apprehensive about having their blood drawn. As a phlebotomist, you’ll need to find ways to calm your patients by being compassionate and understanding about their fears. Another chief skill every phlebotomist must posses is dexterity. Even patients who don’t mind having their blood drawn are likely expecting it to endure relatively quick discomfort. As a phlebotomist, you’ll need to exercise accuracy and precision when inserting a needle into your patient’s vein and be able to collect blood during the first attempt. Along with compassion and dexterity, you need to possess excellent attention to detail. This skill will prevent you from mixing up or mislabeling collected blood samples. You don’t need to earn a college degree to become a phlebotomist. However, you will need to complete a training program and earn a phlebotomy diploma from an educational institution, such as a college or vocational school. Unlike many other healthcare professions, becoming a phlebotomist doesn’t require years of schooling. In fact, you can complete the program of your choice in less than a year. Once you’ve successfully completed the program, you’ll need to pass a certification exam to be eligible for employment in your field. You can earn your certification through a number of recognized organizations, including the National Phlebotomy Association and the National Healthcare Association. Yes. A medical assistant typically handles various administrative and clinical duties, which often include drawing blood for lab tests. If you’re interested in becoming a phlebotomist but are also looking to develop a more diverse skillset and enjoy variety in your daily activities, enrolling in a medical assistant program may be your best option. Our accredited, two-semester long program prepares students to excel in a variety of healthcare settings. At SLCHC, we offer a comprehensive curriculum which combines theoretical knowledge with hands-on training to prepare you for a successful career. To request more information about our .