hospital manager with nurse

What Type of Degree Do I Need if I Want to Manage a Hospital or Medical Facility?

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can help get your foot in the door. Those aspiring to work high-level positions with the most generous pay should consider pursuing a graduate degree in healthcare administration or business administration with an emphasis in healthcare management. As a healthcare administrator, your job is to manage daily operations within a healthcare facility. You’ll likely be given a plethora of administrative responsibilities and be expected to multitask in a fast-paced environment. The best healthcare administrators possess outstanding organizational skills, know how to budget large amounts of money and have excellent communication skills. They also need the capacity to lead and thrive in an ever-changing, fast-paced environment. A healthcare administrator is the heart of any healthcare organization. They ensure frontline workers can operate efficiently and have the necessary resources to provide the highest quality of care to patients. Healthcare administrators work behind the scenes and oversee facility operations. While healthcare administrators communicate with doctors, nurses and other staff, they’re rarely required to interact with patients. Due to their diverse array of daily responsibilities, healthcare administrators typically earn a generous salary and are likely to earn more as they acquire new skills and gain experience. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, healthcare administrators earn on average . Another benefit to pursuing a career in healthcare administration is job security stemming from the steady growth of job openings in the upcoming years. In fact, employment in the healthcare administration field is expected to grow by the year 2030. Do you possess the talents and desire to become a successful healthcare administrator? There’s no better time than now to earn a degree in healthcare administration and put your talents to work in a medical setting of your choice. Pursuing a degree in healthcare administration may be an ideal option for people who want to be involved with healthcare but have an aversion to blood or would prefer not to work directly with patients. This career path allows students to join a rapidly growing field with reliable job prospects without needing to pursue formal medical training. While many employers prefer to hire college graduates with a bachelor’s degree can still qualify you apply for numerous entry-level healthcare administration jobs. This option may be good if you’re on the fence about the healthcare administration career path or you want to get into the workplace as soon as possible. If you’re looking for a more specialized and in-depth program, a may the right choice for you. This degree can also propel you toward more advanced and financially rewarding positions within healthcare administration. Those who truly wish to stand out in their field should consider pursuing a graduate degree in healthcare administration, such as a . The program allows students to hone their leadership and problem-solving skills through rigorous coursework. Earning a graduate degree in healthcare administration can open many doors to the most advanced and financially lucrative career opportunities. Consider pursuing one of the accredited programs available at St. Louis College of Health Careers. Our accredited healthcare administration programs are available online, so you don’t have to leave the comfort of your home to immerse yourself in the coursework. Learn more about our diverse array of by visiting our website or calling 866-529-2070.

Physical therapist assistant helping patient

How to Become a Physical Therapist Assistant

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A variety of factors are leading to rapid growth in many healthcare fields. The population is aging, more people are undergoing certain types of surgery (including orthopedic surgeries like joint replacements) and more people are insured than ever before. This influx of demand for healthcare services has led to rapid job growth in many medical specialties, including physical therapy. In fact, physical therapist assistants are one of the fastest growing healthcare occupations in the U.S. with projected growth of Do you have an innate passion to help others? Are you looking for a job that keeps you moving all day? If you’ve answered “yes” to both questions, becoming a physical therapist assistant may be the right career choice for you. Physical therapist assistants (PTAs) work with patients of all ages and backgrounds who have suffered injuries, are recovering from surgery or have medical conditions that limit their mobility. The fundamental role of a PTA is to help patients restore their health and regain mobility by strengthening muscles and improving movement. PTAs typically work under direct supervision of physical therapists and help patients perform exercises according to the physical therapist’s instruction. As a PTA, you can find employment in a variety of medical settings, including hospitals, physician offices, physical therapy facilities, nursing homes, sports medicine facilities and in-home visits. While numbers can vary by state and experience, the average national salary of a PTA is . PTAs employed in the state of Missouri can earn anywhere from $41,000 to $70,280 depending on their place of employment and level of expertise, with $55,810 being the average salary earned by a Missouri-based PTA. To become a physical therapy assistant, you’ll need to earn a college degree, specifically a from an accredited institution. While taking college classes may sound intimidating, many students are able to complete their degrees in less than two years. Many programs offer a variety of learning methods, including academic courses, lab work and hands-on clinical training. Once you’ve completed your studies and earned your degree, you’ll have to pass the standardized exam held by the to become a licensed PTA. Keep in mind that earning a degree doesn’t mean you should stop bettering yourself. Once you become employed, you may need to brush up on your skills periodically to maintain your PTA license. If you live in St. Louis and are interested in pursing a career as a physical therapist assistant, consider enrolling in our accredited program. Our five- semester long, hands-on training will set you on the path to becoming a desirable employee with the necessary skills to work in a variety of medical settings. Are you interested in a healthcare career but you’re still weighing your options? Explore SLCHC’s diverse catalog of program. To learn more about our educational opportunities, call 866-529-2070 or

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How Important Is a Practical Nurse’s Role Within the Hospital Ecosystem?

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While a licensed practical nurse’s scope of responsibility isn’t as broad as that of a registered nurse (RN), both roles play a critical part in patient care and recovery. Practical nurses are the backbone of a hospital’s ecosystem. They spend a significant amount of time with patients and are typically the first ones to notice any changes in a patient’s condition. Practical nurses are also dedicated patient advocates. Since they spend so much time with their patients, they can gain a unique perspective on each patient’s needs, habits and health conditions. For instance, by talking to a patient or their family members, a nurse can discover unknown health details and communicate them to the medical team. If you’re a dedicated and compassionate individual looking for a steady career in the healthcare field that doesn’t require long years of schooling, consider becoming a licensed practical nurse. Licensed practical nurses, sometimes referred to as licensed vocational nurses, are considered entry-level nurses. LPNs are responsible for providing basic care to their patients. Their daily duties typically include taking and charting vitals and helping patients get out of bed, reach the bathroom and get dressed. LPNs often assist registered nurses. Your duties may vary significantly depending on where you work, but you can expect to spend your days on your feet providing hands-on care to patients. If you’re like many other nursing candidates, you may be debating which level of nursing is best for you. An LPN’s responsibilities are more limited than an RN, but they still fill a vital, foundational role in patient care by enabling other medical professionals to focus their efforts on their own specialized tasks. If you’re interested in nursing but you’re not sure it’s your lifelong calling, becoming an LPN may be a great introduction to the occupation. Unlike registered nurses, LPNs don’t have to spend years in school before they can practice their profession. In fact, many LPN programs can be completed within a year, meaning you spend less time and money on your education than you would studying to become a registered nurse or an advanced practice nurse. If you’re fed up with working minimum wage jobs, becoming an LPN is a relatively quick way to increase your earnings. According to the U.S. Burau of Labor Statistics, LPNs bring home an average of . Once you complete your degree and become certified, getting an entry-level LPN position may be relatively easy compared to other occupations which often require a lot more schooling. There is a never-ending demand for nurses in the healthcare field. With more and more baby boomers retiring, this demand is expected to grow. LPNs are needed in many healthcare settings, including hospitals, nursing homes, home care and doctor’s offices. Not everyone has the time and financial resources to spend four or more years in school. In fact, many individuals studying to become a nurse work full-time and have families to care for. Becoming an LPN is an excellent option for busy individuals. Many colleges and universities offer flexible LPN programs, which include evening and online classes to help you juggle school, work and other daily activities. Our four-semester long accredited by calling 866-529-2070.

patient care tech in hallway

What Is a Patient Care Technician?

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A patient care technician works under the supervision of a doctor or nurse and provides basic care to patients with various medical conditions. Perhaps you have considered a career in the healthcare field, but you’re not interested in spending the next four (or more) years in school. One of the many benefits of becoming a patient care technician is you won’t have to spend several years in school before you can enter the workforce. In fact, many college programs allow future PCTs to get their education in as little as two semesters. However, before deciding to pursue a degree in patient care, you’ll want to know what this role entails and if it’s aligned with your professional goals and interests. As a patient care technician, you are responsible for caring for patients in various settings, including hospitals, nursing homes and outpatient facilities. Successful patient care technicians are compassionate individuals who genuinely enjoy helping others. As a PCT, you must also possess excellent communication skills, as you will be expected to gather patient information and convey it to your medical superiors. Most PCTs work long (typically 12-hour) shifts in a fast-paced environment, which means you need to have plenty of physical and mental stamina to perform this job successfully. Your exact salary will depend on where you work, who you work for and how much experience you have. Based on the data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), patient care technicians earn on average . The need for certified patient care technicians is forecasted to grow eight percent between 2020 and 2030, with an average of 192,800 new positions opening each year over the next decade. A variety of healthcare businesses heavily rely on patient care technicians to meet the needs of patients, including hospitals, nursing homes, doctor’s offices and outpatient clinics. If you value establishing long-term relationships with patients, working in a nursing home may be the best fit for you. Conversely, if you enjoy a more dynamic environment and meeting new faces every day, you may do best working at a hospital or doctor’s office. To become a patient care technician, you’ll have to earn either upon the completion of your studies. Taking and passing the examination will ensure you’re competent in a variety of patient care skills and are licensed to work in the state of Missouri. A patient care technician program usually includes courses in biology and medical terminology as well as lab courses so students can gain hands-on clinical experience in their future responsibilities. To allow students to further enhance their skills and gain first-hand experience, many colleges and educational institutions require students to participate in an internship or externship. If you’re looking for a career that prioritizes compassionate care for others, becoming a patient care technician may be a good option for you. At St. Louis College of Health Careers, you’ll be able to obtain a Patient Care Technician Diploma and gain valuable experience before entering the healthcare workforce. Our accredited program is only two semesters long and can be completed in less than a year. Are you interested in learning more about other jobs within the healthcare field? Be sure to browse our or call 866-529-2070.