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 .

healthy college eating habits

Healthy Food Habits for College Students

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Have you recently decided to enroll in college? The decision to continue your education can be equal parts exciting and terrifying, especially if you’re working full-time and have a family to support. Many people attending college find themselves perpetually exhausted from their busy schedules and lack of sleep. Those who manage to make the best of their time in college often do so in part because they maintain good habits, like staying organized and eating a healthy diet. While most people understand the importance of healthy eating, juggling schoolwork with other daily responsibilities can cause you to put a thoughtful approach to nutrition on the back burner. The constant lack of time paired with limited resources makes it easy for college students to eat food that is fast and requires minimal effort to make (or purchase from a drive thru window). A surprising number of students don’t realize there is a cause-and-effect relationship between healthy eating and academic performance. While eating healthy may not seem like a priority, it can give you the necessary energy needed to succeed during this crucial (and inordinately stressful) time in your life. Surviving on the high sodium and minimal nutritional value of TV dinners and fast food may hinder your ability to focus on schoolwork and cope with the stress of everyday life. If you’re like most people, you probably know that eating healthy is necessary for maintaining a healthy weight. Unless you exercise vigorously, eating fast food and sugar constantly can cause you to gain extra pounds and feel sluggish during the day. A nutrient-dense diet may also improve your overall cognitive function, which is vital during college. In other words, eating healthful food enhances your ability to think, learn, remember, problem solve and pay attention. The good news is you don’t have to spend a lot of money or countless hours in the kitchen to fuel your brain with healthful foods. There are several simple strategies you can implement to build healthy eating habits, even while attending college. Your meals should be a balance of protein (lean meat, fish, cottage cheese, eggs), complex carbs (whole wheat pasta, rice, sweet potatoes and other vegetables) and healthy fats (olive oil, avocado, peanut butter). A balanced diet can be a great source of energy and keep you from reaching for unhealthy snacks in between meals. If you’ve chosen to eliminate certain food groups from your diet, such as meat or dairy, it’s important to take supplements, like vitamins and minerals, to avoid nutritional deficiencies. These deficiencies may not only slow you down mentally but also weaken your immune system and ultimately lead to health problems. Most adults who eat a diverse diet of whole foods likely do not need supplements, but if you are cutting out entire food groups or you have certain risk factors (over the age of 50, are pregnant, or have certain medical conditions that affect digestion or your body’s ability to absorb nutrients) supplements may be appropriate. Make sure to talk with your doctor before beginning to take vitamin or mineral supplements. Aim to drink at least eight glasses of water or even more if you exercise or have a physically demanding job–like nursing. Not drinking enough fluids can give you a headache and lead to dehydration. Consuming sugary foods and beverages makes your energy fluctuate. You may feel good at first, but once the “high” subsides, you could find yourself feeling sluggish and irritable. If you have a sweet tooth, try to replace candy bars and soda with fruit, and limit your daily sugar intake to no more than 25 grams. Snacking in between meals is not an entirely bad idea, as long as you indulge in healthful and nutritious foods. Nutritious snacks, like fresh fruit, string cheese, nuts and seeds, can boost your energy and focus and tide you over until your next meal. Start your day right by eating something nutritious, like eggs with whole wheat toast or oatmeal with fresh fruit and peanut butter. Eating a solid breakfast will boost your brainpower and keep you alert and productive until your next meal. At the accessible to students from all walks of life by offering flexible scheduling options, online courses and financial aid resources. To learn more, call 866-529-2070 or .

counting money for finances

Financial Literacy– What Is It and How Can I Build It While in College?

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Financial literacy refers to learning and implementing a variety of financial skills that empower you to make responsible decisions with your money. At the core of financial literacy is an appreciation for the value of your hard-earned dollars and an understanding of the risk factors that can lead to the loss of the money you earn. Being financially literate allows people to use money as a tool for creating a better future for themselves and their family while resisting the urge for instant gratification. It also entails an understanding of the consequences of mismanaging money. If you’re like most college enrollees, you’re probably looking to go back to school to pursue a career that will both interests you and allow you to earn more money. While earning a college degree can open doors to many interesting and financially rewarding job opportunities, not knowing how to manage your finances can make your academic efforts futile or even counterproductive. When people don’t know how to manage their money, they typically end up wasting a lot of it on things they don’t need while neglecting to save for emergency expenses, college or retirement. Spending money on superfluous things you enjoy isn’t inherently bad. What gets people into trouble is usually financing nonessential purchases with credit and failing to pay them off, after which they can become buried in interest. Estimates suggest more than of Americans live paycheck to paycheck and have no money left over to save. Many people who live without a financial safety net are doing the best they can with the income they’re able to earn, but there’s also a large contingent of those who have made avoidable mistakes due to financial illiteracy. If you’re thinking about going to college or have already enrolled in a of your choice, congratulations! You have made the first step toward creating a better future for you and your loved ones. At this point it may be in your best interest to take stock of your financial situation so you have a clear plan on how to support yourself and your family while attending college. The financial skills you develop and hone during your academic journey, paired with your hard-earned degree, will help you achieve a secure and financially balanced future. As a college student, you will likely be responsible for paying for your education. Tuition can feel discouraging, which is why it’s useful to remind yourself that tuition is a financial investment, not a money-gobbling black hole. A clear-headed acknowledgement and understanding of the high cost of school is good in the sense that students who truly appreciate the gravity of this financial commitment are more likely to devote themselves to study. There are numerous institutions, companies and private parties donating money for education. Both grants and scholarships are considered educational gifts. The difference between the two is that grants are given based on financial need, while scholarships are usually awarded based on academic, athletic and artistic achievements. Many grants and scholarships have strict deadlines and are awarded on a first-come, first-serve basis to applicants who meet the necessary requirements. Get in touch with your school’s to learn more about grant and scholarship offerings. Students who serve or have served in the military and their dependents are usually eligible for various as well as on-the-job training. Whether you’re a service member, veteran, military spouse or the child of a servicemember, you may have access to generous tuition assistance that can help pay for your education. Some employers offer employee tuition reimbursement, which means they help pay for some or all of your tuition costs. In many cases employees are reimbursed after they have paid for classes. There are usually certain stipulations. Your employer may only reimburse you if you’re pursuing a degree related to their industry. You might also be required to work for the company for a specific number of years after you graduate. Failure to do so may result in you needing to pay your employer back. While some companies do offer tuition reimbursement for altruistic reasons, there are also real financial benefits for them as well. For example, they can deduct a significant amount from their taxes for each employee they reimburse for continuing education. If you’re looking to pursue a career in a particular field, such as healthcare or education, consider working for a that will help you cover college education costs related to your area of study. Improving your financial literacy isn’t as hard as you might assume. It doesn’t require you take a lot of accounting or finance classes. There are countless free resources online that can help you make better financial decisions. At the St. Louis College of Health Careers in Missouri, we help students from all walks of life pursue a rewarding career in ever-growing healthcare fields. When you choose to study at SLCHC, not only are you getting an exceptional healthcare education, but we’ll also assist you with various financial aid options. To learn more, call 866-529-2070 or .