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.