respiratory therapist working with patient in St. Louis

Respiratory Therapist Versus Respiratory Technician

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If you’re considering a career in healthcare but aren’t sure which path to pursue, respiratory care may be worth exploring. Respiratory care is a specialized area of healthcare that focuses on the evaluation, treatment and management of patients with respiratory disorders and conditions, such as asthma, pneumonia or cystic fibrosis. There are two distinct positions within the field of respiratory therapy: respiratory therapist and respiratory technician. While these roles share similarities, they also have key differences in terms of duties, salary and education requirements. When choosing between these career paths, consider your interests, educational goals and desired level of responsibility. Whether you decide to become a respiratory therapist or a respiratory technician, rest assured you will be making a meaningful contribution to improving the respiratory health and quality of life for patients. Respiratory therapists fulfill an important function by providing essential support to individuals experiencing respiratory challenges. Their main tasks encompass evaluating patients, performing diagnostic assessments, formulating and executing treatment strategies, administering prescribed medications and overseeing patient advancement. Collaboration with physicians and allied healthcare personnel is integral to a respiratory therapist’s practice. Moreover, respiratory therapy professionals are trained to respond to urgent situations, including interventions like intubation assistance and ventilator management. Respiratory technicians, also known as respiratory care practitioners or respiratory therapy technicians, work under the supervision of a respiratory therapist or physician. The role focuses more on assisting in the delivery of respiratory treatments and therapies rather than designing treatment plans. Respiratory technicians perform tasks such as administering oxygen, monitoring patient vital signs, conducting basic lung function tests and ensuring the proper functioning of respiratory equipment. They also provide patient education on respiratory care techniques and assist with routine respiratory procedures. Because of their greater level of responsibility, respiratory therapists typically earn a higher income compared to respiratory technicians. The mean annual wage for respiratory therapists in the United States is around $74,310, according to the . Keep in mind, salaries can vary depending on factors such as education, experience, geographic location and the healthcare setting in which one works. Respiratory technicians generally earn a lower salary than respiratory therapists, with a median annual wage of approximately . To become a respiratory therapist, a minimum of an associate degree is required. However, many respiratory therapy programs now offer as well. These programs typically include coursework in anatomy, physiology, pharmacology, patient assessment, respiratory care procedures and clinical rotations. After completing the degree program, aspiring respiratory therapists must obtain a license or certification, which involves passing a national examination. As an SLCHC graduate, you’re eligible to apply for and earn the Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) credential upon completing our RT or bachelor’s degree program. Aspiring respiratory technicians can enter the field with a postsecondary certificate or an associate degree in respiratory care. These programs provide training in the foundational knowledge and skills required to assist respiratory therapists in patient care. Coursework generally covers topics like respiratory therapy fundamentals, patient monitoring, medical terminology and basic clinical procedures. While certification is not mandatory for respiratory technicians, obtaining certification, such as the Registered Respiratory Therapist (RRT) credential, can enhance employment prospects and professional growth. Are you drawn to serving others in a healthcare setting, but going to university for four to six years just isn’t an option? At SLCHC, we offer fully accredited RT programs that combine hands-on practice with academic coursework to quickly prepare you for a rewarding career. We understand that pursuing a degree while managing other responsibilities can be challenging. That’s why our are designed to be flexible, with both full-time and part-time options available. We strive to provide a supportive learning environment that helps you balance your education with other commitments. To begin your healthcare education, call us today at 866-529-2070.

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How to Build Strong Patient Relationships as a Nurse

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As a nurse, building strong patient relationships is crucial to providing quality care and improving patient outcomes. Patients who feel comfortable with their healthcare providers are more likely to adhere to treatment plans, share important information about their health and have better overall experiences. Developing these relationships takes time and isn’t necessarily a skill that can be taught in a classroom. The good news is you can get into the mindset of relationship building with patients while you’re still pursuing your degree. This can set you apart from other new nurses and help you establish yourself as a compassionate and trustworthy healthcare provider. Active listening involves giving your full and undivided attention to what the patient is saying, not interrupting and responding in a way that shows you understand and empathize with their concerns. By actively listening, you can gain a better understanding of your patient’s needs, fears and goals, which can help you provide more individualized care. Active listening also helps establish trust and rapport between you and your patients. When patients feel heard and understood, they are more likely to feel comfortable and open up to you, which can lead to a better overall patient experience. Reducing jargon when interacting with patients is crucial for effective communication and building trust. As a nurse, it’s essential to remember that patients may not have the same medical background or knowledge as healthcare professionals. Using complex medical terminology or jargon can confuse patients, create barriers to understanding and even cause unnecessary anxiety. By being proactive, you can anticipate your patient’s needs, identify potential issues before they arise and take steps to prevent them from becoming major problems. Not only is this beneficial for the patient’s recovery and wellbeing but it can help build trust and confidence in you as their nurse. Proactivity can take many forms in nursing. You can display proactivity by regularly checking on your patients, providing education and resources and advocating for their needs. For example, you can check on a patient’s pain level without being prompted to do so and provide pain medication before the pain becomes severe enough for the patient to complain. You can also anticipate the patient’s needs by ensuring they have enough supplies, such as food, water and medication, and communicating effectively with other healthcare providers to ensure continuity of care. If you’re interested in becoming a stellar nurse who not only excels at patient care but also knows how to foster strong nurse-patient relationships, then the St. Louis College of Health Careers is the perfect place for you. Our accredited program offer comprehensive training that teaches not just the technical skills, but also helps hone the interpersonal skills that are necessary for building strong relationships with patients. With experienced faculty and a supportive community, you’ll be able to learn from the best and develop the skills you need to excel in your career as a nurse. To or learn more about the program, visit us online or call 866-529-2070.

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The Importance of HIPAA for Medical Office Administrators

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Medical office administrators hold front-desk responsibilities like medical record keeping, insurance billing and appointment scheduling. However, their duties don’t end there. One of the more significant responsibilities a medical office administrator is tasked with is ensuring HIPAA compliance. Medical administrators must ensure that their practice complies with all aspects of HIPAA regulations, including training staff on proper handling of patient information, implementing security measures to safeguard electronic patient records and maintaining the confidentiality of patient health information. Failure to comply with HIPAA regulations can result in significant fines and penalties, as well as damage the practice’s reputation. Since a medical office administrator’s essential duty is to keep the medical office running, it’s likely you’ll be the unofficial (or perhaps official) HIPAA officer and ensure all staff members understand and comply with HIPAA regulations. If you’re thinking about becoming a medical office administrator, you’ll need to learn HIPAA laws before you’re ready to implement them in your day-to-day work. HIPAA stands for the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996. It’s a federal law that sets national standards to protect the privacy, security and confidentiality of patients’ medical information. The law was enacted to provide patients with greater control over their health information while also ensuring the privacy and security of that information. HIPAA applies to all healthcare providers, including medical offices, hospitals, clinics and insurance companies. It also applies to anyone who handles patient information, including medical office administrators. The law outlines strict guidelines for the use and disclosure of protected health information (PHI), including patient names, addresses, Social Security numbers, diagnostic results and treatments. If you’re interested in pursuing a career as a Medical Office Administrator, consider enrolling in the program offered by St. Louis College of Health Careers. Our comprehensive program will prepare you with the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in the field, including training on HIPAA compliance. To learn more or to St. Louis College of Health Careers, call 866-529-2070.

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How to Manage Your Time When It Comes to Work and School

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If you’re a student with many obligations, like working a full-time job or raising children (or both), schoolwork may feel like a dauting and overwhelming task. Luckily, balancing your different responsibilities doesn’t have to be impossible. With a little effort and strategy, you can learn to manage your time more effectively, allowing you to pursue a college degree without sacrificing work or quality time with family and friends. Like many people, you likely own a smartphone, which means you may be taking a lot of time out of your day to check social media, text friends and answer personal phone calls. While interacting with the world is generally a good thing, spending hours scrolling your Facebook and Instagram feeds can take valuable time away from you without providing real fulfillment or helping you meet your goals. If staying off your phone while you’re at work or studying is a challenge, try setting your phone to airplane mode. This will keep your phone offline and prevent you from sending and receiving calls and texts. Even the most hectic and busy day can become easier if you plan it ahead. Your to-do list can be as detailed and fixed or as fluid as you need it to be. The idea here is to be organized and in control of your time, not the other way around. For example, if you plan to study on a day you have to work, you can schedule some time for this either before or after work. However, if you decide at the last minute you’d rather do schoolwork on another day, have some alternatives in place like doing a load of laundry or shopping for groceries. This way you’ll avoid leaving everything for the last minute (which can be overwhelming and affect your productivity). You may have heard successful people are those who can multitask. However, reality shows this couldn’t be further from the truth. Paradoxically, when you try to “do it all,” you end up getting nothing done. As a busy student, you may feel compelled to do a few things at the same time, thinking it’s the smart and efficient thing to do. This is understandable, but keep in mind that trying to “do it all” may result in getting nothing done. shows our brains simply aren’t wired to effectively handle more than one task at a time. So next time you study for a test, read your textbook or work on an assignment, make sure you’re not trying to do something else simultaneously like cook dinner, scroll social media or chat with a friend. Although your significant other and children won’t be able to study for you, there are several other things they can help you with if you feel you’re running out of time. It may be tempting to prove to yourself you can do it all—work, run a home and go to school—but this is often untrue and unnecessary. There’s nothing wrong with asking others for help to free up some time for schoolwork or a well-deserved break. Even the strongest and most organized people will become tired and stressed if they neglect to take time off from their everyday responsibilities. Prioritizing relaxation and self-care when you’re super busy isn’t a luxury—it’s actually necessary if you want to avoid burnout and exhaustion. Taking time off doesn’t have to involve days or weeks of vacation. It can be as little as taking 30 minutes out of your day to go for a walk or meditate. You can also set aside one day in a week that’s completely free from work and study. You can spend this day as you wish and indulge in the things you love, such as spending time with family, taking a road trip or simply binge watching your favorite show. When you enroll at the St. Louis College of Health Careers in Missouri, you automatically gain access to which include several academic resources that can help you balance your studies, work and personal life. Our dedicated academic advisors are here to offer personalized mentorship and academic tools tailored to your unique situation. To explore our diverse healthcare programs, or call 866-529-2070.

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Understanding Human Biology is Important for Healthcare Careers

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Understanding human biology is fundamental to having a successful healthcare career. Whether you aspire to become a doctor, nurse, physical therapist or medical assistant, you won’t be able to earn a degree without showing competency in your chosen field. Having at least a basic knowledge of human biology may help you more easily grasp diagnostic and treatment concepts that will be relevant in your education and ultimately enable you to make more informed decisions that keep your patients safe. The good news is you don’t have to major in human biology if you want to work in the healthcare field, especially if you’re not particularly interested in spending the better part of a decade pursuing a doctorate. For instance, if your goal is to become a physical therapy assistant, you can enroll in an associate-degree PTA program with coursework focused on aspects of human biology relevant to your profession, such as human anatomy and physiology. Human biology is a branch of biology that is focused on the scientific study of the human organism. Studying human biology sheds light on how our bodies work, how they’ve evolved over time and how we interact with our physical environment. Some medical professionals, especially doctors, need to have a deep and comprehensive understanding of human biology, however those pursuing more focused roles in the medical field like phlebotomy or physical and occupational therapy usually only need to focus on certain aspects of the discipline relevant to their profession. All of these systems work together to ensure the human body works correctly and keeps various diseases and medical conditions at bay. A respiratory therapist works under the supervision of a doctor and treats patients who are having trouble breathing. Their duties include giving patients oxygen, managing ventilators and administering medication to the lungs. To become a respiratory therapist, students must learn different aspects of human biology, with an emphasis on the respiratory and cardiovascular systems. A phlebotomist’s primary job is to draw blood from patients and send it off to medical labs for testing. Most phlebotomy programs include coursework which focuses on exploring the lymphatic and cardiovascular systems. A physical therapy assistant works under the supervision of a physical therapist and treats patients through exercise, massage and stretching. To become a physical therapy assistant, you’ll need to have an in-depth understanding of the skeletal and muscular systems. An occupational therapy assistant works under the supervision of an occupational therapist helping patients regain or develop the ability to perform everyday tasks, such as eating, getting dressed and bathing. Similar to a physical therapy assistant, an occupational therapy assistant must study the skeletal and muscular systems, but also the nervous system. If you’re looking to leap into the ever-growing and ever-evolving field of healthcare, but you’re not sure which career is right for you, consider studying at the St. Louis College of Health Careers. We offer a variety of accredited and flexible that allow you to work at your own pace and gain valuable hands-on experience without spending years in school. Browse the opportunities we offer and reach out to us with any questions you may have by calling 866-529-2070.

healthcare administrators

Challenges of Healthcare Administrators

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The U.S. healthcare system continues to face a long list of challenges that have only worsened over the last few years because of the repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic. Between increasing operating costs, staffing shortages and changes in the delivery of care, leaders in healthcare administration must quickly pivot and adapt if they wish to address the increasingly complex challenges threatening the healthcare system today. With technological advancement and an increase in healthcare services costs, our country’s healthcare system will require highly trained healthcare administrators who are ready to tackle the challenges head on. Medical facilities like hospitals and doctors’ offices need motivated healthcare administrators who possess advanced business skills and understand daily operations. For those who have an interest in making a difference in the healthcare landscape but don’t necessarily want to provide hands-on care, a may be an ideal option. These intellectually stimulating positions aren’t always easy, but they are fulfilling if you possess the necessary critical thinking skills and drive to excel in the field. The current healthcare system would not continue to operate without the focused efforts of healthcare administrators who seek to address problems, pinpoint solutions and improve the industry’s overall climate. While healthcare administration is only one branch of the healthcare system, the value of qualified healthcare administrators continues to rise in medical facilities across the country. Think of healthcare administration as the first line of defense against the many challenges facing the modern healthcare system. Despite the challenges healthcare administrators face, they will continue to be an essential component of the healthcare landscape in the U.S. As more medical professionals retire and new problems arise, an upcoming generation of healthcare administrators will need to carry the torch. Thinking about pursuing a degree in healthcare? At . Earning your bachelor or master in healthcare administration doesn’t have to be inconvenient. From online courses to in-person classes, ask about how SLCHC can help you attain a diploma or degree in healthcare. To learn more, call 866-529-2070 or .

can physical therapy help arthritis?

How Can Physical Therapy Help with Arthritis

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Coping with symptoms of arthritis can be difficult, especially when they prevent a person from participating fully in life. Treatments like physical therapy can help relieve pain and discomfort and increase mobility and physical function. Aside from managing symptoms, physical therapists can educate patients on specific exercises and techniques that enable them to move more freely with less pain. Arthritis reduces a person’s typical range of motion, which can often lead to excruciating pain while walking, running or exercising. Licensed physical therapists are trained healthcare professionals that examine, diagnose, treat or help reduce the severity or progression of medical conditions, including arthritis, that limit a person’s full range of motion. at St. Louis College of Health Career gain valuable experience in helping people cope with all types of mobility limiting conditions and recover from injuries. Earning a PTA Associate of Applied Science can also be a great way to get your foot in the door and earn valuable experience if you desire to move into more focused roles or pursue additional education. Arthritis occurs when one or more joints become tender or swollen, leading to joint pain and stiffness. The most common types of arthritis are osteoarthritis (the wearing and breaking down of joint cartilage) and rheumatoid arthritis (an immune system disease that attacks the joints). Arthritis typically occurs in older adults and symptoms tend to worsen with age. Common symptoms of arthritis include pain, swelling, redness, stiffness and loss of range of motion. Physical therapists that treat arthritis create individualized treatment plans for their patients in order to increase their mobility, strength, balance and coordination. The goal of physical therapy is to introduce methods and techniques that are intended to improve a person’s range of motion and reduce pain or stiffness caused by conditions such as arthritis. Physical therapy generally isn’t like chiropractic adjustments or massage therapy where a patient or customer may see their care provider periodically even if they don’t have a specific ailment, chronic pain condition or acute injury. A physical therapist’s goals vary from patient to patient but may include getting the patient to a point where they’re able to perform various stretches or mobility and strength enhancing exercises without the physical therapist present. The frequency of appointments will often be at the discretion of the physical therapist based on the severity of the patient’s condition and their ability to perform the exercises on their own. Most patients with arthritis will see their physical therapist periodically for follow-ups or to make updates to their treatment plan. It’s not always necessary to schedule a physical therapy appointment every week. The goal is to learn the exercises from a physical therapist and practice them at home. The more a patient with arthritis performs their recommended exercises correctly, the stronger their joints will become and the more they will see their symptoms improve. If you have an interest in working in the healthcare industry and you are passionate about helping others, you may want to consider a career in physical therapy. Completing the can equip students with the knowledge they need to apply and sit for the Federation of State Boards of Physical Therapy (FSBPT) exam. Passing the exam makes students eligible for licensure as a physical therapist assistant. to join our PTA program or learn more about our various associate and bachelor’s degrees by calling SLCHC at 866-529-2070.

tips and tricks for college finals

Tips and Tricks for Taking College Finals

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You work hard all semester long, attending lectures, writing research papers and meeting project deadlines, all while maintaining your grade point average (GPA). Finals week should be no different — in fact, most students consider it to be the most crucial week of the semester. Final exams and term papers can often have a huge impact on your overall grade on your . It is important you do everything you can to feel well-rested, prepared and confident for your finals. In the days leading up to finals week, take advantage of the time you have available to prep and don’t be afraid to try new study methods, especially if your current techniques aren’t serving you well. If you’re feeling stuck or your go-to tips and tricks simply aren’t enough, don’t give up. Studying techniques work differently for each student, so it’s just a matter of figuring out what works best for you and your workload. The key is to be patient with yourself and the material. As you prepare for your college finals, keep an open mind and experiment with some of these helpful studying tips. You may even find your new favorite study technique. Chances are you will likely have more than one final exam or paper to worry about come finals week. Ensuring your schedule is comprehensive, and double checking to make sure nothing is missing, is the first step to managing your time and workload effectively. There is nothing worse than missing a deadline or forgetting an assignment simply because it wasn’t clearly written in your planner or calendar. An organized and detailed calendar can bring you peace of mind and free up space in your day — allowing you the capacity to focus on studying rather than frantically piecing together due dates at the last minute. Once you have all key deadlines ironed out, take the time to create a study schedule that works with your lifestyle. To avoid poor time management, it’s good to set boundaries and time limits for each class or final. A study schedule can help keep you on track and ensure you review all essential notes and study materials. Although final exams are designed to wrap up the semester, that doesn’t mean every lecture or chapter in your textbook will be covered in your final. In most cases, your professors will provide you with a comprehensive study guide or at least a bulleted outline of topics and materials to review prior to taking your exam. While vigorously studying the material within each of these categories is important, giving each equal focus likely isn’t realistic. As you work through your study schedule, start with the material that is guaranteed to be on the exam followed by the material in category two. The key is to feel confident about the information and material in one category before moving on to the next. If you are comfortable collaborating and working closely with fellow students, participating in a study group can make all the difference. You may find one person’s interpretation of the material helps make crucial connections in your brain and strengthens your understanding and retention of the study material(s). Even if you generally don’t study with other students, finals preparation may be a good time to step out of your comfort zone. Don’t hesitate to join a study group or initiate one with a few of your classmates. It is not physically possible to study every waking moment of every day. Without proper sleep and a healthy diet, your efforts might be wasted or less effective than they could be. Just as a study schedule is instrumental to your success during finals week, adequate recovery time and a nourishing meal can go a long way. Instead of reaching for convenience and junk food, choose a balanced diet that includes things like nuts, yogurt, fruits and vegetables. Proteins and healthy fats will also provide you with the energy and brain fuel you need to retain information and recall it on the day of your final(s). We understand that enrolling in college can often feel intimidating and overwhelming. At St. Louis College of Health Careers, we believe that every individual should have access to a quality education that works with their lifestyle. We offer . To learn more, call 866-529-2070 or .