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How Exactly Does Financial Aid Work?

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Getting a higher education can be a transformative accomplishment. A college degree from an accredited institution can open doors to fulfilling careers, financial stability and a better life for you and your loved ones. But college can also be pricey, and you may find yourself putting off going to school because of how financially straining it may be. Luckily, post-secondary education isn’t exclusively reserved for wealthy individuals from affluent families. There are many educational institutions offering affordable programs and financial aid opportunities so anyone with a drive for success and a passion for learning can obtain a degree of their choice. There are a variety of financial aid options offered to students to help them pay for college. Students of different ages and backgrounds apply for financial aid when they can’t afford to pay for things like tuition, books, school supplies or boarding out of pocket. Students might also use financial aid to support themselves if they are offered prestigious unpaid internships. Financial aid isn’t limited to student loans. Many schools help students pay for education through grants and scholarships. If you’ve ever applied for financial aid or are planning to apply, you may be wondering about the difference between need-based versus merit-based aid. Need-based financial aid is given to students based on their financial profile, such as family assets, income and expenses. This type of aid can take many forms, including loans, work-study positions and scholarships. Merit-based aid is awarded to students based on their academic performance, such as a good high school GPA or other outstanding academic accomplishments. Typically, to be eligible for merit-based aid, you don’t need to meet any financial requirements. Unlike need-based aid, merit-based financial assistance is given in the form of scholarships or grants that don’t need to be paid back. Many colleges and universities, including St. Louis College of Health Careers, offer some type of student aid. At SLCHC, we connect students to , including student loans, grants and student employment. There are two primary ways to apply for financial aid. Firstly, students are encouraged to complete the (FAFSA), which is sponsored by the U.S Department of Education. Completing this form doesn’t guarantee financial assistance but it’s the only way to determine if you are eligible to receive federal aid or state assistance and how much money you qualify for. If you’re planning to apply for federal aid, be sure to fill out your FAFSA as soon as October 1, but no later than June 30, which is the federal deadline to submit your application. You can also submit a College Scholarship Service Profile (CSS Profile) if your school of choice uses it as part of their financial aid process. The CSS Profile is used mainly by private colleges and universities to award nonfederal aid. The application is maintained by the and becomes available online on October 1 each year. The deadlines depend on the school or program you’re applying for. Generally, grants and scholarships are considered gifts, therefore you don’t have to pay them back. Conversely, federal and private loans need to be repaid. The repayment process for federal loans begins after a student has graduated, with a grace period of up to six months. Many private loans need to be repaid during the academic year. Are you interested in a career in the healthcare field but you’re questioning whether you can afford pursuing a degree? At St. Louis College of Health Careers, we offer a variety of affordable resources. Our goal is to provide an education to people from diverse walks of life, regardless of what their financial situation may be. To learn more about our programs and how we can assist you financially in your educational journey, call (866) 529-2070 or .

pulmonologist sits and reads xrays

The Difference Between a Pulmonologist and a Respiratory Therapist

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If you enjoy helping people and don’t mind working long shifts, a career in the ever-expanding health care field may be an attractive prospect for you. You can make yourself invaluable to many health care employers by obtaining an education in pulmonology or respiratory therapy. While both pulmonologists and respiratory therapists treat patients with a wide range of respiratory conditions, there are several differences between these two professions. A pulmonologist is a doctor specializing in diagnosing and treating respiratory system diseases. The respiratory system includes organs like your lungs, windpipe, throat and other parts of your body responsible for breathing. While most acute and short-lived diseases like the flu or pneumonia can be treated by regular doctors, patients with persistent cardiopulmonary issues are often referred to a pulmonologist. Pulmonologists can diagnose and treat many kinds of serious, complicated and often chronic lung diseases, like cystic fibrosis, asthma, emphysema, lung cancer, tuberculosis, pneumonia and more. Pulmonologists work in a variety of medical settings, from hospitals to private and group practices. They can also be found working in sleep labs where they aide patients with sleep disorders. Respiratory therapists are certified medical professionals that assist with the treatment and diagnosis of respiratory system diseases. RTs usually work alongside physicians, such as pulmonologists, and other medical doctors, physician assistants and nurses. They usually perform hands-on tasks to help patients who are struggling to breathe. A respiratory therapist’s job duties might include things like putting patients on ventilators, administering medications, performing diagnostic tests and examining patients with breathing difficulties and more. Like pulmonologists, respiratory therapists work in different hospital settings, such as emergency rooms and intensive care units. They also find employment in outpatient facilities like sleep labs. Both pulmonologists and respiratory therapists provide medical care to patients with breathing conditions. However, pulmonologists have more education, expertise and authority in treating patients compared to respiratory therapists. They also tend to have much higher salaries than respiratory therapists. Becoming a pulmonologist is a lengthy and expensive process that can take nearly a decade and involves both general and specialized training. Pulmonologists generally need to earn a four-year pre-med bachelor’s degree and a four-year medical school degree, followed by a three- to seven-year residency or internship. Becoming a respiratory therapist is much faster and usually takes four to eight semesters depending on the type of degree you’re pursuing. At an institution that offers several semesters each year, like St. Louis College of Health Careers, those degrees can be completed at an accelerated pace. Generally, respiratory therapists only need an associate degree to work with patients, but RTs with a bachelor’s degree are often favored since they have more education and expertise compared to their two-year associate degree counterparts. While a challenging and lengthy educational journey precedes becoming a pulmonologist, the salary is commensurate to both the time and monetary investment. As of December 2021, a doctor specializing in pulmonary medicine . However, these numbers can vary depending on location, certifications, years practiced and any additional skills or specialties the doctor possesses. The average annual salary for . Respiratory therapists are in high demand, with RT jobs expected to increase 23 percent by 2030. Pursuing a degree in respiratory therapy allows you to begin your career and earn a good paycheck far more quickly than someone who is pursuing a medical degree with a pulmonology focus. If you’re interested in becoming a respiratory therapist, a degree from the St. Louis College of Health Careers may help propel you toward a stable and rewarding career. We offer both in respiratory therapy to help you fulfill your professional goals. Our academically challenging and comprehensive programs can be completed entirely online so you don’t have to sacrifice valuable work time to attend on-campus classes. You can learn more about our programs by on our website.

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Do I Need a Degree to Become a Medical Assistant or Is a Certification Enough

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Working as a medical assistant doesn’t require extensive education, but you will likely need to complete a postsecondary training program. While it’s technically possible to become a medical assistant right out of high school and be taught skills on the job, many health care employers favor hiring candidates who have earned at least a medical assisting diploma or certification. A medical assisting diploma will give you plenty of theoretical knowledge and the hands-on skills you’ll need to work as a medical assistant. You’ll learn important administrative and clinical skills to perform your duties successfully. Many medical assisting programs can be completed online, but on-campus classes are available as well. Consider a program that offers a variety of learning environments, like online classes, labs and an externship that will allow you to gain both theoretical and practical experience. Typically, earning a medical assisting diploma takes anywhere from 10 months to two years. Taking your education a step further by getting a medical assisting associate degree can set you apart from other job candidates. You’ll likely be considered more qualified for entry-level medical assisting positions and your scope of responsibilities may be more diverse and impactful. An associate degree is also a great steppingstone to furthering your education and advancing in your career. For example, holding a health care-related associate degree makes you eligible to pursue more advanced degrees in the future, like On average, a medical assisting associate degree takes four semesters to complete. This largely depends on your employer’s preferences and the state you wish to work in. For example, the state of Missouri . However, getting your certification helps you stand out among other job seekers and tells employers you’re committed to your new career. There are two exams you can choose from to become certified: . Both test your knowledge on topics like physiology, medical terminology and legal compliance. With growing numbers of aging baby boomers requiring medical care, the demand for medical services continues to be on the rise. As a result, the medical assistant profession is expected to . Medical assistants can be found in a wide range of medical settings. You’d likely be working at a doctor’s office, a hospital or an outpatient facility, such as a primary care clinic, urgent care or an ambulatory surgery center. Medical assistants may also find employment at dental clinics and nursing homes. If you’re interested in a career in the medical field, St. Louis College of Health Careers has the right programs to help you achieve your professional goals. We provide several educational opportunities for students seeking careers in health care, whether you’re interested in becoming a medical assistant or . Our accredited and comprehensive medical assistant programs prepare you for a rewarding career and make you eligible to take the national Certified Medical Assistant examination. Explore our programs to decide which option is best suited for your professional goals and aspirations. You can learn more about our programs on our website.

LPN LVN RN APN nursing degrees

Differences Between an LPN LVN RN and APN

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If you enjoy caring for others while earning a generous salary, a career in nursing may be the right fit for you. The demand for nurses is never-ending and the employment rate . While hospitals are usually the go-to employers for many nurses, there are several other practice settings where you can apply your skills, like schools, assisted living homes, cruise ships or military bases. There are many titles within the nursing field, including licensed practical nurse (LPN), licensed vocational nurse (LVN), registered nurse (RN) and advanced practice nurse (APN). Understanding the differences in qualifications and responsibilities between these titles may help you decide which career path in nursing is right for you.   Despite slightly different job titles, both LPNs and LVNs have the same responsibilities. Both work under doctors and are required to pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX-PN). Your title will depend on your geographical location. The term LVN is used in Texas and California, while the rest of the United States uses the term LPN. As an LPN, your job responsibilities will involve caring for low-risk patients with relatively simple needs. However, becoming an LPN requires rigorous training, including classroom study and hands-on practice. You’ll be diving into a broad array of subjects ranging from anatomy, pharmacology and nutrition to intercultural awareness when caring for patients.   If you’re curious about a career in healthcare but not quite ready to make a long-term commitment, becoming an LPN may be the way to go. LPN programs are generally a lot less expensive and time consuming than RN programs. With commitment and focus, you can complete the program within a year.   Once you’ve worked as an LPN, you may decide it’s time to advance your knowledge and skills by becoming a registered nurse. As an RN, you will transition from basic nursing care, like checking blood pressure or drawing blood, to more challenging responsibilities, like performing diagnostic tests, analyzing results and supervising LPNs and nursing aides. With an increase in responsibilities comes an increase in salary. While the median annual salary for LPNs in the United States is . Becoming a RN usually requires a four-year bachelor’s degree in nursing, but there are several other options available. For example, St. Louis College of Health Careers offers an accelerated for individuals with LPN competency.   Nurses with masters and doctoral degrees may also pursue academic careers working as nurse educators at nursing schools, colleges and universities. APNs are usually the highest-paid nurses, with an annual salary often .   For more than 40 years the St. Louis College of Health Careers has offered academically rigorous, hands-on training for students pursuing carriers in the healthcare industry. We have a diverse array of and a rich catalog of courses to match your professional goals and to help you advance your academic journey. Our on-campus and online classes give students flexibility in both their scheduling and learning preferences. Students of our St. Louis and Fenton campuses find great opportunities to immerse themselves in academic and practical training environments. You can learn more about our programs by calling us at 866-529-2070 or by on our website.

male nurse take classes at St. Louis College of Health Careers

Is There Really a Stigma About Male Nurses

Practical NurseLeave a comment

The nursing profession is a female-dominated field. While times are changing and society is becoming more open-minded to the idea of male nurses, some people still hold the false preconceptions that only women can make good nurses. Stereotypes about men needing to be “tough” and unemotional remain a powerful barrier for some men who would otherwise be interested in pursuing a career in nursing. Simultaneously, females are still largely regarded as the “softer” gender, thus more capable of being caring and compassionate toward their patients. The truth is that nursing is a rewarding career option for anyone, regardless of their gender, who is passionate about helping and caring for people. Addressing and debunking male nursing myths is crucial to empowering men to pursue careers in nursing. While women still comprise , more than 12 percent of registered nurses in the U.S. are men. With a steady demand for new nurses, this percentage is expected to grow. Male nurses are sought after for many innate attributes, including physical strength. For example, nurses frequently need to transfer, move or adjust a patient’s position. There are also scenarios where a nurse may need to deal with patients who pose a threat to themselves or others. Physical strength is one of the many assets male nurses can bring to their workplace. From a personal comfort and modesty perspective, many male patients prefer to have a male nurse. There is no evidence proving that men cannot be compassionate. Men are just as capable of showing care and empathy as their female counterparts. While connecting emotionally with patients is important, an outstanding nurse must be capable of much more than that. Nursing requires critical thinking and excellent communication skills, both of which are not dictated by one’s gender. This notion could not be further from the truth. The American healthcare system is overwhelmed with an aging population and a growing rate of retiring nurses. There are also growing concerns of nursing burnout in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. The American Nurses Association predicts that by 2022 there will be a need for for both men and women. Since of doctors are male and most nurses are female, some people mistakenly assume a male nurse tried to be a doctor but failed to do so. These assumptions may assign a certain stigma that discourages men from pursuing nursing. Many men go into nursing because it’s a challenging, stable and lucrative career that allows them to help people. Obtaining a medical degree or an education in more specialized aspects of healthcare requires many years of expensive coursework plus residencies, while practical nurses can begin their careers quickly after just four semesters of study and passage of the NCLEX. If you’re living in St. Louis or the surrounding areas of Missouri and Southern Illinois and are thinking about a career in nursing, consider pursing a degree or diploma from the accredited St. Louis College of Health Careers. Our academically rigorous prepares you for a wide variety of entry-level nursing positions and makes you eligible to apply for the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) to become a licensed practical nurse. Are you an LPN looking for your next career challenge? You might be interested in our   bridge program that helps you prepare to become a registered nurse. If you’re reluctant to study nursing, we have that can prepare you for a career in a healthcare field. At St. Louis College of Health Careers, we actively create and nurture an inclusive environment. We offer financial aid resources, flexible scheduling and year-round program start dates to ensure students of all genders, ages and socio-economic backgrounds have access to our programs. Call 866-529-2070 or for more information.

becoming an occupational or physical therapy assistant at SLCHC

Physical Therapy Assistant or Occupational Therapy Assistant

Become A Physical Therapist AssistantLeave a comment

Do you get satisfaction from helping people overcome challenges and reach their goals? Are you interested in a career in healthcare but you’re unsure which path to take? Do you prefer a job that allows you to move around instead of sitting behind a desk? If you’ve answered to these questions, you may want to consider becoming a physical therapy assistant (PTA) or an occupational therapy assistant (OTA). While these names sound similar, and there is some overlap between PTAs and OTAs, their fundamental goals are different. Physical therapists focus on restoring their patients’ mobility, range of motion, stability and strength, while occupational therapists focus more on fine tuning smaller, more specialized movements like dressing, feeding or using a toothbrush.   Physical therapy helps people recover from injuries or illnesses that limit their mobility and includes techniques like massage, hot or cold therapy, water therapy, exercise and stretching. A doctor may prescribe physical therapy as a non-invasive alternative to surgery or to aid in post-surgical recovery. Patients may also engage in physical therapy to heal injury-related pain or to build strength and stamina in their bodies to prevent future injuries. Let’s say a person who’s out of shape engages in strenuous physical activity and hurts their lower back. A physical therapist may evaluate their condition and develop a personalized care plan to alleviate the patient’s pain while strengthening their core. These exercises will be performed either at a physical therapy clinic or at home, depending on the patient’s preferences and mobility. The PTA may also teach the patient special exercises outside of therapy to accelerate the healing process.   When OTAs work with patients to perform daily tasks, they focus more on helping the person adapt to a disability or limited ranged of motion, rather than focusing solely on building or regaining strength. OT patients may have trouble performing the simplest activities, and the OTA can help them gain back their confidence and independence.   Many PTAs and OTAs work at hospitals where they help patients who have had traumatic brain injuries, strokes, orthopedic surgeries, spinal injuries and more. Other work settings include clinics, private homes, schools and nursing homes.   Both professions offer generous pay. However, OTAs generally have a wider range of responsibilities or career specializations, which allows them to earn more than PTAs. The median salary for was $61,000. With a projected 32 percent growth for PTAs and a 34 percent growth for OTAs within the next 10 years, these salaries are likely to significantly grow as demand for trained OTA and PTA professionals increases.   If you’re thinking about a career is physical therapy or occupational therapy, consider getting a degree from St. Louis College of Health Careers. We are an accredited higher education institution that has been helping students fulfill their educational endeavors for more than 40 years. Our challenging and relevant programs prepare you to work alongside experienced physical and occupational therapists. You will also be eligible to apply for the FSBPT and COTA certifications to become fully certified in either physical therapy or occupational therapy. If you’re interested in pursuing an engaging and fulfilling to learn more.