closeup of practical nurse scrubs

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

blogs, NursingLeave a comment

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.

Details
patient care tech in hallway

What Is a Patient Care Technician?

blogs, NursingLeave a comment

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.

Details
doctor holding patients hands

Learning How to Deal with Ethical Issues in the Medical Field

blogsLeave a comment

Having the knowledge and moral compass necessary to properly handle ethical issues that arise in patient care is vital for healthcare professionals. You’re not just performing any job; you’re taking on the responsibility of caring for patients with a plethora of health conditions, including life-threatening injuries and diseases. Your job is to ensure the best course of action is followed for each patient regardless of their age, health, background or financial situation. To do so, it’s not enough to gain practical knowledge and skills, like how to draw blood, insert IVs or administer medication. As a healthcare professional, you’ll be faced with making daily decisions concerning what’s right for each patient. Having an in-depth knowledge and understanding of the fundamentals of medical ethics will help you conduct yourself in a professional way and make the right decisions concerning your patients’ safety and welfare.   Autonomy means that every patient, unless they’re a minor or they lack the cognitive capacity to make an informed decision, has the inherent right to make decisions about their own treatment. From a medical standpoint, this can be a difficult concept to accept. However, patient autonomy must always be respected, even if you know the decision they make may result in deterioration or death. Do-Not-Resuscitate Orders Patients with serious and chronic medical conditions may have a Do-Not-Resuscitate (DNR) order. When this order is in place, healthcare providers must refrain from performing cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) if the patient’s heart stops or they stop breathing.   Beneficence refers to doing what’s best for each patient. Unfortunately, the optimal approach to care isn’t always clear in complex situations. Determining the best course of action should always involve an individualized approach. No two patients are identical and what’s best for one person may not be a helpful solution for someone else. Non-Surgical Treatment of a Knee Ligament Injury A doctor treating a patient suffering from a knee ligament injury may choose to refrain from surgery unless they’ve exhausted less invasive treatment alternatives. While surgery may be an effective solution, it’s invasive and can be risky. It may be appropriate to treat the patient with less invasive, less expensive therapies before resorting to surgery, such as anti-inflammatory medications, steroid injections and physical therapy.   Non-maleficence refers to meeting the high standards of care required of healthcare workers by choosing only those treatments that will do more good than harm to a patient. Stopping Ineffective Treatments with Serious Side Effects There are some medical treatments that are necessary despite their painful or unpleasant side effects. However, a patient shouldn’t be made to suffer those treatments needlessly if the therapies aren’t improving the patient’s condition, or the harm outweighs the benefit.   Any decision relating to a patient’s health should be fair and unbiased. This typically refers to equally distributing medical resources and providing the same quality of care to everyone who needs it. While undocumented immigrants aren’t eligible for public insurance programs (except emergency care), they shouldn’t be refused treatment based on their immigration status.   Are you driven by ethics, possess excellent critical thinking skills and have a passion for serving others? If you’ve answered to all three questions, you should strongly consider a career in the medical field. At SLCHC, we offer a variety of flexible and accredited or a medical assistant, we’ll guide you in your educational journey by providing challenging coursework, online learning opportunities and mentoring provided by instructors with real-world experience dealing with ethical issues in the medical field. To learn more about our

Details
traveling nurse with map

Using Your Degree to Become a Traveling Nurse

blogs, NursingLeave a comment

While a career in nursing can be rewarding both professionally and personally. It’s not uncommon for nurses to work several years in the same hospital or outpatient facility. People who thrive in consistent environments with clearly defined expectations may excel in those positions. However, others may find greater satisfaction from frequently changing their work environment or experiencing new challenges. If you’re someone with an adventurous spirit who loves to care for people, why not consider becoming a travelling nurse? Travel nurses fill a vital niche in the medical field. The heroic assistance they provided to understaffed facilities overwhelmed by COVID-19 cases was a recent example of just how valuable these healthcare professionals can be for patients.   Generally, a travelling nurse provides medical care to patients on various short-term assignments, which are offered to them by special staffing agencies. These assignments require moving to various locations and working in different hospitals and healthcare facilities. Each assignment typically lasts between eight and 26 weeks. Travel nurses play a critical role in filling in for permanent nurses whose life circumstances are preventing them from working. These circumstances include things like maternity leave, short or long-term disability and familial obligations. Travelling nurses may also play a key role in filling certain specialized nursing positions, especially when hiring the right permanent nurse requires a lot of time and effort.     There is no perfect job, and just like many other professions, travel nursing has its pros and cons. Of course, what one person considers a disadvantage may be a significant benefit to someone else. Deciding to work as a travel nurse should be a personal choice based on your unique needs and preferences. If you want the opportunity to explore different parts of the country, and sometimes even different parts of the world, a career in travel nursing may be right for you. You may also find it interesting to meet people from diverse backgrounds and learn new skills and practices from other healthcare professionals. One of the undisputed benefits of travel nursing is a potentially higher pay than the average nursing salary. It’s not uncommon for travel nurses to earn over a year, depending on their degree and experience. If you’re looking to save up a substantial amount of money and don’t mind living with family or friends in between your assignments, travel nursing may help you quickly achieve your financial goals. The most common disadvantages of travel nursing include being almost constantly away from family and friends, which may be especially problematic if you have children. Although many travel nurse agencies do provide benefits like health insurance and travel reimbursement, they may not be as comprehensive or flexible as the benefits offered by some permanent positions. Travel nurses may also need multiple state licenses to be eligible for certain assignments.   To become eligible for travel nursing you’ll need to earn your nursing degree and gain valuable work experience. Travel nurses must be registered nurses (RNs). To become one, you’ll have to earn either an associate degree or a bachelor’s degree in nursing. You’ll also need to pass the National Council Licensure Examination for registered nurses and apply for RN licensure in your state. Some agencies or healthcare facilities may want travel nursing candidates to have at least two years of hands-on experience through a stationary, full-time position, such as working in a hospital, nursing home or outpatient clinic.   If nursing sounds like an interesting career but you’re not ready to commit to years of coursework, consider earning a from St. Louis College of Health Careers. Our academically rigorous, hands-on program will prepare you for a rewarding entry-level nursing career and help you decide if becoming a registered nurse is something you aspire to do. For more information about our diverse catalog of .

Details
nursing students using a simulation lab

What Is a Simulation Lab and How Does Ita Enhance Learning Experiences?

blogsLeave a comment

Becoming a nurse requires a lot of hands-on training. Nursing students need to be prepared to deliver quality care to real-life patients once they enter the workforce. To do so, they must have the opportunity to practice what they learn, make mistakes and learn from them in a safe and supportive academic environment. To ensure nursing students gain as much practical knowledge and exposure to clinical situations as possible, many nursing schools provide their students with realistic clinical settings in the form of simulation labs. These simulation labs, also known as simulation centers, include realistic looking labs, simulation mannequins and medical equipment and technology, such as IV pumps, defibrillators and electronic health records. The labs are designed to resemble typical hospital settings, like emergency rooms, intensive care units, operating rooms and labor and delivery rooms. The experiential learning that happens in simulation labs prepares students for real-life nursing careers without exposing actual patients to the potentially harmful mistakes of students.   Participating in a nursing simulation lab requires much more than just showing up and taking part in a medical scenario. A typical simulation lab consists of three steps: .   Preparation is key to a successful simulation lab experience. Before attending lab practice, your instructor will likely give you a list of example patients with various medical conditions. These conditions may include things like respiratory distress, low blood sugar, cardiac arrest and opioid overdose. It’s the student’s responsibility to attend the simulation lab prepared. This means you’ll need to research each simulation patient’s condition and complete any assigned readings and tasks before the active participation step. Showing up unprepared will significantly diminish your learning experience and may negatively affect your academic performance.   This part requires your active participation in a simulation lab scenario. You’ll be asked to care for a “patient” showing symptoms of one or more of the conditions you were assigned by your instructor. You may be asked to work alone or with fellow students. The idea behind the simulation is to get you to think and act quickly and become accustomed to working in a high-pressure medical environment. Your instructor, who will be watching you from another location, can control what the “patient” says or how they respond to your questions, so you can never really know what to expect or how the scenario will play out. This allows your instructor to evaluate your nursing skills in real time and give you plenty of useful feedback afterward.   A simulation lab cannot be successful without a thorough debriefing session. Here, you’ll get to review the simulation performance of you and your classmates with your instructor and peers. You’ll have the opportunity to reflect on your decisions and actions, evaluate what went well and identify areas for improvement.   As a future nurse, participating in simulation labs is an invaluable learning experience. Research shows ing outcomes when there’s an abundance of practice involved, which a clinical simulation lab provides. SLCHC’s state-of-the-art provide nursing students an abundance of experiential learning to help them excel in their future medical careers. Our students get to polish their skills in a safe and academically nurturing environment alongside dedicated faculty and fellow students. To learn more about our or visit our St. Louis or Fenton campuses.

Details
doctor hands holding white sign with HIPAA on it

What Is HIPAA and How Does it Impact Electronic Health Records?

blogsLeave a comment

HIPAA stands for the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act. Enacted in 1996, HIPAA is a federal law that protects the privacy and security of patient health information. This means whether your health information is stored in a paper record or an electronic record, it must be kept private and secure. Nowadays, most healthcare providers have ditched traditional paper records in favor of electronic health records (EHR). While there are several benefits to storing information electronically, there’s also plenty of room for breaches in security and privacy. To ensure HIPAA compliance, healthcare organizations must implement a variety of security methods to protect their patients’ health information, including passwords, PIN numbers, encryptions and logon and change audit reports.   Thanks to the introduction of electronic health records, healthcare professionals can easily store, update and share information about a patient’s health. The information can be accessed by doctors, nurses, lab technicians and pharmacists in real time, which makes it easier for patients to receive fast and accurate care. All this data is considered .   Organizations breaking HIPAA policies can suffer devastating consequences, such as hefty financial penalties of up to if the violation resulted from willful neglect.   While there’s plenty of room for HIPAA violations to occur, healthcare organizations and businesses can take several steps to enforce safe handling policies for confidential patient information. Businesses should strive to create comprehensive privacy policies and ensure each employee, regardless of their everyday responsibilities, receives proper HIPAA compliance training. Special attention should be given to administrative employees, such as medical billers and coders who manage patient electronic health records. These trainings should be delivered in a simple and straightforward manner, without overwhelming employees with legal jargon or unnecessary information.   Are you interested in being part of the ever-evolving healthcare administration field? A career in medical billing may be the right choice for you. As a medical biller, you’ll be responsible for effectively managing a variety of medical records. Medical billers are needed in all kinds of healthcare organizations, including hospitals, private practices and nursing facilities. Take the first step in your healthcare career by exploring SLCHS’s program. Our academically challenging coursework will give you a solid foundation and professional confidence to set your healthcare career in motion. To learn more about our programs, call 866-529-2070 or on our website.

Details
girl sitting at desk taking medical classes online

Is There an Online Degree Path for Healthcare Administration?

blogs, Medical Assistant, UncategorizedLeave a comment

that features blended learning. This means you can complete your degree by taking a combination of online and in-person courses. Online classes give you the flexibility to study and complete assignments on your own time, without having to change your work schedule or other daily commitments. If you’re drawn to the healthcare field but clinical duties don’t appeal to you, a career in healthcare administration can allow you to still be a part of the medical community and make a difference in people’s lives. But before you decide to enroll in a program, make sure to learn more about healthcare administration so you can decide if it’s the right fit for you. A healthcare administrator manages the daily operations of a medical facility, including things like staffing, finances and work efficiency. Healthcare administrators typically don’t interact with patients, but they work closely with doctors, nurses and other staff members. They can work in a variety of medical facilities, such as hospitals, outpatient clinics, government facilities and nursing homes. Healthcare administrators are vital to keeping a medical facility running smoothly and are often required to have a multidimensional skillset. Healthcare administrators are expected to have a range of roles wherever they work and be open to learning new skills. They are also required to be well-versed in state and federal laws to ensure their facility’s compliance with HIPAA laws. Successful healthcare administrators are dynamic individuals who are driven to improve patient care and experiences in a medical facility. Communicating with others takes up a large chunk of a healthcare administrator’s daily responsibilities, but it’s far from their only role. Depending on how much time you want to spend in school or how deep you wish to dive into the profession, there are several pathways to becoming a healthcare administrator. If you’re unsure if healthcare administration is the right option for you, you can get your feet wet by getting a , which prepares you for entry-level positions and can be completed in three consecutive semesters. Another more advanced and academically challenging option is a with specialized coursework geared toward preparing you for a full-fledged career as a healthcare administrator. SLCHC offers a bachelor’s degree for students who have obtained a healthcare-related associate degree or have accumulated 60 hours of transfer credit. If you wish to further stand out from your competition and advance your career after you obtain a bachelor’s degree, consider enrolling in a Master of Health program. Many higher-level and top-paying healthcare administration careers require a graduate degree. Earning one may help you achieve the next level of career advancement. Whether you’re interested in becoming a healthcare administrator or pursing another healthcare-related career, be sure to browse our rich . We offer a variety of degrees and flexible learning opportunities, including online and evening classes for working professionals. To learn how SLCHC can propel you toward success, call (866) 529-2070 or .

Details
stress relief tips for college students

Stress Relieving Tips for College Students

blogs1 Comment

Stress is an inevitable part of life. People juggling several different responsibilities, such as a full-time job, parenthood and schoolwork, are especially prone to experiencing a lot of stress. Stress can perpetuate a vicious cycle that contributes to poor academic performance, which in turn causes you even more distress. If you’re subjected to multiple stressors like academic pressure, relationship problems or financial hardships, you may be tempted to throw in the towel on your academic pursuits. Before you give up on your career advancement goals, consider adopting some stress relieving techniques. A busy schedule can lead to less-than-ideal eating habits. Stress eating, skipping meals or eating processed foods loaded with preservatives and added sugar will drain your energy and lead to unhealthy weight gain. It may seem burdensome or even impossible to set aside a few hours each week for grocery shopping and cooking, but this time investment will help you maintain a sharp mind, even temper and a healthy body. To improve your eating habits, follow a diet rich in lean protein, healthy fats and ample fruits and vegetables. Pulling all-nighters before major exams isn’t uncommon for many students, but it can significantly increase your stress levels. Staying up late is tempting, especially if that’s the only free time you have for yourself, but sleep debt can lead to fatigue, depression and trouble concentrating, all of which will have a negative effect on your academic performance. To get enough rest, aim for seven to nine hours of sleep each night and try getting to bed before midnight. Regular exercise isn’t just a way to burn calories and stay in shape. When you’re stressed or tired from prolonged mental activity, exercise can reduce stress levels and help you feel rejuvenated. You don’t have to engage in strenuous workouts to keep stress at bay. Find something you actually enjoy, like yoga, Pilates or walking your dog. Do it three to four times a week for 30 minutes to soothe tension or worry. Your schedule may be filled with many responsibilities and obligations to family members, your employer and professors, but setting aside a few hours per week to do something you like will help you destress and feel fulfilled. This doesn’t have to involve anything complicated or expensive and can be as simple as taking a relaxing bubble bath, working in the garden or volunteering for your favorite nonprofit. Time management is a universally useful skill to hone. However, when you’re in college, poor time management can not only cause you stress but also negatively affect your academic performance. Make sure you know which assignments are due and when and give yourself adequate time to study. Leaving schoolwork for the last minute is never a good idea, as you’re bound to run out of time, miss out on learning and produce subpar work. Use a calendar or planner to write down upcoming assignments and exams so you can prioritize study time on the days leading up to tests or due dates. Going to college can be a lonely and stressful experience. If you’re taking classes online, you may enjoy a flexible schedule, but you may also feel socially isolated, especially if you enjoy interacting with others. Consider reaching out to fellow students and joining a study group to relieve the stress of solitary work. Participating in a study group is an effective way to stay up to date with class assignments, avoid procrastination and exchange valuable ideas and perspectives. If you’re having a particularly tough time dealing with the stress of schoolwork, reach out to your school’s student services to see what kind of resources they have to help you. You may benefit immensely from talking to an academic advisor or mental health professional. At St. Louis College of Health Careers, we offer many to help students succeed in their academic journey. We work closely with each student to ensure they receive the time, mentorship and learning tools they need to keep college stress at bay and become exceptional healthcare professionals. To learn more about our programs, call (866) 529-2070 or .  

Details
piggy bank on a notebook with pen and stethoscope

How Exactly Does Financial Aid Work?

blogs, UncategorizedLeave a comment

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 .

Details
pulmonologist sits and reads xrays

What Is the Difference Between a Pulmonologist and a Respiratory Therapist?

UncategorizedLeave a comment

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.

Details