online school studying tips

How to Overcome Distractions While Studying Online

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Online learning offers plenty of benefits. Also known as asynchronous learning, studying online allows you to complete schoolwork on your own schedule and at your own pace. These features are especially advantageous if you work full-time or have a family to care for. But the safety and comfort of your home, paired with easy access to your smart device and all the distractions on the internet, can potentially make remote coursework a lot less productive than taking classes in person. If you’re pursuing a college degree from home, it’s important to find ways to avoid various distractions, such as social media or conversations with family members, that can negatively affect your focus and productivity. Overcoming distractions doesn’t happen overnight, but if you establish some ground rules and commit to them, you’ll be able to maintain the focus and self-discipline needed to be academically successful. When you’re studying, writing a paper or taking a test, it’s important to find a quiet and private space that allows you to focus on the task at hand. If you choose to do schoolwork in the living room of your home, chances are you will keep getting distracted by family members or a loud television. If you cannot find a secluded space at home, consider going somewhere conducive to studying. For example, find a cozy coffee shop near you with access to Wi-Fi. You can also book a study room in your local library where you’re guaranteed to be free from disturbances and can focus on schoolwork. If you’re like most people, it’s possible you spend a lot of time on your phone. Many people have become addicted to their phones, engaging in activities like browsing social media and apps, watching videos on YouTube or messaging friends. If your phone use cuts into your limited study time, find a way to eliminate this distraction. You can simply turn off your phone or your phone’s notifications. Consider putting your phone away or moving it to a different room. If you’re studying at a library or coffee shop, leave your phone at home or in your car. Since taking online courses doesn’t require you to show up to a classroom at a fixed time, you’re pretty much free to create your own school schedule. While this comes easily to some, others may have a hard time prioritizing school and devoting time to studying. Establishing a consistent routine will help you limit distractions and increase your overall focus and productivity. You can also create a detailed plan of study which will help you avoid distractions and work more efficiently. For example, give yourself two hours every day to complete schoolwork, followed by an activity you enjoy, such as working out or walking your dog. Knowing you only have two hours to study and turn in any assignments will deter you from wasting precious time scrolling your phone or engaging in other distractions. Incorporating short breaks into your schedule is a crucial aspect of a good study routine. When you’re concentrating on schoolwork and staring at a screen for a prolonged period of time, your brain becomes tired and needs downtime to rest. By going for a short walk, exercising or grabbing a cup of your favorite coffee, you’re giving yourself time to recharge so you can return to your studies feeling refreshed and ready to focus again. At SLCHC, we welcome allows students to experience blended learning by completing a combination of online and in-person courses. Whether you’re interested in becoming a nurse, medical assistant or a physical therapy assistant, we have the right program and curriculum to help you reach your career goal. To learn more, call 866-529-2070 or .

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How to Research Colleges and Find the Right School for You

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If you’re fed up with low-paying, dead end jobs, you may be thinking about going back to school.  Today’s job market is filled with promising job opportunities, but many of them require a college degree. While pursuing higher education can be a challenging endeavor, research shows it’s often well worth it. For instance, in 2021 people with a bachelor’s degree earned an average of , while high school graduates made an average of $30,000 a year. Having a college degree can open doors to many interesting and financially attractive job opportunities. Luckily, colleges and universities aren’t just reserved for young high school graduates on the brink of adulthood. Anybody, regardless of their age and background, can better themselves by earning a college degree from an accredited institution of their choice. If you’re interested in a college degree, it’s important to understand your motives and consider several factors before making a decision on what, where and how to study. This is the most fundamentally important question you should answer, as it will help you determine if college is truly the right path for you. Going to school requires commitment and can be mentally, physically and financially demanding. If you’ve decided to go to college because of other people’s expectations, you might not find the dedication and perseverance necessary to complete your degree. On the other hand, if your desire to pursue a college degree comes from an intrinsic need to create a better future for yourself and your loved ones, more likely than not, college is the right choice for you. Other than an increase in pay, what else do you want to get out of your college degree? Think carefully about your interests and strengths. If you enjoy serving others, perhaps a career as a . Once you’ve figured out what interests you, research colleges and programs that align with your interests. Consider the post-graduation job outlook of the field you’re interested in studying. For instance, if your plan is to become a , research career outlooks to make sure you won’t have much trouble landing a job after you graduate. You don’t want to pursue a degree with a low employment rate or one that doesn’t offer an attractive salary. You may also want to consider acquiring skills that are projected to be in high demand within the next ten years. For example, employment of nurse practitioners is expected to grow . This means getting a degree in nursing will likely help you secure a steady and financially rewarding career in the healthcare field. When researching colleges and universities, consider only those that are accredited. An educational institution that is accredited has undergone a rigorous check by a credible authority recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Accreditation ensures the school you’re considering offers a legitimate education that meets the national standard of excellence. A degree from an unaccredited school might not be accepted by employers, certifying agencies that administer licensing tests or other schools you may want to transfer to in the future. Not every person has the free time and resources to attend in-person classes and experience campus life, especially working adults and those with families. If you have other obligations, going back to school may be a challenging undertaking. Luckily, many colleges offer flexible programs that allow busy students to complete schoolwork at their own pace and at the time of day that works best for them. If your schedule doesn’t allow you to attend in-person classes, look for programs that offer online courses, evening classes or a combination of both. If you’re thinking about a career in the healthcare field, explore the many accredited programs C has to offer. We provide state-of-the-art courses that combine theory with practice. At SLCHC, we want to make sure students from all walks of life have access to an , academically challenging education that equips them with the knowledge they need to thrive in modern healthcare workplaces. Browse our list of programs or call 866 529-2070 to learn more.

stress relief tips for college students

Stress Relieving Tips for College Students

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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 .  

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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 .