- Alumni Spotlight: Meet Leen Garcia '22Alumni Spotlight: Meet Leen Garcia ’22 Program: Human Resources Specialist Campus: Greece “As an adult in my late forties, I set a goal that I would earn my first degree by the age of fifty,” said Bryant & Stratton College alumna Leen Garcia, “and here I am. I’m going to be fifty and I’m proud to say that I accomplished my goal.” Leen had been working in the human resources (HR) field for more than seventeen years when she decided to make it a goal for herself to earn her degree. “I did not finish college when I had the opportunity to in my younger years,” she said, and already having firsthand experience in HR made it easy for her to decide on the degree she wanted to pursue. When Leen attended registration at Bryant & Stratton College with her daughter, she discovered what the college’s atmosphere and experience are all about. “I felt a warm and welcoming feeling. I was sold,” she shared. An associate degree in human resources specialist from Bryant & Stratton College provides students with the foundation needed in business and administrative skills to ensure they are prepared for today’s business environment. Students gain the critical skills and educational components that enable them to secure key roles at companies in any industry. The degree can also provide the education needed to advance current careers beyond HR specialist and into HR management down the line. Leen shared that “my career goals are to utilize my degree and experience to be promoted with my current employer.” She also admitted that “even though I had years of experience in HR, my time at Bryant & Stratton College not only served as a refresher in some of my courses but also provided me with the reassurance that I needed to take me a long way in my future aspirations as an HR professional.” Although Leen had the background and motivation to earn her degree, she acknowledged her journey was challenging but rewarding. “At times I felt like I was not making the best of my time, especially working full time and being a mother and wife. With the assistance of my instructors, I was able to pull through by learning the proper time management skills,” she explained. The hard work that Leen put into her education played a huge role in her success, but she gives credit to all the individuals at Bryant & Stratton College who helped and pushed her along the way. “My instructor, Brendalynn Jackson, helped me gain confidence with her feedback. She was such a positive and understanding instructor who always welcomed me with open arms,” said Leen. “From the moment I visited the college with my daughter, I felt a sense of welcome. I felt like I belonged. Bryant & Stratton College has a strong educational culture and is always aware of diversity and inclusiveness,” Leen shared. “I would like to say thank you to all the individuals who helped me throughout my time at the college. I made it, and I was able to achieve my goal.”
- Program Highlight: Occupational Therapy AssistantWe’re putting a spotlight on the efforts of those in the occupational therapy (OT) and occupational therapy assistant (OTA) fields. To do so, we spoke with Tracey Marie Taylor, occupational therapist and director of the OTA program at Bryant & Stratton College - Greece Campus. What is OT? According to Taylor, OT focuses on helping patients improve their ability to carry out activities of daily life. “The way I like to describe it is whatever your ailment, diagnosis, disability or impairment is, an OT will ask you what your goals are and what you want to get back to doing,” said Taylor. “Whatever those goals are related to, whether your occupation or your needs, that’s what we will work on.” Bryant & Stratton’s OTA program is an 18-month program that offers students an associate degree, which can lead to a career under the direction and supervision of an occupational therapist. “An OTA can work very autonomously,” said Taylor. “For instance, they can work within a school system. However, there is always a supervision component, which is usually a collaboration between the OTA and the therapist that oversees them.” OTA: A Trending Program A recent article from the Scholarship Institute has OTA listed as a trending college major, which according to Taylor, is likely due to the altruistic nature of the field. “I think that people who choose the occupational therapy assistant program are looking to help people,” she said. “I believe they’re caring, and they have compassion and empathy. Many of our students learn about us because a loved one had occupational therapy services at some point, and they became intrigued by it.” The field also allows for a variety of avenues to pursue. “There’s something for everyone,” said Taylor. “If you want to specialize in something, that is always an option, and that can bring a lot of good energy. The profession of occupational therapy lends itself to so many different avenues that people pursue.” Unlike some majors in the healthcare field, Taylor has found that there aren’t any specific demographics for the OTA program. “We have a broad demographic of students,” she said. “We do get some students right out of high school, and we also get students who start at other colleges and decided that it wasn’t for them. We have students who transfer in from other programs or have decided later in life that they wanted to go back to school, which serves our program well because each have their own strengths that they can share with others.” The job market for OTAs is strong right now, thanks in part to the ongoing effects of the pandemic. “There has been a great need for continuing care for COVID-related ailments,” said Taylor. “Overall, OT is ranked fairly high in terms of interest in the job market in regard to what your options are. There are plenty of jobs out there right now, though it depends on where you want to go and what you want to do.” OT and Autism Autism is also something near and dear to Taylor, and it carries a connection to OT. “I am a parent of a son, now 23, who has autism, which has helped me in my position as a program director for the OTA program,” said Taylor. “Years ago, when we moved back to the area, there weren’t any support systems around. So, a group of parents and I founded Autism Up, a local resource and agency in the Rochester area that supports parents and families who have been affected by autism.” When Taylor began her position at Bryant & Stratton College as a fieldwork coordinator, she had ideas for enhancing the program. “I think that one of the areas where we need improvement in our society is inclusive opportunities for people, but that doesn’t always happen for people with autism, especially adults with autism,” said Taylor. “I was able to coordinate with Sara Milko, who is the executive director of Autism Up, and we were able to coordinate our early fieldwork for the students. They do hands-on, three-to-four-hour fieldwork with children and adults, ranging from three years old through their 30s, at the Golisano Autism Center. The students get a lot of hands-on and observational experience, not just with children, but with families as well. There is an OT on staff there, giving them experience with the OT/OTA relationship and collaboration.” As part of a second fieldwork experience, students work with individuals on the autism spectrum to participate in a variety of activities, including gardening, yoga, financial literacy, and operating a fully functional café, with more activities planned for the fall. “We’re looking to teach skills such as folding the laundry, loading and unloading the dishwasher, preparing a meal and other household tasks. We’re looking to help these individuals be more successful and independent and be able to be at their best.” To learn more about Bryant & Stratton College’s OTA program offered at our campuses in Wisconsin, Ohio and New York, you can visit the OTA program page or request more information.
- Alumni Spotlight: Meet Leen Garcia '22Alumni Spotlight: Meet Leen Garcia ’22 Program: Human Resources Specialist Campus: Greece “As an adult in my late forties, I set a goal that I would earn my first degree by the age of fifty,” said Bryant & Stratton College alumna Leen Garcia, “and here I am. I’m going to be fifty and I’m proud to say that I accomplished my goal.” Leen had been working in the human resources (HR) field for more than seventeen years when she decided to make it a goal for herself to earn her degree. “I did not finish college when I had the opportunity to in my younger years,” she said, and already having firsthand experience in HR made it easy for her to decide on the degree she wanted to pursue. When Leen attended registration at Bryant & Stratton College with her daughter, she discovered what the college’s atmosphere and experience are all about. “I felt a warm and welcoming feeling. I was sold,” she shared. An associate degree in human resources specialist from Bryant & Stratton College provides students with the foundation needed in business and administrative skills to ensure they are prepared for today’s business environment. Students gain the critical skills and educational components that enable them to secure key roles at companies in any industry. The degree can also provide the education needed to advance current careers beyond HR specialist and into HR management down the line. Leen shared that “my career goals are to utilize my degree and experience to be promoted with my current employer.” She also admitted that “even though I had years of experience in HR, my time at Bryant & Stratton College not only served as a refresher in some of my courses but also provided me with the reassurance that I needed to take me a long way in my future aspirations as an HR professional.” Although Leen had the background and motivation to earn her degree, she acknowledged her journey was challenging but rewarding. “At times I felt like I was not making the best of my time, especially working full time and being a mother and wife. With the assistance of my instructors, I was able to pull through by learning the proper time management skills,” she explained. The hard work that Leen put into her education played a huge role in her success, but she gives credit to all the individuals at Bryant & Stratton College who helped and pushed her along the way. “My instructor, Brendalynn Jackson, helped me gain confidence with her feedback. She was such a positive and understanding instructor who always welcomed me with open arms,” said Leen. “From the moment I visited the college with my daughter, I felt a sense of welcome. I felt like I belonged. Bryant & Stratton College has a strong educational culture and is always aware of diversity and inclusiveness,” Leen shared. “I would like to say thank you to all the individuals who helped me throughout my time at the college. I made it, and I was able to achieve my goal.”
- Program Highlight: Occupational Therapy AssistantWe’re putting a spotlight on the efforts of those in the occupational therapy (OT) and occupational therapy assistant (OTA) fields. To do so, we spoke with Tracey Marie Taylor, occupational therapist and director of the OTA program at Bryant & Stratton College - Greece Campus. What is OT? According to Taylor, OT focuses on helping patients improve their ability to carry out activities of daily life. “The way I like to describe it is whatever your ailment, diagnosis, disability or impairment is, an OT will ask you what your goals are and what you want to get back to doing,” said Taylor. “Whatever those goals are related to, whether your occupation or your needs, that’s what we will work on.” Bryant & Stratton’s OTA program is an 18-month program that offers students an associate degree, which can lead to a career under the direction and supervision of an occupational therapist. “An OTA can work very autonomously,” said Taylor. “For instance, they can work within a school system. However, there is always a supervision component, which is usually a collaboration between the OTA and the therapist that oversees them.” OTA: A Trending Program A recent article from the Scholarship Institute has OTA listed as a trending college major, which according to Taylor, is likely due to the altruistic nature of the field. “I think that people who choose the occupational therapy assistant program are looking to help people,” she said. “I believe they’re caring, and they have compassion and empathy. Many of our students learn about us because a loved one had occupational therapy services at some point, and they became intrigued by it.” The field also allows for a variety of avenues to pursue. “There’s something for everyone,” said Taylor. “If you want to specialize in something, that is always an option, and that can bring a lot of good energy. The profession of occupational therapy lends itself to so many different avenues that people pursue.” Unlike some majors in the healthcare field, Taylor has found that there aren’t any specific demographics for the OTA program. “We have a broad demographic of students,” she said. “We do get some students right out of high school, and we also get students who start at other colleges and decided that it wasn’t for them. We have students who transfer in from other programs or have decided later in life that they wanted to go back to school, which serves our program well because each have their own strengths that they can share with others.” The job market for OTAs is strong right now, thanks in part to the ongoing effects of the pandemic. “There has been a great need for continuing care for COVID-related ailments,” said Taylor. “Overall, OT is ranked fairly high in terms of interest in the job market in regard to what your options are. There are plenty of jobs out there right now, though it depends on where you want to go and what you want to do.” OT and Autism Autism is also something near and dear to Taylor, and it carries a connection to OT. “I am a parent of a son, now 23, who has autism, which has helped me in my position as a program director for the OTA program,” said Taylor. “Years ago, when we moved back to the area, there weren’t any support systems around. So, a group of parents and I founded Autism Up, a local resource and agency in the Rochester area that supports parents and families who have been affected by autism.” When Taylor began her position at Bryant & Stratton College as a fieldwork coordinator, she had ideas for enhancing the program. “I think that one of the areas where we need improvement in our society is inclusive opportunities for people, but that doesn’t always happen for people with autism, especially adults with autism,” said Taylor. “I was able to coordinate with Sara Milko, who is the executive director of Autism Up, and we were able to coordinate our early fieldwork for the students. They do hands-on, three-to-four-hour fieldwork with children and adults, ranging from three years old through their 30s, at the Golisano Autism Center. The students get a lot of hands-on and observational experience, not just with children, but with families as well. There is an OT on staff there, giving them experience with the OT/OTA relationship and collaboration.” As part of a second fieldwork experience, students work with individuals on the autism spectrum to participate in a variety of activities, including gardening, yoga, financial literacy, and operating a fully functional café, with more activities planned for the fall. “We’re looking to teach skills such as folding the laundry, loading and unloading the dishwasher, preparing a meal and other household tasks. We’re looking to help these individuals be more successful and independent and be able to be at their best.” To learn more about Bryant & Stratton College’s OTA program offered at our campuses in Wisconsin, Ohio and New York, you can visit the OTA program page or request more information.
- Top 12 Hard and Soft Skills Needed in HealthcareIn any career field, it’s important to have a mix of hard and soft skills. Healthcare is no exception! We’ll look at some of the key skills essential in healthcare. Whether you’re just starting your healthcare career or looking to advance your career, these skills will help you succeed. So, what are hard skills and what are soft skills in healthcare? Let’s find out! Hard and Soft Skills in Healthcare In the world of work, there are two main types of skills: hard skills and soft skills. Hard skills are those that can be easily measured and quantified, such as typing speed or the ability to read medical charts. Soft skills, on the other hand, are more difficult to quantify but no less important. They include things like communication, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills. Why Hard and Soft Skills Are Important Both hard and soft skills are important for success in any field, but they are particularly important in healthcare. Hard skills are more quantifiable and allow healthcare professionals do their jobs effectively and efficiently. Soft skills are more qualitative and help you build relationships with patients and colleagues. Having a strong understanding of hard and soft skills allows healthcare professionals to reach their career goals and make a difference in the lives of others. Hard Skills in Healthcare Some hard skills that are important for healthcare professionals include: Reading medical charts Healthcare professionals need to be able to read medical charts accurately to provide treatment or diagnose illnesses. This is one of the most important hard skills that medical professionals must possess. This includes understanding both medical terminology and standard abbreviations. Without this skill, it would be impossible to provide proper patient care. Perhaps the most important reason why reading medical charts is so essential is that it allows doctors and other medical staff to track the progress of their patients. By understanding what has been happening with a patient over time, medical professionals can more easily identify any problems that may arise. Additionally, this information can be used to make treatment decisions based on observed trends. Typing speed In a fast-paced environment like a hospital, healthcare professionals must be able to type quickly and efficiently. So much of healthcare relies on computers, and having the ability to type quickly and accurately can make a big difference in how efficiently medical professionals can do their jobs. While typing speed is not necessarily the most important skill for a doctor or nurse, it is still a very important one. Typing accurately and quickly can save a lot of time when inputting patient data or looking up information online. It can also help to avoid errors that could have serious consequences. Medical terminology Healthcare professionals need to be familiar with medical terminology to understand patient records and communicate with other medical staff. Medical terminology is difficult to master, but it is essential for success in the healthcare field. If you want to be a successful healthcare professional, you must be able to effectively communicate with other members of the healthcare team. Learning medical terminology will also help you better understand and communicate with your patients. Administering medication Administering medication is a hard skill that is required in many different workplaces. To administer medication safely and effectively, you need to have a comprehensive understanding of the medication that you are administering as well as the appropriate procedures for doing so. Performing surgery There is a reason why surgeons are some of the most highly trained and sought-after professionals in the world. The hard skill of performing surgery requires years of study and practice to perfect. There are different types of surgeries, each with its own set of risks and benefits. No matter what type of surgery is being performed, the surgeon must be able to accurately assess the situation and make quick decisions in order to ensure the safety of the patient. Diagnosing illnesses Diagnosing illnesses is a critical skill for medical professionals. It is important to accurately identify the problem in order to provide the best possible treatment. A variety of methods and technologies, including physical examinations, blood tests, and scans, are used to diagnose illnesses. Soft Skills for Healthcare Professionals Some soft skills that are important for healthcare professionals include: Communication Healthcare professionals need to be able to communicate effectively with patients, colleagues, and other members of the healthcare team. You also need to be able to listen carefully. This includes both listening to what the other person is saying and trying to understand their body language and nonverbal cues. By really listening, you can get a better sense of what the other person is trying to say and how they are feeling. In healthcare, there are often times when you need to give difficult news to patients or their families. This can be extremely challenging, but it is important to be able to communicate in a way that is respectful and compassionate. Problem-solving Healthcare professionals often need to solve problems on the fly, whether it’s finding a solution for a difficult medical case or figuring out how to best accommodate a patient’s needs. Healthcare professionals are constantly faced with challenges that require quick and effective solutions. While some people may be naturally gifted at problem-solving, it is a skill that can be learned and developed over time. Critical thinking In a field where lives hang in the balance, healthcare professionals must think critically about all decisions made to ensure the safety of patients. Healthcare professionals must be able to assess a situation and make sound decisions to provide the best possible care for their patients. Teamwork Healthcare professionals need to be able to work together in order to provide the best possible care for their patients. This involves cooperation, communication, and coordination. Good teamwork requires trust and respect among team members. Healthcare professionals must be able to put the needs of the patient first and work together as a team to achieve common goals. Organizational Skills Strong organizational skills allow nurses and doctors to manage their time effectively and provide the best possible care for their patients. Good organizational skills help nurses stay on top of their work schedule, know what supplies they need, and keep track of patient information. Nurses with strong organizational skills are able to make the most of their time on the job. This can lead to improved patient care and a more efficient workplace. Empathy As a healthcare worker, it’s important to have empathy for your patients. Empathy is a soft skill that can be used to build relationships with patients and help you understand the patient’s perspective. Empathy allows you to see the world from a patient’s point of view. This can help you better understand a patient’s needs and communicate with them effectively. How To Develop Hard and Soft Skills in Healthcare There are various ways that healthcare professionals can develop their hard and soft skills. Here are a few suggestions: • Attend training courses There are many training courses available that can help healthcare professionals develop their hard skills. For example, courses on how to read medical charts or how to use medical equipment can be extremely helpful. • Join professional organizations Professional organizations offer opportunities for members to learn about new developments in their field, network with other professionals, and attend conferences/workshops. • Shadow experienced healthcare professionals Shadowing experienced healthcare professionals is a great way for aspiring healthcare workers to learn about the day-to-day workings of a hospital or clinic and develop their soft skills. • Volunteer at a hospital or clinic Volunteering at a hospital or clinic is another great way to gain experience in the healthcare field and to develop both hard and soft skills. • Participate in online forums or discussion groups Online forums and discussion groups can be a great way for healthcare professionals to exchange ideas with others working in the same field, learn about new developments, and develop their critical thinking skills. • Certifications Studying for a certification can hone your research, analytical, and problem-solving skills. Similarly, maintaining a certification often requires continuing education and training, which helps you stay up to date on industry trends and developments. • Practice Through practice, you will become more familiar with the steps involved in completing the task, as well as the specific tools and techniques needed. In addition, practice can also help you to develop a greater level of coordination and control. When you practice regularly, your brain becomes better able to process information and control your muscles simultaneously. • Learning computer software Courses can teach you how to use specific programs like project management software that can help you plan and manage tasks effectively. In addition, many software programs require you to collaborate with others to complete a project. This can help you develop strong communication and teamwork skills. • Joining club activities Club membership can help you hone your teamwork and leadership skills, learn how to manage conflict, and build relationships with people from diverse backgrounds. Clubs can also help you learn how to communicate effectively and adapt to changing circumstances. As a result, getting involved in campus clubs is a great way to develop the hard and soft skills that employers are looking for. Succeed in Healthcare at Bryant & Stratton College The healthcare industry is ever-changing, and it’s important to stay ahead of the curve. That’s why Bryant & Stratton College offers a variety of healthcare degree programs that will help you strengthen your hard skills, as well as develop your soft skills. Our experienced faculty will guide you through hands-on learning experiences so that when you graduate, you are ready to take on whatever challenges the healthcare field throws your way. Have you decided which program is right for you? Find your program to learn more about how Bryant & Stratton College can help equip you with the hard and soft skills needed to succeed in healthcare.
- Becoming an RN: 10 Questions and 5 StepsHealthcare careers give you a chance to devote your time to helping those who are ill, injured, or working to improve their health and well-being. As a registered nurse (RN), you can build a career that involves having a vital role in the healthcare field, whether you end up working in a hospital, a local doctor’s office, or another medical setting. Deciding whether to become an RN means learning more about this career option, including what the job duties are, what kind of education is required, and what kind of licensing you need. The following can help you better understand this profession. 10 Questions About RNs When you’re considering a career as an RN, you might have some questions about this kind of work. From what it’s like to work as an RN to getting your license, asking the right questions can provide you with the information you need to be successful in this critical area of healthcare. 1. What Does Being an RN Mean? RNs are those who directly care for patients in hospitals, outpatient clinics, physicians’ offices, or other healthcare facilities. Working as an RN means you’ll be able to play an important role in the quality and kind of care patients receive, whether they’re having an annual wellness exam or being treated for an injury or illness. 2. What Is an RN? An RN is responsible for providing care to patients in healthcare settings. These nurses also coordinate patient care and provide patients with education on health issues or general health and well-being. RNs educate the public about medical conditions and offer guidance and support to patients’ family members as needed. RNs often work with doctors and other healthcare providers as part of a team. And some work with specific types of patients, such as cancer patients, cardiovascular patients, newborn babies, or patients who are in rehab due to an illness or injury. 3. What Does an RN Do? RNs have a wide range of responsibilities that involve patient care. Unlike a licensed practical nurse (LPN), RNs can create treatment plans for patients and evaluate patients’ conditions. RNs have a higher level of responsibility compared with LPNs, who work under the supervision of RNs or doctors. The other duties RNs might have include administering medicine, performing diagnostic tests, educating patients, consulting with doctors and other healthcare providers, operating medical equipment, and recording medical histories. Additional job duties and responsibilities can vary, depending on the kind of patients RNs work with, such as geriatric patients, pediatric patients, or patients with specific health conditions. 4. What Degree Do You Need to Be an RN? To become an RN, you’ll typically need either an associate degree in nursing (ADN) or a bachelor’s degree in nursing (BSN). You can also become an RN with a diploma you earn from an approved nursing program. Having a degree is generally considered a better path to pursue, since employers usually prefer to hire RNs with a degree rather than a diploma. Whether you earn an ADN or a BSN depends on factors such as your career goals and the amount of time you want to spend on your education. These degree programs often include courses in anatomy and physiology as well as in areas such as behavioral science and psychology. 5. How Long Does It Take to Become an RN? The time it takes to become an RN varies, depending on the kind of degree you choose to earn. If you decide to pursue an ADN, this usually takes about two years to complete. You might be able to find accelerated degree programs that make it possible to earn your degree in a shorter amount of time. If you choose to earn a BSN, this usually takes about four years to complete. And diploma programs often take two or three years to complete. After you earn your degree, your next step is to become licensed in your state. Keep in mind that it can take several weeks to receive the results of your licensing exam. 6. What Is an RN to BSN Program? When you are already a licensed RN, an RN to BSN program provides a shorter path to earning your bachelor’s degree. Licensed RNs with an associate degree or diploma might choose this path to advance their career and learn new skills in a shorter time frame, often in one or two years. These programs typically include courses in nursing, such as healthcare informatics or nutrition, as well as general education courses. 7. How Do I Get an RN License? All states require RNs to be licensed in order to work. The exact requirements for licensing vary by state, so check your state’s current licensure requirements for specific information. After completing an accredited nursing program, you can apply for your license with the nursing board or licensing agency in your state. This usually involves submitting an application, along with your transcripts and fees. You’ll then need to register for and pass the National Council Licensure Examination-Registered Nurse to receive your license. 8. What Is the NCLEX-RN? The National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) is a standardized, multiple-choice test that you’ll need to pass in order to obtain your nursing license. When you want to become a licensed RN, you’ll take the NCLEX-RN. This test includes as many as 265 questions given over a six-hour period. You’ll need to answer at least 75 questions correctly to pass. To register for the NCLEX-RN, you’ll need to have an Authorization to Test, which is usually a 90-day window in many states. You can take the NCLEX-RN within this window. 9. Where Do RNs Work? RNs can work in many types of healthcare facilities and other settings. Some RNs work in hospitals, while others work in outpatient clinics or private medical practices. Those who work in hospitals might provide care in specific departments, such as the neonatal unit. RNs can also work in home healthcare, which involves going to patients’ homes to provide care. RNs who specialize in public health often work in local schools, community centers, or similar settings to provide education or perform other tasks. Travel RNs spend their time traveling to various places throughout the U.S. to provide care as needed. These nurses often go where there is a shortage of healthcare workers. 10. Is Being an RN a Good Career? Being an RN can be an incredibly satisfying career. As an RN, you’ll be able to use your skills to help patients who are ill or injured. You’ll also be able to provide guidance that helps patients improve their health and well-being. In terms of job outlook, the Bureau of Labor Statistics states that RNs have projected job growth of 9 percent from 2020 through 2030.* This is roughly the same as the average job outlook for all occupations throughout the U.S. The demand for RNs is expected to remain steady, as the need for healthcare services is continual. *Cited projections may not reflect local and/or short-term economic or job conditions and do not guarantee actual job growth. How to Become an RN What are the steps involved in becoming an RN? Evaluating these steps can help you learn what to expect if you choose this career path. 1. Earn Your Degree Your RN career starts with your education. Should you earn an ADN or a BSN? When comparing the two, you should consider a few factors. The amount of time it takes to earn these degrees differs. You’ll likely spend more time earning a BSN compared with an ADN, but keep in mind that an RN to BSN program allows you to earn your bachelor’s degree after starting your nursing career. Having a BSN can lead to a wider range of career options as an RN, since you’ll learn more complex nursing skills. Thinking about the kind of RN career you want can help you decide between these degree programs. 2. Pass the NCLEX-RN You’ll need to pass the NCLEX-RN to receive your nursing license. This involves getting at least 75 questions right on the test. When you receive your results about six weeks later, you’ll have your license if you passed. If you didn’t pass the test, you’ll be able to take it again after 45 days. Take advantage of review sessions that are designed for the NCLEX-RN. You can also use NCLEX-specific study guides, form study groups, and take other steps to prepare for the exam. Taking practice tests can help you understand what kinds of questions you’re likely to see on this test. 3. Check State Licensing Requirements No matter which state you live in, you’ll need to have a license to work as an RN. Passing the NCLEX-RN and having a degree from an approved nursing program are the basic requirements for licensing. Every state has its own set of requirements for RN licensing, so you’ll need to check with your state board for current licensing requirements. For example, some states might require you to pass a criminal background check in addition to passing the NCLEX-RN and earning your degree. 4. Find a Job Once you’re a licensed RN, you can look for a job in your area or in another area if desired. Online job boards and job sites provide listings for open RN positions. You can also check the websites of healthcare facilities to see whether they have any available positions. If you’ve networked during school, you can turn to individuals in your network to ask about job opportunities. Other options to explore include job fairs, nurse hiring events, and career expos. You might also hear about job opportunities from friends and family. Keep in mind that having an ADN or BSN can give you a competitive advantage over other applicants. 5. Advance Your Career When you’re a licensed RN, you can explore opportunities to advance your career. Depending on the kind of career you want, you might need to go back to school to earn a Master of Science in Nursing, a Doctor of Nursing Practice, or a Doctor of Philosophy in Nursing. With an advanced degree, you could move up to higher positions within the healthcare field, such as nursing supervisor, nurse practitioner, nurse educator, and chief nursing officer. These careers can be more challenging, but they also provide you with a greater amount of responsibility. If you want to further develop your existing skills, learn new skills, and take on a leadership role, you might consider advancing your RN career at some point. Start Your RN Journey Today If you’re ready to begin building a career as an RN, contact Bryant & Stratton to request more information. We offer a two-year ADN program at our campuses in Ohio, Wisconsin, and Virginia, as well as a 64-credit Associate in Applied Science Degree in Nursing at our Henrietta, New York campus. If you’re looking to earn a bachelor’s degree, we offer an RN to BSN program at all our campuses except in New York. To earn a bachelor’s degree in New York, we offer a Bachelor of Science in Nursing at our Liverpool, New York, campus. Our degree programs give you the education needed for a rewarding career as an RN.
- 12 Best Mental Health Podcasts to Celebrate Mental Health Awareness MonthSince around the early 1990s, podcasts have become part of the daily listening habits of millions around the world. They give us an opportunity to learn, laugh, and be inspired, along with stimulating different parts of the brain, forcing the listener to actively pay attention. Over time, podcasts have expanded into different categories and genres, including mental health. Mental health podcasts allow listeners to feel like they are not alone and learn how to adapt and develop to improve their health and day-to-day life. Podcasts can tackle difficult topics such as anxiety, depression, OCD, bipolar disorder, and more, and can help loved ones recognize and better understand different mental health disorders as well as how to help navigate situations in a healthy manner. This Mental Health Awareness Month, Bryant & Stratton College is working to #EndTheStigma by continuously speaking about the importance of mental health and utilizing the available resources around you. We have created a list of the best mental health podcasts that allow listeners to keep a positive attitude, learn coping skills to better deal with stress, enhance relationships, and enjoy life more. 12 Best Podcasts About Mental Health, Depression, or Anxiety 1. The Happiness Lab You might believe that happiness is dependent on a good job, money, vacations, and other materialistic items, but Yale psychology professor Dr. Laurie Santos will surprise you with the latest scientific research and inspiring stories in this mental health podcast that will change the way you think about happiness. Each episode will take you through different common misconceptions, making you reconsider what happiness means to you. The podcast aims to provide change in each listener seeking a better path toward a happier life. 2. The Mental Illness Happy Hour The Mental Illness Happy Hour is a weekly online podcast hosted by comedian Paul Gilmartin. Paul interviews comedians, artists, friends, and the occasional doctor to help normalize talking about mental health. Each episode explores mental illness, trauma, addiction, and negative thinking. Paul Gilmartin is not a medical professional, and neither are most of his guests, but the dialogues have been created in hopes of making mental health easier to converse about. 3. Terrible, Thanks for Asking The podcast Terrible, Thanks for Asking was created for those individuals who are tired of responding “fine” when someone asks how they are doing. The host, Nora McInerny, is most famous for her books speaking on moving forward after life completely fell apart. Nora lost her father, husband, and had a miscarriage all within a few weeks. She created her podcast about mental health in hopes of helping others by sharing stories and letting listeners know that it is okay to be more than just “fine.” 4. Not Another Anxiety Show Registered nurse and certified health and wellness coach Kelli Walker created Not Another Anxiety Show to help individuals deal with all things anxiety and normalize the discussion around it. Episodes of this anxiety podcast are full of practical advice on dealing with anxiety in everyday situations, including understanding that, ultimately, being anxious is being human. 5. The Trauma Therapist The Trauma Therapist was created by Guy Macpherson, PhD, in 2014 and is the best podcast for trauma due to the wide variety of mental health experts specializing in trauma who appear on the show. The episodes focus on a dynamic and powerful conversation between Guy and the chosen expert thought leaders in the field of psychology and trauma. You can learn about the journeys of these mental health therapists who have dedicated their lives to helping those who have been impacted by trauma. 6. Anxiety Slayer Anxiety Slayer is a series of courses, guided meditations, and tools you can utilize to help manage anxiety. Hosts Shann Vander Leek and Ananha Sivyer created this podcast about mental health to support those struggling with overwhelming anxiety. Their mission is to empower anyone whose life is overshadowed by stress or anxiety and provide guided relaxations for anxiety relief. 7. Cleaning Up the Mental Mess Cleaning Up the Mental Mess is hosted by Dr. Caroline Leaf, a cognitive neuroscientist and author whose goal is to help you “clean up” the mess that mental illness can make of your life. The podcast focuses on practical advice to help you master your emotional, physical, and mental health—from checking stress levels to protecting your mental health. All of her solutions are scientifically tested to help you live your happiest and healthiest life. 8. The Hardcore Self Help Podcast Dr. Robert Duff began his first-ever episode of The Hardcore Self Help Podcast with Duff the Psych in 2016 with an “earmuffs warning” that he isn’t afraid to use colorful language. It was his way of reassuring listeners he won’t shy away from the topics that really matter. Since then, he has provided more than 300 episodes responding to listener questions about mental health, anxiety, depression, and more with answers using everyday language. 9. Mentally Yours Out of the UK, the Mentally Yours podcast was founded by Ellen Scott and Yvette Caster as a weekly chat with different guests, each one impacted by mental health challenges ranging from OCD and ADHD to surviving the suicide of a loved one. These weekly chats feature a range of guests from all walks of life, from retail workers to TV journalists, authors, and even a female MMA fighter. Having dealt with their own diagnosed disorders and anxieties, the hosts know what a “lonely place mental health can be,” and they speak out to offer hope and proof that things can get better. Recently, Ellen put down the microphone in a career change, but Yvette and guest hosts continue to bring help and support to those with a listening ear. 10. Therapy for Black Girls “To be seen, to be heard, and to be understood.” These are the words that greet you when you find the website for Dr. Joy Harden Bradford, licensed psychologist, speaker, and host of the podcast Therapy for Black Girls. Her podcast addresses overcoming the stigma that too often puts up roadblocks for those who need mental health help in this community. Featured in The Oprah Magazine, Forbes, Essence, and more, she routinely uses pop culture references and everyday language to encourage wellness by presenting mental health topics in a manner that is more relevant and accessible to Black women and girls. 11. I WEIGH with Jameela Jamil Nominated for an E! People’s Choice Award in its inaugural year, “I WEIGH with Jameela Jamil” is not absorbed with physical weight but rather with weighing in on self-worth, love, and value. At about an hour in length per episode, this weekly podcast explores many of the issues that challenge mental wellness. In conversations with celebrities, thought leaders, activists, and influencers who share about their own experiences with mental health, Jameela is challenging social norms on the way to celebrating progress. 12. Being Well With the father-son cohosting team of Dr. Rick Hanson and Forrest Hanson, Being Well offers a weekly conversation with world-class experts over a number of topics in the area of lasting well-being. Past podcasts can easily be researched on the Being Well podcast site by topic areas such as Who Am I?, Depression and Sadness, Trauma and Traumatic Experiences, and Relationships. With new episodes every Monday, their mission is to help listeners build inner strength, overcome challenges, and get the most out of life. Choosing the Mental Health Podcast for You Just like finding a therapist that fits your needs can take a couple of tries, finding a podcast that you can connect with might be the same way. The best mental health podcast for you will be the one that you best identify with or addresses topics that you can relate to. Whether you look on Spotify, Amazon, Apple, Audible, or some other podcast-hosting platform, take the time to do your research and find a series that you enjoy and will help you learn and improve. You can start with our list of the best mental health podcasts, ask your friends and family what they are listening to, or even ask a mental health professional. Mental Health Resources at Bryant & Stratton College Bryant & Stratton College’s approach to mental health is one of reality and vocalization. We are always working toward ensuring both our students and staff know that they have access to resources when they are struggling. One barrier to mental health help is often access. But a solution can be as simple as communication and understanding. WellConnect is one resource we make available to students both on campus and online that offers resources for counseling, wellness, financial and legal consultation, life skills, and more. The partnership was created between Bryant & Stratton College and WellConnect to ensure students have the services and support they need outside of school. It is important to remember that mental health podcasts should never take the place of speaking with a professional in the field and that Bryant & Stratton College is always here to help. Learn more about B&SC and our mission today!
- The Best Nursing Books for Your Reading List: 7 Compelling Reads for and About NursesLife as a nurse can be challenging, inspiring, exhausting, and fulfilling all at the same time. This range of experiences can be difficult to capture in the classroom, but that doesn’t mean you need to wait until you enter the field to understand what nursing is all about. Many talented writers describe this unique professional experience in captivating books that look inside the often misunderstood and under-appreciated nursing profession, shedding light on all that makes nursing special. Whether enjoyed in their physical form or as audiobooks, the best nursing books will remind you why you’re committed to the healthcare field — and what you can offer your patients beyond purely clinical care. Finding time to read nursing books can be challenging when your schedule is so packed, but a few pages here or there can transform your mindset. Get your reading list started with these top book recommendations, which include both new releases and historical works: 1. Critical Care: A New Nurse Faces Death, Life, and Everything in Between Few books capture the exciting yet nerve-racking experience of being a new nurse like Theresa Brown’s Critical Care. This memoir details Brown’s first year as an oncology nurse. Interestingly, she jumped into this field after working as an English professor. As you can imagine, the transition wasn’t easy, but she felt that the opportunity to commit her life to deeply meaningful work made her career change more than worthwhile. Throughout this wonderfully written memoir, Brown details her daily life on the oncology ward, highlighting typical procedures and memorable interactions with patients and their families. She also discusses relevant issues that nurses in all areas will face, such as the politics within her facility and evolving relationships with coworkers. She emerges from her first year with a newfound appreciation for life — a takeaway you will also gain when you finish this book. 2. Hot Lights, Cold Steel: Life, Death and Sleepless Nights in a Surgeon’s First Years Although written by an orthopedic surgeon, this book can teach current and aspiring nurses plenty about the medical field. It describes the often chaotic life of a medical resident as he works at the iconic Mayo Clinic. Like many medical professionals, he deals not only with overachieving tendencies but also a severe case of impostor syndrome. Along the way, Michael Collins tackles the incorrect assumptions outsiders hold about the healthcare sector, demonstrating on numerous occasions that the field is far from glamorous. Humor abounds, but plenty of poignant moments in the book can bring tears to any reader’s eyes. As many new professionals experience, he is forced to reassess his early idealism and confront his imperfections. If you enjoy this book, you will also want to read Blue Collar, Blue Scrubs, which turns back the clock and focuses on Collins’ earliest days in medical school. 3. Notes on Nursing: What It Is and What It Is Not As the founder of modern nursing, Florence Nightingale receives heaps of praise to this day. Often, however, nurses know little about this influential figure, frequently relegated to a few short passages in textbooks. Her insights remain as relevant now as they were in 1859 when this short but information-packed guide was first published. Despite its historical context, this nonfiction work holds a lot of current relevance and should be a core part of any modern nurse’s reading list. Notes on Nursing provides a clear reminder that Nightingale was ahead of her time. The book touches on several holistic practices that are finally getting the attention they deserve. Nightingale also discusses the vital role of women in the medical field, plus the importance of depending on careful observation instead of intuition alone. Her writing style is lovely, although it may take some getting used to if you’re accustomed to contemporary books for nurses. 4. The Language of Kindness: A Nurse’s Story Following decades of work in nursing, bestselling writer Christie Watson provides an inside look at the daily challenges and joys of working in a hospital setting. From the neonatal unit to the cancer ward, she shares the most touching stories from this emotionally charged environment, where nurses provide much more than clinical care alone. Watson reveals just how transformative kindness can be in the medical world — and how it’s shared by nurses and patients alike. This book might not be for you if you’re looking for nursing stories that will have you on the edge of your seat. Its pace is often slow, and its tone is nearly always gentle. Still, you’ll find the sheer humanity of this work gripping. Watson’s love for her patients is never in question, nor are her convictions about the greater need for kindness in everyday life. 5. The Healer’s War On the hunt for fiction books about nurse life? Nothing quite compares to The Healer’s War. A winner of the 1989 Nebula Award, this remarkable novel shows that nursing can be an excellent topic for a science fiction book. Focused on the unforgettable journey of a nurse during the Vietnam War, this surreal saga examines a variety of complex themes while introducing you to compelling characters you won’t quickly forget. Despite the science fiction and fantasy designations, the wartime world that author Elizabeth Ann Scarborough weaves in the book’s first half feels all too real. Combat nurse Kitty McCulley might not be on the front lines, but she still discovers the brutal realities of war as she treats soldiers suffering from painful and debilitating physical injuries and PTSD. The book’s fantastical elements arrive later, as the main character gets a better sense of the atrocities of war with help from a powerful amulet. Through both its realistic and fantastical portions, this saga reminds us that nurses play an essential role in every corner of the globe — and that their empathetic care makes a world of difference for patients in need. 6. Call the Midwife: A True Story of the East End in the 1950s Nurses love the TV show “Call the Midwife,” but the book version is just as impressive. The first in a popular series by Jennifer Worth, this bestseller began as a direct response to commentary from the Royal College of Midwives Journal, where an article claimed that midwives were woefully underrepresented in the literary world. Worth solved this problem — and then some — with a memoir based on her early days as a district nurse. Throughout the book, Worth (referred to by her maiden name, Lee) supports mothers as they undergo traumatic deliveries. Still, there are many lighthearted moments. While this is an especially valuable read for anybody who hopes to one day work in obstetrics or as a neonatal nurse, any future healthcare professional will appreciate the blend of levity and humor that Worth brings to her writing. 7. Small Great Things Another captivating story about a labor and delivery nurse, Small Great Things is the perfect read for any nurse who happens to be a fan of the acclaimed Jodi Picoult. This novel examines not just the nursing profession but also the complicated interplay of race and the healthcare industry. The premise is both thought provoking and horrific: the African American nurse at the center of this story is instructed not to care for the baby of a white supremacist, but this has dire consequences when that baby goes into cardiac distress. Be prepared to binge-read this evocative work, which contains several courtroom scenes that will keep those pages turning. You’ll be forced to think about various ethical quandaries along the way. Medical jargon abounds, and while some readers claim this is annoying, it should provide excellent context for the terms you frequently encounter in nursing school. Start Your Journey Today Books about nursing can provide a wealth of inspiration, but nothing compares to a high-quality education from a respected nursing school. Look to Bryant & Stratton for the targeted training you need as you prepare to take your nursing career to the next level. At Bryant & Stratton, we’re pleased to provide exceptional training for the nurses of tomorrow. From our Bachelor of Science in Nursing to the RN to BSN program, we offer numerous opportunities to pursue a career that allows you to make a difference. Ready to get started? Feel free to request more information about our healthcare programs. We’d love to help get you on the path to a rewarding career.
- Famous Nurses You Should KnowAs the most prominent and visible healthcare profession, nursing has an indelible impact on every person you meet. American nurses, in particular, can be a source of support to patients navigating a healthcare field that's fraught with challenges and difficult to understand. Nurses are some of our nation's hardest-working and most inspiring professionals — and no amount of praise can truly capture the benefits they bring to society as a whole. Famous Nurses in History The healthcare industry is evolving rapidly, with new research and technology promising to take patient care to the next level. There's a lot to love about modern nursing, but it's important for current and aspiring nurses to understand the profession's history — and what, exactly, has made nursing such a noble and impactful pursuit from the very beginning. To that end, we've highlighted twenty of the most recognizable and impactful figures in nursing. While millions of nurses deserve praise for the incredible work they do daily, the following nursing professionals have had an outsized impact on the healthcare industry and society as a whole. 1. Florence Nightingale No list of famous nurses is complete without the amazing Florence Nightingale. This remarkable woman revolutionized the healthcare industry by highlighting — and taking steps to correct — the devastating impact of unsanitary conditions in the medical sector. She's also well known for her heroic efforts during the Crimean War, when she assembled a team of nurses to tend to soldiers suffering horrific illnesses and injuries. This tireless devotion earned her the nickname "the Lady with the Lamp." After the war, Nightingale continued to enact lifesaving initiatives to improve sanitation, data collection, and nurse training. Her reputation as a statistician and nurse educator is just as impressive as her medical reputation. She became something of a celebrity, even receiving a jeweled brooch from Queen Victoria. 2. Walt Whitman Famed writer and poet Walt Whitman may be best remembered for his seminal work Leaves of Grass, but he also enjoyed success as a nurse. Shocked by the suffering he witnessed at a battlefield hospital, Whitman decided to volunteer as a nurse. His experience is best conveyed in his somber poem “The Wound Dresser.” Although his use of free verse was unusual for the time, the emotions in this piece remain relevant to modern nurses. 3. Clara Barton One of the most famous and admired women in American history, Clara Barton is best known for founding the American Red Cross. She earned the nickname “the Angel of the Battlefield” based on her heroic activities during wartime: While distributing much-needed supplies and tending to the wounded, she continually put herself in harm's way. After the war, Barton ran the Office of Missing Soldiers in hopes of providing answers to the loved ones of missing soldiers. She also traveled extensively while delivering lectures about her unique experiences. While visiting Switzerland, Barton discovered the efforts of the global Red Cross network and committed herself to launching a similar movement in the US. 4. Dorothea Dix As a fierce advocate for patients suffering from mental health illnesses, Dorothea Dix played a critical role in the asylum movement of the 1800s. Her efforts were primarily motivated by her observation of prison inmates, many of whom were mentally ill and subjected to inhumane conditions. She documented these horrible conditions at various public and private venues, eventually achieving much-needed funding for dozens of hospitals. Dix also made her mark as a highly esteemed nurse leader. During the Civil War, she served as the Superintendent of Army Nurses for the Union Army. While she spearheaded some controversial policies during that time (such as only hiring nurses between the ages of 35 and 50), she brought increased credibility to the field by maintaining exceedingly high standards. 5. Mary Eliza Mahoney As the first African American woman to serve as a nurse in the US (and the first African American student to graduate from an American nursing school), Mary Eliza Mahoney broke all kinds of barriers with her inspiring career. Her passion for nursing emerged at a young age, and Mahoney completed a highly rigorous and selective nursing program, partly because she had previously committed so much time to working at training hospitals as a cook and maid. Upon entering the field, Mahoney primarily worked with wealthy families, frequently treating newborns and their mothers. Beyond providing exceptional care, her primary goal was to combat the perception of black nurses as housekeepers. Mahoney's quest for racial justice in an often discriminatory field extended to founding the National Association of Colored Graduate Nurses (NACGN) as an alternative to the Nurses Associated Alumnae of the United States and Canada, which was the predecessor to what we now know as the American Nurses Association (ANA). The NACGN and ANA eventually merged, but the new organization continues to bestow the Mary Mahoney Award, which had been established by the NACGN a decade after Mahoney passed away. This award recognizes nurses who promote equal opportunities for nurses from minority populations. 6. Mary Seacole One of the world's most famous black nurses, Mary Seacole first captured attention while caring for patients during cholera and yellow fever outbreaks in Kingston, Jamaica, and Cruces, Panama. Soon after, she made her mark while providing compassionate care for wounded soldiers during the Crimean War. Initially, Seacole was refused when she asked to be sent to Crimea as an army nurse, so she funded her own journey and established a hotel for recovering soldiers. At the time, Seacole was just as well known as Florence Nightingale. 7. Linda Richards While many of the historic nurses highlighted above provided exceptional care, they often lacked formal training. Not so with Linda Richards, who was America's first professionally trained nurse. Her career was inspired by her experience caring for ailing family members, but Richards was dismayed to discover in her early months of nursing that she was basically treated as a maid. To that end, Richards enrolled in a revolutionary nurse training program at the New England Hospital for Women and Children in Boston. After completing this rigorous program, Richards worked at the Bellevue Hospital Training School in New York City. There, she established an effective system for creating and maintaining patient records. Richards later traveled abroad to continue her training, eventually returning with the hope of improving training schools throughout the US. Her accomplishments also include establishing a training program in Japan and serving as president of the American Society of Superintendents of Training Schools. 8. Virginia Avenel Henderson Often referred to as "the First Lady of Nursing," Virginia Henderson achieved notoriety by developing a great definition of a field that can be difficult to comprehend fully. She explained that "the unique function of the nurse is to assist the individual — sick or well — in the performance of those activities contributing to health or its recovery (or to peaceful death) that he would perform unaided if he had the necessary strength, will, or knowledge." This concept is often referred to as Henderson's Model and it posits that nursing stands apart from many medical practices — and that nurses are responsible for far more than merely following physicians' orders. Henderson's Model also emphasizes the role of patient self-determination. 9. Moyra Allen Canadian nurse Moyra Allen strongly believed that patients and their family members should be empowered to advocate for themselves. To that end, she was instrumental in developing the McGill Model of Nursing. This model posits that nursing should focus on promoting health (as opposed to simply treating illnesses), with patients, families, and nurses working together to achieve this common goal. Allen also significantly impacted the profession by founding what is now known as the Canadian Journal of Nursing Research. 10. Mabel Keaton Staupers For decades, black nurses suffered discrimination by both the US Army and ANA. Mabel Keaton Staupers helped change this after years of hard work as a private-duty nurse and a sanatorium superintendent. She was dismayed by the Army's strict quotas for black nurses, so she mobilized massive protests and even met with First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt to discuss the issue. Her efforts paid off in 1945 when the Armed Forces Nurse Corps was opened to all applicants. 11. Sojourner Truth Sojourner Truth may be best remembered for her inspiring work as an abolitionist, but she also served as a nurse for the Dumont family while still enslaved. After she escaped slavery, Truth continued to work as a nurse for the Union Army during the Civil War, primarily tending to black soldiers. Truth's hard work continued during the Reconstruction era, when she provided nursing and counseling services for the National Freedman's Relief Association. Her efforts included strong advocacy for adopting hygienic practices within Freedman's Hospital and advocating before Congress for enhanced training. 12. Christiane Reimann Christiane Reimann may not be the most recognizable name in nursing, but she had an outsized impact on the field. Reimann was the first executive secretary for the International Council of Nurses, which now honors hardworking medical professionals with the Christiane Reimann Prize. The prize is awarded to those who have had "a significant impact on the nursing profession internationally or through the nursing profession for the benefit of humanity" and is widely regarded as the most prestigious award in the field of nursing. 13. Anna Caroline Maxwell Sometimes referred to as "the American Florence Nightingale," a nickname she earned when treating a typhoid fever outbreak during the Spanish-American War, Anna Caroline Maxwell was mentored by the aforementioned Richards. After serving as the superintendent of a nurse training program at Massachusetts General Hospital, Maxwell had the opportunity to establish a formal curriculum at Presbyterian Hospital in New York City. She also lobbied for the creation of a nursing corps and was ultimately successful. 14. Ruby Bradley As one of the US military's most decorated women, Ruby Bradley began her career as a surgical nurse with the Army Nurse Corps. A few weeks after the devastating attack on Pearl Harbor in 1941, she was captured by the Japanese. This did not stop Bradley from providing care. In fact, she and her fellow nurses were regularly referred to as "the Angels in Fatigues." Her commitment continued during the Korean War, when Bradley served briefly as the 171st Evacuation Hospital's chief nurse, followed by a stint as the chief nurse for the Eighth Army. 15. Martha Ballard Historians credit Martha Ballard with providing one of the most in-depth glimpses into life on the frontier. While she was not formally trained, Ballard exemplified the power of early female healers, drawing on an extensive knowledge of herbs to treat many maladies. She also delivered hundreds of babies during her time as a midwife. 16. Luther Christman As a nursing pioneer, Luther Christman strongly believed that nurses should be allowed to spend more time providing targeted patient care rather than being relegated to administrative tasks. He helped implement a plan for integrating education, research, and practice to develop the Rush Model of Nursing, emphasizing unit decentralization and quality assurance. 17. Joe Hogan One of history's most influential black nurses, Joe Hogan received significant backlash when he attempted to apply to attend the Mississippi University for Women (MUW). He was informed that he could merely audit classes rather than take them for credit. Eventually, Hogan filed a lawsuit, alleging that the university's decision violated his 14th Amendment rights. The case made it all the way to the Supreme Court, which ruled MUW's policy unconstitutional. 18. Edward Lyon Before Edward Lyon was commissioned as a US Nurse Corps reserve officer, male nurses typically worked as pharmacy techs or orderlies. Having previously served as a certified registered nurse anesthetist, Lyon made the most of the opportunity to join the Nurse Corps following legislative changes in 1955 and helped spur a movement toward greater male nurse representation in the military. 19. Florence Guinness Blake Another influential Florence in the nursing world, Florence Guinness Blake was a pediatric nursing trailblazer wholeheartedly committed to developing advanced programs for nursing education. These passions coalesced with her developing an advanced pediatric nursing program for the University of Chicago and later directing a pediatric nursing graduate program at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Blake earned a much-deserved spot in the ANA Hall of Fame following her death. Start Your Nursing Journey Today Do you hope to follow in the footsteps of the amazing nurses highlighted above? A bright future awaits, but you'll have a far greater impact if you get a strong nursing education. This is well within reach when you attend Bryant & Stratton College. We offer a variety of nursing programs: a practical nursing diploma, an associate degree, an RN to BSN (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) program, and BSN programs in New York, Ohio, and Wisconsin. Ready to get started? Request info to learn more about these and other compelling opportunities to launch your healthcare career.
- Nursing Podcasts: Start Listening Today!If you’re a nurse, you know that there is always something new to learn. That’s why listening to nursing podcasts can be so beneficial — they offer nurses a chance to learn new information and skills without ever having to leave their home or office. What Are Nursing Podcasts? Nursing podcasts are audio or video recordings of lectures, interviews, and other educational content that are created specifically for nurses. They can cover a variety of topics ranging from clinical skills to current events in the nursing field. Why Should Nurses Listen to Podcasts? There are many reasons why nurses should start listening to nursing podcasts. First, they offer a great way to learn new information and skills. Nursing podcasts are especially useful for nurses who want to keep up with the latest trends and developments in their field. They can also help nurses prepare for certification exams or improve their practice. Second, nursing podcasts can help nurses stay connected with other nurses around the world. Nurses can hear about the latest research, best practices, and challenges facing the nursing profession by listening to nursing podcasts. This can help nurses build relationships with other nurses and learn from their experiences. Finally, nursing podcasts are a great way to pass the time while doing something else, such as driving or working out. If you have some spare time and want to learn more about nursing, then listening to a nursing podcast is a great option. Benefits of Listening to Nursing Podcasts 1. Podcasts can help you stay up to date on the latest nursing information. Listening to podcasts is a great way to stay updated on the latest nursing information. Many different nursing podcasts are available that cover a variety of topics, from how to deal with difficult patients to tips for acing the NCLEX. By listening to these podcasts, you can learn about new treatments and technologies and get advice from experienced nurses on various topics. 2. They can help you improve your clinical skills. If you’re looking to improve your clinical skills as a nurse, podcasts can be a great resource. There are a number of nursing podcasts that offer helpful tips and advice on everything from patient care to professional development. Listening to these podcasts can give you new insights into the world of nursing and help you become a better clinician. 3. They can provide opportunities for professional development and networking. Podcasts can provide you with opportunities for professional development and networking by allowing you to listen to experts in the field discuss relevant topics, share tips and advice, and connect with other like-minded professionals. 4. They’re a great way to learn about new technology and how to use it in your practice. Since the beginning of time, people have been looking for new and innovative ways to learn. Nursing podcasts are an excellent way to learn about new technology and how it can be used in your nursing practice. It can be difficult to find the time to read professional journals or attend continuing education classes, but with podcasts, you can learn at your convenience. 5. Podcasts can be a source of inspiration and motivation. Nursing podcasts can help you stay motivated and inspired while studying for your nursing degree or during your career. By listening to podcasts, you can learn about the experiences of other nurses and hear their advice on how to navigate the profession. This can be helpful when you’re starting out in your career or looking for new opportunities. 6. Nursing podcasts are free! Because nursing podcasts are usually free, tuning in is an affordable way to keep up with your education. Where Can Nurses Find These Helpful Podcasts? It can be tricky to find good quality content, but there are several places to look: • Nursing Podcasts on Apple Podcasts This is a great place to start if you’re looking for general nursing podcasts that cover a wide range of topics. You can search by topic or host and then listen directly on your iPhone. • American Nurses Association (ANA) Podcasts The ANA offers several specific nursing podcasts on topics such as pediatric care and informatics. These podcasts are excellent resources for nurses who want in-depth information on specific topics. • NursingJobsHQ Podcasts This website offers a variety of nursing-related podcasts, including interviews with healthcare professionals and roundtable discussions on various topics. • The Nightingale Conant Podcast Network This network is home to a wide variety of nursing podcasts, including The Nurses Station, The Clinical Advisor, and Nursing Notes Live. These podcasts cover topics ranging from pediatric nursing to geriatric nursing. They’re perfect for nurses who want to learn more about specific aspects of the nursing field. • MedEd Media This podcast network features dozens of shows covering everything from pharmacology to medical education methods. This nursing podcast is a great way to keep up with the latest nursing news, stories, and tips. You can also listen to interviews with well-known nurses and learn about their inspiring career journeys. There are many other sources of nursing podcasts, so it’s important to do some exploring until you find ones that fit your needs. Once you find a few good ones, make sure to add them to your regular listening rotation! Popular Nursing Podcasts Nurses Can Start With Here are 16 recommendations: 1. NurseCasts — Daily Nurse This weekly podcast is hosted by nurse leaders from around the country and covers a variety of topics related to nursing practice, education, and leadership. It is one of the most popular nursing podcasts out there. It’s a great resource for nurses of all levels, from new grads to experienced registered nurses (RNs). If you’re looking for a nursing podcast to help you stay updated on the latest nursing news and research or just to get some tips and inspiration for your nursing career, be sure to check out the NurseCasts podcast. You can find it on iTunes, Stitcher, and other popular podcasting platforms. 2. MPR Weekly Dose Podcast Steve Duffy’s MPR Weekly Dose Podcast is a fun and informative way to stay current on the latest healthcare-related news in under 20 minutes. Steve is an experienced journalist with a wealth of knowledge about the industry, and he does a great job of breaking down complex topics into language that is easy to understand. In each episode, Steve interviews leading experts in the field on new healthcare developments on topics related to COVID-19, primary prevention recommendations, cancer treatments, and more. 3. The Nurse Keith Show The Nurse Keith Show is a great podcast for nurses looking to take their careers to the next level. Nurse Keith is a recognized expert in the field with over 20 years of experience under his belt. In his weekly podcast, he covers a wide variety of topics aimed at inspiring, motivating, and providing the listener with new and exciting information about the field. 4. The New Nurse This podcast is perfect for nurses who are just starting out in their careers. This podcast is hosted by two nurse educators, Meg and Em, who want to create a community for those looking at the wider viewpoint of nursing. On this podcast, the two hosts discuss a range of topics related to changing the culture of nursing in order to help nurses seek balance and lose sight of burnout in the industry. 5. Nursing Times Nursing Times is a three-part series hosted by Laura Whitehead, an adult critical care nurse. Laura is seeking to inspire her listeners through conversations on the diverse profession from industry leaders. After listening to this podcast, you will learn about the different nursing roles, leadership skills, and firsthand experiences in the field. 6. Continuous Critical Care Nursing This podcast, brought to you by the World Federation of Critical Care Nurses and Critical Care Division of the George Institute, offers access to courses and lectures held by nurses around the world. From listening to these podcasts, you will get a world view of the nursing industry and learn about new discoveries from the selected speakers. 7. The Nursing Podcast Jon Haws, the Nursing Podcast host, is a critical care nurse who wants to help current nursing students. Twice a week, Jon provides new content for struggling students, tips for success as a nurse, information about life as a nurse, and interviews. 8. Nursing Uncensored Nursing Uncensored is a podcast for nurses who want to get an authentic view of the world as a nurse. Adrianne Behning, the podcast’s creator and host, has a wealth of knowledge and experience in the field. Adrianne created the podcast in 2017 with the goal of supporting new nurses with information on the day-to-day life as a nurse and the ways to cope with the stresses of the role. 9. New Grad Radio: Intensive Care & Emergency Nurse This podcast is dedicated to helping new-graduate nurses transition into their first year of practice. In each episode, the hosts interview a different nurse with ICU or emergency room experience who shares his or her tips, advice, and stories. 10. The Nurse Blake Podcast This podcast is hosted by Blake and his husband, Brett, and is a must-listen for anyone in and out of the healthcare industry. The podcast covers topics about being a nurse as well as relationship advice. You get to hear perspectives on the industry from Brett, who is not in healthcare, and Blake, who is an experienced nurse. 11. Good Nurse Bad Nurse Tina, a registered nurse, hosts this podcast about the different types of nurses in the industry. She talks about how some nurses are committed to patient care and safety, while acknowledging that there are also nurses who will do the unthinkable. Through a balanced approach, Tina speaks about both sides of the nursing industry in order to inspire and educate nurses to take the right approach. 12. Nurses for Healthy Environments Beth Schenk, a registered nurse and environmental health nurse, spearheads the podcast by addressing current environmental health issues with the hopes of transforming and building a nurse alliance. Beth invites different nurses from around the country to discuss health issues and ways to make the world a healthier environment. 13. Ask Nurse Alice Nurse Alice Benjamin hosts this weekly podcast to educate listeners about the nursing industry. Through interviews with healthcare experts and frontline nurses, you’ll be sure to gain great advice about a variety of different nurse-related topics. Along with the interviews, Alice provides valuable lessons she’s learned along the way, from becoming a CNA all the way to a media health expert. 14. The Nurses Station Jake and Felino are two nurses speaking about real nursing problems that will make you laugh and cry. They also include stories shared by their listeners about the nursing industry. Ranked among the Top Ten Nursing Podcasts, this is a podcast you won’t want to miss. 15. FreshRN In this seven-season podcast hosted by an experienced nurse, Kati Kleber will guide you through your first year as an RN. The podcast covers topics such as work-life balance, time management, and dealing with difficult patients. You’ll hear firsthand stories from current nurses, as well as advice they find valuable to share. 16. See You Now Shawna Butler, a nurse economist, collaborates with Johnson & Johnson and the ANA on this podcast to cover the daily developments as a nurse. They spotlight the changemakers of this generation of nurses by having important conversations with frontline workers. Start Your Journey as a Nurse at Bryant & Stratton College For more ways to continue learning and growing, Bryant & Stratton College offers five different nursing programs. RN to BSN programs can be completed in as little as 12 months. With a nursing degree, nurses can gain the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in today’s competitive healthcare industry. If you’re ready to begin building a career as a nurse, contact Bryant & Stratton to request more information. We offer a two-year ADN program at our campuses in Ohio, Wisconsin, and Virginia, as well as a 64-credit Associate in Applied Science Degree in Nursing at our Henrietta, New York, campus. If you’re looking to earn a bachelor’s degree, we offer an RN to BSN Program at all our campuses except the New York location. To earn a bachelor’s degree in New York, we offer a Bachelor of Science in Nursing at our Liverpool, New York, campus. In addition, a Nursing Generalist Baccalaureate Degree is offered at our Ohio and Wisconsin campuses. We also offer a 41-credit Diploma for a Practical Nurse License in Ohio, Virginia, and Wisconsin. With so many program offerings available, you will surely find the right program right for you. Our degree programs give you the education needed for a rewarding career as a nurse.
- How to Identify and Handle BurnoutWhen you’re juggling school, work, family, and other responsibilities, feeling stressed is common. However, if this stress is taking a toll on your mental health, you might be suffering from burnout. When you have burnout, focusing on school, work, or other parts of your life can be incredibly difficult. Being able to recognize the signs and symptoms of burnout and knowing how to handle it can help you overcome it so you can feel happier and healthier again. What Is Burnout? Burnout is more than being stressed. When you have burnout, you experience exhaustion that affects you physically, mentally, and emotionally. You’re at risk of having this happen if you’ve been dealing with severe or chronic stress. For example, you might have been excited when you first started your job or a new semester at school, but if you’ve been stressed out most of the time, you might start to feel overwhelmed and discouraged about those same things. As this happens, you’ll find that you don’t feel productive, energetic, or enthusiastic about fulfilling your role as an employee or a student. Over time, your motivation and attitude toward work or school can deteriorate and begin affecting other aspects of your life. Stress vs. Burnout While stress can cause burnout, being stressed doesn’t automatically mean you are burned out. Everyone experiences stress from time to time. For some people, stress is usually mild and doesn’t linger for long. You might feel stressed about an upcoming test or work project, for example, but that stress typically goes away afterward. With burnout, you might struggle to feel motivated about studying for that upcoming test or completing your work project. Stress and burnout also differ in other ways. Your emotions might be stronger than usual with stress but blunted with burnout. Stress also typically causes a loss of energy, while burnout can cause a loss of hope or motivation. Damage from stress is mostly physical; damage from burnout is mostly emotional. Signs and Symptoms of Burnout How can you tell whether you are burned out? Being familiar with the different signs and symptoms of burnout can help you determine whether it is what you’re going through. Keep in mind that you might not have all these signs and symptoms. However, even having just a few of them can affect your life and make it harder to focus on everyday tasks and responsibilities. Burnout also tends to develop slowly, rather than suddenly, so you might not realize you’ve been dealing with it until you recognize the signs and symptoms. Once you identify them in yourself, you can start working on overcoming burnout. Physical Signs and Symptoms When you have burnout, you might feel physically exhausted all or most of the time. You might also get headaches more often than usual or experience muscle soreness. Wanting to eat more or less than you usually do can also indicate you have burnout. Other physical signs and symptoms include changes in your sleep habits, such as staying in bed longer than normal or having trouble falling asleep at night, or you might have lowered immunity and get sick more often when you’re struggling with burnout. Emotional Signs and Symptoms Burnout can cause a number of emotional signs and symptoms that can have a big impact on your life. You might feel a strong sense of failure or helplessness rather than feeling hopeful, confident, or enthusiastic. You might also lose your motivation and develop a more cynical attitude. Other emotional signs and symptoms of burnout you might have include feeling detached or alone or feeling less satisfied with your job. You might also feel a sense of defeat or have serious self-doubt about your abilities and skills. Behavioral Signs and Symptoms When you have burnout, exposure to stressors in your life — from work, school, or even a relationship with a family member — can lead to behavioral signs and symptoms. You might begin to withdraw from your responsibilities at home, work, or school. Being able to maintain a healthy work-life balance might become extremely difficult or impossible. You might experience irritability or mood changes that lead to conflict with others. Burnout might also cause you to take a much longer time to get things done or to skip work or class entirely. Other behavioral signs and symptoms can include becoming isolated from other people and turning to alcohol, drugs, or unhealthy foods. 5 Essential Tips for Managing Burnout Since burnout can have a significantly negative impact on your life, health, and well-being, it’s important to be able to manage it. While you might be struggling with feelings of hopelessness and have low motivation, the following tips can help you turn things around so you can feel more like your usual self again. 1. Shift Your Mindset The way you think about work or other stressors in your life can affect how you react to them. Shifting your mindset can put you in a better frame of mind when it comes to handling your workload, school-related tasks, or other responsibilities. To do this, work on improving your work-life balance, such as lightening your workload, taking up a hobby, or spending more time with friends and family. You can also try making a new friend at work or school or look for value in what you do for a living or in the material you’re studying. 2. Make Time for Self-Care Self-care is a big part of overcoming burnout. When you take time to care for yourself, it can help improve your mental and emotional well-being. Self-care might involve practicing meditation or mindfulness to help your mind feel calmer or finding a sense of purpose in your life. Caring for yourself also involves participating in regular physical activity, such as taking walks in your neighborhood, doing yoga, dancing, or undertaking another form of exercise you enjoy. Self-care might also include setting aside time to do something you find relaxing or inspiring, such as reading a good book, writing in a journal, or creating a work of art. 3. Follow a Healthy Diet Eating healthy can help boost your physical and emotional health and well-being at any time, but it’s even more important when you’re experiencing burnout. Your diet should include sources of omega-3 fatty acids, such as walnuts, flaxseed, and fatty fish. These foods can improve your mood and help you feel more energetic, which in turn can help ease some of the signs and symptoms of burnout. You should avoid eating large amounts of foods that contain refined carbs, sugar, and unhealthy fats, as well as processed foods with chemical preservatives. These kinds of foods can negatively affect your mood and energy levels, which could make burnout symptoms worse. 4. Ask for Help When you struggle with burnout, you don’t have to handle it on your own. While it might be hard to do so, reach out to other people in your life to ask for help. You might call or email a friend or family member to ask them to spend some quality time with you and take your mind off work, school, or whatever else is causing you to feel burned out. Keep in mind that talking about what you’re going through can also be helpful. You can talk about what you’re experiencing with trusted friends, family members, or a therapist, or find a support group where you can meet other people who are going through burnout as well. 5. Set Boundaries When you have burnout, you should set boundaries with other people in your professional, academic, and personal lives. Otherwise, you could find your symptoms getting worse, especially if you deal with people who add to your stress. Try to limit the time you spend with people who have a negative attitude, whether they’re coworkers, fellow students, or family members. Being around these people can make you feel worse, especially if they don’t respect your boundaries. Surround yourself with those who have a positive attitude or outlook and are willing to respect any boundaries you set. How Bryant & Stratton Can Help When you want to earn a quality education without putting yourself at risk of burnout, Bryant & Stratton College can help. Bryant & Stratton offers flexible learning options, such as blended learning. Blended learning includes in-person classes and online instruction, giving you the best of both worlds and lowering the risk of burnout. With flexible learning options, you’ll be able to learn in a way that suits you best while also being able to receive help from your instructors when needed. Having a mix of in-person and online classes and instruction can help you stay motivated throughout your degree program and avoid burnout. If you’re ready to explore our educational options, find your program at Bryant & Stratton. From business and education to healthcare and hospitality, we offer a wide range of degree programs.
- 10 Motivational and Inspirational Books for StudentsReading books is a highly effective way to take time for yourself, relax, and unwind. There are tons of books out there, but most people don’t realize that they can be inspiring and motivational, especially when they are students. Classes and studying can take up a lot of time, and it is easy to feel overwhelmed and need a break. One of the best ways to gain back motivation and be inspired to keep pushing to the finish line is to open a book of your choosing and escape. At Bryant & Stratton College, we recognize the need for breaks, especially when they can be uplifting and encouraging. We have created a list of motivational and inspirational books for college students looking for the drive to achieve their goals. 10 Motivational and Inspirational Books for Students 1. The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, by Stephen Covey The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People is a must-read for every student who is looking for motivation. Stephen Covey argues that change progresses from the inside out and that the process of change is just as important as the result. You should make changes to yourself if you are looking to make a change in your circumstances. The book teaches that you can’t become as successful as you want to without living according to principles and core values. Beginning with the end in mind is just one of the powerful lessons the author touches on in this book. 2. OG Mandino’s University of Success, by Og Mandino Og Mandino’s University of Success is filled with the greatest success authorities in the world sharing their most treasured success secrets. Each lesson will make you feel closer to meeting your life goals and conquering what may be setting you back. Og Mandino is one of the most widely read, inspirational self-help authors in the world. 3. The Magic of Thinking Big, by David J. Schwartz The Magic of Thinking Big focuses primarily on the power of positive thinking and the way it can enhance your life. The book concentrates on the importance of thinking outside the box and looking at the bigger picture. David Schwartz highlights how thinking positive, dreaming big, and working hard can help you attain success. A must-read for motivation seekers, this book shows that if you think something is possible, it is. 4. Shoe Dog: A Memoir by the Creator of Nike, by Phil Knight Shoe Dog: A Memoir by the Creator of Nike is an engaging and inspiring book that gives deep insights into the thoughts, feelings, and challenges encountered by Phil Knight and the Nike founding team. The book takes you back to Nike’s startup days, giving us a rare glimpse of how the founder and team struggled against seemingly impossible odds and setbacks to build the company that we know today. Phil retired as Nike’s CEO after 40 years in business and wanted to remind young entrepreneurs to never give up. The book is packed with insights and inspiration for those seeking their purpose in life. 5. Year of Yes: How to Dance It Out, Stand in the Sun and Be Your Own Person, by Shonda Rhimes In Year of Yes, the creator of Grey’s Anatomy and Scandal and executive producer of How to Get Away with Murder explains the powerful impact saying yes had on her life and how we can all change our lives by doing the same. Despite being a powerful face in Hollywood, Shonda Rhimes was an introvert who suffered from anxiety and panic attacks at the thought of doing media interviews. Instead of facing her fears, her first reaction was to say no to invitations when she was scared. After some self-reflection, Shonda spent a year only saying yes. She shares the wealth of knowledge she has gained as well as tips for all those who recognize themselves in her struggle. 6. How to Calm Your Mind, by Chris Bailey How to Calm Your Mind is a science-based book that helps guide readers to productivity during anxious times. Author Chris Bailey was consumed by stress, burnout, and exhaustion before he realized the importance of taking breaks and making time in his schedule to practice being calm. Chris discusses how finding calm and reducing mental load can lead to a more fulfilled life, and his book can help individuals looking to become more engaged and focused. 7. Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff … and It’s All Small Stuff, by Richard Carlson Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff … and It’s All Small Stuff shows how to prevent the little things in your day-to-day life that drive you crazy. Author Richard Carlson reveals ways to remain calm in the midst of your hurried, stress-filled life. We often get so wrapped up in our own lives that we forget that small things like deadlines and arguments aren’t so important in the long run. This book is a reminder to put everything into perspective and live in the moment. 8. The Power of Moments, by Chip Heath and Dan Heath The Power of Moments is about why certain brief experiences can jolt, elevate, and change us as humans — and how we can learn to create these extraordinary moments in our personal lives and at work. Through research, experts have found that when we think about an experience, we ignore most of what happened in the situation and instead focus on a few particular moments. If you are struggling to make a transition, Chip and Dan Heath’s book will help you to create a defining moment that draws a dividing line between “old you” and “new you.” 9. Thinking, Fast and Slow, by Daniel Kahneman Thinking, Fast and Slow is a book by psychologist and economist Daniel Kahneman that examines two different “systems” we use for thinking and decision-making. The book explores how these two systems work and interact to influence our judgments, decisions, and choices. Understanding how you make decisions, as well as Daniel Kahneman’s practical examples, can help you evaluate and even improve your own thinking to make better decisions. 10. Eat That Frog!, by Brian Tracy Eat That Frog! is another practical book to help students empower themselves to fight procrastination. The core idea is to start your work with the most challenging task — like eating a frog — to feel more productive and motivated. Brian Tracy doesn’t leave it at that, however, and offers numerous strategies for increasing productivity and prioritizing your time effectively. If you’re struggling with procrastination, this book can offer a step-by-step approach to put you in control. 11. You Can Win, by Shiv Khera This international bestseller covers a wide range of topics: motivation, self-confidence, communication, goal setting, and leadership. The advice and strategies Shiv Khera provides can be helpful and motivational to anyone — students included — within various aspects of life and at any stage of life. You Can Win encourages readers to take responsibility for their own success and develop a positive attitude. The Power of Reading Books as a Student When you feel inspired to transform your life, it is common to also feel uncomfortable. Change can be painful, but the reward of going through change is significant. If you want to change your life, you will have to do things differently and pave a new path to get the results that you want. Books give you the opportunity to read the struggles others have overcome and give you the confidence that you can do the same.
- What to Expect When Working in a Nursing HomeFor aging populations, nursing homes and assisted-living facilities offer both a home and a place to receive care and assistance with daily tasks. With roughly 1.3 million nursing home residents in the U.S., there is a steady need for staff in these facilities. Working in an assisted-living facility or nursing home gives you a chance to spend your career helping the elderly. That might involve providing patient care or assisting with other tasks such as dressing, depending on your position. If you’ve been thinking of pursuing a nursing home–related career, learning more about what it’s like to work in this type of facility can be helpful. The following information will give you a better idea of what to expect. Pros and Cons of Working in a Nursing Home Working in a nursing home has some notable advantages as well as a few potential disadvantages to be aware of. Taking the time to compare the pros and cons of a nursing home career is important to help you determine whether this is a good career path for you. Benefits of Working in a Nursing Home What are the advantages of working in a nursing home? Staff members in these facilities can expect the following benefits: Build Relationships with Residents Whether you work as a nurse, medical assistant, or other healthcare worker, you’ll have a chance to build a rapport with the nursing home residents. You’ll most likely provide care for the same residents on a long-term basis, which will give you the opportunity to get to know them and their family members who come to visit. Be Part of a Team Working in a nursing home often means being part of a resident’s care team. Depending on what each resident needs in terms of patient care, these teams can include nurses, other healthcare staff, social workers, and other care professionals. Being part of a team also gives you a chance to build relationships that can make a nursing home career even more rewarding. Handle a Variety of Tasks As a nursing home worker, you can expect to handle a variety of tasks each day. If you’re a nurse or another healthcare worker providing direct care, you might end up helping residents with a wide range of medical conditions and other health issues, such as by managing chronic conditions or treating acute illnesses. Other tasks you might handle include helping residents bathe, dress, and do other daily activities. This variety helps make each workday a different experience. Improve Your Skills Working in an assisted-living facility or nursing home can help you improve your skills. For example, you might be able to work on communication and teamwork skills, as well as healthcare-related skills such as administering medication. Disadvantages of Working in a Nursing Home While working in a nursing home has some definite advantages, there are a few potential drawbacks to consider. Keep in mind that although the following disadvantages are possible, most people agree that the advantages of the career outweigh them. Having to deal with Misconceptions Many people have misconceptions about nursing homes and assisted-living facilities. For example, some people might assume that residents in these facilities receive poor-quality care or end up being neglected. You may encounter individuals, such as a member of a resident’s family, who hold these misconceptions. However, this gives you a chance to correct this negative perception and reassure them their loved one is in good hands. Feeling Attached to Residents Although building relationships with residents as you see them day after day can be rewarding, there is a disadvantage to this: You can end up sad or upset if a resident’s health takes a turn for the worse or if a resident moves to a different facility. While this is a risk that comes with forming any attachments, letting down your guard is still worth it. You can take comfort in the fact that you were able to provide these residents with good care and companionship for the duration of your relationship. Being limited in Your Medical Skills Practice Opportunities Working in a nursing home gives you opportunities to improve some healthcare and other work-related skills, but it does limit the kinds of medical skills you get to practice. For example, you won’t be taking imaging tests and scans, doing blood tests, or setting up IVs, as you would if you worked in a hospital or doctor’s office. Whether this is a drawback for you depends on the kinds of medical skills you’re hoping to develop and improve. Is Working in a Nursing Home Hard? This depends on what you consider difficult. Are you good at working as part of a team? You might struggle if teamwork isn’t a strong skill, since work within a nursing home often involves collaborating with other professionals to provide residents with the care they need. Are you able to handle a wide range of tasks on the job? Nursing home staff are often responsible for performing multiple tasks as part of their job. Being able to switch from task to task, whether you’re providing patient care or performing administrative tasks, is important. Working in a nursing home might be hard if you have a tough time juggling different tasks. These are just a couple of examples to give you an idea of how working in a nursing home might be hard, depending on your skills. If you have a strong interest in providing care for the elderly and are dedicated to developing the right skills, a nursing home career might not be hard overall. Keep in mind that as with any job, you can expect to have some challenges at work from time to time. Working in a nursing home might be hard for other reasons as well, including the medical conditions of different residents. Caring for residents with Alzheimer’s or dementia, for example, can be much more challenging than caring for residents with minor health issues. Work in a nursing home might be more emotionally difficult if you care for residents with terminal illnesses, such as those in hospice care. What Do You Need to Work in a Nursing Home? Knowing what it takes to work in a nursing home can help you determine whether you want to pursue this kind of career. The skills and requirements for working in a nursing home or assisted- living facility can vary, depending on the kind of position you’re interested in. Skills Nursing home workers should have skills in first aid and CPR so they can administer care to residents in these situations. Staff members who work in nursing homes or assisted-living facilities should also have strong communication, teamwork, decision-making, and time management skills. For nurses in nursing homes, skills that are part of providing care to patients are also needed, such as patient care, treatment planning, case management, and patient evaluation skills. Other abilities nurses should cultivate when working in these facilities include patient and family education, hospice, home health, and acute care as well as advanced cardiac life support. Other healthcare workers in nursing homes and assisted-living facilities should have the skills needed for their position. For example, medical assistants should have clinical skills, administrative skills, or both, depending on their focus. Requirements The educational requirements for nursing home staff vary. Nurses who work in these facilities often need to have an associate or bachelor’s degree in nursing. For those who want a management position in a nursing home or assisted-living facility, a bachelor’s degree or advanced degree in healthcare administration is usually needed. For support staff positions, you might need a diploma or a postsecondary certificate in medical assisting, depending on the exact position you want. Certification and Licensing Whether you need certification and licensing to work in a nursing home or assisted living facility depends on the kind of job you want. Nurses are licensed through their state but can also be certified through different organizations. This certification can offer certain benefits, such as greater recognition of their skills, knowledge, and expertise. Medical assistants who plan to work in nursing homes have certification options to consider, such as becoming a certified medical assistant or a certified clinical medical assistant. Since licensing and certification options and requirements can vary, you should check with your state to see what you’ll need to obtain to work as a nurse, medical assistant, or other healthcare worker in a nursing home. Start Your Nursing Home Career Journey Today If you’re ready to begin building a nursing home career, contact Bryant & Stratton College for more information on our healthcare degree programs. Our school offers several programs, including bachelor’s degrees and associate degrees in nursing, medical assisting, and more. We can provide you with the education needed for a fulfilling career working in a nursing home or assisted living facility. Request more information to learn more about your degree options and our admissions process.
- Where Do Occupational Therapists Work?Occupational therapy is a rewarding option when you want a career that involves helping people improve their quality of life. This work allows you to help patients with different kinds of disabilities, injuries, or illnesses learn to perform everyday tasks and do exercises that ease their pain. Learning more about the best places to work as an occupational therapist can help you explore potential career paths in this healthcare field. Typical Work Environment for Occupational Therapists Where do occupational therapists work? According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, roughly half of all occupational therapists work in an occupational therapy office or hospital. Occupational therapists handle various tasks, including evaluating the patients’ needs and conditions to determine the proper care, educating family members on patient care and any necessary accommodations, and showing patients how to do specific exercises properly, such as stretches. Occupational therapists also have other duties and responsibilities, such as developing patient treatment plans and recommending devices or equipment to help patients with daily tasks or movement. These therapists might also teach patients how to perform tasks the clients might have trouble with, such as getting dressed. Bear in mind that no matter where you work, being an occupational therapist means you’re going to be on your feet much of the time. You can expect to move patients around and lift heavy items or equipment as part of the job. Although these tasks and responsibilities are typical for occupational therapists, their work environments can differ. While about half of these therapists work in hospitals or occupational therapy offices, the rest work in different environments. The type of environment you might want to work in as an occupational therapist depends on various factors, such as the kinds of patients you prefer to work with, the types of tasks you want to do, and whether you wish to work in one facility or multiple facilities. You might also choose to work in an environment that provides you with the kind of schedule you want. For example, most occupational therapists work during regular office hours, while others work weekends or nights. The following are some places where occupational therapists can work. Schools Those who enjoy working with kids might look into providing occupational therapy services in schools. These therapists work in elementary, middle, and high schools, providing students with resources and activities to help improve their emotional and physical well-being. For example, school occupational therapists might have students do activities to help them develop self-confidence, self-discipline, social skills, and self-care skills. They might also have students do physical exercises to benefit their health. School occupational therapists might evaluate classrooms or other areas and recommend modifications or adjustments that allow all students to participate, including those with difficulties due to disabilities or other conditions. These changes can help improve the overall learning environment for students. Workplaces Occupational therapists interested in helping employees might explore the possibility of focusing on this type of therapy in the workplace. Workplace occupational therapists might assist employees returning to work after an injury or illness or they might collaborate with employers to ensure a safe environment for those with disabilities or injuries by making modifications or adjustments to work areas. These therapists might also help employers take steps to lower the risk of illnesses and injuries in the workplace. In some cases, occupational therapists in workplaces might spend their time assisting individuals with disabilities who want to be employed. Hospitals Occupational therapists in hospitals assist patients recovering from an illness, injury, or procedure who might have trouble doing specific tasks due to mobility issues or other limitations as they heal. For example, occupational therapists might help them get out of bed, brush their teeth, move around, take care of their hygiene, and eat meals. Assisting patients with these tasks is an integral part of their recovery. They might not need as much help performing everyday tasks as they heal. In some cases, though, occupational therapists might help patients adapt to daily activities in modified ways, depending on their physical limitations after an injury or severe illness. Home Healthcare Those who prefer working with multiple clients and visiting them at their homes instead of working in an office setting might look into home healthcare services. Working as an occupational therapist in this type of setting involves helping patients with tasks to continue living independently rather than moving to a nursing home or assisted living facility. In-home healthcare occupational therapists go to each patient’s home and provide assistance as needed. Their responsibilities might involve helping patients manage medications, plan and prepare meals, do some physical activity, or manage stress. These therapists might also help patients learn new activities, do exercises, or change their daily routines at home to improve their physical and mental well-being. Therapist Offices Occupational therapy can involve helping patients who are working on improving their mental health. These occupational therapists might assist patients in managing the effects of an illness on their everyday lives; for example, they help patients find new ways to do the usual activities they enjoy. They might also guide patients into setting goals, making decisions, and recognizing their values. Other tasks in this type of setting might include providing patients with information on resources for support or assisting patients with long-term planning. Those who want an active role in helping patients recover from mental illness might prefer working in this environment, as it allows them to assist patients in various ways that promote mental and emotional well-being. Assisted Living and Retirement Communities Assisted living facilities provide long-term care while giving residents some degree of independence. Retirement communities are communities that provide housing for older individuals. These communities might provide resources and amenities that help residents with specific tasks or activities, such as transportation. Occupational therapists who work in assisted living facilities or retirement communities spend their time helping senior citizens who have difficulty performing everyday tasks, such as preparing meals, bathing, or getting dressed. They might also help these residents do stretches or other exercises for pain relief if they have arthritis or other chronic conditions. Working in an assisted living facility or a retirement community might be an excellent option for those who want to help elderly patients maintain their independence as they age. Start Your Journey Today When you want to work in occupational therapy, consider the role of an occupational therapist assistant. Bryant & Stratton College offers an occupational therapy assistant associate degree to help you learn the skills you’ll need, no matter what kind of environment you work in. This degree program includes courses on occupational therapy fieldwork, adaptive intervention, psychosocial intervention, occupational therapy process, and more. This program provides the education needed to apply occupational therapy principles and theories to your work. You’ll also develop the professional skills required to provide high standards of care to patients, whether you work in an office of occupational therapy, school, hospital, or another facility. After earning your degree, you’ll also have the option to earn a bachelor’s degree followed by a graduate degree and certification to advance your career and become an occupational therapist. If you want to learn more about the occupational therapy assistant associate degree, request more information from Bryant & Stratton College. We can help you start the admissions process and answer any questions you may have about this degree program offered at our campuses in Wisconsin, Ohio, and New York.
- Alumni Spotlight: Meet Jennifer Fish '05“Being taught by individuals in the field and gaining hands-on experience at Bryant & Stratton College confirmed that paralegal studies was the perfect choice for me.” — Jennifer Fish ’05 The Associate of Applied Science in Paralegal Studies program at Bryant & Stratton College provides students with the ability to develop the skills necessary to assist lawyers in case preparation, client interaction, and more. The program affords the career-building experience legal assistants need in order to work in law, from preparing legal documents and correspondence to conducting legal research, along with covering key aspects of the legal process. Paralegals and legal assistants often work for law firms or government agencies, but all sorts of organizations need professionals to conduct and organize research on legal issues. Bryant & Stratton College Henrietta campus alumna Jennifer Fish shares her journey through college and to her dream career as a legal secretary. What inspired you to pursue a paralegal degree at Bryant & Stratton College? I worked in the retail and restaurant business for years, but I always knew I was interested in law. I was a server in downtown Rochester, at a restaurant called Barrister’s that happened to be owned by Thomas D. Cook, a local defense attorney, which was extremely inspiring. Bryant & Stratton College and Barrister’s both gave me the flexibility I needed to be able to work and earn my degree. I would work during the day, then head to the library on campus to study before attending class, making it the perfect fit for me. What is your current position, and what was your journey to getting there? I am currently a legal secretary at the Monroe County public defender’s office, where I oversee the needs of around 40 public defenders. One day, while I was still in school, I was at Barrister’s, waiting tables. I had the pleasure of serving the late William E. Easton, who owned an estate law practice. Mr. Easton was eating lunch with his daughter and having a conversation about his granddaughter getting her first tattoo and making sure it was safe. It just so happened that I had just written a paper for my creative writing class titled “How to Get a Safe Tattoo,” so I gave him a copy. My college and personal information were on the paper, and a few short months later, Mr. Easton needed a paralegal for his practice. I was offered the job, and I accepted. I worked for his practice until he retired; then I accepted a full-time job in my current position. I have been in this position for nine years. How did Bryant & Stratton College prepare you for your role? The hands-on learning and teaching by attorneys currently in the field helped me organize my time and gave me the experience I needed to earn my degree. I was given the information I needed to make decisions and be successful in my current role. My criminal class instructor, Judge Brett Granville, made a huge impact on my success and led me to finding my niche in the legal world. What would you say to someone considering attending Bryant & Stratton College? If you are looking for a college that offers the flexibility to continue working and have a family, this is the college for you. I was exposed to so many individuals who work or worked in the field and gave [me] insights into what the “day to day” is like in the role. I was the first person in my family to go to college, and I couldn’t have done it without Bryant & Stratton College. What are your future goals for your career? I am so proud to work at one of the best public defenders’ offices in the country. My goal was always to give back, and I have been able to do that in my dream job. I plan to stay at the Monroe County public defender’s office until I retire. You can learn more about earning a paralegal degree at Bryant & Stratton College here!
- From the AshesBalancing school with everyday life can be a challenge for anyone, particularly if you have the added responsibility of being a parent. Bryant & Stratton nursing student, and mother, Jennifer Strange was managing her workload in stride and was only two classes away from graduating from the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program. However, her collegiate career came crashing to a halt when tragedy struck, forcing her to step away and put her career aspirations on hold. Jennifer’s path to nursing school began with an unhealthy relationship. “I had my son, and his father was not the greatest person,” she said. “Not necessarily abusive or anything like that, but he had his own demons. So, I went into medical assistance so that I could get on my feet and take care of my son on my own, because working at McDonald's was not an option. His father did clean up for a while, but when I got into nursing school, things started going south quickly and we ended up separated.” Life at Bryant & Stratton Jennifer joined Bryant & Stratton’s BSN program in 2013. Her experience with the school and the program was a positive one. “You have to learn how to be self-sufficient,” said Jennifer. “It's college. It's a grown-up world. You learn what you want to learn. And if you want to succeed, you have to apply yourself.” Jennifer was not only self-sufficient but found that she was able to offer assistance to her fellow classmates. “The school noticed that I was tutoring other students, so they compensated me for my efforts through the Federal Work Study Program,” said Jennifer. “So, I worked for the school while I was going to school, helping the other nursing students and potential nursing students.” While she had not anticipated doing any kind of teaching, it was something she fully embraced. “I truly enjoyed going to nursing school. I felt like I was on the path that I was supposed to be on. I’ve never seen myself as being a teacher, but I found ways to understand things which I was then able to pass on to others.” Tragedy Strikes With only two classes left to finish the program, Jennifer was on course to graduate on time. That was, until she was met with horrific news. Her grandfather, with whom she was incredibly close, committed suicide. “My grandparents were everything to me,” said Jennifer. “They lived across the street from me my entire life. So, when they moved down to southern Ohio, my son and I drove the three hours every weekend to see them.” Rather than return to school for her last semester, Jennifer dropped everything to help take care of her grandmother. She then received more unwelcome news - her son‘s father had overdosed. “He survived, but between trying to protect my son and do the best that I could for him, and then dealing with the devastating loss of my grandfather, I gave up,” admitted Jennifer. “I had no initiative.” Nearly five years passed, and in that time, Jennifer continued her work as a medical assistant. It was COVID that turned out to be a real pivot point for her. “COVID allowed me to see things in a whole different light,” said Jennifer. “I was one of the only medical assistants that would work six or seven days a week. I always went above and beyond. I never called in. I’m not that type of person. I'm going to work my butt off. I think there were one or two other medical assistants that were volunteering to do the drive-through COVID swaps. I looked around and I thought, ‘I'm not where I should be. I should be doing what these nurses are doing, I should be compensated the way I knew they were being compensated.’ I had the same knowledge as them, but I didn't have the piece of paper that said I did.” Getting Back on the Horse Jennifer made an appointment with Bryant & Stratton’s Dean of Instruction, Linda Jackson. “She had my transcripts in front of her,” said Jennifer. “She was looking at them, and she said, ‘I remember you. You tutored everybody else that was here. You're way too smart to not have your degree. Dean Jackson offered to reach out and see what she could do about getting Jennifer re-enrolled. Jennifer was allowed to return to her nursing studies at Bryant & Stratton with no time lost, though with one caveat - that she took and passed seven Assessment Technology Institute (ATI) proctored exams for each class that she had already taken to ensure she remained competent in these classes. “I had to pass the ATI exams, which is the program that we use to prepare you for the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) exam,” said Jennifer. “Even as good as I was back then, time was not my friend at that point. I had a part-time job and a full-time job, so I quit my part time job in April, and I studied every single day until August. I passed all 7 exams and scored the absolute highest that you can score on 5 of them.” Jennifer is currently working in the operating room at the Level 1 trauma center at MetroHealth Ohio City Health Center in Cleveland and will be walking the stage at Bryant & Stratton’s graduation in May, which coincidentally is a week before her son graduates from high school. “He's very mature for his age,” Jennifer said of her son. “He’s had to deal with experiences most kids his age don’t have to deal with. He wrote me a card for Valentine's Day, and he's not a kid that shows emotion. All he was trying to do was express how proud he was of me, and how I've inspired him. There is nothing anybody could ever do to replace the way that I felt when I read that card.”
- From Buffalo to KuwaitAlissa Johnson had some high aspirations for her post-collegiate career after Bryant & Stratton College. But what she didn’t expect was that her journey would take her to the other side of the planet to play professional basketball. Alissa’s basketball journey started at Mercyhurst Northeast, a two-year Catholic liberal arts college in Erie, Pennsylvania. It was there that she gained the attention of Bryant & Stratton College’s women’s basketball coach, Brittnee Perry, when Alissa’s tenure at Mercyhurst was near completion. “I had a couple of teams reach out to me,” said Alissa. “But Coach Britt was the coach that I stayed in contact with the most. I felt more comfortable with her. We talked a lot about the goals that I wanted to accomplish, so that's how I based my decision.” That decision wasn’t necessarily as easy one for Alissa, due primarily to the fact that it was the inaugural year for Bryant & Stratton’s women’s basketball team at the Buffalo, N.Y. campus. “I was definitely hesitant because I knew that it was going to be the first year for the women's team, but Coach Britt and I had a really good talk and she made me feel more secure about going there,” added Alissa. Alissa quickly learned that she had made the right choice in attending Bryant & Stratton. “My first year was amazing,” said Alissa. “I met a lot of great people in the community, and I had great coaches. I was able to be part of the First Team All American Team and I was able to have a really good season.” Coach Perry was equally enthused about Alissa’s decision to join Bryant & Stratton College’s Bobcats. “Alissa brought heart,” said Perry. “She was a domineering player and was one of the players to help set the bar for any players that came after. She made the first year special and was a pleasure to have coached her.” As her collegiate career was coming to an end, Alissa had to decide what life would be like after school. “In my senior year, I began to wonder what was next,” said Alissa. “I told Coach Britt that if an opportunity to play overseas came up, that I would take it, but at the time, my grandma was getting older, and she didn’t have a lot of people to help take care of her. So, I honestly was going to stop playing after Bryant & Stratton.” At a Crossroads in Life Alissa earned her Bachelors of Business Administration Degree in General Management in 2022, but her passion lay in psychology. She decided to continue to grad school to receive a master’s in psychology while continuing to look after her grandmother. That was until she received a call from her father letting her know that she had another option. “It was just so out of nowhere,” said Alissa. “I randomly got a call from my dad, and he asked if I’d still like to play overseas for an international FIBA basketball league in Kuwait. A couple of days later, an agent reached out to me, telling me that they had this opportunity for me.” It turned out that her father had been receiving calls for years with requests for Alissa to play overseas, but he was waiting for the right time and allowing her to stay focused. Alissa was faced with a difficult decision, one made even more difficult by the fact that she had just landed a job as an applied behavior analysis counselor working with children. However, approximately one hour after she received the call from the agent, she received another call with news that her grandmother was in the hospital, and the prognosis was not good. “I feel like my grandma is like a superhero,“ said Alissa. “This was not the first time she had been in that situation.” It was ultimately her grandmother that helped her decide what course of action to take. “She just told me, ‘If you want to be a counselor, be a counselor, but if you want to play basketball, go play basketball and make a lot of money.’ It just made me feel good inside, and that was the support that I needed.” Travel Anxiety Alissa found herself a bit nervous when it came time to actually travel to Kuwait. “I hadn’t been on a plane very much, so it was pretty nerve-wracking,“ said Alissa. “I remember thinking to myself, ‘I’m really going to a different country. I’m already on the plane, and there’s no turning back now.’ I just prayed and tried to keep a clear head and tried not to think any negative thoughts.” Alissa was met at the airport by a representative from the organization, and although she had been prepped by a second-year American on the team, she still found the experience of arriving in a foreign land to be intimidating. “It's a whole new country, so people are looking at you because they know you're not from here. I was so nervous. I don't think I've ever been that nervous. I just breathed in and out and tried to make it seem like I knew where I was going.” Culture Shock Perhaps the biggest adjustment Alissa had to make was living in a Muslim country. “It’s very strict,” she said. “It’s 80 degrees right now, but if I go to the grocery store, I’ll have to put on a jacket because the women have to cover up. My teammates and I went into the grocery store wearing basketball shorts, and they told us we couldn’t wear them inside. We tried telling them that we were athletes and that we weren’t trying to offend them. Dealing with that aspect of the culture has been the biggest shock.” Alissa also took some time adjusting to the Kuwaiti cuisine, as well as simply being away from home. “I actually got sick my first week here,” she said. “I'm a very picky eater, and their food didn’t really sit well with me. I was also very homesick. But I’m living with another American, and as time went on, we tried to take in the culture as much as we could, so it’s gotten easier.” Taking to the Court As far as the basketball team was concerned, Alissa found that there has been an adjustment period as well. “They were actually very excited for us to be here, because we’re their first American players, but it’s been hard to communicate, as only one or two of them speak English,” said Alissa. “We’ve had to use Google translate. It’s been hard to talk to them if there is an issue because they don't understand what we're saying. We try to get the other teammates that know English to talk to them and try to get them to understand us as much as possible.” She also found that some of the basic basketball fundamentals that are taught in the U.S. weren’t part of Kuwaiti basketball. “You’d be surprised to learn some of the basics they just don’t have over her, such as zones,” said Alissa. “There was a lot that they lacked that we’ve been teaching them, and I think they see how hard me and the other American are working, so that’s been motivating them.” “I'm proud of her,” said Coach Perry of Alissa’s professional career. “She continued to work after her dream regardless of obstacles and I'm very proud of her accomplishments. I want Alissa to succeed in whatever she does and seize her moments and opportunities.” Alissa’s future with the league is uncertain at this point, but so far, the experience has been an incredibly positive one for her, particularly when it has come to bonding with her team. “Meeting our teammates has been amazing,” said Alissa. “They welcomed us into their homes, and we’ve met their families, and we’ve been able to see how different their lives are from ours in America. They’ve welcomed us with open arms.” Alissa also shares quite of bit of affection for her former Bobcat teammates. “I grew up as the only child on my mother’s side,” she said. “Those girls at Bryant and Stratton became the sisters I always wanted. As I take this new journey in life, I want them to know the memories we shared are my motivation when I step on that court. It’s not music, it’s not a proper warmup that gets me ready to play. It’s the memories. The memories helped me let go of my fear of being in a different country and I would not be where I’m at in life right now if it wasn’t for them. The team helped me in ways that I never really got a chance to express to them, but I hope it has gotten to them now.” For more information about Bryant & Stratton College’s Women’s Basketball program in Buffalo, visit buffalo.bscbobcats.com/sports/wbkb. For more information about Bryant & Stratton College athletics in your area, visit bscbobcats.com.
- 5 Traits of a Successful Occupational Therapy AssistantApril is National Occupational Therapy Month, giving us the opportunity to highlight what occupational therapy brings to healthcare, as well as the important role that occupational therapy assistants (OTAs) play to aid occupational therapists (OT's) in helping patients. Under the guidance of an OT, OTAs help patients develop, recover, improve, and maintain the crucial skills needed for daily living and working. As opposed to an OT, who evaluates and develops a treatment plan for the patient based on the patient’s specific needs, the OTA executes the plan by teaching the individual how to overcome the challenges brought about by injury, illness, or disability. 5 Crucial Character Traits of a Successful Occupational Therapy Assistant 1. Patient Having patience is a key trait to have as an OTA since most of these professionals work with patients who have experienced an accident or illness that has led to a debilitation. Recovery time can be long and demanding and it can be easy for patients to feel discouraged and sometimes angry, so the OTA must be patient and understanding while working with his or her clients in order to help them feel at ease and experience encouragement as they work to overcome their problems. 2. Passionate OTAs who are passionate about their jobs not only make work more enjoyable for themselves, but also make the time patients spend in therapy easier as well. Individuals who have an interest in the field and in helping others regain their strength and resume their normal lives after an illness or an accident thrive most in this career. It can be hard for patients to accept the fact that they can’t do certain things on their own anymore, but a passionate and optimistic OTA increases a patient’s morale while creating a more positive treatment environment. 3. Observant Being observant as an OTA is key to helping patients heal. OTAs must keep a constant close eye on their patients and observe whether the healing therapies are working and if progress is being made. If the current treatment plans are not working, the OTA can work with the OT to make adjustments and the necessary changes. 4. Independent Although OTAs work with an occupational therapist to figure out the best practices for a patient, there is a level of independence in their jobs too. OTAs must be able to think quickly and comprehensively, and, to solve problems, be independent enough to know when to make a decision, when to ask for help, and whether the therapy being utilized is working. Occupational therapy is different for every individual who comes for help. This means that every patient will need a personalized care plan by an OTA who is integral and experienced. 5. Adaptable OTAs work in various settings and with different patients of all ages and capabilities. Being open-minded and ready to take on new challenges is crucial to the success of a patient’s therapy. An OTA should be an advocate for his or her patient and use a patient-centered approach to help patients achieve their goals. What Degree Do You Need to Become an Occupational Therapy Assistant? Students in this occupational therapy associate degree program will learn what it takes to provide support and treatment to adults and children in need of focused therapy to redevelop vital capacities that are used daily. Students’ coursework will include theory, anatomy, and physiology, and they will gain assessment skills through multiple experiences in the field, which will enhance the theory and practice learned in classroom and lab settings. The associate degree in occupational therapy assistance will prepare graduates for roles in hospitals, rehabilitation clinics, schools, skilled nursing facilities, and day-treatment centers. There is a growing demand within the occupational therapy field for professionals with the skills and the degrees to do the one-on-one work patients need to improve functionality and recover from illness and injury. As the demand for occupational therapy services grows, so will the value of the occupational therapy assistant associate degree program from Bryant & Stratton College. What You Will Learn in OTA School Bryant & Stratton College occupational therapy assistant students will gain skills and experiences that will give them the confidence to begin their careers. Upon completion of the program, students will be able to apply occupational therapy principles and theories to evaluation and intervention techniques in order to achieve desired outcomes; demonstrate professional behavior, values, and moral and ethical standards and attitudes consistent with the profession of occupational therapy; appreciate the distinct roles and responsibilities of the occupational therapy assistant as they apply to interactions with clients, family members, and other professionals, including occupational therapists; be an advocate for clients, services, and the profession; provide services to clients of varied backgrounds in various systems without bias; and value research, evidence-based practices, and the need to keep current and engaged in lifelong learning. Taking the Step to Becoming an OTA This April, Bryant & Stratton College celebrates National Occupational Therapy Month and the amazing work done by OT's and OTA's. We recognize the efforts it takes to be a successful OTA and have created a program to help our students gain the important knowledge and experience needed to become the best OTA possible. At Bryant & Stratton College, our occupational therapy assistant program can prepare you for a rewarding career that will allow you to help others daily. It will also give you the opportunity to make a difference in someone’s life, just by doing your job. Our OTA program will afford the skills you need to work under the supervision of an occupational therapist and help patients with different medical issues regain the needed mobility and independence to better perform their day-to-day activities.
- Alumni Spotlight: Meet Patricia Finocchario '22Alumni Spotlight: Meet Patricia Finocchario ‘22 Program: Medical Assisting Campus: Henrietta Medical assisting (MA) alumna Patricia Finocchario discovered her passion for the medical field when she got her first pair of glasses at 8 years old. As she got older, she always knew that she would end up in a role that would involve helping others, but it took time and experience to encourage her to get there. Patricia served in the Navy for 16 years as an airplane captain, aviation mechanic mate, and intelligence specialist. “Throughout my career in the Navy, I always felt guilty when someone thanked me for my service because I felt that I wasn’t doing anything that was helping people directly. I always knew that helping others would be where I ended up after the Navy, but I didn’t know the path I was going to take to get there,” Patricia said. Although she was making a difference in the Navy, she knew the medical field was her passion. Patricia took the leap and inquired about the medical assisting program at Bryant & Stratton College. The Medical Assisting Associate of Applied Science degree program at Bryant & Stratton College is designed to prepare students for a rewarding career in the medical field. Graduates will gain the critical thinking skills and medical education they need to pursue career opportunities with private practices, hospitals, clinics, and more. Medical assistants are multi-skilled health professionals specifically educated to work in ambulatory settings and perform administrative or clinical duties focused on patient care. After completing her degree, Patricia became a technician at University Eye Specialists, P.C., which provides the most up-to-date eye care, from routine eye exams to complex eye surgeries. Her role includes greeting patients, updating charts, answering phones, scheduling appointments, verifying insurance information, collecting payments, and more. Patricia shared, “The medical office systems class I took while at Bryant & Stratton College was a huge help in preparing me for what to expect when working in a medical office. As expected, every office’s system for viewing charts is different, but we were able to view different tabs to input required information, such as lab results, or reschedule an appointment, preparing me for my current position and giving me crucial experience.” “Every instructor I had at Bryant & Stratton College was extremely helpful throughout my educational career. They were always willing to answer any question and would share their personal experiences in the field to help make the classes more personal. Just knowing that there was always someone there to help made it easier to keep pushing through,” Patricia said. Patricia’s goal is to continue with additional training and advance in her career at University Eye Specialists. Although her current role specializes in eyes and vision, she is striving to stay up to date on all different specializations in the healthcare field. “To anyone who is considering attending Bryant & Stratton College, you will not be disappointed. Everything I learned in my classes is being applied to my job daily. All the time and hard work I put in were worth it. I thought it would be impossible to apply my job skills from the military to the medical field, but I learned how to do it in college,” Patricia said. Patricia shared, “Even after graduating, I am connected to Bryant & Stratton College constantly. There is always someone reaching out to see how things are going for me, and it is so nice to see how the college cares so much about their students both during [the program] and after graduation.” Learn more about the medical assisting program at Bryant & Stratton College here!
- 14 Types of Paralegals: Pick Your PassionBeing a paralegal means you can work in the law field without having to put in the time to earn a law degree and pass the bar exam. As a paralegal, you’ll still have many responsibilities and duties that require legal knowledge and skills. Although you won’t be allowed to give clients legal advice as a lawyer or an attorney would, you’ll play an important role in legal matters, such as handling legal research and gathering evidence for cases. Paralegals assist lawyers in several ways, whether they work in a law firm or another setting, such as a corporation’s law department or the government. There are several paralegal specialties to choose from, depending on factors such as your interests or job experience. Being a paralegal allows you to build a career around an issue or area you’re passionate about. Types of Paralegals From courtrooms and law firm offices to corporate offices and government facilities, paralegals have plenty of work environments to choose from. While some tasks, such as doing legal research and handling legal correspondence, are part of most paralegal jobs, certain specialties come with other responsibilities. The following information can help you learn more about some of the kinds of paralegal specialties that are available. 1. Corporate Corporate paralegals spend their time working for a company or an organization instead of with multiple clients. This paralegal job involves reviewing business contracts, ensuring companies comply with state and federal rules and regulations, and handling other legal tasks. Corporate paralegals usually don’t spend much time in the courtroom or interacting with clients. If you have a corporate background or an interest in working for a business or an organization, being a corporate paralegal might be the right path for you. 2. Family Law Family law paralegals assist lawyers who handle divorce cases, child custody cases, and other family law cases. These paralegals gather documents and paperwork, prepare divorce or separation documents, perform legal research, conduct interviews, and prepare court filings. For this job, you’ll need strong organizational skills to keep all records and paperwork properly filed and updated. Keep in mind that working in family law can involve highly emotional cases, so compassion, empathy, and patience are essential. 3. Immigration Immigration paralegals help attorneys with legal tasks that relate to immigration, such as filing visa applications or gathering paperwork for deportation petitions. Some immigration paralegals work in a law firm, while others work for a large business or organization that employs immigrants. Having strong communication skills and being able to multitask are essential for this specialty. Being bilingual or speaking multiple languages is also an excellent skill to have since you might interact with clients or employees who speak another language. 4. Estate Planning and Probate Estate planning and probate paralegals focus on estate planning and probate work with individuals who are in the process of making plans for their estate after they pass. This often involves assisting clients with writing wills and other legal documents for estate planning. In some cases, these paralegals assist with probate cases, which involve distributing property and handling other estate tasks for those who died without a will. Being an estate planning and probate paralegal requires having legal skills, administrative skills, and a sense of compassion when interacting with clients. 5. Personal Injury Personal injury paralegals help lawyers handle cases involving accidents or injuries caused by another party. These paralegals handle multiple tasks relevant to these types of cases, such as preparing clients and witnesses for depositions, preparing for trials, scheduling proceedings, transcribing legal documents, and gathering medical reports and other paperwork. Some cases involve working on the defendant’s side, while others work on the plaintiff’s side. Organizational skills, communication skills, and personal injury legal knowledge are vital for this type of work. 6. Criminal Defense Criminal defense paralegals assist attorneys with handling criminal law cases. This might involve gathering evidence and discovery information, drafting documents, doing legal research, conducting interviews, and handling other tasks that build these legal cases. Having a solid interest in criminal law and familiarity with crime classifications and legal procedures, such as probation or search and seizure, can make this a good career option for you as a paralegal. 7. Litigation Litigation paralegal jobs allow you to focus on helping attorneys when legal action is taken, such as when a client sues someone. This work involves assisting lawyers with preparing for trials, conducting interviews with witnesses, and handling other relevant tasks. With this type of job, you can expect to be in courtrooms more often than you would with other paralegal specialties. Keep in mind that you can be a litigation paralegal within a specialty, such as bankruptcy, corporate law, or personal injury. 8. Banking/Finance Banking or finance paralegals assist attorneys who handle financial or banking matters, such as bankruptcy or banking transactions. While some paralegals work in a law firm’s finance department, others work for a bank or another type of financial institution. Depending on their exact role, they might help lawyers prepare bankruptcy cases, such as filing paperwork or other documents. Others might be involved with handling loan documents, venture capital investments, stock transfers, or other business transactions. Having job experience in banking or finance or an interest in this industry could mean that this is a good career path for you. 9. Insurance Insurance paralegals handle duties related to insurance claims, investigations, and other insurance matters. This often involves being comfortable working on cases for different kinds of insurance, such as auto insurance, homeowners’ insurance, and health insurance. Paralegals with this specialty might work for a law firm or in an insurance company’s legal department. Some tasks they handle might include gathering evidence for cases, preparing documents, preparing for trials, interviewing witnesses, and reviewing insurance company policies. This might be a great specialty to choose if you have experience in the insurance industry. 10. Real Estate Real estate paralegals are involved with the legal aspects of real estate purchases and transactions. In some cases, these paralegals handle legal tasks for real estate matters that involve the courts, such as foreclosures or zoning disputes. Keeping track of correspondence between parties, reviewing and filing documents, and performing other relevant tasks are part of the job for these paralegals. If you have an interest in real estate or experience as a real estate agent, this can be an excellent option to consider. 11. Intellectual Property Intellectual property paralegals spend their time handling legal tasks related to patents, trademarks, and other types of intellectual property. Some of these paralegals work in law firms, while others work for a corporation or government organization. As this type of paralegal, you might work on cases involving trademark infringement, copyright applications, or other intellectual property issues. These paralegals research existing and new legislation on intellectual property, interact with clients, and draft documents, such as patent applications. Since this specialty often involves working with marketing firms, having previous experience or an interest in marketing is helpful. 12. Government Government paralegals work for federal, state, or local government law offices. The exact duties they perform can depend on the type of role they have. Some mainly handle research, such as reviewing regulations, while others focus on preparing and processing government contracts. For some government paralegals, community outreach is part of their job description. Having an eye for detail, being highly organized, and being able to multitask are essential skills when you work as a government paralegal, no matter which branch of the government you work for. 13. Labor/Employment Labor or employment paralegals focus on labor law matters, such as collective bargaining agreements, for union or nonunion workplaces. These paralegals have a vital role to play in employer-employee issues, such as health and safety, benefits, wages, discrimination, and workers’ compensation. Some of their duties include drafting contracts, pleadings, and other documents; tracking case documents; scheduling depositions; preparing trial exhibits; and handling other tasks to prepare for trials. Relevant work experience or an interest in labor law can make this specialty a good career option. 14. Healthcare Paralegal or Nurse Paralegal Healthcare paralegals or nurse paralegals handle tasks related to healthcare or medical cases, such as medical malpractice, nursing home negligence, healthcare laws, or health insurance claims. The duties and responsibilities these paralegals handle can vary depending on the type of case they’re working on. These duties might include reviewing medical records, preparing depositions, and assisting with on-site investigations. Some work for law firms, while others work for insurance companies or medical organizations. Having job experience as a nurse or another type of healthcare worker could make this specialty an ideal fit for you. Other Paralegal Specialties Several other types of paralegal specialties are available for you to consider as a career option. These include freelance, disability, juvenile, human rights, military, maritime, and environmental. How to Choose Your Paralegal Specialty With so many paralegal specialties to choose from, how can you choose the right one for your career? You can go about this in different ways. Gaining an education in paralegal studies is a great way to learn the skills you’ll need for a paralegal job, no matter your chosen specialty. You can also determine the right specialty based on your interests or passions. The following can help you select your paralegal specialty. What Do Most Paralegals Major In? When you decide to become a paralegal, you might consider earning a paralegal degree or starting as a legal assistant. A paralegal degree, such as an associate degree, provides you with the training you need to perform the duties and responsibilities of this career, such as legal writing and correspondence, legal research, law office management, and more. You might take certain courses that cover a specialty, such as corporate law, contract law, or environmental law. Starting as a legal assistant is another path you can take to becoming a paralegal. This might involve earning a legal assistant diploma, working as a legal assistant, and then earning a paralegal degree or a paralegal studies certificate. Pair with a Personal Interest or a Previous Job When exploring different options for your paralegal specialty, consider your personal interests and previous job experience. Your interests might help you decide what you want to focus on as a paralegal. For example, you might have a strong interest in environmental issues, immigration issues, or human rights issues. You can choose your paralegal specialty based on what you’re passionate about. Your previous job experience offers another way to choose a paralegal specialty. For example, if you have experience working as a nurse, you might decide to become a healthcare or nurse paralegal. This paralegal job allows you to put your nursing or healthcare knowledge to use along with your paralegal skills. If you have previous job experience as a mechanic, you might choose a paralegal specialty in car accident personal injury law or car defect or liability law. If you have experience working as a banker or in another financial role, you might choose a finance or banking specialty, such as bankruptcy. Start Your Journey Today Bryant & Stratton College has programs to help you build the skills you’ll need as a paralegal. We offer a Legal Office Assistant diploma, and the credits earned with this diploma can be applied toward our 60-credit Paralegal Studies associate degree program. Both degree programs are available online and at our campuses in New York, Ohio, Virginia, and Wisconsin. Request more information on these programs and find your program today!
- EKG Technician Program: Seven Weeks to a Rewarding CareerEKG. Three simple letters could save a life. An EKG or electrocardiogram measures the electrical activity of the heartbeat. The person who performs the test is called an EKG technician. EKG technicians are trained to identify potential problems with the heart’s electrical activity and then alert physicians. Bryant & Stratton College offers an EKG Technician Certification Program. The seven-week online program ends with a final week of hands-on training followed by the national certification exam. In demand profession Sherry Pearsall, RN, MSN, CCMA, Bryant & Stratton College Curriculum Manager for Allied Health Programs, created the EKG Technician Certification Program several years ago when she recognized an increasing demand. “There is really a huge need for it right now because unfortunately, the rate of heart disease is really increasing in the United States,” said Pearsall. “Every forty seconds in the United States someone has a heart attack. Every forty seconds. It costs the government $200 billion a year to treat something but what’s so frustrating to me as a registered nurse, is it is preventable." This is where an EKG technician can come in. An EKG technician can not only perform an EKG but can give advice to patients about how to improve their cardiac health. The program also teaches these students about the theory behind heart disease. “People think as an EKG tech you are running in and you are running out, “ said Pearsall. “A good portion of the course has to do with understanding anatomy and physiology and the theory behind the disease processes and being able to interpret all the arrhythmias you see on the screen. Patients don’t know who you are, so they will ask anybody in the room with them about things and you have to be knowledgeable about it. So, I like that EKG techs can learn not only how to do the test, but they can learn how to answer those questions for patients.” How the program works According to Pearsall, the duration of the EKG Technician Program, its flexibility, and the chance for career growth made the program very popular. “It is very interesting to our students to do it while they are in school because it allows them to work and to get experience in the field while they are trying to finish their medical assisting program or their nursing program,” she said. “In addition to class work, we set up webinars for them and we review content which leads to a huge success rate in terms of them passing the certification exam.” There is no prerequisite to the EKG Technician Program. It can be taken by itself or taken to enhance a current career. “When I taught in the medical assisting program, one of the classes was about doing an EKG, but it was not intense and didn’t go into how to evaluate the findings,” said Pearsall. “If you are a medical assistant and have that certification, for example, the doctor you are working with will know you are going to be much more accurate and it’s going to be much more comprehensive,” said Pearsall. “So, to me, the certifications are more like the security blanket for them to be able to not only function in their field, but do the extra stuff that means more job security, more job opportunities, and honestly more money.” EKG saves lives As an EKG technician, you monitor how the cardiac cycle is working. One cardiac cycle involves blood moving through the heart unoxygenated, then moving to the lungs to get oxygen, then going back into the heart and the heart pushes all of that oxygenated blood throughout your body. One of those cycles happens about 60 times a minute. “EKGs can save lives,” said Pearsall. “It’s cool because there have been so many cases where patients are on the table having an EKG and it’s the EKG tech taking a look at that saying there’s an immediate problem. You can identify significant arrhythmias or precursors to life threatening issues. Having the tech in the office look at that strip and inform the doctor is critical. The patient may be sent directly to the hospital from the office. This can save lives. “ Pearsall says as an instructor and a nurse, teaching students how to be EKG technicians is rewarding for her because she knows they can single-handedly change the course of someone’s life. “EKG techs are kind of like the right-hand aid for practitioners working with cardiac patients and even non-cardiac patients. I’ve had students that have completed the course, got their certification, called me back, and said, ‘oh my God you wouldn’t believe what happened today.’ They found or identified a problem on the EKG before they even showed it to the doctor. Or they counseled somebody about the issue and the importance of having the test. Every time you can interact with a patient on that level, show them what it takes to be healthy, what they might be doing wrong, and how they can make the improvement to prevent a big problem, that’s a great feeling -the feeling of making a difference.” If you would like more information about the EKG Technician Program, visit https://www.bryantstratton.edu/continuing-education/healthcare/ekg.
- 14 Top Tips for Taking Online ClassesWhen you want to earn a college degree, online classes provide a convenient way to do so. Virtual courses mean you don’t have to spend time going to and from campus, and you have much more flexibility in your schedule. While these classes can be an excellent option for those who work or take care of other responsibilities regularly, being in an online degree program presents some challenges. Knowing how to do well in online classes can help you succeed and earn your degree. Keep the following tips for taking online classes in mind if you’re exploring this type of degree program. 1. Get Organized One of the key strategies to doing well in online learning is organization. This involves organizing all the notes you take, as well as your assignments and projects. Staying organized can make it easier to locate specific notes you want to review before a test or that you need to complete an assignment. The supplies you need for school, such as pens, notebooks, highlighters, and sticky notes, should also be kept in one place that’s easy for you to access during classes and while studying. 2. Don’t Procrastinate Putting off assignments, projects, studying, and other school-related tasks until the last minute can hurt your academic performance. Procrastinating might lead you to cram the night before a test or rush through an important project that counts for a high percentage of your grade. Make a daily habit of reviewing the tasks you must complete for school and upcoming deadlines, then get started on achieving them. Starting early should give you plenty of time to study for exams or hand in quality work on assignments and projects. 3. Participate in Discussions Being in online classes isn’t quite the same as attending in-person classes. Although you might not be seated in a classroom with other students and your instructor, it’s still important to actively participate in class. You might have opportunities to post questions or participate in discussions during your online courses or outside them. Whether you answer a question your instructor asks or respond to a classmate who starts a conversation, active participation can help you learn more while also providing you with chances to interact with fellow students. 4. Stay Engaged Online lectures can be hard to focus on for some people, compared to sitting in a classroom. Finding ways to stay engaged during your classes can help you make the most of your online education. You might set a goal to participate at least once during class to start with, or you might pay close attention and take notes while your instructor goes over the material. You can stay engaged outside of your lessons as well. For example, you might set a goal to check the discussion threads for each class a certain number of times per day and post replies. 5. Take Advantage of Resources Many schools understand that online education comes with specific challenges compared to on-campus learning. Check with your school for available resources you might need from time to time. Some schools might provide counseling services for online students, while others might make it easy to participate in a virtual study group. You might also find resources that provide you with study tips and advice or resources to help you determine the career path you want to pursue so that you can choose suitable coursework. 6. Manage Your Time Wisely Time management is a great way to ensure you do well in online classes. This involves keeping close track of every deadline you have during each semester, including assignments, projects, and exam dates. Managing your time means dividing it up to ensure you can complete all tasks and assignments on time and study for tests, exams, and finals without cramming. Time management prevents you from spending too much time on one task and not having enough time to focus on other tasks. 7. Keep Up with Your Assignments Another essential tip for taking classes online is keeping up with your assignments. Make sure you complete all of them by their due date so you won’t fall behind. Turning in assignments and projects late can bring your grades down while also causing you to spend valuable time catching up. Working on and handing in all assignments on schedule or before they’re due can help reduce your risk of feeling overly stressed. Instead, you can concentrate on current assignments, hand them in, then move on to the next one. 8. Set Aside Dedicated Study Time Being in online classes offers a more flexible schedule, but it’s vital to use your time wisely. Rather than studying whenever you feel like it or whenever you remember to, schedule study sessions. Devote a certain amount of time each day to reviewing what you’ve learned. Regularly revisiting your notes can help you understand and remember the material. When you have dedicated study time, you won’t have to stay up all night studying for exams since you’ll already be familiar with the material. 9. Create a Study Space Dedicated study time won’t help much if you’re trying to focus on school in a busy or loud part of your home. Set up a quiet study space where you won’t have other family members interrupting you or a lot of noise to block out. Your study space might be a desk in your room or another closed-off area in your home. Make sure you have your notes, textbooks, and supplies in your study space to conveniently get to them as needed. 10. Eliminate Distractions Being distracted can make it much harder to focus on online lectures or concentrate on completing assignments and studying. Distractions can range from other people in your home to notifications going off on your phone, outdoor noises, and glare on your screen. Eliminate every source of distraction in your study space so you can pay attention to your studies. Whether by closing the windows and the door to your room, putting your phone on do not disturb, or wearing noise-canceling headphones, keeping your surroundings as distraction-free as possible helps ensure you’ll be able to devote your attention to school. 11. Take Advantage of Office Hours Office hours aren’t just for in-person courses. Some online instructors also set aside time for office hours to help students. During these sessions, you can ask for clarification on something you don’t fully understand or ask questions for a deeper understanding of the concepts or material you’re learning. Taking advantage of office hours can help you prepare for upcoming tests or finals, or you might gain insight into material that can help you do better on projects and assignments. 12. Stay on Top of Deadlines When you’re in an online degree program, you can expect to have several deadlines to keep track of each semester. Keeping track of deadlines helps reduce your risk of missing important due dates or being unprepared for upcoming tests and exams. You’ll have individual and group projects to complete, regular assignments to hand in, and quizzes, tests, and finals to pass. Use calendar apps to help you keep track of upcoming deadlines and reminder apps to give you notice when you’re approaching deadlines. You might also want to write deadlines down on a large wall calendar in your study space as a more visible reminder. 13. Take Advantage of Technology In addition to calendar and reminder apps for deadlines, other apps can be valuable resources when taking online classes. You can use note-taking apps to jot down notes during lectures and keep all these notes organized in one place on your phone or tablet. You can also use apps to help you manage your time, be productive while studying or working on assignments, and eliminate distractions. You might also find online study guides and other study aids that help you prepare for tests and exams. 14. Take Care of Your Mental and Physical Health Working toward an online degree can be a challenging experience, especially if you have other responsibilities. Make sure you eat healthily, get plenty of sleep, and exercise regularly to maintain good physical health. Stress management methods, such as meditation or mindfulness, can help you avoid feeling overwhelmed during school. No matter how busy you are, set aside time for activities you enjoy and spend time with loved ones to help boost your emotional and mental well-being. Start Your Journey Today If you’re interested in earning your degree through an online program, Bryant & Stratton College has many options to consider. We offer online degree programs in business, technology, healthcare, legal services, and education. Our online degree programs involve taking two classes at a time during a session that lasts for seven and a half weeks. With this course load, you can earn some degrees in as little as 20 months. For more information on our online degree programs, request information from Bryant & Stratton College. We can provide you with more details on the degree programs you’re interested in and help you get started with our school’s admissions process.
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