Category: Health Career

Before we go any further in knowing how to become an oncology nurse, it will be important to establish what Oncology is about.

Oncology is the study of cancer prevention, diagnosis, and treatment. Now we know what oncology means, let’s dive further and explain who an oncology nurse is.

An oncology nurse provides care to cancer patients or those with the likelihood of developing it. Oncology nurses conduct necessary assessments, administer treatments, and communicate with all patient care providers in order to develop a plan that is specific to each patient’s needs.

Oncology Nurses form strong and lasting relationships with their patients and their families as a result of their constant one-on-one time with them.

Furthermore, Oncology Nurses help cancer patients and their loved ones by answering pressing questions, providing emotional support, and addressing symptoms.

These relationships are critical in developing a comprehensive treatment plan that goes beyond addressing cancer itself.

Oncology nurses understand what their patients require mentally and emotionally in preparation to confront their diagnosis head-on and provide a pillar of stability for them to lean on when the physical and emotional stresses of cancer treatment start to wear them down.

What is the duty of an Oncology Nurse?

Oncology nurses have a wide range of daily responsibilities, from clinical care to emotional support and companionship.

A potentially terminal diagnosis can be extremely isolating for patients, so Oncology Nurses must keep this in mind as they go about their daily tasks. These tasks differ depending on where the nurse works and what they specialize in, and they present the nurse and their patients with unique technical and emotional challenges.

As the primary professional point of contact for their patients and their families, the nurse will advise and teach them about the symptoms they may experience during treatment, provide techniques for managing symptoms or pain, and communicate their treatment plans in a clear and understandable manner.

It’s critical, to be honest with the patients during these educational moments without sounding clinical or detached from their experience.

The nurses should be compassionate, direct, and do their best to be a pillar of confidence in the midst of an extremely difficult and uncertain time for these people and their loved ones. As a care provider who interacts with patients on a clinical and personal level on a regular basis, the nurse will be expected to advocate for their patients’ needs to both their families and the larger healthcare team.

The nurse will understand how they react to treatments, and what emotional barriers they may be facing, and the nurse will be their voice if they can’t communicate for themselves. As an Oncology Nurse, the nurse must be aware of the support techniques that are most effective for each patient. This may seem difficult to someone who is not dealing with a potentially terminal diagnosis, so when in doubt, be an active listener.

When patients are likely to be spoken to in a clinical manner, it is critical that the nurse provides a space where they can freely express their concerns, questions, and emotions.

Depending on the level of certification of the nurse, they’ll administer treatments such as chemotherapy or radiation, monitor the patient’s vitals and symptoms, help with side effects management, and collaborate with their patients’ broader care team to develop personalized treatment plans for their diagnoses.

Oncology Nurses are always looking for new ways to support their patients as individuals at the forefront of cancer care. This frequently results in innovations tailored to each patient and, on occasion, entirely new methodologies that are scaled across cancer care facilities.

Recognizing the innovative nature of the Oncology Nursing field, the Oncology Nursing Society (ONS) established a dedicated center for innovation in 2019, where cancer care providers can connect and share their experiences or findings, with the hope of developing new solutions to transform cancer care as we know it.

How to become an Oncology Nurse

Oncology nurses are involved in many aspects of cancer diagnosis and treatment, including symptom management and prevention.

They not only care for their patients, but they also educate and support their patients’ families and loved ones. Oncology nurses are most often employed in hospitals, but they can also work for home care agencies, specialty medical centers, and ambulatory centers.

Despite the challenging nature of the work, many nurses find a career in oncology particularly rewarding.

If you want to be an oncology nurse, you must first meet the educational and experience requirements to be considered for opportunities in the field. Here are five steps to becoming an oncology nurse:

1. Complete your Bachelor of Science in Nursing, or BSN.

Earning a Bachelor of Science in Nursing is the first step toward becoming an oncology nurse. You can become an oncology certified nurse with an associate’s degree as well, but obtaining your BSN will provide you with more opportunities for advancement in the oncology field later on.

If you are already an LPN, you may want to look into an LPN to BSN bridge program. Some schools, such as Herzing University, also provide an accelerated BSN program for students who already hold a bachelor’s degree in another field.

2. Train to be an RN

If you are not a practicing registered nurse, you must take the NCLEX-RN exam once you have earned your BSN, the NCLEX-RN requires you to demonstrate your expertise in four areas of nursing: providing a safe care environment, dealing with job pressures, demonstrating your commitment to preventative medicine and early intervention, and providing quality care.

After passing the exam, you will be able to apply for jobs as a registered nurse and explore opportunities in the oncology field.

3. Become a volunteer

If you’re already a nurse and want to work in oncology, you can gain hands-on experience by volunteering as a nursing assistant in a hospital’s oncology unit or at a large cancer center. If you’re interested in doing so, contact local healthcare employers and inquire about their hiring needs.

Online courses and resources, such as those provided by the Oncology Nursing Certification Corporation, can supplement what you learn on the job (ONCC).

4. Obtain certification

To become an oncology certified nurse, you must pass the Oncology Certified Nurse (OCN®) nurse exam.

Prior to applying for the exam, you must have at least one year of experience as an RN and at least 1,000 hours of adult oncology nursing practice. Before applying for the certification exam, you must also complete 10 contact hours of oncology nursing education or take an elective in oncology nursing.

5. Further your education

As you proceed on your journey, To work as an oncology nurse, you must maintain your nursing license and oncology certification through continuing education. If you are a certified oncology nurse, you must renew your certification every four years.

If you want to advance your career, you should consider getting a Master of Science in Nursing. This opens up new opportunities for a career as a family nurse practitioner or nurse educator, as well as various leadership and administrative roles in nursing and healthcare.

Conclusion on How to Become an Oncology Nurse

As an Oncology Nurse, you’ll be an important member of cancer care teams, providing expertise and support to people who have received a frightening diagnosis.

Because of the nature of these diagnoses, being an Oncology Nurse necessitates a high level of compassion as well as the ability to function at a high level in emotionally stressful situations.

While this may appear discouraging, it’s important to remember that the work as an Oncology Nurse provides patients with a valuable source of support as they fight to overcome the odds and emerge as a survivor.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about How to become an Oncology Nurse

See below for the answers to the most asked questions about How to become an Oncology Nurse;

1. Is there a high demand for oncology nurses?

Oncology nurses are in high demand, as are all nurses. According to the National Cancer Institute, there will be 1,806,590 new cancer cases diagnosed in the United States in 2020.

Cancer incidence is expected to rise as the population ages, increasing the demand for oncology nurses.

2. What abilities are required to work as an oncology nurse?

Oncology nurses must be able to administer various types of treatments under the supervision of a physician, monitor patient response to treatment, effectively communicate with patients and their loved ones, and project empathy without becoming emotionally overwhelmed. They must also manage their own stress while assisting patients and their families.

3. How do I know if oncology nursing is the right career for me?

Oncology nursing can be a very rewarding career if you enjoy learning about new treatments and technologies, interacting with a diverse team of healthcare professionals, and caring for people who are under emotional and physical stress.

4. Do oncology nurses collaborate with other types of healthcare professionals?

Oncology care is multidisciplinary in nature. Depending on their specialty, oncology nurses collaborate with oncologists, surgeons, nursing assistants, physical therapists, pharmacists, and anesthesiologists.

In pediatric oncology, they also collaborate with non-clinical care providers such as psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers, and hospital chaplains.

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Have you had thoughts about making a change in your career by learning how to become a phlebotomist? Have you still postponed taking the steps towards that change?

Although it can feel overwhelming, transitioning into a phlebotomy career can be extremely rewarding. It can also be streamlined and quick! If you had taken the step just a short three and a half months ago, you could be standing here today as a trained phlebotomist.

The medical field is made up of many exciting careers requiring a range of skills and varying degrees of patient interaction. Phlebotomy is an essential area of medicine that requires scientific know-how, technical aptitude, and good interpersonal skills.

In this article, we define phlebotomy, explain how to become a phlebotomist, how much it costs, and how long it takes to become a phlebotomist, and discuss job prospects and salary expectations for phlebotomists.

Who Is a Phlebotomist?

First and foremost, it’s important to define the essential roles and responsibilities of a phlebotomist so that you can fully understand if this career choice is a good fit for you.

A phlebotomist is a vital member of a medical team, as they are the ones that draw blood from patients for medical analysis, donation, research, or transfusion.

Because people are generally uncomfortable with getting their blood taken, it’s a phlebotomist’s responsibility to make patients feel comfortable, and clearly communicate the collection process.

Furthermore, because of the nature of phlebotomy, phlebotomists need to be familiar with all policies and safety procedures in order to limit a patient’s risk of infection.

How To Become a Phlebotomist

These steps will guide you on how to become a phlebotomist:

• 1. Graduate high school or get a GED

The first step on how to become a phlebotomist is to have at minimum a high school diploma or GED certificate and be at least 18 years old. A high school diploma generally takes four years of study. Most people preparing to take a GED exam prepare for about three months.

• 2. Complete a phlebotomy training program

The second step on how to become a phlebotomist is to complete a training program. Research and choose the phlebotomy training program that suits your budget and schedule, enroll and successfully complete all coursework and practical training.

You may choose a certificate, diploma, or Associate Degree program in Phlebotomy from many different schools and hospitals. Phlebotomy training courses range from about four months to a year.

• 3. Get certified by a recognized body

The next step on how to become a phlebotomist is to get certified. Once your training is complete, you can seek certification from a nationally recognized certification organization like the American Society for Clinical Pathology (ASCP), or the National Healthcareer Association (NHA).

Other certification organizations are the National Phlebotomy Association (NPA), the National Center for Competency Testing (NCCT), the American Medical Technologists (AMT), and the American Society of Phlebotomy Technicians (ASPT).

Becoming certified increases your opportunities for being hired, shows your commitment to your field and connects you to a network of other professionals who can assist you in your new career. The time it takes to become certified varies.

Once you have studied for, taken, and successfully passed the certification examination, you should receive your official certification in about two weeks.

• 4. Apply for positions and get a job

The next step on how to become a phlebotomist is to apply for phlebotomist positions. After completing your coursework and practical training and in possession of professional certification, you are now ready to enter the profession.

To search for a position, take advantage of employment resources your school offers, online job search sites, your personal and school networks, and professional organizations and certifying bodies to locate the position you want. There is no average for how long it takes to get hired.

• 5. Stay current as your industry changes

The last step on how to become a phlebotomist is to stay up to date with the developments in phlebotomy. While working as a phlebotomist, continue to read about advancements in the field, network with other medical professionals, join professional organizations and keep your certifications up to date. As in any profession, this step is ongoing.

How Much Do Phlebotomists Make

Another reason people won to know how to become a phlebotomist is the salary. The Bureau of Labor Statistics states that the median average range for phlebotomists was $37,710 as of May 2021. This means that 50 percent of phlebotomists made more than this amount, and 50 percent made less.

The BLS also states that employment in this field should have increased by 25 percent by 2026, with particularly good prospects for those who hold certification from a recognized professional association.

How Long Does It Take To Become a Phlebotomist?

When finding out how to become a phlebotomist one should consider the duration it will take. The good news is that some phlebotomy programs are designed to work with your busy schedule. Similar to most other Goodwin College healthcare programs, Goodwin College’s Certificate in Phlebotomy and Laboratory Services is highly flexible and convenient for students.

Goodwin’s Phlebotomy program takes only one semester to complete – that’s approximately only 15 weeks. It can also be completed at an accelerated, 7.5-week pace.

How Much Does It Cost To Become a Phlebotomist?

The most important point on how to become a phlebotomist is how much it costs. Costs associated with becoming a phlebotomist vary from school to school and state to state.

Accredited online training programs may cost as little as $300 or as much as $700-$800. In-person classroom phlebotomy training costs anywhere from about $700 to $1,400 or more.

Some employers, such as hospitals and the Red Cross, offer training to their employees at little or no cost. Initial phlebotomy certification ranges from about $80 to $150, with certification renewal charges varying. There will also be textbooks and other training materials to buy, so remember to include those costs when you are budgeting for your phlebotomy education.

Where Can a Phlebotomist Work

Since their work is versatile, phlebotomists are employed in a variety of places. Here are some examples of the typical health care settings where you can work as a phlebotomist:

• Hospitals

A lot of phlebotomists work in hospital settings. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, approximately 37% of phlebotomists are hired by the state, local, and private hospitals. In a hospital environment, phlebotomists are usually assigned to draw blood samples from patients, properly label the samples, and transport the samples to the laboratory for testing.

As a phlebotomist, you will interact with a wide spectrum of patients who need to have their blood drawn for diverse reasons, ranging from wellness checkups to screening tests for diseases. No matter what they’re being tested for, many people tend to feel anxious about having blood work done.

That’s why part of your responsibility is to calm the nerves of your patients and guide them throughout the process.

One of the benefits of working in a hospital as a phlebotomist is that you can collaborate with different types of healthcare professionals. Whether you consider your job as a phlebotomist technician as a stepping stone to another medical position or you plan to explore other roles in the phlebotomy field, there are important things you can learn from other professionals.

By getting to know your colleagues, you can learn about their role in the hospital, their daily work routines, and their professional journey in the healthcare world.

• Medical and Diagnostic Labs

Around 33% of phlebotomists in the US work in medical and diagnostic laboratories. Patients usually go to these laboratories if they just need a blood test and don’t require other medical care.

Phlebotomists who work in laboratories commonly draw blood from a lot of patients and process a lot of blood samples during a typical workday.

Here is the main reason why: Lab appointments are fast since they don’t usually involve as many detailed questions as a typical checkup in the hospital. The results of the lab tests, which phlebotomists help to facilitate, may either be picked up by the patients or sent directly to the patients’ doctors.

One advantage that lab phlebotomists have is that they get enough opportunities to actively practice and hone their blood drawing skills.

• Doctor’s Offices

Some doctors with private practice offices hire on-site phlebotomists for the convenience of their patients.

When you work at a physician’s office as a phlebotomist, the type of patients you will commonly encounter depends on the doctor’s specialty. You may have to face unique challenges based on the medical branch you are involved in. For instance, if you work in a pediatrician’s office, you will regularly need to calm down young patients before and after you draw their blood samples.

In general, phlebotomists who are employed in doctors’ offices enjoy a more relaxed, casual pace than their counterparts who work in fast-paced, busy laboratories.

• Outpatient Care Centers

There are outpatient care centers that recruit their own in-house phlebotomists. Ambulatory centers such as dialysis clinics, free health clinics, ambulatory surgical centers, free health clinics, and hospital outpatient departments provide health care on an outpatient basis.

Phlebotomists who practice in outpatient centers cater to patients who require blood work in relation to their medical treatment. Because of the roving nature of their work, they have the chance to meet people from all walks of life.

• Mobile Phlebotomists

Mobile phlebotomists visit the homes of patients who are not physically capable of going to a hospital or a laboratory. They perform blood collection for medical tests in the comfort of the patients’ homes.

Mobile phlebotomists commonly work for the Visiting Nurse Association or hospice organizations. Extra travel is a part of their job since they need to drop by different patients’ homes and to go to the laboratory to bring the samples.

Being a mobile phlebotomist is a perfect option for those who like being on the move.

• Blood Donation Centers and Blood Drives

Blood donation centers and blood drives are venues where the services of phlebotomists are central and highly essential.

Phlebotomists who work in blood donation centers usually deal with healthy people who wish to donate blood. The blood they collect is not used for medical tests; instead, it is given to patients who need blood.

The blood samples that phlebotomists draw from donors are commonly donated to patients in emergency rooms and intensive care units who have lost blood or suffered trauma due to accidents or illnesses. The recipients also include patients who need blood transfusions as part of their medical treatment for sickness or injuries.

FAQs about How To Become a Phlebotomist

• What is the best place to work as a phlebotomist?

Top-rated companies for Phlebotomists in the United States

1. Mako Medical Laboratories.
2. Bio-Reference Laboratories, Inc.
3. Quest Diagnostics.
4. Labcorp.
5. BioLife Plasma Services.

• Where do phlebotomists make the most money?

The metropolitan areas that pay the highest salary in the phlebotomist profession are Redding, San Diego, Santa Rosa, Santa Cruz, and San Jose.

Redding, California. $52,770.

San Diego, California. $51,920.

Santa Rosa, California. $51,620.

Santa Cruz, California. $51,070.

San Jose, California. $50,710.

• How long should phlebotomy take?

You’ll need to complete 20 hours of training in a state-approved program to earn this certification. You’ll also need to perform 25 successful skin punctures on patients under the supervision of a clinical professional.

• What qualifications do I need to be a phlebotomist?

There are no set entry requirements to become a trainee phlebotomist. Employers usually ask for at least two GCSEs or equivalent.

They may ask for a BTEC or equivalent vocational qualification in health and social care or healthcare. Employers often ask for relevant work experience.

• How to become a phlebotomist

These steps will guide you on how to become a phlebotomist

1. Graduate high school or get a GED
2. Complete a phlebotomy training program
3. Get certified by a recognized body
4. Apply for positions and get a job

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What do you know about the Occupational therapy programs in California? Sit tight as we unravel the essentials you ought to know about these therapy programs.

Occupational therapy, also known as OT, is a field that is practiced all over the world. It entails using assessment and intervention to build, recover, or sustain the meaningful activities or occupations of people, organizations, or communities to achieve the goals of either maintaining or developing those activities.

It is a separate branch of the medical industry that is sometimes included in the category of allied health professions.

Occupational therapists and occupational therapy assistants are members of this profession (OTA). Occupational therapists frequently work with patients who suffer from mental health conditions, disabilities, injuries, or other impairments.

The career path of occupational therapy involves hands-on work helping patients with disabilities improve their capacity to engage in meaningful everyday activities.

Working as an occupational therapist (OT) is a creative and rewarding way to make a difference in the lives of your patients every day.

What Do Occupational Therapists Do?

Occupational therapists are trained to work with patients of all ages who suffer from a variety of physical and cognitive impairments as well as differences.

They start by having a conversation with the patient, teachers, family members, or other caregivers to comprehend the requirements of the patient.

Following this, they evaluate the patient’s physical, sensory, emotional, and cognitive capabilities to formulate therapeutic objectives and a course of action.

The occupational therapist and the patient work together to develop and improve the patient’s skills, and the OT and patient continually review the patient’s progression during treatment.

Some of the following tasks may fall under the purview of occupational therapy practitioners:

• Educating patients about alternative methods of performing ADLs
• Developing patient-specific solutions, to foster autonomy and promote healing
• Providing assistance to patients in developing daily routines, acquiring new memory skills, and finding solutions to problems
• Instruction of patients in the use of various forms of assistive technology
• Teaching patients how to complete things without experiencing discomfort
• dealing with patients who have diseases that affect their development and cognition, such as autism, Down syndrome, or cerebral palsy
• Assisting individuals who have experienced physical changes as a result of aging or injury, including but not limited to stroke, arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, or amputations

Occupational therapists tailor treatment strategies to the specific requirements of each patient. People who have autism spectrum disorder, for instance, can benefit from occupational therapy by learning to better regulate their emotions and improving their motor abilities, social skills, and responsiveness to stimuli, among other things.

What are the Occupational therapy programs in California?

See below for the top occupational therapy programs in California;

• USC Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy

Address: 1540 Alcazar St, Los Angeles, CA 90089, United States

Hours: Open 8 Am

Phone: +1 323-442-2850

For nearly 80 years, the University of Southern California has been working to ensure that people of every age and from every circumstance can live life to the fullest.

Throughout the decades, Trojans near and far have advanced the profession of occupational therapy and the research discipline of occupational science.

Today, the USC Chan Division of Occupational Science and Occupational Therapy proudly carries this legacy forward as They aim to improve the quality of life of people and communities across the world.

USC established the first graduate programs in occupational therapy and occupational science and is consistently ranked among the nation’s top educational institutions.

Their scientists currently hold more than $22.5 million of federal grant funding. Their faculty clinicians have more than 60,000 patient encounters every year. Their alumni hail from 45 countries on six continents.

They have more than 90 full-time faculty members engaged in research, education, and patient care. To see why USC Chan is truly a place like nowhere else,

• The University of St. Augustine for Health Sciences

Address: 700 Windy Point Dr, San Marcos, CA 92069, United States

Hours: Open 8 Am

Phone: +1 800-241-1027

At USAHS, they pride themselves on all the ways They innovate. Their state-of-the-art clinical simulation laboratories are a hallmark of every campus.

Their EdTech tools give you hands-on practice using the healthcare technologies of the future. Their dynamic learning model blends immersive face-to-face learning with digital coursework developed by their expert faculty.

They continually invent new ways to respond to the needs of today’s health sciences graduate students and support your career success.

Students in their physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech-language pathology programs practice using state-of-the-art technology in their Centers for Innovative Clinical Practice.

• San Jose State University Department of Occupational Therapy

Address: 1 Washington Square, San Jose, CA 95112, United States

Hours:  Opens 8 AM Mon

Phone: +1 408-924-3070

Website

The Occupational Therapy Program at San Jose State University (SJSU) was founded in 1943 as one of the first occupational therapy programs in the West.

It is the oldest accredited Occupational Therapy program in the California State University system. Their national reputation for excellence is based on a superior academic curriculum, distinguished faculty, and accomplished graduates.

The Occupational Therapy Program at San José State University is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA).

• Stanbridge University

Address: 2041 Business Center Dr, Irvine, CA 92612, United States

Hours: Opens 8 AM Fri

Phone: +1 888-789-6208

Website

They offer the following programs;

1. Associate of Occupational Science – LVN
2. Associate of Occupational Science – OTA
3. Associate of Science – PTA
4. Associate of Science – RVT
5. Bachelor of Science – Nursing (BSN)
6. Bachelor of Science – RN to BSN
7. Bachelor of Science – BHA
8. Master of Science – Nursing (MSN-Ed)
9. Master of Science – Occupational Therapy
10. Master of Science – MHA

• Southern California Health Institute

Address: 5644 Vineland Ave, North Hollywood, CA 91601, United States

Hours:  Opens 8at  AM

Phone: +1 818-980-8990

Southern California Health Institute’s (SOCHi) mission is to provide quality allied health programs in an environment of scholastic learning to produce empathetic and compassionate allied health workers, dedicated to the ethical and social principles of the profession.

Sochi measures the success of its mission through the success of its graduates and their attainment of gainful employment.

For nearly 25 years, the Southern California Health Institute (SOCHi) has been forming relationships with wellness professionals in the greater Los Angeles area and the San Fernando Valley.

They are a comprehensive career counseling and resource center dedicated to empowering students and alumni as active participants in their career development.

Southern California Health Institute is nationally accredited by the Accrediting Council for Continuing Education & Training (ACCET) which is recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

• West Coast University – Center for Graduate Studies

Address: 590 N Vermont Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90004, United States

Hours:  Opens 5 AM Fri

Phone: +1 323-284-7998

If you’re looking to pursue an advanced healthcare degree in Los Angeles, West Coast University’s Center of Graduate Studies offers an immersive environment to facilitate your professional development.

Their advanced programs provide the additional skills and experience you need to further your education in healthcare.

From their interprofessional learning model to their interactive simulation centers, WCU supports you in earning your graduate-level healthcare degree in Los Angele

• Loma Linda University School of Allied Health Professions

Address: 24951 Circle Dr. Suite 1605, Loma Linda, CA 92354, United States

Phone: +1 909-558-4599

Since 1966, the school has been training highly skilled and dedicated healthcare professionals from diverse religious, ethnic, and cultural backgrounds. Here they learn to nurture their intellectual curiosity and develop as active, independent learners.

In addition to a wide range of academic degrees, the School offers general education courses, professional certificates, continuing education courses, and life support education. To explore options within individual departments see their academic listings.

Their purpose is to prepare graduates to be choice employees for premier healthcare organizations by providing them with practical learning experiences through local and global partnerships in a wide variety of allied health professions.

• American College of Healthcare

Address: 11801 Pierce Street #100 Riverside, CA 92505 6330 Pacific Blvd Huntington Park, CA 90255 1840 E. 17th. Street Santa Ana, CA 92705, Riverside, CA 92505, United States

Hours: Opens 8 AM Fri

Phone: +1 888-430-4224

Website

The American College of Healthcare and Technology aims to provide its students with a competitive edge in the healthcare industry by providing quality educational programs with industry-driven curricula for industry-demanded professions.

Their students, faculty, staff, and advisors are all involved in an interwoven pattern that demonstrates the positive effects to be gained from teamwork, professionalism, and a desire for ethical career advancement.

By providing quality services, their goal is to develop graduates who have the knowledge and skills along with the insight and wisdom which allows them to maintain:

1. long-term career success in a health-related field
2. high self-esteem
3. tolerance for difference
4. community involvement
5. the desire and the ability to be the very best that they can be.

It is their educational goal to open doors and assist in creating access to opportunities for individuals who have the desire, aspirations, and level of commitment necessary for succeeding in a new career.

• CBD College

Address: 3699 Wilshire Blvd 4th floor, Los Angeles, CA 90010, United States

Hours: Opens at 10 AM

Phone: +1 213-427-2200

Website

CBD College has been providing quality education and training to students for over 38 years with thousands of graduates currently working in the medical field.

They believe that their instructional methods, the pleasant learning environment, and the expertise of their staff, are second to none in their field. They also firmly believe that every student can and will achieve.

Through the understanding of today’s ever-changing Medical Industry and career opportunities, CBD College has continued to introduce only the most in-demand and opportunistic programs leading its students to stable and successful careers.

The Mission of CBD College is to provide educational opportunities, leading to careers or career advancement, in an open and supportive environment that encourages a lifelong quest for knowledge.

Since its foundation in 1982, CBD College has grown to become one of Los Angeles’ best Non Profit resources for Healthcare Career training and career advising for students of all nationalities, interests, and means.

As the College became more structured, the professional staff grew, and in 1994 CBD College received Course Approval from the State of California. In 1996, the College was incorporated as a non-profit public benefit organization.

FAQs about the Occupational therapy programs in California

See below for the answers to the most-asked questions about occupational therapy programs in California;

• What is occupational therapy?

Occupational therapy practitioners are health professionals who help individuals live as fully and independently as possible.

They specialize in helping individuals who are sick, disabled, or developmentally challenged develop the skills they need for everyday life.

OT Intervention focuses on occupations that can be as basic as getting dressed and eating or as complex as socializing and holding a job.

• Where am I most likely to work as an Occupational Therapy Assistant (OTA)?

OTA’s most commonly work in:

1. assisted living or skilled nursing facilities
2. rehabilitation facilities
3. schools
4. hospitals

• What would I do as an occupational therapy assistant?

OTAs work with individuals of all ages, with a wide range of conditions. A few examples include:

1. helping a grandfather who has had a stroke and cannot use one side of his body learn to dress again
2. running a group to help young children with autism learn to interact and play with each other
3. showing a retired worker who has breathing problems due to COPD how to conserve energy so he can do more of the gardening he loves
4. helping a mother with depression find a sense of purpose and motivation so she can return to caring for her family

• What is the job market for OTAs?

The US Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics states “Overall employment of occupational therapy assistants and aides is projected to grow 28 percent from 2016 to 2026, much faster than the average for all occupations.

Occupational therapy will continue to be an important part of treatment for people with various illnesses and disabilities.”

• Are there evening, weekend, or online classes available as part of the OTA program?

While some general education classes (such as English 15, Psych 100, HDFS 129, etc) can be taken as evening or online classes, the OTA classes are NOT offered as evening classes nor are they available online. All of the OTA classes are offered during the day only.

• Do I need to be full-time to complete the OTA program?

Students who have general education courses completed before starting the OTA program may be able to be considered part-time.

It is important to note however that in the third and fourth semesters you are required to take a minimum of three OTA classes at the same time.

Also, the final semester involves full-time (unpaid) fieldwork that follows the hours of the site you are placed at (typically eight hours between the hours of 7:00-5:00). Students are strongly advised not to work while doing this final semester of full-time fieldwork.

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There are different types of pharmacology. Often confused with pharmacy, pharmacology is a separate discipline in the health sciences.

You can find pharmacology everywhere, when you visit the dentist and when you take any type of medicine.

Pharmacology is responsible for painkillers, caffeine drinks, and antibiotics. The discipline encompasses the sources, chemical properties, biological effects, and therapeutic uses of drugs. These effects can be therapeutic or toxic, depending on many factors.

Pharmacologists are often interested in therapeutics, which focuses on the effects of drugs and other chemical agents that minimize disease, or toxicology, which involves the study of adverse, or toxic, effects of drugs and other chemical agents. Keep reading to know more about pharmacology, pharmacologist, types of pharmacology, and so on.

Scope Of Pharmacology

Pharmacology is the study of the action of drugs on a biological system. It incorporates components of medicine and biology, and how they interact with each other.

Drugs can refer to many different substances and are defined as any substance (man-made, naturally occurring, or endogenous molecules) that exerts an effect on a cell, tissue, or organ within the body.

Pharmacology deals with the origin of drugs, their characteristics, and their effects, such as biological, chemical, or therapeutic, on a living system.

Pharmacology is distinct from the pharmacy. It refers to the science of the discovery and characterization of substances that affect the body.

On the other hand, pharmacy refers to the health services that use the concepts of pharmacology to improve health outcomes in a clinical setting.

Types Of Pharmacology

There are two main types of pharmacology:

• 1. Pharmacokinetics:

The word Pharmacokinetics is derived from two words, Pharmacon meaning drug and kinetics meaning putting in motion.

It can be defined as the branch of pharmacology that deals with the absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion of drugs and their relationship with the onset, duration, and intensity of the drug effect.

What the body does to the drug is pharmacokinetics. For example, the absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion of Paracetamol are included in Pharmacokinetics.

• 2. Pharmacodynamics:

Pharmacodynamics is the type of Pharmacology that deals with the mechanism of action of the drug and the relation between the drug concentration and its effect.

It is the study of the physical and chemical effects of drugs on the body, parasites, and microorganisms.

What the drug does to the body is pharmacodynamics. For example, adrenaline acts on adrenal receptors to stimulate the adenyl cyclase system producing effects such as cardiac stimulation and hyperglycemia is studied in Pharmacodynamics.

Other types of pharmacology

There are other types of pharmacology. They are

• 3. Therapeutics:

This is one of the types of pharmacology that deals with the art and science of the treatment of disease. It is the application of pharmacological information together with the knowledge of the disease, for the prevention and cure of the disease.

• 4. Chemotherapy:

Chemotherapy refers to the treatment of diseases by chemicals that kill the cells, especially those of microorganisms and neoplastic cells. It is classified into two divisions:

• Antibiotics

Includes the choice of drugs most potent against the organism or least toxic. Examples include Erythromycin given for gram-positive organisms and Aminoglycans for gram-negative organisms.

• Antineoplastics

Examples include:

Methotrexate, which is anticancer drug. It inhibits the dihydrofolate reductase and interferes with DNA synthesis and repair.

Vinca alkaloids, bind tubulin of microtubules and arrest mitosis in metaphase.

• 5. Toxicology:

Toxicology is one of the types of pharmacology which includes the study of adverse effects of drugs on the body. It deals with the symptoms, mechanisms, treatment, and detection of poisoning caused by different chemical substances.

The main criterion is the dose. Essential medicines are poisons in high doses and some poisons are essential medicines in low doses.

• 6. Clinical Pharmacology:

Clinical pharmacology is the scientific study of drugs in man. It includes pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic investigations in healthy or diseased individuals. It also includes the comparison with placebos, drugs on the market, and surveillance programs.
The main objectives are:

• Maximize the effect of the drug
• Minimize the adverse effects
• Promote the safety of prescription

Aims include:

1. Generate optimum data for use of drugs.
2. Promote usage of evidence-based medicine.

Clinical pharmacology is a sought-after subspecialty of pharmacology used in clinical research and clinical trials. New vaccines, drugs, and therapeutics undergo clinical pharmacological screening and other related processes to ensure public health and safety when using these products.

• 7. Pharmacy:

Pharmacy is one of the types of Pharmacology and is the art and science of compounding by dispensing drugs and preparing suitable dosage forms for administration to man and animals. The health profession blends health science with chemical science and the effective use of drugs.

• 8. Pharmacognosy:

Pharmacognosy is the identification of drugs by just seeing or smelling them. It is a crude method no longer used. It deals with the drugs in crude or unprepared form and studies of properties of drugs from natural sources or identifies new drugs obtained from natural sources.

• 9. Pharmacoeconomics:

Pharmacoeconomics deals with the cost of drugs. In this discipline, the cost of one drug is compared with another for the same use. Cheap drugs are preferred.

• 10. Pharmacogenetics:

This is one of the types of pharmacology dealing with the genetic variations that cause differences in drug response among individuals or populations.
An example includes succinylcholine which is a skeletal muscle relaxant used in general anesthesia. It is metabolized by pseudocholine esterase and has a short duration of action.

The presence of enzyme is determined by the gene and lack of this is recessively inherited. This may lead to respiratory paralysis, apnea, and death.

Another example of pharmacogenetics is deploying PEG crosslinkers to help maintain cell viability in organ and tissue engineering applications. Pharmacologists can now deliver pharmacological agents for regenerative medicine, including tissue engineering.

In regenerative medicine, therapeutic agents, bio-inks, and cells combine to achieve a cure rather than temporary relief. Bio-inks refer to materials utilized to create artificial or engineered live tissue. With PEG crosslinkers, pharmacologists can promote optimal cell health by manipulating bio-ink material properties.

PEG crosslinker and bio-ink integration can improve the therapeutic performance of stem cells, tissues, and organs for genetic engineering pharmacologic applications.

• 11. Pharmacogenomics:

Pharmacogenomics is the broader application of genomic technologies to new drug discovery and further characterization of older drugs.
Recombinant DNA technology involves the artificial joining of DNA of one specie to another. E. coli is mostly used. In this way, you can get huge amounts of drugs in a purified form which is less antigenic. Examples include GH, interferon, and vaccines.

• 12. Pharmacoepidemiology:

Pharmacoepidemiology deals with the effects of drugs on a large population. The effects may be good or harmful. It is conducted in three ways:

1. Observational cohort studies
2. Case-control studies
3. Phase trials

• 13. Comparative Pharmacology:

This is one of the types of pharmacology dealing with the comparison of one drug to another belonging to the same or another group.

• 14. Posology:

Posology deals with the dosage of drugs. An example includes paracetamol given as one tablet of 500mg thrice a day.

• 15. Animal Pharmacology:

Animal pharmacology is a type of pharmacology that deals with the different properties of drugs in animals.

A vast variety of animals are utilized including rabbits, mice guinea pigs, etc. Drugs are given to the animals and all parameters (their behavior, activities, vital signs, etc.) are recorded. Any change is noted down. If found to be useful in animals, then the drug is tested on humans.

Pharmacologists

Pharmacologists research the effects that chemicals have on living organisms and figure out how and why we could use them as drugs.

They might use their knowledge and discoveries to place their findings in a social context – working within a hospital or in connection to the government and other regulatory bodies. Or they might stick to the lab, drawing connections between (bio)chemistry, physiology, neuroscience, and medicine.

To work in pharmacology is to improve and even save the lives of humans and animals. It can be very rewarding work. But it is also an area of high responsibility, with multiple economic, social, and legal pressures to juggle.

Pharmacologists Salaries

The national minimum doctoral stipend for 2022/23 is £16,062, but some employers pay more.

• Salaries for postdoctoral positions in academia typically range from £28,000 to £40,000.
• Lecturers with the right combination of qualifications and experience can earn over £55,000.
• Working at a senior level or with significant experience in the industry can attract salaries of £35,000 to more than £80,000.

The salary of pharmacologists increases further depending on experience, certifications, medical training, and additional duties and responsibilities. The company’s size, location, employment scheme, and reputation are also important considerations.

Reasons To Study Pharmacology.

Here’s a close-up look at five reasons you might choose to study pharmacology.

1. It’s an innovative and exciting field

There will always be something new to discover in pharmacology. This is the field that pushes healthcare forward, driven by our fundamental need to reduce suffering and extend the length and quality of our lives.

But while pharmacologists may be pioneers, they do not work in a vacuum. Advances in pharmacology are themselves driven by discoveries in other science fields, as we learn more about the world and build better tools for research and production.

For example, great leaps in genetic profiling over recent decades are fueling a new future of bespoke diagnoses and treatments.

At the testing stage, simultaneous testing of different body systems within the same subject is now possible. More accurate data collection, modeling, and analysis are helping pharmacologists to create safer, more effective pharmaceuticals, faster.

Beyond developing new pharmaceuticals, innovative researchers are also investigating the effects of environmental pollutants and using drugs to probe cell and organ functions – all under the umbrella of pharmacology.

2. You will be making a difference in people’s lives

Good health is arguably the single-most-important factor in the quality of life. Health is also one of society’s big class divides, with poorer people suffering worse health and paying more for pharmaceuticals.

But pharmacology has the potential to treat or prevent disease, reduce the hazardous effects of pesticides, and discover and distribute information to help people (and animals) lead longer better lives.

The most vulnerable people in our society are also those most at risk of medication problems. Seniors and pregnant women take more medication and are more likely to suffer harm or reduced effects when their drugs interfere with each other.

Medicines for children have been seen to lack adequate testing and labeling. Different ethnic groups can also respond differently to particular medications, which is problematic if they have been excluded from the testing process.

Smart, responsible, and driven scientists can improve the lives of these people (and everybody else). Good pharmacology leads to a sum reduction of pain, suffering, and the economic woe of sickness, even in many developed countries.

3. There’s significant diversity within the field

If you already have a BSc in another scientific field, there’s a pretty good chance it is relevant to further studying pharmacology. And if you are interested in a particular area of health or physiology, again, there is a niche for you in pharmacology.

For example, behavioral pharmacologists look at how drugs affect behavior and how behavior can influence the effects of drugs. Biochemical pharmacologists look at how the chemicals in medicines operate on the level of biosynthetic pathways.

You can specialize in pharmacology related to just about any organ or body system, to key illnesses and treatments, and in the ways, pharmacology is applied in a clinical setting. You can work on the relationship between genes and pharmacology, or research the efficacy and function of ‘traditional’ medicines and cures. Pharmacology is, in short, an endlessly fascinating field.

4. You’ll get to work alone and as part of a team

There’s a place for you in pharmacology, whatever level of human interaction you prefer to have each day. Pharmacists are available to see customers and colleagues around the clock in a variety of settings from the home to the clinic. Researchers work as part of a team. They may spend different degrees of their time alone in the lab or collaborating, sharing ideas, and advising colleagues and clients.

If you have a favorite way to work, you’ll be able to find a good balance somewhere in the wide world of pharmacology – and be able to meet plenty of fascinating people along the way.

5. You’ll enjoy many career opportunities and job security, too

When you’re qualified to work in pharmacology, your opportunities are boundless. Jobs are plentiful in a wide variety of settings and niches. The job security factor is high, as people will always need drugs and push for better, more affordable medicines.

With a master’s in pharmacology, you might:

• Work in a pharmacy or hospital
• continue to research or teach in academia
• research, consult, or project-manage in the industry
• become a policy advisor or analyst, do regulatory work, or specialize in public affairs and public relations for the government
• work as a patent lawyer or technology transfer specialist
• project manage, advise, or issue grants while working for a non-profit foundation
• write or edit books and articles about pharmacology.

With so many scientific areas in which to specialize, your pharmacology career could be long and varied or deep and focused.

FAQs about the Types Of Pharmacology

See below for the answers to the most asked questions about the different types of Pharmacology;

• What is the purpose of pharmacology?

The purpose of pharmacology is to determine the effectiveness and safety of drugs designed to treat, prevent, or diagnose diseases. This includes the drug dosages, frequency of dosages, adverse effects, and how the drugs affect different populations of people.

• What does pharmacology mean?

Pharmacology is the study of drugs or medicine. Drugs are chemicals designed to treat, prevent, or diagnose a disease. This includes drug names, how they work, and adverse effects.

• What is the study of pharmacology?

Pharmacology is the study of drugs or medicine. There are two main types of pharmacology. These are pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics.

• What are the main types of pharmacology?

Following are the important types of pharmacology:

• Pharmacokinetics
• Pharmacodynamics

Conclusion

Pharmacology is a broad field of science and medicine. It has evolved over time, giving birth to subfields specializing in different therapeutic scopes. Learning what pharmacology is, its branches, benefits, and career opportunities can help you better understand this field, allowing you to make more informed decisions as a patient, a healthcare provider, or an aspiring pharmacologist.

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Online Occupational Therapy Programs may be a good fit for working adults who wish to pursue licensure as Occupational Therapists but don’t have time to attend traditional classes.

Students must graduate from a recognized occupational therapy program and fulfill their fieldwork requirements before they may apply for licensure.

Afterward, they must apply for and pass the National Board of Certified Organizations of Teachers. In the following state or jurisdiction, an individual may register for a state-issued license and pay a fee to practice law.

A patient who has been wounded, sickened, or has a handicap can benefit from the services of an occupational therapist, who can assist them in developing or regaining daily living skills.

Demand for occupational therapy is expected to expand by 17 percent over the next ten years, making it a promising sector to work in.

There are a variety of online degree programs available that allow students to pursue a career in this lucrative sector.

Students wishing to pursue a Ph.D. in occupational therapy will be required to complete a residency program.

Alternatively, students can enroll in online bachelor’s degree programs in occupational therapy assistant training to prepare for a career in the field.

Discover the finest OT schools, examine program specifics, and learn what it takes to achieve a degree in occupational therapy programs online.

What are the benefits of occupational therapy programs online?

One of the advantages of online Occupational Therapy programs is that students may finish the same credits as those earned in an on-campus program from any location in the globe in the majority of circumstances.

In general, this work-friendly environment affords a great deal of freedom. Additionally, some colleges require students to complete their tasks on their own time to prepare for live online courses.

During these sessions, students have the opportunity to collaborate with instructors and classmates on their studies.

Additionally, the same framework may be utilized to create virtual office hours on the internet. So students pursuing their occupational therapy degree online may find that they can work at their speed, and remain motivated while still making some valuable contacts.

What is the minimum educational need to practice occupational therapy?

Online occupational therapy programs are available at the master’s and doctorate levels, as well as at the undergraduate level.

Both of these degrees are regarded to be entry-level degree standards for occupational therapy practice by the American Occupational Therapy Association, which is a professional organization.

Having said that, the majority of people who work in the profession have a master’s degree in occupational therapy.

People who desire to refine their clinical area of specialization (for example, pediatric occupational therapy) or seek a career in research and academia may choose to continue their education with a Ph.D. or clinical doctorate.

• Prerequisites

In most cases, online master’s degree courses in occupational therapy are aimed at students who also have a bachelor’s degree in the field, and some programs offer a double feature that allows students to acquire both their bachelor’s degree in occupational therapy and their master’s degree in occupational therapy in an accelerated program.

In most cases, students must first finish prerequisite courses in anatomy and physiology, mathematics, statistics, and psychology, among other subjects, before enrolling in occupational therapy master’s programs online.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, many schools also require prospective graduate students to have previous volunteer or job experience in the subject.

• Courses that are required

An online master’s degree in occupational therapy would often contain courses in neurology, rehabilitation science, therapeutic skills, and kinesiology, which is the study of human movement, among other things.

The primary responsibility of an occupational therapist is to collaborate with patients to improve their physical and mental functioning.

Students pursuing their occupational therapy master’s degree online must spend a significant amount of time working directly with patients to hone their skills.

All recognized online occupational therapy master’s programs require students to complete a least 24 weeks of supervised fieldwork in nursing homes, hospitals, or other healthcare institutions.

Requirements for obtaining a license

To practice occupational therapy, most states require that occupational therapists receive a doctorate and pass a licensing examination.

To be eligible to sit for the certification examination, students must complete their degree and the required fieldwork before submitting their application to the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy, a non-profit certifying body.

In addition, most jurisdictions require occupational therapists to participate in continuing education courses to keep their licenses current. Some Illustration courses are;

• Kinesiology in clinical practice
• Accessible technology and ergonomics
• Developmental implications on one’s way of life
• Process of occupational treatment for the entire family
• Neuroscience
• Principles of human mobility

Job Prospects and Earnings

Occupational therapists, who work with senior patients to treat anything from arthritis to Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disorders, will see significant job growth as the baby boomer generation continues to live longer and work longer than ever before.

• Industries to watch

Occupational therapists work in a range of healthcare settings, but the Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that job prospects will be particularly favorable in acute-care hospitals, rehabilitation centers, and orthopedic facilities, where senior patients are often seen.

They can also operate in the offices of physical, occupational, and speech therapists, as well as audiologists, in addition to working in schools and nursing homes, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

• Possibilities for employment

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, occupational therapists should expect a rise in roles that entail dealing with patients who have autism spectrum disorder, in addition to an increase in opportunities that require working with elderly patients.

Occupational therapists may be employed in schools to assist children with autism spectrum disorders in developing social skills and completing everyday chores.

Knowing where one’s professional passion rests is the most crucial thing a person can do when they are fresh out of school. They must be looking for something that will thrill them professionally when they are starting.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the typical compensation for occupational therapists can range from around $71,000 to $90,000, depending on the work context.

• Associations of professionals

Benefits provided by the American Occupational Therapy Association include continuing education, career assistance, and access to publications covering the subject of occupational therapy.

Beyond delivering the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy’s entry certification test, the organization provides professional development tools and specialty credentials for occupational therapists.

The Top 6 Occupational Therapy Programs Online

There is no specific sequence in which they are listed;

1 . University of Minnesota-Twin Cities

Since 1946, the University of Minnesota’s Twin Cities and Rochester campuses have been accredited for their Occupational Therapy programs! It is given in a hybrid style, which includes both on-campus and online laboratories.

Over the previous three years, the curriculum has resulted in a graduation rate that has been close to 100%, according to university officials.

Accreditation by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education is granted to this doctoral-level program, which is completed over nine semesters (ACOTE).

Body Structure and Function I, Professional Development in Occupational Therapy, Quantitative Research in Occupational Therapy, Older Adults, Children and Youth, and Assistive Technology & Orthotics in Occupational Therapy Practice are examples of courses. In the final semester, all efforts will be directed toward completing the necessary capstone project.

• Credits: 116
• The duration is 37 months.
• In-state students pay $1,027 per credit; out-of-state students pay $1,543 per credit (out-of-state)
• Mode of operation: partially online
• Accreditation: HLC, ACOTE

2. Concordia University – Wisconsin

The online Master’s in Occupational Therapy program at Concordia University in Wisconsin may be the best option for people who desire to combine their Christian faith with their professional development.

Please keep in mind that this is a hybrid curriculum. Psychosocial Practice, Rehabilitation Science, and Special Topics in Occupational Therapy are among the courses offered, as are two fieldwork experiences.

Also, the degree may be finished in about 2.5 years if you work hard. It is anticipated that graduates of the program will be prepared to take the National Certification Exam for the Occupational Therapist. The expedited 4.5-year combined BSRS/MOT degree offered by the institution is an excellent option for students who do not already hold a Bachelor’s degree.

The Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association has granted accreditation to the CU-Wisconsin Master of Occupational Therapy program (AOTA).

• The ratio of students to faculty: 12 to 1.
• Tuition is $11,052 per year.

3. The University of Texas at Tyler

Students who are currently Certified Occupational Therapy Aides can pursue a Masters of Occupational Therapy degree at the University of Texas at Tyler (COTAs).

It delivers curriculum through a combination of online and on-campus delivery methods and encourages self-directed learning through participation in scholarly and professional activities. Five semesters of classroom instruction are followed by two 12-week fieldwork experiences, resulting in a program completion time of five semesters.

Graduates will be able to appear for the National Board of Certification for Occupational Therapy registration test after completing their coursework.

There are several prerequisites for applying, including a year of full-time COTA experience, two letters of recommendation from certified occupational therapists, current COTA licensing, an acceptable GRE score, and an on-campus interview.

• Credits: 68
• Duration: two years
• Cost: $100 per credit (in-state), $860 per credit (out-of-state) (out-of-state)
• Mode of operation: partially online
• Accreditation: SACSCOC, ACOTE

4. Trinity Washington University (in Washington, D.C.)

Occupational therapy students at Trinity Washington University can earn a Master’s degree online at a reasonable cost.

It is planned to provide the curriculum in three stages: weekend sessions, online classes, and a community placement component. After five semesters of full-time education, students will be required to participate in two 12-week fieldwork internships.

A variety of courses are offered, such as Occupational Development Across the Lifespan, Functional Anatomy and Kinesiology, Pediatric Interventions, Psychological/Behavioral Foundations and Intervention, and others.

The American Occupational Therapy Association’s Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) has recognized the MOT program as having met its standards (AOTA).

• 12 to 1 student-to-faculty ratio
• Tuition: $14,310

5. Barry University

In Barry University’s quick online Masters in Occupational Therapy program, students will undergo both on-campus and online requirements.

Students will be required to attend campus for teaching on two weekends per month and then finish courses online.

Occupational therapy courses such as Conditions in Later Life, Legal and Ethical Issues in Occupational Therapy, Conditions in Childhood 2, and Activities of Daily Living: Strategies for Special Needs are among the options.

After the first and second years of study, a 12-week fieldwork experience will be needed. It is possible to complete the curriculum in 2.5 years.

The Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association has recognized Barry University’s Occupational Therapy Program as a nationally recognized program (AOTA).

• The ratio of students to faculty: 12 to 1.
• Tuition: $17,820

6. Belmont University

If you’re seeking an expedited Master’s in Occupational Therapy program, go no further than Belmont University’s hybrid MSOT degree program.

During the length of the program, students will only be needed to attend courses every third weekend, with the remainder of the content offered entirely online. The online MSOT degree may be completed in six consecutive semesters if you work hard and study hard.

Physiology and Clinical Pathophysiology, Neuroscience in OT, Kinesiology in OT, and Developmental Influences on Living are some of the courses available.

Students will be assigned three Level 1 fieldwork experiences and two Level 2 fieldwork experiences.

The Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education has granted accreditation to Belmont University’s Master of Science in Occupational Therapy degree program (ACOTE).

• The ratio of students to faculty: 14 to 1.
• Tuition: $22,680

FAQs about Online Occupational Therapy Programs

Here are the perfect answers to most asked questions about occupational therapy programs online;

• What is an Occupational Therapy Fast Master’s Degree?

To become an occupational therapist, you must first get a Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy. To apply for a Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy, you must first get a Bachelor’s degree.

While you can technically major in any undergrad discipline, it is prudent to choose one that is connected to the areas offered in occupational therapy graduate schools. Undergraduate majors in biology, kinesiology, health sciences, exercise science, liberal arts, or psychology, for example, might be advantageous.

• What are the entry requirements for online quick MOT degrees?

Admission to graduate schools in occupational therapy is somewhat tough. While admission criteria for each program differ, the following are some that you may encounter:

1. a strong college GPA: you must have a minimum 3.0 undergraduate GPA (some programs need even higher GPAs, such as 3.3+).
2. hours volunteered as an occupational therapy assistant
3. an acceptable grade point average on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE)
4. recommendation letters
5. Students must graduate from an occupational therapy program authorized by the American Occupational Therapy Association to sit for the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy certification test.

• When I earn a Master’s degree in occupational therapy, am I instantly licensed to practice?

That is not the case! To begin, you must pass the NBCOT certification exam.

• Is an internship or practicum required?

Without a doubt. Whichever simple Occupational Therapy online program you pick, you will be required to do fieldwork. Typically, you’ll participate in two 12-week field experiences.

• Is an MOT/MSOT degree considered terminal?

The phrase “terminal degree” refers to the most advanced degree available in a certain profession. Thus, an MOT or MSOT degree is not a terminal degree due to the availability of a doctoral-level degree.

• Is it necessary for me to earn a Ph.D. in occupational therapy?

This will rely on your career goals after earning your Master’s in OT. Are you interested in teaching? Do you wish to conduct research? If this is the case, you may like to continue your OTD online degree.

If you do not, and a more hands-on profession is vital to you, an OTD degree may not be necessary.

However, because all disciplines and needs vary and change, it is critical to always conduct an academic study before pursuing a specific subject.

A final thought about the Online Occupational Therapy Programs

The majority of occupational therapy graduates enter clinical practice, which means they work directly with patients.

However, other individuals may choose to apply their knowledge and talents in non-clinical settings, such as healthcare administration, case management, or education.

Additionally, occupational therapists might pursue a variety of alternate employment choices. Certain occupational therapists may be interested in self-employment as life or wellness coaches, medical equipment sales associates, assistive technology experts who work with prostheses and other devices, or social workers.

Finally, after weighing the advantages and disadvantages of occupational therapy as a career and the academic options available for each of the field’s most common occupations, potential occupational therapy students must make their choices based on their situation, goals, and capital backing.

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Are you among the people interested in knowing How To Become An Occupational Therapist In Ontario? Don’t worry, this article is a perfect guide for you.

Occupational Therapists, often called OTs, work with individuals to help them get back to living their best life possible.

The occupational therapists in Ontario are problem solvers that help people overcome obstacles mostly related to or originating from what they do.

This can be anything from helping someone with a physical ailment do a hobby they love, to conducting an in-home assessment to create a safe living environment.

This article will inform you more about occupational therapists and guide you on how to become an occupational therapist in Ontario.

What Is Occupational Therapy?

Occupational therapy is a type of health care that helps to solve the problems that interfere with a person’s ability to do the things that are important to them.

Everyday things like:

• Self-care – getting dressed, eating, moving around the house,
• Being productive – going to work or school, participating in the community, and
• Leisure activities – sports, gardening, social activities.

Occupational therapy can also prevent a problem or minimize its effects.

Overview of how to become an occupational therapist in Ontario

Occupational Therapists enable people to become more productive and overcome obstacles when experiencing issues participating in everyday activities.

A person who has suffered a stroke, for example, may benefit from having an Occupational Therapist teach them how to perform tasks that have become difficult.

An occupational therapist in Ontario helps their patients do things that are important to them throughout the day, including:

• Getting dressed
• Eating
• Moving around the house
• Doing school work such as writing and drawing
• Going to work and finding ways to develop new employable skills
• Participating in leisure activities such as sports, gardening, social activities, etc.

Occupational Therapists create and implement individual programs and strategies that meet each person’s specific needs.

For example, if a person has lost the ability to play tennis due to a disability or injury, an Occupational Therapist will design specific exercises that help the patient work around their physical limitations. With this, they can continue to enjoy the sport.

How To Become An Occupational Therapist In Ontario

Follow these steps to become an occupational therapist in Ontario:

1. Complete a bachelor’s degree

Aspiring occupational therapists first obtain a bachelor’s degree before starting more specialized training.

Helpful courses to study include biology, physiology, mental and physical health theory, practice, pediatrics, anatomy, and geriatrics.

Although it is not a specific requirement, applicants with a background in the health sciences may have an advantage in applying for admission to a master’s degree in occupational therapy.

2. Complete a master’s degree

Most occupational therapists have a minimum of a master’s degree in occupational therapy. If students have completed an undergraduate degree in occupational therapy, they can usually complete a one-year master’s degree program at some colleges and universities.

Some universities also offer a bridge program from a bachelor’s to a master’s degree to allow students to complete the degrees in a shorter timeframe.

Occupational therapy students take courses in behavioral neuroscience, kinesiology, and functional anatomy. They also learn about research in the field and the practice of occupational therapy.

3. Gain clinical experience from fieldwork

Either after obtaining a master’s degree or during school, students must gain clinical experience in different healthcare settings. Students can do their fieldwork in mental health, geriatrics, physical disabilities, or pediatrics.

4. Pass the board examination

Licensed occupational therapists need to pass the examination with the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy before they are allowed to work as occupational therapists. The exam questions aim to evaluate a candidate’s ability to make conclusions about a patient’s needs, gather information about their occupational performance, choose the appropriate therapy and manage and direct occupational therapy services.

5. Obtain your license

All states require occupational therapists to become licensed before they can start practicing. Occupational therapists need to graduate from an accredited program to meet the qualification requirements for licensure.

The American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA) accredits most post-graduate degrees in occupational therapy in most states. Candidates need to ensure they meet the licensing requirements for the state in which they want to practice.

6. Pursue continuing education to remain licensed

Occupational therapists need to do continuing education units (CEUs) to keep their licensure. The CEUs are credits professionals earn by taking regular classes after becoming licensed. The CEU requirements for each state differ.

Most CEUs can now be done online. AOTA offers CEUs and also maintains a database of approved continuing education providers.

7. Choose an area of specialization

Once occupational therapists become licensed, they can remain generalists. However, occupational therapists can also choose to continue their education to complete specialized training in driving and community mobility, school systems, low vision, feeding and eating, and swallowing.

8. Consider completing an advanced degree

Some occupational therapists complete a doctoral degree in occupational therapy. Occupational therapists interested in advanced clinical practice or becoming a manager or leaders may choose to complete a Doctorate of Occupational Therapy. Those who are interested in occupational therapy research can pursue a Ph.D.

Salaries Of Occupational Therapists in Ontario

Occupational therapists in Ontario (NOC 3143) usually earn between $35.00/hour and $50.00/hour. Your standard working week will be around 37.5 hours with the need to work flexibly over seven days. As an occupational therapist, you’ll be paid on the Agenda for Change (AFC) pay system, typically starting on band 5.

Salaries may vary depending on factors such as location, the number of years of experience the position requires, and the candidate’s qualifications. You’ll also have access to our generous pension scheme and health service discounts, as well as 27 days of annual leave plus bank holidays.

Skills Required To Be An Occupational Therapist In Ontario

As with any role, there any many personal characteristics that someone needs to possess to be a good occupational therapist. This career is a public-facing role so you’ll be interacting with different people every day. Therefore, your interpersonal skills need to be excellent. Being capable of quickly building a rapport with many different people, is an essential trait for an occupational therapist to have.

As with most other areas of healthcare, you need to be patient, empathetic, and enthusiastic. You are the difference between someone taking their first steps after major surgery and remaining in their hospital bed. Positivity is crucial to encourage someone to take the steps they need to discharge and recover.

As an occupational therapist, you need to be able to think on your feet. If someone is not responding to treatment, the ability to quickly change what you are doing is necessary. You also need to be able to work well as part of a team, as you are working closely with other disciplines within healthcare.

Occupational therapists need to have a good amount of flexibility when dealing with the high and the low points of a patient’s recovery. Your day may change at the last minute, if there is a demand with a patient, having the flexibility to do so, is essential.

Occupational therapists need to have an excellent level of communication. This includes strong written and verbal communication, to effectively understand the needs of their patients, and then explain the treatment process. Additionally, they need to be able to document treatment plans and progress whilst collaborating with other healthcare professionals.

Where Occupational Therapist In Ontario Work

Occupational Therapists work in a variety of settings, including:

• Homes: Provided by private organizations and the Ontario government.
• Communities: Clinics, health boards, group homes, halfway houses, and worker compensation boards.
• Institutions: Hospitals, long-term care facilities, rehabilitation centers, correctional institutions, schools, universities, and colleges.
• Businesses: Rehabilitation companies, insurance companies, and other corporations.
• Government: Working with all levels of government to promote disability prevention, accessibility, international rehabilitation program development, and health planning.

Becoming An Occupational Therapist Assistant (OTA)

Occupational therapy support personnel, or assistants, are individuals who have the job-related competencies to support occupational therapists in delivering occupational therapy services. The work of an occupational therapist assistant is supervised by an occupational therapist.

Occupational therapist assistants are not a regulated profession and, as such, the educational requirements are more generalized and there is no entrance exam like the NOTCE. Occupational therapist assistant programs, many of which are accredited, exist at colleges across Canada.

Requirements Needed To Be An Occupational Therapist In Ontario

To become an occupational therapist in Canada, there are several requirements needed:

• Bachelor’s Degree: Bachelors of Science or university degree with coursework including biology and physiology.
• Master’s Degree: A professional Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy from an accredited institution; is the minimum entry requirement for this profession. 14 universities offer Occupational Therapy programs (Master’s Degree), across Canada. Some OTs enter into the profession with a doctoral degree in the field. However, this is not a requirement.
• Field Experience: A minimum of 1,000 hours of supervised fieldwork experience.
• Certification Exam: Completing the National Occupational Therapy Certification Exam (NOTCE) from the Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists (CAOT).
• Council Membership: Become a member of the College of Occupational Therapists of Ontario (COTO). Each province has a council that is responsible for the regulation of Occupational Therapy.

FAQs about how to become an occupational therapist in Ontario

Below are the top questions about how to become an occupational therapist in Ontario with the perfect answers;

• What qualifications do you need to be an occupational therapist?

To become an occupational therapist in Ontario, you’ll need a degree in occupational therapy, which usually takes three years full-time or up to six years part-time. In postgraduate studies, it’s possible to gain a Masters’s degree in one to two years.

• How much does an OT make in Ontario?

Occupational therapists in Ontario (NOC 3143) usually earn between $35.00/hour and $50.00/hour.

• Is OT a good career?

Being an occupational therapist is an incredibly rewarding role, working with clients and their families to make life easier. Supporting an individual’s independent living can also ease the pressure felt by their support network.

• What is the highest-paid occupational therapist?

How Much Does an Occupational Therapist in Ontario Make? Occupational Therapists made a median salary of $87,980 in 2021. The best-paid 25 percent made $105,570 that year, while the lowest-paid 25 percent made $72,790.

• How long does it take to become an occupational therapist?

Becoming a licensed occupational therapist typically takes up to five to six years. Candidates must first obtain a bachelor’s degree before completing a master’s degree and conducting fieldwork to gain experience.

There are also licensing requirements to meet and an examination to pass before you can be a licensed occupational therapist.

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What do you know about the accelerated nursing programs in Hawaii? Today, we will unravel the essentials you ought to know about these fast-track programs.

Registered nurses perform a wide variety of duties and have many responsibilities. Nurse training is purposely orchestrated to allow RNs to choose from a variety of specialties by teaching a wide range of skills.

RNs are qualified to care for all patient populations and for all illnesses on a broad level. New graduate RNs will need to complete an internship program to learn the complexities of the specialty.

Accelerated nursing programs are designed to cover all academic materials in a very short period of time.

These programs are essential to prospective students, especially those who wish to fast-track to a nursing career.

The accelerated nursing programs in Hawaii come either as an accelerated BSN or MSN.

Overview of accelerated nursing programs in Hawaii

The Accelerated BSN program will take approximately 11 to 18 months to complete with prerequisite classes included.

Clinical hours are required and the graduate will need to pass the NCLEX-RN to become licensed as an RN in the United States.

Requirements for Accelerated BSN courses may vary from school to school or from program to program but on a general note, it might include:

• Bachelor’s degree in any major from an accredited college or university
• Minimum GPA of 3.0

In addition, some programs require certain prerequisite courses prior to admission for those schools where prerequisites are not included in the curriculum.

For many science majors, these may have been completed already. These are usually:

• Human Anatomy and Physiology
• Microbiology
• Statistics
• Human Growth and Development

Where can graduates of accelerated nursing programs in Hawaii work?

There are different healthcare institutions and organizations where graduates can work, let’s take a look at the top 10 places;

1. Clinics
2. Education for Associate’s level nursing students or below
3. Hospitals
4. Large teaching hospitals that require a BSN for entry-level RN position
5. Long-term care facilities
6. Management
7. Nursing Leadership
8. Physician’s offices
9. Research
10. Skilled nursing facilities

Things to consider when choosing accelerated nursing programs in Hawaii

Below are the

• Accreditation (regional and programmatic)
• Cost of living on-campus or in the area
• Distance from home
• Financial aid, scholarships, and grants offered
• Program outcomes (NCLEX pass rate and job placement)
• School and nursing program acceptance rate
• The time it takes to complete the program
• Tuition cost and cost of the nursing program
• Type of school (public or private)

Schools that offer accelerated nursing programs in Hawaii

Below are the institutions that offer accelerated nursing programs in Hawaii everyone ought to know;

• Chaminade University

Chaminade University

Address: 3140 Waialae Avenue Honolulu, Hawaii 96816

Phone: (808) 735-4711
Toll-free: (800) 735-3733

Website: Click here

Chaminade University of Honolulu is accredited by WASC Senior College and University Commission.

The baccalaureate degree program in nursing at Chaminade University is accredited by the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education.

This school offers one of the accelerated nursing programs in Hawaii. Chaminade’s Nursing program offers an accelerated track to students who have completed their general education and nursing prerequisite courses.

The accelerated track has the same network of support as our traditional program along with strong mentorship, personal growth, and a focus on providing quality care to all.

Admission requirements

The learning outcome of these programs

Upon completion of the undergraduate B.S. program in Nursing, students will be able to:

1. Patient-Centered Care: Utilize the nursing process to advocate for safe, holistic, patient-centered care across the lifespan, incorporating the Marianist values of service, justice, and peace.
2. Collaboration: Apply leadership and communication skills to ensure quality, collaborative, and continuous patient care.
3. Evidence-Based Practice: Integrate credible research with clinical expertise and patient preferences for optimal care across the lifespan.
4. Informatics: Incorporate informatics and healthcare technologies into the practice of professional nursing.
5. Quality Improvement: Contribute to the safety and quality improvement of the healthcare environment.

FAQs about the accelerated nursing programs in Hawaii

Who regulated the nurses in Hawaii?

Nurses in Hawaii are regulated by the Department of Commerce & Consumer Affairs, Professional and Vocational Licensing.

How much does NCLEX-RN cost in Hawaii?

After completing an accredited nursing program, you can apply to take the NCLEX-RN exam. Hawaii requires a $200 fee to take the exam.

• Does Hawaii have accelerated nursing programs?

Yes, the program above is an accelerated nursing program in Hawaii.

A final thought about the accelerated nursing programs in Hawaii

Hawaii is one of the top destinations for nurses from within and around the globe because of the mouth-watering pay.

This fast-track nursing program is not really popular in Hawaii which makes prospective students go to other states for their academic acquisition.

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Are you among the many wanting to know the answer to this question, Is 55 too old to become a Nurse?

A saying goes thus, it is never too late to pursue your dreams but still, a lot of people in the health field keep asking, is 55 years too old to be a nurse?

Be as it may, people put their lives and career on hold for a lot of reasons.

First, it might be for the family. People make decisions daily that will favor their families and can decide to put even their careers on hold for some time.

Again, people put their careers on hold because of their health. See, a health condition can hamper one’s life and make them put their career on hold. Also, it might be moving to a new location or switching careers.

Whichever it is, you must be sure about the rules guiding such careers and make sure that the age limit is not among the major factors.

Is 55 too old to become a Nurse?

As a matter of fact, the nursing field is regulated by different rules in different countries and schools.

So, you can not say for sure what determines you’re getting into the profession if you do not look up the determining factors.

Furthermore, another thing to consider is to know if you can take up the challenges that come with training as a student nurse and working as a nurse as a 55-year-old.

But the good news is, in America, older people in their 50s and 60s enroll in nursing and go ahead to become practicing registered nurses.

So, whenever someone comes up with the question, “is 55 too old to become a nurse?”, you’ve got to help clear the confusion by giving a positive reply.

Moreover, older people are slightly worried about sitting in class with much younger classmates. Surprisingly, you will meet people your age studying nursing too.

If you are still worried about the question of Is 55 too old to become a Nurse? there are also many accelerated nursing programs you can go for.

Can I train to be a Nurse at 50?

Ultimately, the big 50s for some people is time to think and plan for retirement and parties. However, at 50, some people still begin another phase of their lives and career.

Therefore, if you are already in the health field or switching over to it, or going back to school to study nursing, there is hope.

As it stands, American nursing schools do not have any age limits for anyone that wants to train to be a nurse.

If any other thing can limit you from going back to school to train as a nurse, your age is not one of them. So, instead of asking, can I train to be a nurse at 50, be worried more about meeting up with the many lectures and how to put in your best because, yes, you can train to be a nurse at 50 in America. 

Registered Nurse age requirements

As a matter of fact, RN and BSN programs have an older workforce than other workers in other degrees.

Meanwhile, if you think switching from RN to BSN programs will be a bother to you and you are so anxious about your age. The program is majorly handled by the adult learning board. You really do not have anything to worry about.

Registered Nursing does not have any upper age limits, categorically speaking. This is also a welcoming knowledge because of the rising challenges in the health sector.

A study carried out by the National Council of State Board of Nursing (NCSBN) and the National Forum of State Nursing Workforce Centers gave a clear view of this.

As of 2017, Registered Nurses in the United States between 65 years and above make up 19% of the workforce. Interestingly, two over three out of the active nurses work full-time.

Registered Nurse requirements in different states

Although the age factor does not hold water in nursing training, different states require different requirements for nurses.

Apparently, you cannot work in another state with the license of your state of residence. This is because they do not have the same rules as your state of residence. So, you must meet certain requirements for you to work in any state you find yourself in.

Some of these requirements are;

• For Colorado

A payment of $88 for the exam application. Also, the candidate must submit fingerprints, consent for a background check, and transcripts that show you graduated from a good school.

$48 for license by endorsement. Importantly, a Registered Nurse license from the state of Colorado Board of Nursing expires every 2 years on 30^th Sept.

• For New Jersey

A criminal background check, 30 continuing education credits every 2 years to help you keep your license active, and no serious medical condition.

• For Ohio

First and foremost, any nursing student from Ohio must graduate from only Ohio Board of Nursing approved schools.

Then, pass the criminal background check. Pay a sum of $75 along with your Registered Nurse application. More so, you must renew your license every two years and continuing education credits are required.

• For Rhode Island

A fee must accompany your online processing application. Secondly, official transcripts from a recognized school. 10 hours of continuing education credits.

• For Michigan

Here, graduates from nursing schools in Canada can come to Michigan and register through the Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs because the two countries share a boundary there. Just like the students in Michigan.

Also, you must submit transcripts from accredited schools. Nurses in Michigan must complete 25 hours of continuing education. Renewal lasts for at least four years. 

• Kansas

First, you must pay $75 to the Kansas Board of Nursing and submit your application for your exam.  Also, this same Kansas Board of Nursing issues licenses to the successful candidates. Renewal of license can be through online.

Factors to consider before enrolling as an older person

• Strength

Obviously, nursing can be draining because of the activities involved. As an older student, you must find a way to maneuver these challenges and still be clear-headed to tackle exams.

• Money

Ensure you have enough already before you enroll. The idea of running around for your fees and trying to concentrate on your studies might take its toll on your health.

• Time

As a matter of fact, you do not need to have a lot on your plate. You can delegate your other activities to reliable hands.

This will help you have enough time to focus on your nursing career. Combining a lot of activities with your studies may affect your output and grades.

To summarize, it is obvious that the most worrisome part of picking up a registered nursing form is the age factor. However, a study showed that the oldest person in a certain nursing school was in their 70s.

This means that there are no written age limits for anyone who wants to go back to school for a nursing degree.

By the way, the National League of Nurses survey shows that;

An Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) has 2.1% of students who are over the age of 50. And 9% of 41 to 50 years old students.

The Registered Nursing (RN) program has 1.1% of students who are over the age of 50 years. And also, 6.6% of students are 41 to 50 years old.

LVN/LPN program has 2.8% of over 50-year-old nursing students.

So, is 55 too old to become a nurse? Absolutely not! For your dreams of becoming a nurse, age is just a number!

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What does a Doula do? The answer to this question is essential for expectant mothers. Have you been making preparations for your baby’s coming? Here is one more thing you might want to include in your plans.

Did you know that a large population of to-be parents is finding means to lessen the intervention of doctors and allow the birth procedure to occur naturally instead of trying to induce labor or rush things?

This is where the services of a doula can come in handy.

However, the services of a doula aren’t restricted to just moms and parents who want a natural birth process alone. They also assist just about anyone who is in need of delivery support.

In addition to that, a doula who has a good sense of judgment and understanding won’t question your decision nor make you feel uncomfortable.

In this article, you will learn more about what a doula does and whether or not you may require a doula’s services.

First, what is a Doula?

A doula is a highly trained individual who specializes in providing new parents or parents that are expecting a baby with physical, emotional, and informational support possibly before delivery, during delivery, after delivery, and also in the early stages of postpartum.

Furthermore, a doula is also known as a companion during pregnancy whose main aim is to provide aid to families making sure they have a smooth and hitch-free labor experience

TYPES OF DOULAS

The different types of doulas offer their services according to the needs of the family they are working for.

They include:

1.  Antepartum doula
2.  Labor doula
3.  Postpartum doula
4.  Adoption doula
5.  Miscarriage doula

• Antepartum Doula

More often than not, women nowadays suffer complications during pregnancy. Such problems are caused by a number of factors some of which include;

Poor diet, bad environmental conditions, Stress, Irregular exercising, and so on.

This is where the antepartum doula comes in, she helps by educating you on certain things like when and how long you should take your siesta and also helps you concentrate on grooming a more healthy and sound baby.

Also, an antepartum doula would help you by offering words of encouragement which you will need at various stages of your pregnancy as this would enable you to brace up yourself and feel more confident.

The antepartum doula will also concern herself with educating you on certain practical skills like how to prepare basic meals, running simple errands, light chores, and time for enough bed rest they also do not offer any medical services and are also a very important aid to you and your family as a whole.

• Postpartum Doulas

A postpartum doula assists families during the first few weeks after childbirth or delivery(Postpartum).

Here, the doulas help in providing information on how to feed your newly born baby, basic steps to follow in ensuring that your newborn is given the best of care, and not forgetting about your physical and emotional state, especially towards recovering from the birth.

This set of doulas can also help with some simple chores like doing the laundry, caring for the child, preparation of the baby’s meal, and little cleaning to enable you and your partner to rest properly.

• Labor Doula

Labor doulas offer help in areas like making you feel less afraid before birth, providing you with information on how the delivery will occur, and also giving the necessary support needed by you during this time.

These doulas help by giving assistance, especially during the period of pregnancy, labor, and childbirth.

They also educate you focusing mainly on the types of breathing techniques and various eating habits.

• Adoption Doula

These doulas have an incredibly unique role to play in the new family after the adoption.

Adoption doulas play a significant role in your family. From educating you on how to handle difficult situations as new parents to how to care for and groom your baby with love, affection, and understanding.

They offer their services to you as a new parent with skills on how to properly be a parent

• Miscarriage Doula

This set of doulas helps you as the mother to recover from the traumatic experience of miscarriage.

Nowadays, women who have miscarried bear the pain of losing their babies all by themselves.

This is where the doula steps in to offer emotional, physical, and informational support and words of encouragement to them and other families who also experience the same loss.

WHAT DOES A DOULA DO?

What a doula does is countless so  I will be listing and describing below what a doula does in regards to pregnancy, labor, and postpartum.

Please kindly read through;

• A doula’s job is to act as a comforter,  continuously providing support with encouraging words in all areas both physically and emotionally during labor.
• A doula isn’t either an obstetrician or a gynecologist who has undergone medical training.
• She soothes your nerves with a calm voice, offers advice when needed especially on good labor positions, helps with techniques on relaxation and breathing exercises, and many more.
• A doula also helps break down and translate medical terminology and procedures used by doctors and also acts as a middleman or mediator between the doctors and parents.
• A doula helps lessen your fears by making labor look less stressful and smooth so you will feel more comfortable.
•  She also aids in calming your nerves and making your racing mind feel more at ease
• A doula helps further by providing some pain management non-medical techniques and combining them to know which one suits you better.

Some of these include Aromatherapy, Soft music, Reflexology, Massage, and even Meditative hymns.

• A doula also carries both parents along as she doesn’t relegate your partner or guardian or spouse behind.
• She does well to also provide support to help him relax which will also make you feel more relaxed as well.

Benefits of a doula

• A doula provides educational and informative support during labor and delivery especially helping with the massage.
• No one knows how the whole delivery process will go but doulas make sure to connect you emotionally with the nurse in charge of delivery.
• Doulas can be like your companion or your sister or mother as this will help you to feel more comfortable and also make them be able to understand your need and work with them to offer you maximum care.
• Doulas can act as a mediator between your partner or spouse and the doctor occasionally giving updates to your partner during labor on the current condition of the whole labor process and how things are going.
• Doulas will stay by you before and after the whole labor and delivery process to offer you more care support and guidance.
• Doulas also are not judgemental as they offer you support and means of coping especially to minimize postpartum depression.

Further answer on what does a doula do?

Do you think a doula might be for you?

If you are the type that will need either assistance, support, or counselling during labor, then believe me a doula is a perfect person for that position

And also if you are one that already has a particular type of birth method or plan then a doula is a good choice for you as she will guide you through the whole procedure and also stand by you especially if you are having doubts.

A doula is trained to support all types and kinds of birth methods. Hiring a doula will be of immense benefit to you if you want to try out a natural birth method( Birth without any medication) and they will also be there for you every step of the way offering soothing words of encouragement.

However, if you are one that doesn’t feel the need of having any other person cheering you on especially if it’s not from your the doctors carrying out the delivery or your partner – then you may not have the need for a doula.

How much is required to hire a Doula?

Well, the cost of hiring a doula differs based on certain factors that may be taken into consideration.

Some of which are:

• The area you live in
• The number of times you scheduled her visit
• The type of services you may require from her.

Albeit, some Doulas usually cover every aspect ranging from Antenatal visits, Antepartum, labor, delivery, postpartum till you are fully ready to take up by yourself and will no longer require her services.

Furthermore, if you are having worrying thoughts about how to go about the whole process of trying to afford a doula, then here is a piece of good news for you.

While you may have to take care of it as an out-of-pocket expense, you may also be able to offset at least part of the cost, since some health insurance providers cover doula care.

Some health insurance providers may cover some of the doula’s bills or payments and you can also pay part of the cost personally since the health insurance takes care of the other part.

In addition, in some states, Doulas are included in their Medicaid plans and others are also planning on making it compulsory to include Doulas too in the plan as well.

How can you find a Doula?

When to start looking for a doula with the aim of hiring one is when you are in your second trimester of pregnancy

However, hiring a doula even when you are almost due isn’t a bad idea as it’s never too late and it’s also best to hire one who was recommended or referred to you by other mothers or families who had enjoyed her services in the past.

Begin by making inquiries from your families, friends, and personal doctor for recommendations on how to go about hiring a doula.

In my opinion, it is a good idea to interview at least three and most importantly listen to your instincts and go for the one you feel you will be more comfortable and flow freely with.

Note, why this is being said is that any doula you choose will stay with you throughout the trying and most intimate times you will experience so you should go with the one you flow emotionally well with.

A final thought on what does a Doula do?

In addition to all being said above, Doulas offer their services in all means available from before to after birth.

The emotional and physical support they offer helps to be mothers in overcoming postpartum depression and possibly looking confident and vibrant.

So whether you choose just a doula with one type of service or one that covers all aspects of birth till delivery and beyond, it will still be of great benefit to you and will also make sure that your whole Antepartum and postpartum experience becomes more easy and enjoyable.

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The knowledge about the accelerated nursing programs in Nevada is of utmost importance because many prospective students wish to fast-track their nursing careers.

Nevada is one of the fifty US states located in the western region known for its gold, copper, opal, and other natural resources.

These higher institutions are nationally and internationally recognized for their academic excellence and attract students from around the US and foreign countries to partake in this academic glory.

Overview of accelerated nursing programs in Nevada

An accelerated program is a course of study whereby a student completes their education faster than usual.

For example, if a degree program should take 4 years to complete an accelerated program will take 15 months to 2 years to complete. Accelerated programs are common in bachelor’s degrees.

Now, we are here to discuss the accelerated nursing programs in Nevada. Typically, earning a Bachelor of Science (BSN) degree in nursing takes 3-4 years but with an accelerated option it takes 12-18 months to complete depending on the college or university offering the program.

Take note that the accelerated nursing programs in Nevada are really few, like I mentioned earlier, accelerated programs are innovative and still really new.

In fact, there aren’t many countries whose educational institutions offer accelerated programs that talk more of one in a health care field like nursing.

Well, the United States doesn’t have the best education system for anything. Trust the universities and colleges there to present innovative educational models. More nurses are needed in the health care sector and offering this accelerated nursing program is one of the ways to achieve that.

The accelerated nursing program lets eligible students quickly complete their nursing program and earn their BSN degrees.

These graduates are groomed and well-prepared for success in their nursing profession. The accelerated nursing programs in Nevada are challenging, intensive, highly competitive, and expensive.

The selection process is tough and the admission requirements are even tougher. Only the best of the best are selected for this program due to how challenging it can be.

Before applying for any of the accelerated nursing programs in Nevada that are listed below, you must have earned at least a bachelor’s degree in another discipline. This is a general requirement for all schools offering the program.

The accelerated nursing program is a good choice for those who want to change careers or specifically pursue a career in the healthcare sector or who have always really been into the nursing profession and feel like it is the right time to pursue their interest.

Schools that offer Accelerated Nursing Programs in Nevada

1. Accelerated MSN/FNP at Roseman University of Health Sciences
2. Nevada State College Nursing B.S. Accelerated Track
3. The University of Nevada ASBSN Program
4. The University of Nevada, Las Vegas Accelerated Nursing Program

• Accelerated MSN/FNP at Roseman University of Health Sciences

Address: 11 Sunset Way, Henderson, NV 89014

Phone:  702-968-1679

Website: Visit

This one is an accelerated Master of Science in Nursing Family Nurse Practitioner (MSN/FNP) which focuses on comprehensive health care for families and family members across all ages, body systems and diseases that will prepare you to deliver the right healthcare services.

The program is for registered and practicing nurses who hold a BSN. If you hold a BSN and feel it’s time to transition to a higher level, you may want to consider applying for the program. It is accelerated therefore takes only 23 months to complete and it is completely offered online.

Admission requirements

1. Application form, application fee, resume, and official transcripts from previous institutions attended.
2. Completed and earned a Bachelor of Nursing Degree from an accredited university or college with a minimum GPA of 3.0
3. Your registered nurse license
4. Has 1 year of clinical experience as a registered nurse
5. undergraduate statistics course completion
6. A 1,000-word essay reflecting your view of the role of a nurse practitioner and presenting a clinical or nursing practice problem. Examine how the problem affects the client and/or nursing and propose an intervention
7. Two letters of recommendation from academic and/or other professionals

• Nevada State College Nursing B.S. Accelerated Track

Address: Nevada State College 1300 Nevada State Drive Henderson, NV 89002

Telephone: 702. 992.2000

Website: Visit

On our final list of accelerated nursing programs in Nevada is the Nursing B.S Accelerated Track offered at the Nevada State College.

A public college located in Henderson and offers only undergraduate majors and minors. The college is divided into the School of Liberal Arts & Sciences, the School of Education, and the School of Nursing.

The School of Nursing is responsible for providing the accelerated nursing program among a host of other health care programs.

• The University of Nevada ASBSN Program

Address: 1664 N. Virginia St., Reno, NV, 89557

Telephone: (775) 784-6841

Fax: (775) 784-4262

Website: Visit

The University of Nevada is home to the prestigious Orvis School of Nursing which provides quality nursing education to the residents of Nevada, citizens of the US, and international students.

The school offers one of the accelerated nursing programs in Nevada known as the Accelerated Second Baccalaureate Bachelor of Nursing or ASBSN.

The program takes 12 years to complete and it is designed for bachelor’s graduates who earned their degree in a field aside from nursing.

Application into the program is done once a year and only 32 students are accepted making it very competitive.

Admissions process

1. Applications are reviewed by the Undergraduate Program Officer, the Associate Dean of Undergraduate Programs, and the ASBSN Track Leader.
2. Applications must be completed in their entirety, including the GPA calculator, or they will be considered ineligible.
3. Applications that do not meet the minimum requirements will not be considered. The applicant will receive a letter stating the reason(s) the application was not reviewed.
4. Applications that meet minimum requirements will be evaluated through a point-based matrix.
5. Applicants will be ranked from highest to lowest, based on the application matrix.
6. Applicants with the top 32 scores will be offered provisional admission to the OSN pre-licensure program.
7. In the event of a tie, the tie-breaking candidate will be selected using the pre-nursing Nevada Residency, Health Experience, and TEAS cumulative percentile score.

Once selected, you will receive provisional acceptance to the nursing major. The admission offer is contingent upon

1. A negative drug screening.
2. A background check was deemed acceptable by the Orvis School of Nursing clinical partners.
3. All related tasks are assigned in the pre-orientation outline.

• The University of Nevada, Las Vegas Accelerated Nursing Program

Address: University of Nevada, Las Vegas 4505 S. Maryland Pkwy. Las Vegas, NV 89154

Phone: 702-895-3011

Website: click here

Bachelor’s degree holders in a discipline other than nursing who wants a career change in the nursing profession should hop on the accelerated nursing program offered at this university. It is one of the institutions that offer accelerated nursing programs in Nevada.

The program is offered completely online therefore won’t disrupt your existing responsibilities making it possible for you to work and study full-time.

Participating in this program is the quickest way to earn a nursing license and practice in the profession.

In as short as 52 weeks you will be done with the program and be eligible to sit for the licensure exam to confirm you as a professional and open employment opportunity for you.

A final thought on the accelerated nursing programs in Nevada

Graduates of accelerated nursing programs in Nevada are prepared to practice in diverse locations such as hospitals, skilled nursing facilities, public health, home health, elementary and high schools, and businesses such as health insurance or case management companies.

The undergraduate nursing program prepares a clinical practice generalist. Students attain the knowledge, competencies, and attitudes to practice nursing safely, effectively, and efficiently.

Kindly follow the links on these institutions above to learn more about what they have to offer.

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Do you know there are different Ways To Effectively Manage Your Nursing Career? hold on tight as we unveil these approaches.

To say that the nurses only provide emotional support to patients would be a bit of an understatement.

Aside from routine procedures, these professionals administer medications, manage documentation, assist patients with their needs, and work grueling long hours to advocate for their rights.

The primary responsibility is to deliver optimum care and make patients comfortable. However, fulfilling all these responsibilities is easier said than done.

With the increasing demand for patient care, it’s often easy for nurses to succumb to fatigue and burnout. Even the most experienced and competent ones have a tough time rolling with the ups and downs of their career.

So, whether you are just a fresh graduate just stepping into the nursing profession or a part of this industry for some time, there are always opportunities to improve and grow.

Even slight lifestyle changes can snowball into massive benefits down the road in what feels like a growing weight of responsibilities on your shoulders.

Ways To Effectively Manage Your Nursing Career

So, let’s explore some of the tips that can help nurses enhance productivity, keep stress at a minimum, and assist them in what they do best, providing quality care to those in need:

1. Be a lifelong learner

Today, more than ever, healthcare organizations are in quest of nurses with advanced education credentials.

These nurses possess sharp decision-making skills and are updated with the latest industry trends, which are crucial for providing quality patient care.

For instance, if you are a nurse educator, consider a master’s in nursing education or MHL online to reinforce your career foundation, lead, and educate fellow nurses about specific protocols.

That way, you can ensure the self-complacency of nurses doesn’t affect the deliverance of healthcare services adversely. In addition, you can always leverage online degree programs for anyone who finds it challenging to manage grueling work schedules.

For those keen on pursuing higher education, finding answers to common FAQs About An Online MSN in Nursing Education will help decide the best career path.

2. Focus on wellness

Novice-level nurses generally feel astounded when they learn how unpredictable a day can be in this profession. One phone call and a routine day can turn into a blur of tiresome activities.

On a busy day filled with a constant stream of tasks, you might want to make a good impression and ensure all tasks are completed on time.

You might think the best solution is to skip lunch and keep working, not stopping for a second or two. However, this approach might cause more harm to you than good.

It’s next to impossible to think straight in a muddle. Your mind and body need time to relax and fuel to re-energize the batteries and manage shifts effectively. Else, they might not work to their full potential.

Therefore, regardless of how hectic your shift is, step into the break room, gather your thoughts, munch on snacks, drink water, and hop back to your work routine.

Breaks don’t have to be an hour long. Instead, microbreaks can help boost productivity and improve mental concentration.

3. Delegate tasks

Let’s admit it – you can’t cater to patients’ needs and provide quality care all by yourself. After all, delivering healthcare services is a team effort for a good reason.

Although it might be hard for you to give the reins to other nurses; however, it’s crucial to realize that the best results rely on teamwork.

Therefore, if you have pressing matters and critical tasks that require immediate attention, don’t hesitate to ask other nurses if they can tackle secondary functions in the meantime.

Keep licensed practical nurses and nursing assistants in the loop and allocate tasks according to their skillset and expertise.

However, be sure to assign the right task to the right person and at the right time. In addition, keep communication channels open at times and convey instructions to prevent errors.

4. Set priorities

It’s challenging for nurses to stay on top of deadlines with the constant hustle of the healthcare industry. For this reason, it’s imperative to master the art of prioritizing.

Ask yourself, which task is the most important and why? Next, what’s the worst if the tasks on hand aren’t completed during shifts?

Lastly, which tasks are most important to patients? While asking these questions may seem like procrastinating; however, after some time, the habit of prioritizing will become second nature to you.

When completing rounds on your shift, attend to critical patients first. Medical complexities may vary from one patient to another; therefore, properly assess which tasks take precedence over others.

For instance, you must change your patient’s IV drips first and then drain out urine bags to avoid embolism issues.

Final Words

Jumping into the depths of nursing isn’t an easy feat. It requires a lot of effort and emotional strength to make it through and be successful.

Sure, most tasks assigned to you will be hard to manage during the initial days since they are entirely new for you.

But you don’t need to complete them half-heartedly with the intent of ticking off tasks from your to-do list. Instead, consider every obstacle as a learning curve, leverage weak points to your advantage by setting future goals, and watch your career progress.

Remember, it takes practice to be perfect at time management. What worked for your colleague might not yield the same results for you. Therefore, figure out a pattern that works for you, reflect on procedures, identify areas of improvement and keep moving ahead.

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What do you know about the accelerated nursing programs in North Dakota? This article is essential for anyone who wishes to fast his/her nursing career in North Dakota.

North Dakota is a midwestern U.S. state dominated by the Great Plains with a population of about 800,000. Its eastern city of Fargo showcases Native American and modern art at the Plains Art Museum.

If you already have a bachelor’s or master’s degree in another course but still want to earn a nursing degree quickly, then you may want to consider an accelerated nursing program.

Overview of accelerated nursing programs in North Dakota

Accelerated nursing programs can lead to a bachelor’s or master’s degree and there are certain prerequisites you need to meet to be accepted into the program. Students in the accelerated nursing programs are prepared for the nursing licensure exam and equipped with skills to become leaders in the nursing profession.

With your bachelor’s degree, you can go on to take up leadership positions in the healthcare field such as director of nursing, chief nursing officer, clinical nurse manager, and healthcare administrator.

The duration of the accelerated nursing program varies by the university or college offering it and also the cost which can be expensive.

This program is directed at people who want to change careers and are interested in pursuing a nursing profession.

A school that offers Accelerated Nursing Programs in North Dakota

Below is the institutions that offers accelerated nursing programs in North Dakota;

1. University of Mary Accelerated Nursing Program

University of Mary Accelerated Nursing Program

Address: 1351 Page Drive, Suite 103 Fargo, ND 58103
Phone: (701) 232-7088
Email: [email protected]

Apply: HERE

Website: Visit

The university offers a Bachelor of Science in a Nursing accelerated second-degree program to qualified students who hold a bachelor’s degree in a non-nursing field.

The accelerated nursing degree is the path you should choose in getting a nursing degree faster. The program is completed in13 months of full-time study and the learning option is on-campus. During the time of your nursing education, you will gain important nursing skills and medical knowledge and also be prepared to take the NCLEX nurse licensing exam and become an RN.

Interested applicants must have a GPA of 3.0 from their first bachelor’s degree, pay an application fee of $30, submit all official transcripts, and complete the prerequisite courses with a grade of C or higher. Meeting all of these requirements can get you considered for application. The program costs $12,500 per semester.

With a BSN and your nursing license, you can work in various leadership positions such as nurse manager, public health nurse, nurse case manager, occupational health nurse, and health educator.

Final thought about the accelerated nursing programs in North Dakota

When choosing a career in nursing, prospective nurses can focus on specialized areas in the field. From this write up and the websites of these institutions above, you can get the right information for proper preparation for you accelerated nursing programs in North Dakota.

These programs are open to prospective nurses from other US states and around the globe. I wish you well as your ride along the road to your nursing career.

Since your opinion counts on our platform, feel free to air your view in the comment box below.

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