Physical therapist assistants (PTAs) work under licensed physical therapists to help patients improve strength, movement, and mobility, and can develop experience in areas such as orthopedics, neurology, pediatrics, geriatrics, acute care, cardiovascular and pulmonary rehabilitation, oncology, and wound management. While PTAs are educated for generalist entry-level practice, they may develop advanced knowledge and skills with […]
Physical therapist assistants (PTAs) can work with patients across the lifespan, from children developing movement skills to older adults recovering from surgery, injury, or changes in mobility. Depending on the setting, PTAs may help people with orthopedic injuries, neurological conditions, sports injuries, chronic health conditions, or age-related mobility challenges. PTAs work under the direction and […]
You do not need previous experience in healthcare to eventually pursue nursing. Many nursing students enter school after working in restaurants, retail stores, coffee shops, food service, warehouses, and other non-patient-care environments. Although those jobs do not replace nursing education or clinical training, they can help you develop transferable skills such as communication, teamwork, time management, adaptability, and […]
Occupational therapy assistants (OTAs) and physical therapist assistants (PTAs) both work in rehabilitation, but they help patients reach different types of goals. OTAs generally help people develop or regain the skills needed to participate in meaningful daily activities, while PTAs focus more directly on movement, mobility, strength, and physical function. In California, both careers typically require accredited education, a national examination, and state […]
Healthcare careers in California offer several potential benefits, including strong projected employment demand, a wide range of work environments, and opportunities to care directly for patients. According to the California Employment Development Department (EDD), many healthcare occupations are projected to grow through 2032, including registered nurses, licensed vocational nurses, occupational therapy assistants, and physical therapist assistants.¹ Understanding […]
Nursing offers several educational and career pathways, from nursing assistant roles and vocational nursing to registered nursing and graduate-level education. The right nursing career path depends on more than how quickly you want to enter the field. Your preferred responsibilities, educational goals, work environment, interest in direct patient care, and plans for future education can all shape […]
If you’re considering becoming a Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN), you may be wondering what you’ll actually learn during nursing school. An LVN program is designed to help you develop the foundational knowledge, clinical judgment, and hands-on nursing skills needed to care for patients in a variety of healthcare settings. Throughout your education, you’ll build your ability to assess patients, administer medications, prevent […]
If you have an interest in occupational therapy, shadowing an occupational therapist can help you better understand what the profession looks like before committing to occupational therapy education. Whether you’re interested in becoming an occupational therapist or an occupational therapy assistant, observing patient care, asking questions, and learning about different practice settings can help you decide whether the career aligns […]
A graduate program in occupational therapy combines classroom instruction, laboratory practice, collaborative learning, patient cases, research, and supervised fieldwork. As you progress through a Master of Science in Occupational Therapy (MSOT) graduate program, you will learn how to evaluate patients’ needs, develop individualized intervention plans, use evidence to guide care, and support participation in meaningful daily […]
If you’re considering nursing school, you may already know you’ll study anatomy, pharmacology, and patient care. However, a Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) program also teaches you how to think like a nurse. Through classroom instruction, simulation, clinical experiences, and evidence-based learning, you’ll develop critical thinking, clinical judgment, communication, and decision-making skills that help you assess patient needs, prioritize care, […]