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, […]
Occupational therapists (OTs) and occupational therapy assistants (OTAs) work in a variety of healthcare and community settings, including hospitals, rehabilitation centers, outpatient clinics, schools, skilled nursing facilities, in-home healthcare settings, and community organizations. Although specific daily responsibilities can vary depending on the environment and patient population, in all of these settings, OTs and OTAs help individuals improve independence […]
Basic Overview Physical therapist assistants (PTAs) play an important role in helping patients improve mobility, recover from injuries, and regain independence. In California, PTAs work in a variety of healthcare settings and are part of a growing healthcare profession. If you enjoy working directly with patients, rehabilitation, and movement science, becoming a physical therapist assistant may be a career worth […]
Basic Overview Occupational therapy and physical therapy both help people improve their health, independence, and quality of life, but they focus on different aspects of recovery. Occupational therapists help individuals participate in daily activities, while Physical therapists focus on improving movement, strength, balance, and mobility. Understanding these differences can help you determine which healthcare career aligns with your interests and goals. Understanding Occupational […]
Basic Overview There is no single personality or background required to succeed in nursing school. However, students who develop skills such as communication, critical thinking, time management, adaptability, professionalism, and a willingness to learn are often well prepared for the academic, laboratory, simulation, and clinical experiences that nursing education provides. Can Anyone Succeed in Nursing School? Students […]
Basic Overview Rehabilitation therapy helps people improve function, mobility, independence, and quality of life after illness, injury, surgery, or other health conditions. Occupational therapy and physical therapy are two common rehabilitation professions, each with a different focus but a shared goal of helping patients achieve meaningful recovery and participation in everyday life. Understanding Rehabilitation Therapy Healthcare […]