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 […]
What Are Career Services? Preparing for a healthcare career involves more than completing coursework and clinical education. Many students also need guidance on building professional skills, preparing application materials, and navigating the transition from school to employment. Career Services departments provide resources designed to support you throughout different stages of your career journey. While services vary by institution, they often include career […]
Basic Overview Healthcare careers can be rewarding if you enjoy helping others, solving problems, working as part of a team, and continuing to learn throughout your career. While no single personality is “perfect” for healthcare, understanding your interests, strengths, preferred work environment, and long-term goals can help you determine whether a healthcare career is the right fit. Is […]
Basic Overview If you enjoy working with children, there are many healthcare careers that provide opportunities to support pediatric patients and their families. Professionals such as Occupational Therapists, Occupational Therapy Assistants, Physical Therapist Assistants, Licensed Vocational Nurses, and Registered Nurses may work with infants, children, and adolescents in hospitals, schools, outpatient clinics, rehabilitation facilities, and […]
Basic Overview Occupational Therapists (OTs) help people of all ages develop, recover, or maintain the skills needed for everyday life. OTs commonly evaluate patients, develop individualized treatment plans, provide therapeutic interventions, educate patients and caregivers, and collaborate with healthcare teams. Their work takes place in hospitals, rehabilitation facilities, schools, outpatient clinics, home health, and many other settings. […]
Basic Overview Clinical education allows healthcare students to apply classroom learning in supervised healthcare settings. Through clinical experiences, fieldwork, and simulation-based learning, students develop practical skills, strengthen clinical reasoning, and gain experience working with patients and healthcare teams before entering professional practice. Understanding Clinical Education Students researching healthcare careers often learn through classroom instruction, laboratory experiences, simulations, […]
Basic Overview You do not need to become a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) before attending nursing school. While some students choose to work as CNAs before pursuing Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) or Registered Nurse (RN) education, many nursing programs do not require previous healthcare experience. The right pathway depends on your educational background, career goals, and personal preferences. […]