Get Educated on Education Archived Articles - Medical, Nursing, & Health Degree Pursuers
Nursing: Earn a Degree in the Hot Career of the Decade
The numbers make it black and white - nursing is one of the hottest degrees of the decade!
The Bureau of Labor Statistics calls the overall job prospects for registered nurses "excellent." Close to 600,000 new jobs for registered nurses will be created by 2018, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. That's more than any other individual occupation! Plus, the pay is pretty nice, too - registered nurses make an average salary of $65,130 per year.
In terms of financial aid, there's never been a better time to go for your nursing degree. To help fill the growing need for qualified nurses, the Health Resources and Services Administration, a federal government agency, has created the Nursing Education Loan Repayment Plan. In exchange for working at specified types of non-profit healthcare facilities, the government will help repay a nurse's student loans!
Also, in order to attract and retain skilled nurses, hospitals are beginning to offer great perks such as signing bonuses, subsidized training and family-friendly work schedules.
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5 Reasons Why the Recession is the Right Time to Get your Health Degree
While it may seem like there could be no upside to a recession, the struggling economy actually provides you with a great opportunity. A recession is the right time to go back to school and get the healthcare degree you've always dreamed of. Here's 5 reasons why:
1. Boost your employability: A degree is a must-have in today's competitive job market. Your college education will set you apart from other qualified applicants.
2. Colleges have never been more flexible: The recession may limit your options, but today's colleges are doing just the opposite. With weekend, evening and online classes, colleges are offering greater scheduling flexibility than ever before.
3. A recession is temporary; your education is here to stay: On average, recessions last two to three years - which is just the right amount of time to earn your associate's degree or a certification for a career in healthcare. The recession will end, but your education will always be yours.
4. You won't be missing out on a promotion: A recession gives you the opportunity to go back to school when it will least affect your career. With raises and promotions coming few and far between, now is an ideal time to go back to school, perhaps even full time.
5. Put yourself in control of your future: Take advantage of these rocky times to lay a solid foundation for your future with a college degree.
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Top 5 Nursing Specialties
Nursing degree graduates can choose from a wide spectrum of specialties. Many specialties require additional training and certification, so it's important for nurses to consider all factors when deciding on an area of specialization. The potential for job stability and satisfaction are important factors, but for many the earning potential for a specialty is the most important consideration.
These are some of the highest earning Nursing specialties:
1. Registered Nurse Anesthetist
Works with surgeons, dentists and anesthesiologists to administer anesthesia and pain medication to patients.
2. Nurse Researcher
Works as a medical analyst for non-profit organizations, private companies and government agencies.
3. Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Provides expert care and consultation for psychiatric patients.
4. Certified Nurse Midwife
Provides primary care to women, including prenatal care and assistance during labor and delivery.
5. Nurse Practitioners
Provides primary and specialty healthcare services for patients and their families.
Nurses in these specialties have bachelor's degrees in Nursing and are registered nurses (RNs). Many nurses in these fields also have master's degrees. Nurses with advanced degrees can also work on the business side of healthcare for hospitals, insurance companies and pharmaceutical manufacturers. Teaching at a nursing school or university is another option for nursing professionals who have specialized training.
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How to Go to Medical School for Free
On average, earning a medical degree costs around $140,000 to $160,000 when you include room and board. While medical school may come with a hefty price tag, the good news is that there are ways that qualified students can get a free education.
Read on for a look at some of the ways that you may be able to go to medical school for free:
Scholarships
Some of the country's top medical schools, including Washington University and Vanderbilt, offer full-ride scholarships to top-notch students. When choosing where to apply, it's well worth your time to research each school's scholarship programs.
Military
Join the Army, Navy or Air Force and, if you're officer material, the military will pay your tuition and living expenses for four years of medical school. Note that you'll be required to serve one year of active duty for each year's worth of scholarship money you receive, for a minimum of two years.
Giving back to the community
The National Health Service Corps will repay up to $50,000 of the cost of your education in exchange for two years of service in needy areas. For a third year of service, it will repay up to $35,000.
Partnerships with hospitals
A handful of hospitals in the U.S. partner with medical schools to fund students' educations. In exchange for your free education, you must agree to work at that particular hospital for a certain number of years.
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Nursing Degree Options: What's the Difference Between an LPN and an RN?
One of the main differences between a registered nurse (RN) and an LPN is the amount of training and education required. To be a registered nurse, you must have either a bachelor's degree from a four-year nursing program or an associate's degree from a two-year program. Becoming an LPN, on the other hand, requires only a one-year practical nursing program.
Both RN and LPN programs involve a combination of class work and clinical experience. In an RN nursing program, however, you are likely to take more courses on theory and patient care management.
Another difference between an RN and an LPN is in the scope and nature of their duties. LPNs provide direct patient care, such as giving shots, taking blood pressure, changing dressings and administering medication. While RNs provide direct patient care as well, they also have managerial and administrative duties. RNs may even supervise LPNs.
While an RN program takes longer to complete, it offers more career opportunities. As an RN, for example, you have the opportunity to specialize in a particular area of nursing, such as cardiovascular, geriatric or orthopedic care. RNs also make higher hourly wages than LPNs.
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Tips for choosing a nursing specialty
Nursing is a wide open field with nearly countless opportunities for specialization. Here are some questions you can ask yourself to help you choose the right nursing specialty.
Are you willing to obtain additional certifications and education? Some nursing specialties will require that you obtain certifications and schooling beyond your nursing degree. Before choosing a specialty, consider whether you are willing to continue your education.
What did you enjoy most about nursing school? The areas of study and practical work experiences you enjoyed most are excellent starting points for figuring out what nursing specialty is right for you.
How much money will you be making? Salary is a practical consideration that will no doubt factor into what nursing specialty you ultimately choose. Some of the highest paying nursing specialties include certified registered nurse anesthetist, psychiatric nurse practitioner, orthopedic nurse and pediatric endocrinology nurse.
Can you handle a high-stress work environment? Some areas of nursing are more stressful than others. For example, if you thrive on intense, high-pressure situations, then being an ER nurse might be the right path for you.
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Writing Your Medical School Personal Statement
The personal statement is your chance to distinguish yourself from other med school applicants. Take advantage of this opportunity to make yourself a standout candidate, and follow these seven tips for writing a winning personal statement:
1. Show don't tell: Give specific examples to illustrate the personal qualities you're trying to convey.
2. Hook 'em with your opening line: Grab (and hold!) your reader's attention with a killer first sentence.
3. Keep it concise: Short sentences are powerful because they're straight to the point. Cut down on unnecessary verbiage and hone in on your key message.
4. Review and revise: Make sure your essay is error-free, and ask for feedback from friends and family members.
5. Stay focused: Commit to a central theme and stick to it. Avoid the temptation to wander off topic.
6. Use action verbs: Keep your writing lively with dynamic action verbs.
7. Tell a story: Craft a narrative; don't simply list your resume.
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Applying to Pharmacy School: Taking the PCAT
The Pharmacy College Admission Test, referred to as the PCAT for short, is a standardized test that measures the skills and knowledge necessary to succeed in pharmacy school. The PCAT tests for both specific scientific knowledge and general abilities.
The PCAT is used by pharmacy schools to identify the applicants who are most likely to succeed in pharmaceutical studies. Currently more than 65% of the American Association of Colleges of Pharmacy require the PCAT as part of the admissions process.
The PCAT is divided up into two main sections. One is the multiple choice section which consists of 240 questions. The other is the writing section that requires test takers to write on two different topics.
The 240-question multiple choice section is subdivided into 5 categories: verbal ability, quantitative ability, biology, chemistry and reading comprehension. So all together, the PCAT is seven tests in one.
It takes about four hours to complete the PCAT, with added time for instructions and breaks.
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Getting the Right Education: Do I Need a Certificate or a Degree?
Two main factors come into play when deciding whether to pursue a certificate or a degree: your career goals and your long-term educational goals.
A certificate or diploma is a good option for someone who wants to quickly acquire the skills they need to start a new career in healthcare. Certificate programs also offer an opportunity to enhance your marketability if you already hold a degree but are interested in career advancement. Last, a certificate can help you launch a new career if you hold a degree in a field unrelated to the healthcare industry.
Some careers in healthcare will require a college degree even for entry level positions. In that case, you'll have to decide whether an associate or bachelor's degree is right for you.
An associate degree takes less time to obtain than a bachelor's degree, typically around two years. It's also a good option for someone who needs a degree sooner but plans to pursue a bachelor's degree in the future.
Many career paths, however, require a bachelor's degree, which takes around four years to complete. Be sure to carefully research the healthcare occupation of your choice to determine what level of postsecondary education you need. A bachelor's degree is also a must-have if you plan to pursue graduate studies.
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Top Skills: What Healthcare Employers are Looking For
Many of today's fastest growing careers are in the healthcare industry. Healthcare employers want a well-trained, highly-skilled and solidly educated workforce.
To land a job in this thriving sector, you need the skills that employers are looking for.
- Analytical skills: Critical thinking, problem-solving and a strong understanding of mathematics.
- Interactive skills: The ability to work well with others, collaboration and effective communication skills.
- Personal development: Self-awareness, self-confidence and good judgment
- Professionalism
- Work ethic
- Fundamentals: Solid basic skills in reading, math and writing
These are the intangibles that separate the best from the rest when it comes to employment. To gain these skills and develop these personal qualities, you need a good post-secondary education. Getting your degree or professional certification is the first step on your path to a successful and rewarding career in the healthcare industry.
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Accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) Degree
An accelerated Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree, called an accelerated BSN degree for short, is a degree track that takes the four years of a traditional bachelor's of nursing program and condenses it into 12 to 18 months of schooling.
Accelerated BSN degree programs were created for individuals who already have a bachelor's degree in another subject and want to transition into a career in nursing. At the end of an accelerated BSN degree program, you will be qualified to sit for the national licensing exam for Registered Nurses, known as the NCLEX.
The benefit of an accelerated BSN degree program is that you are able to obtain your degree in nursing without having to retake the general education courses required to earn a bachelor's degree. The accelerated BSN degree program gives you credit for the non-nursing classes you have already taken.
Accelerated BSN degree programs are fast-paced and highly demanding. They are right for students who are focused on their goals and ready to work hard. While accelerated BSN degree programs are no doubt challenging, you reap the substantial reward of preparing for your new career as a nurse in as little as one year.
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Top Healthcare Certificate Programs
Are you interested in a career in the healthcare industry but don't want to wait years before you can start working? Or perhaps you already have a job in healthcare but you want to advance your career and earn more money. Either way, a healthcare certificate program might be right for you!
Take a look at the fastest growing and most in-demand healthcare certificate programs available:
1. Pharmacy technician certificate: Prepare for an entry level career in a pharmacy, or enhance your education with a better understanding of the effects of medication on the human body.
2. Geriatric care management certificate: Learn how to provide optimal care for the elderly by meeting their unique healthcare needs and providing counseling and education to their families.
3. Medical billing certificate: There's a constant need for medical billing specialists, especially as the health insurance industry grows more complex.
4. Medical office specialist certificate: Get the education you need to run a medical office, or further your career with the administrative knowledge it takes to advance to a managerial position.
5. Healthcare administration certificate: Prepare yourself for an entry-level management position in a clinic, hospital or physicians office.
Healthcare certificate programs provide you with the skills and training you need to start a career in this fast-paced and growing field. Find out more today about the career opportunities that a healthcare certificate program will open up to you.
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The Top 5 Skills Health Degree Pursuers Need for College
Ready to get started on your health care degree? Here are the skills you need to develop if you want to succeed in your education and career.
1. Writing: Record keeping is a big part of any healthcare occupation. Knowing how to communicate clearly and concisely in writing is key to success.
2. Time management: You'll be balancing classes, study time, personal commitments and possibly even a job. Start now on learning techniques for effective time management.
3. Networking: Take advantage of opportunities to meet new people. Networking while you're in school can set you up for job opportunities in the future.
4. Decision-making: In caring for patients, you'll have to make judgment calls on a daily basis. Work on your critical-thinking and problem-solving skills so you can exercise sound judgment.
5. Relaxation: While school is highly rewarding, it can also be taxing. Practice relaxation techniques and take time to de-stress so you don't burn out in school or on the job.
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Financial Aid for Applying to Med School: AAMC Fee Assistance Program (FAP)
The costs of applying to medical school can really add up. First there's the MCAT fee, and then there's a separate application fee for every school you apply to.
To make sure that no promising medical student is left behind because of application costs, the Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) created a Fee Assistance Program (FAP) to help defray the expenses associated with applying to med school.
If you qualify for FAP, you will receive a substantial discount on the MCAT registration fee (from $225 to $85 for the 2009 test year). One of the best things about the AAMC FAP is that you can receive it for up to five calendar years during your lifetime!
Eligibility for FAP is tied to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services poverty level guidelines. In order to be eligible for fee assistance from the AAMC, your total family income must be 300% or less of the federal poverty level for your family size.
To learn more about the AAMC Fee Assistance Program, visit http://www.aamc.org/students/applying/fap/.
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Is Nursing School Right for Me?
Wondering if a career in nursing is right for you? One place to start is by assessing your personal strengths and preferences to determine if your personality is a good fir for nursing. Take a look at this list of characteristics of a top-notch nurse:
- You have a strong desire to help people.
- You have compassion for the suffering of others.
- You cope well with stress.
- You can handle traumatic situations.
- You are a good listener.
- You pay close attention to details.
- You respect people's rights to privacy, dignity and confidentiality.
- You are willing to work varied hours, including holidays, weekends and evenings.
- You are comfortable taking on the role of a leader and taking charge of a situation.
- You are sensitive to different cultural backgrounds.
- You like the idea of working in a fast-paced environment.
Last but not least, nursing school may be right for you if you want a rewarding career in a respected profession that truly makes a difference in the lives of those in need.
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The Future is Bright for Healthcare Degree Holders
If you're considering a degree in health care, you're considering a very wise move! According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, health care is the fastest growing industry. Between 2006 in 2016, there will be more than three million new healthcare jobs created. In fact, seven of the twenty fastest growing jobs are related to health care.
You also have plenty of options. The projected growth in the healthcare industry applies to all sectors and occupations. From large hospitals to in-home care, there will be ample job growth in all health care-related occupations. There will be an increase in jobs related to both inpatient and outpatient care.
Holding a health care degree will translate into excellent job security. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that health care workers will continue to be in high demand for many years to come.
Also, the rise in health care job opportunities is taking place across the nation, which means you will have the ability to live and work anywhere you want.
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Tips for Choosing the Right Medical School
Did you know that there are 125 recognized medical schools in the United States? That is a whole lot to choose from!
You already know that you should consider factors such as available financial aid and whether the school is strong in the type of medicine you want to practice. However, there are some other important factors that you may not have considered yet. Here are some key questions to ask that will help you gain a better understanding of the school as a whole and whether it is a good fit for you.
- Is it a free standing institution or is connected to a university?
- What hospital will you most likely be doing your residency at?
- Are you interested in a career in clinical practice or in research?
- How early on in the program will you have the opportunity to gain hands on experience?
- What is the class size - large or small?
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What Should I Expect During my Residency?
Residency is the final stage of a medical student's training and comes after the student has obtained a medical degree. As a resident, you practice medicine under the direct supervision of a fully licensed physician. Residencies typically take place in a hospital or clinic. A residency period is required in order to practice medicine in the United States.
In medical school you're learning a broad range of clinical skills and covering a wide variety of areas of medicine. Your residency is when you get hands-on training in the practice of medicine as well as in-depth knowledge of a specific area of medicine.
For primary care physicians, residency training lasts for a minimum of three years. For some types of surgical specialties, residency training can last up to five years. In addition to residency training, some branches of medicine require a certain numbers of fellowship training.
Residents do receive pay. Most make between $40,000 and $50,000 per year.
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Why Medical Schools are Placing a New Emphasis on Critical Care
As the Baby Boomer generation continues to age, the need for critical care specialists is also going to increase. As such, medical schools have begun to place more of an emphasis on critical care training - individuals looking to explore this exciting, specialized form of medicine are known as intensivists.
Intensivists are in charge of working with the most serious and acute cases in the hospital, usually in the ICU. These highly trained physicians work with patients on ventilators, those on dialysis, and even those who have had multiple-organ failure. By being able to focus their attention on these critical cases without the outside distraction of having to see a caseload of patients with less serious medical conditions, intensivists are able to treat their critical patients more efficiently and effectively.
Some studies have shown a staggering increase in mortality of up to 30 percent, and medical schools like that these intensivists are able to cut hospital stay lengths and reduce the amount of errors by offering their undivided attention and expertise to the most challenging cases.
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Nursing School: What to Expect
Even though you're excited about the idea of applying to nursing school, you might be a little nervous, too. Whenever you're about to undertake a new experience, it helps to know what to expect. So here's a quick look at what the average nursing school is like.
Nursing school is divided into two main components: coursework and clinical experience. Curriculum will vary somewhat from school to school, but all nursing programs require the same basic courses. As a nursing student, you can expect to study:
You will also likely take classes in communications and courses that will prepare you for one-on-one interaction with patients and their family members.
The clinical portion of nursing school is where you gain real-world, hands-on experience. Here you'll learn skills that can't be taught straight from a book. Your experience will depend in large part on the clinical setting in which you work, but no matter where you're placed, you can expect to learn about assessing a patient's condition, diagnosing a patient's progress, developing a care plan and implementing care plans.
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Top Tips for Writing a Nursing School Admissions Essay
When writing your nursing school admissions essay, set out with two goals in mind. First, you want to show the admissions committee that you're ideal for their program. Second, you want to give them the opportunity to see you as more than a test score and a G.P.A.
One way to accomplish both of these goals is to tell a personal story that explains what drew you to the nursing profession. For example, perhaps you helped care for a sick relative or were inspired by a nurse in your life.
Recalling transformative life experiences is key to writing a captivating admissions essay. Rather than just describing yourself with a list of adjectives, give examples that demonstrate your character.
Here are a few more tips for nursing school admissions essay success:
- Stick to the page limit.
- Allow yourself plenty of time to write multiple drafts.
- Ask for feedback from friends and family.
- Proofread, proofread, proofread!
- Specifically mention the school you're applying to.
- Don't repeat information that's already included elsewhere in your application.
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Med School: How Long it Lasts and What to Expect
Everyone has seen a movie or TV show in which some bright young intern is trying to make their way through the grueling years of med school, but usually, the actual number of years required to become a practicing physician is a little hazy. So, the question is, exactly how long is the schooling required to become a doctor?
First off, there's your undergraduate premedical education, which is basically college with an emphasis on subjects you'll need to understand as a doctor, such as natural and social sciences and communication. You'll earn a bachelor's degree, which can actually be in any major of your choosing.
From there, you'll move on to a four-year program called the Undergraduate Medical Education. This is "Med School." The first two years of med school, you'll concentrate on learning the science of medicine, while the second two years focus on your clinical rotations, where you actually get to do supervised work with patients. After these four years are successfully completed, you get a M.D. degree and move on to your residency.
Residency can last anywhere from three to seven years, and it allows you to gain a full understanding of all elements of patient care while still under the supervision of a supervising, or "attending," physician. Once you have finished your residency, you're ready to strike out on your own with a private practice or specialty following the Licensure and Certification phase of your education.
Licensure is governed by each state's medical licensing board and involves the passage of the three-step United States Medical Licensing Examination (USMLE). Your first two exams occur while you are still in medical school, with the third during your first year of residency.
Finally, even though you've made it as a full-blown physician, medicine is an ever-changing field, and with new discoveries and technologies arriving constantly, a Continuing Medical Education (CME) is a necessity for doctors to provide the best care for their patients.
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Want a Career Fast? Check out Healthcare Certificate Programs!
You know you're interested in working in the medical field... and you also know that you're ready to enter the workforce sooner rather than later. Sound like you? Then a healthcare certificate program might be just what you're looking for.
A healthcare certificate program is a narrowly focused, relatively short-term educational program that qualifies you for an entry level position in a specific area of health or medicine. Some healthcare certificate programs can be completed in as little as nine months. They also tend to have flexible schedules, including night and weekend classes.
Unlike a traditional university, completion of a certificate program does not result in a degree. Rather, you are awarded a certificate that indicates that you have the skills and knowledge necessary to perform a specific health-related job.
Here are some of the jobs that you can train for with a healthcare certificate program:
- Medical office assistant
- Geriatric care management
- EKG technician
- Forensic nursing
- Medical billing
- Medical transcription
- Pharmacy technician
- Phlebotomy
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Discover Your Health Degree Focus
You know you're interested in a career in health or medicine, but you're not sure what interests you most. If you'd like a degree that introduces you to a broad spectrum of health-related fields, then you might want to major in health services.
A degree in health services provides you with a solid foundation of general knowledge about a wide variety of healthcare specialties and sciences. For example, you will take courses in anatomy, biology, sociology, psychology and public health. You might even study subjects such as economics and accounting as well.
Your degree in health services enables you to embark on a career in medical transcription, management, nutrition, physical therapy, emergency services, personal training or health coordination, just to name a few. You can work in an office setting, with the community or one-on-one with individuals.
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Top Tips for Getting Accepted to Med School
The med school application process is highly competitive. Medicine is a field that attracts the best and the brightest, which means you need to find ways to stand out from the other applicants and help the admissions committee see that you are a must-have for their program.
Here are some tried and true tips for getting accepted into medical school:
1. Demonstrate leadership: Leaders are confident, driven, organized and able to balance the demands of school work and a personal life.
2. Tailor you application to the school you're applying to. For example, do they specialize in the area of medicine you want to pursue? Are you attracted to their teaching approach or philosophy on medicine?
3. Get the numbers: This one's a no-brainer, but it's worth emphasizing that you have to focus on your grades and thoroughly prepare for the MCAT so you'll get a good score.
4. Get the best possible letters of recommendation: The ideal letter writer is well-known in their field, has a weighty title, has spent significant time with you and is an experienced recommendation letter writer.
5. Show your compassion: Do volunteer work that involves dedicating yourself to caring for others.
6. Acquire clinical experience: The admissions committee wants evidence that you have a significant understanding of the profession.
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How to Get Into Nursing School
At most schools, the nursing program is actually a separate program within the college as a whole. That means you must first apply to the university or college and then apply separately to the nursing school.
In order to get into a nursing program, there are usually certain prerequisite courses you must take. Some common prerequisites include anatomy, chemistry, psychology and biology. Often you must make a minimum grade in these courses in order to be admitted into the program.
Requirements vary from school to school so it is important that you find out exactly what you need to do in order to be eligible for admission into the nursing program.
Quick tip: Volunteering at a local hospital or nursing home is an excellent way to enhance your application and set yourself apart from other applicants!
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Getting Into Medical School: Pre-Med Requirements
While most schools don't offer a pre-med major, there are still certain courses you must take in order to be accepted into med school. These requirements vary somewhat from school to school, but in general, most medical school will require you to take these classes as an undergraduate:
Your grades in these courses will be an important factor in determining whether or not you will be accepted into the med school. While your overall GPA is weighed heavily along with your MCAT score, you want to make an extra effort to do well in your med school pre-requisite courses.
It is important to keep in mind that each med school can determine its own required courses. If you plan to go to apply to medical school after you receive your bachelor's degree, you should research the course requirements of each school you plan to apply to.
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Help Others, Become a Nurse
Like Florence Nightingale, you have a passion for healing and helping others. Nurses play an important role in the world of healthcare, interacting on a one-on-one basis with patients and spending the time to get to know them on a personal level. In addition to medical-related responsibilities, nurses also help patients feel more comfortable and alleviate their concerns.
Many people are surprised to learn that there are actually multiple different types of nursing degrees. For example, you can be an LPN (licensed practicing nurse) or an RN (registered nurse). The differences amongst the various levels of nursing has to do with the amount of schooling and training you must undergo. Note that you must be licensed in order to practice nursing.
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What is the Best Major for a Pre-Med Student?
The answer to this question is straightforward and may surprise you: there is no one best major for a pre-med student. Instead, admissions boards at every college encourage pre-med students to major in a subject about which they are passionate and are most likely to excel.
Remember, grades count for a lot when you're applying to med school. If you love what you do, then you're naturally going to work hard at it.
If you have a knack for literary analysis, don't shy away from majoring in English. In fact, med school admissions boards are looking for diversity. They want a student population that represents a wide variety of backgrounds.
There is, however, one big advantage to majoring in a hard science, such as biology or chemistry. Your curriculum will automatically include the courses that all pre-med students must take, such as organic chemistry and physics. If you don't major in a science, you have to make certain that you take these classes before you graduate.
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The MCAT Essentials
MCAT stands for Medical College Admission Test. The MCAT is a standardized test in a multiple choice format that assesses a potential med student's writing skills, critical thinking, problem solving skills and general knowledge of scientific principles.
The MCAT is divided into the following four sections:
1. Verbal reasoning: 65 questions
2. Physical sciences: 77 questions
3. Biological sciences: 77 questions
4. Writing: 2 essays
Each of the four sections, except for the essays, is scored on a scale of 1 to 15. These four scores are then added together to come up with the test taker's final MCAT score. The essays are given letter grades that range from a low of J to a high of T. That means that the highest score a person can receive on the MCAT is a 45T.
Virtually all medical schools use MCAT scores as part of the admissions selection process. In fact, medical schools typically give as much weight to an applicant's MCAT score as their GPA.
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Unique Careers for Health Degree Pursuers
Health degree majors have the option of pursuing unique careers that open up a whole new world of medicine - some of which you may never even have heard of. They may be out-of-the-ordinary, but they offer extraordinary experiences. Check out these five up-and-coming career options for health degree pursuers seeking a unique career path:
Acupuncture: Using needles to stimulate various points on the body to improve the patient's overall wellbeing.
Naturopathy: Counseling patients on nutrition, lifestyle choices, homeopathy and home remedies to promote their access to their body's inner power of healing.
Nuclear medicine: One of the new degree specializations, this career involves using radioisotopes to assist physicians in diagnosing and treating various medical conditions.
Medical writer or editor: Why not use all that health and medicine knowledge to research, write or edit training manuals, sales materials or textbooks?
Disability health advocate: Use your knowledge of the needs of those with disabilities to lobby for legislation that accommodates those with special needs.
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Hot Careers: Medical Technologist
A medical technologist uses cutting edge techniques to analyze human bodily fluid samples in order to obtain accurate test results that help doctors diagnose and treat their patients. One of the most exciting aspects of a career in medical technology is the opportunity to use state-of-the art equipment and instruments in your daily work.
Like most healthcare professionals, medical technologists can specialize in a particular area of medical treatment. Common areas of specialization for medical technologists include:
Most medical technologists work in hospital laboratories, but some work in reference laboratories, clinics, public health agencies, research institutes, independent labs and pharmaceutical firms, among others.
Medical technologists who work in large laboratories tend to specialize, while those employed by smaller clinics usually perform a variety of tests.
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Areas of Specialization for Nurses
Nurses have the option to specialize in a wide variety of areas of medicine and particular work environments. Those considering a nursing degree are sometimes surprised by just how many choices are available to them. Here's just a brief look at some of the most common areas of specialization that nurses can pursue:
a. Clinical nursing: performing work similar to that of a physician, such as prescribing medication
b. Nurse anesthetists: assisting anesthesiologists in administering anesthesia to patients
c. Acute care: focusing on a specific illness, such as cancer, or a particular field of medicine, such as cardiology, to gain an in-depth knowledge of the subject
d. Neonatal intensive care: providing care for newborns born prematurely or with health problems
e. Critical care: treating patients in critical condition or in intensive care units at a hospital
f. Home health care: providing in-home care for patients recovering from a surgery or accident
Talk to schools about your Nursing degree... Check these out!
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Nursing License Exam: What Should I Expect?
Before you can embark on a career in nursing, you must receive licensure from the State Board of Nursing along with completing an approved program. Here is what you can expect while going through the process:
- Applying and registering: The first step is to complete an application to receive licensure. If you meet the criteria, you will then register to take the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX), which all states require applicants to pass in order to receive licensure.
- Taking the exam: The material on the exam covers the physiological and pharmaceutical information studied in nursing school. The test also measures your competency in caring for patients and controlling infections.
- Passing the exam: A minimum score of 70% is required to pass the NCLEX. Once you pass the exam, you will be granted licensure by the State Board of Nursing.
What schools offer Medical/Health degrees? Check these out!
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Choices, Choices, Choices: 3 Different Types of Nursing Degrees
Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN): Obtaining this degree typically takes one year. After receiving your diploma you are eligible to take the state exam to become a licensed LPN.
Associate of Science in Nursing: The Associate of Science in Nursing is a 2-year degree that focuses on teaching students the technical skills needed to become a nurse. After obtaining this degree, students are eligible to become a Registered Nurse (RN).
Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN): A BSN is quickly becoming the preferred degree amongst employers. In fact, it's often a requirement. A BSN is a 4-year degree, with the first two years consisting of general education courses and the last two years focusing on nursing classes.
In addition to the three main types of degrees outlined above, there are also programs that help students transition from one degree to another, such as an RN to BSN program or an LPN to Associate's degree program.
What schools offer Medical/Health degrees? Check these out!
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Is a Career in Healthcare Right for Me?
With so many different career paths to choose from, degrees in the healthcare field are a very appealing option. If you're considering a career in healthcare but aren't quite sure if it's right for you, take this mini self-quiz.
How much do you agree with the following statements?
- I want a career that will enable me to help people.
- I like working with people from all different types of backgrounds.
- I am prepared to undergo all of the education and training necessary for a career in healthcare.
- I enjoy working as part of a team.
- I like the idea of spending the day up and moving around.
- I do well with science classes.
- I am prepared to continue my education and keep up with the latest developments in my field.
- I am comfortable spending time around people who are hurt, sick, disabled or dying.
- I have strong communication skills.
If this sounds like you, then a career in healthcare could be a good fit for you and your personality. If not, don't worry - there are also healthcare job opportunities in more traditional office settings for administrators and managers.
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Open Your Mind to These Out-of-the-Ordinary Health Occupations
When you think about medical or healthcare degrees, you usually think about nursing or working as a lab technician. Those are two excellent options, but they're only two of many, many choices available to those who want to major in medicine and health.
Get ready to explore the wide world of medical and health degrees and check out these different and exciting fields:
Audiology: Help people who have hearing and other ear-related problems.
Diagnostic imaging: Use techniques such as x-raying, sonography, ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging to diagnose a patient's ailment.
Diet and nutrition: Help people lead healthier lives by planning, overseeing and supervising meal plans and preparation.
Dispensing optician: Give people a new vision by helping them select the right eye glasses and contact lenses.
Speech-language pathology: Aid those who have difficulty communicating because of conditions related to speech, language, cognitive functioning and voice.
Respiratory therapy: A respiratory therapist evaluates and treats patients with breathing disorders, overseeing their therapeutic treatments.
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What You Need to Know About the Dental and Dentistry World
A dazzling smile makes a great first impression. Give others the gift of self-confidence by helping them care for their pearly whites. How? By getting a degree in dentistry!
Dental and dentistry education programs are comprehensive, covering everything from health sciences to internships where you get real-life clinical experience. You will learn how to diagnose, treat and help prevent oral disease and disorders in your patients. Students of dentistry also have the opportunity to study a wide variety of medical procedures, including radiology, bone grafting and dental implants.
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Massage Therapy 411
Today's society is more focused on wellbeing than ever before. Massage therapy not only heals the body, it also rejuvenates the mind and spirit. A degree in massage therapy will prepare you for the licensing exams required by many states. Not only will you learn various massage techniques, you will also learn about anatomy and the way the human body works.
Massage therapists are fortunate to have a wide range of choices when deciding where to work. If you like aromatherapy, soothing music and relaxation, you could work in a spa or upscale salon. If you want to help heal others, you could work in a rehabilitation center or hospital. Some massage therapists go into business for themselves, owning and operating a private practice. You could even be the stand-by massage therapist for a professional sports team!
View top Massage Therapy schools in your area and request information!
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