Is The Time Right for a Career Change?

clock with people in the background

Who would have thought that a global pandemic could be just the thing to prompt a career change? When COVID-19 first hit, we were thinking, “Do I have enough toilet paper” and “Where can I get hand sanitizer?”—not “Perhaps I should switch jobs.” However, there are actually several reasons why it just might be the perfect time to make a career move.

Time to think. Before the pandemic, it was go-go-go.  We were running to work. Running home to take care of the kids. Running to meet friends for dinner. Now we’re sitting on the sofa…and sitting there some more. It gives us time to think, and, importantly, to assess whether or not we’re happy with our careers. Time to think can lead to “time to change.”

Job uncertainty. Businesses of all sizes are hurting. Many Americans are worried about job security, rightly so. Even if you enjoy your current job, will it be there when the dust settles as the pandemic winds down? Unfortunately, a new career might not be something we want, but something we need.

Time to learn. With all of these weeks at home, we have plenty of time on our hands. That means we have time to learn new skills. We have time to update our resumes and LinkedIn profiles, too. (Even if you’re working full-time, you no longer have a commute, social engagements, or errands to run.)

Workplace flexibility. Just a few months ago, an employer might have questioned a job candidate on a career shift. In these unprecedented circumstances, a career move is understood.

Corexcel offers the educational opportunities you need to revitalize or reinvent your career. Not only do we offer a full suite of career-boosting courses, we also offer many online certificate programs. Earn your certification in Data Analytics, Search Engine Optimization, Cybersecurity, or many other in-demand options. Exit the pandemic with a valuable skill set—and a new career!

Email us at learn@corexcel.com to learn more.

Here’s to the Nurses!

nurse wearing gloves and a mask workingHas there ever been a better time to show appreciation for nurses? We don’t think so. These skilled medical professionals are in the front lines of the battle against COVID-19.  Whether or not they work directly with coronavirus patients, nurses show up at work day in and day out to take care of the patients who need them. Their dedication in the face of personal risk must be recognized.

To all the nurses out there, we appreciate your knowledge, your caring, and your unwavering commitment. Here’s to you!

Email us at learn@corexcel.com to learn more.

Introducing Managing Remote Employees

Today’s workforce is turning to technology to handle both internal and external communications. Employee Working Remotely The idea of meeting face-to-face is becoming less and less common. In wake of the recent string of viruses world-wide, many companies are embracing the idea of employing remote workers to run their day to day operations. While the convenience and agility of working remotely sounds easy enough, it is also imperative that supervisors and managers alike are practicing the best strategies to effectively oversee their remote employees.

Introducing Managing Remote Employees 

Course Features

  • Online, self-paced course
  • Open enrollment 24/7/365
  • No prerequisites
  • Interactive review exercises
  • Professional videos with complete transcripts
  • Ask the Expert feature – Submit questions directly to our experts
  • CEU/PDU Certificate

The First Step Toward Your Career as a Health Professional

Anatomy & Physiology Depiction

A Healthy Start in Healthcare: The First Step Toward Your Career as a Health Professional

Why Studying Anatomy and Physiology May Be Right For You Discover Your Many Career Possibilities

Do you see yourself as someone who is there for others? Are you often raising your hand to help or volunteer your time?

Professionals who work in the healthcare industry often say they found their career path because they saw an opportunity to make a difference. By working in medicine and wellness, they found an outlet for their desire to improve the lives of others.

But even if healthcare professionals approached their jobs based on a similar desire, they didn’t necessarily end up in the same place.

In the healthcare industry, there are many career possibilities, from nurse to paramedic, nutritionist to therapist, researcher to orthodontist. There’s also a great need: healthcare professions are among the most in-demand jobs for 2019, according to a recent report from Career Cast.

A Foundation for a Healthcare Career
Healthcare professionals are often some of the most respected workers. They are valued for their compassion, technical skills, intensive training, and vast knowledge.

The study of anatomy and physiology can establish the foundation of an important career in the healthcare industry. In understanding the structure of the body and how body parts function, students of anatomy and physiology gain a deep understanding of the human body. Even if your goal is not to become a doctor, this is a key lesson that will help you care for others.

What Will Anatomy and Physiology Teach You?
Corexcel’s fully accredited, self-paced Online Anatomy and Physiology course allows you to experience the immersive and interactive lessons necessary so you truly understand the workings of the human body.

Master key concepts, like the nervous system and cell structure,  thanks to full-color art, animations, audio, and video. Additionally, multiple exercises, games, quizzes and tests help reinforce learning and test your growing knowledge of anatomy and physiology as you progress.

The course is perfect for non-medical professionals who want to learn anatomy and physiology to pursue a field in the healthcare or pharmaceutical industries. In other words, this could be your pathway to a new career.

Email us at learn@corexcel.com to learn more.

Choosing the Right Words in a Medical Emergency | Medical Terminology

Doctor visit a little patient at home

In emergency medical situations, quick, expert care delivered by knowledgeable professionals is critical—it saves lives. Perhaps less obviously, so do words. When a patient is triaged in an emergency setting, the patient and his or her family might not understand the medical terminology being used by medical professionals. Unfortunately, this can compromise care.

Communication between families and medical professionals can be especially difficult when English is not the family’s primary language. Family members might relay a patient’s status using words that are misinterpreted by the medical staff. In a case that drew media attention several years ago, relatives described a relative in a coma as “intoxicado.” The doctor incorrectly treated the patient for an overdose, with dire consequences.

However, even without a language barrier, patients, and family members unfamiliar with medical terminology can misinterpret a doctor’s message. For example, “unconscious” can mean one thing to a layperson and another thing to a doctor. Even “positive or negative” is often misunderstood.

How can the knowledge-of-medical-terminology gap be bridged?

Medical professionals—translate complex medical jargon into easy-to-understand words for your patients. Bring in a translator when needed. Ask patients and their families if they understand what you are saying. Ask again. Clarify until you’re comfortable that you’re all on the same page.

Patients and families—do not be shy in a medical setting. If you need a translator, request one. Be sure that doctors, nurses, and emergency medical technicians clearly understand what you are conveying. Repeat it until they do. If you don’t understand what a medical professional is saying, but you’re embarrassed to admit it, speak up anyway. Your life or the life of your loved one depends on it.

We offer a thorough, self-paced course, Online Medical Terminology.

Email us at learn@corexcel.com to learn more or register.

Surprise! These Professionals Study Anatomy & Physiology

Professional Who Studies Anatomy & Physiology

When you think of students in an Anatomy & Physiology class, do you picture future doctors and nurses? Or emergency medical technicians (EMTs)? You might be surprised to learn about less-obvious professionals who also study Anatomy and Physiology topics.

Tattoo artists. Several states require that tattoo artists complete Anatomy & Physiology classes to become licensed. It makes sense if you think about it. A tattoo artist should understand the parts of the body when they’re putting needles into people!

Artists. Anatomy and Physiology topics are particularly important for sculptors who want to craft realistic human figures.This class can also be useful for artists painting the human body. Fun fact: Leonardo da Vinci and Michaelangelo performed dissections to gain anatomical knowledge that would improve their work.

Medical illustrators. These professional artists typically have a master’s degree in medical illustration. The curriculum includes classes in anatomy, physiology, and other sciences. You can see their artwork in books, journals, animations, and computer simulations.

Medical test writers. Professionals writing questions for the MCAT, United States Medical Licensing Examination®, and medical recertification exams must have in-depth knowledge of the human body.

Fitness professionals. You can’t help clients strengthen and tone their muscles if you don’t know how muscles work.

Attorneys. Not all attorneys would need a course in Anatomy & Physiology. However, for those handling medical malpractice, auto accident, or workers’ compensation cases, an understanding of these subjects is important.

Did you know we offer a fully accredited, online Anatomy & Physiology course? The course is self-paced and interactive, covering a wide range of modules. Upon successful completion, you will receive a certificate of completion for 9.5 Continuing Education Units (CEUs).

Email us at learn@corexcel.com to learn more.

The Importance of an Anatomy and Physiology Foundation

Now that you’ve decided to enter the healthcare field, where do you start? Many experts state that taking an anatomy and physiology course is critical for long-term success. Before you decide to move forward and start an online anatomy and physiology course, it’s best to understand why this foundation of knowledge is vital to your medical career. So why is anatomy and physiology important? Let’s take a closer look.

Understanding Human Development

It’s helpful to have an intimate knowledge of human development and how the body grows and changes throughout life. Working with children is very different from working with older adults, and a background in anatomy and physiology can help you better understand the individual needs.

Knowing How Systems Interact

Beyond the individual organs and systems, it is also important to understand how the various aspects of the human body work together. The circulatory system, the respiratory system, the lymphatic system, and more all play a part in human health and the interactions can be healthy or unhealthy.

By understanding how the systems interact, you can determine the proper care for each individual patient and their specific symptoms. With a foundation of anatomy and physiology, you will have the building blocks to make the proper decisions and provide accurate and quality care.

Staying Up To Date on Research

Of course, the study of anatomy and physiology is not static. New innovations in science and medicine change our understanding of the human body all the time. Starting with the proper foundation provided by an anatomy and physiology course is a stepping-stone in continuing an education in the medical field.

Once you have an understanding of the basic systems and functions of the human body, staying up to date on new research will be significantly easier. Online courses, taken at your own pace, can give you the tools you need to better understand these concepts.

Developing Precise Skills

Ultimately, your medical career will be reliant on your ability to learn and execute tasks with precision. With a greater understanding of the way the systems of the body interact, a medical professional will be able to successfully determine the problem and conclude a more accurate solution. There is a range of potential career opportunities for someone with a strong background in anatomy and physiology, from clinical work to laboratory research.

Begin an Exciting Career in Healthcare

These fundamental building blocks of medical science will give you the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of others throughout your career. Beginning your healthcare career can be intimidating but starting with a foundational understanding of anatomy and physiology will broaden your educational and career prospects in a fast-growing field.

Do you want to take anatomy courses online to begin your journey toward a career in medical science? Contact Corexcel to learn what we have to offer.

4 Study Tips to Learn Medical Terminology

Medical Terminology is a key skill for a variety of jobs within the industry. Whether you are interested in medical transcription, billing and coding, medical administration, or clinical roles, knowing the terms will be essential for your success.

There are a variety of ways and tips to learn medical terminology, but taking online courses can give you many added benefits, including the ability to learn in your own way and at your own pace. But how do you ensure that you retain this information? Here are some tips on how to learn medical terminology.

What Are The Best Ways to Study Medical Terminology?

  1. Student taking a medical terminology courseMake flashcards: It’s true, this old-fashioned elementary school method really works. Why? Because the human brain learns by visual cues, looking at the word to recall the definition can help train your brain for memorization. You can purchase medical terminology flashcards, but making them yourself will also help you learn the words and their definitions and retain them for the long term.
  1. Record yourself: Simply speaking and hearing medical terminology out loud can also help you learn. One simple trick is to record yourself saying these medical terms and their definitions. The act of recording them will create aural flashcards. Listening to your recording will help you remember the words when you come across them in your reading.
  1. Make it a game: Medical educators are learning about the benefits of gamification to aid in learning difficult concepts. Games can offer an enjoyable alternative for engaging your brain. These games are most effective when they are developed with task oriented learning in mind and a scoring system to keep track of advancement. Many online medical terminology crash courses offer games an interactive activity to make the learning process more enjoyable for the student. You may also find apps for your smart phone or tablet that can help add gamification to your study program.
  1. Memorize root words: Medical terminology is based on Latin and Greek root words. Understanding the word parts will help you understand complex medical terms. Often knowing part of a word will help you figure out the meaning of the entire word. For instance, knowing that “bronch” is the root for terms related to the respiratory system, makes it easier to understand that “bronchial” or “bronchitis” is also related to the lungs or breathing.

Have you considered learning medical terminology to advance your career? There are many exciting jobs that require medical terminology as a prerequisite.

Begin Learning Medical Terminology Today

Corexcel offers a fully accredited, self-paced online medical terminology course that includes interactive study experiences, audio pronunciations and video animations.

4 Common Online Learning Myths Debunked

The number of students flocking to online learning continues to rise. According to a 2015 study conducted by the Babson Survey Research Group, more than one in four students (28%) take at least one online course. Yet, while it’s growing in popularity, it still falls victim to myths and misconceptions from skeptics.

In order to set the record straight, we’ve taken the time to debunk five of the most common online learning myths.

Myth #1: All online classes are the same.

In the early days, online courses were primarily text. However, today’s online classes include an abundance of interactive features as well as eye-catching graphics, animations and simulations that engage students and enhance learning.

At Corexcel, our Anatomy and Physiology online class incorporates interactive games, self-study tools and animations that bring core concepts to life. The course provides engaging visuals for students that reinforce learning while creating a more interesting online experience.

Myth #2: Employers aren’t in favor of online courses.

Students worry that future employers will overlook them or discount the value of their coursework if they have taken courses online. While it’s at the employer’s discretion, a large number of employers view online learning on a par with traditional classroom courses.

Online learning can be an indicator of self-discipline and self-motivation, both of which are very attractive to employers, especially when the candidate has juggled multiple commitments while continuing their education.

Myth #3: Online courses are easy.

Some believe that taking an online course will be easier than taking a traditional course. However, an online class requires the same rigor and expectations as a traditional class, sometimes more. Remember, education is challenging, regardless of the method of learning.

Students assume that since an online course is more convenient and flexible for their schedules, the course material will be easier to complete. In an online learning environment, the advantage of flexibility is offset by the need for a different set of study skills and greater self-motivation to be successful.

Myth #4: You have to be a tech guru to take online courses.

Yes, online courses require a good portion of time spent on the computer, but you don’t need to have a technology background to succeed.

Over the last few years, platforms for many online classes have significantly improved user interfaces. Online textbooks are engaging and easy to navigate, some with page flip features and self-paced interaction. Others have easily accessible tools like online glossaries and instant study flashcards. FAQ sections are also popular inclusions to ease the online learning experience.

Now You Know

Now that you know the facts, it’s time to consider online learning as an educational option!

Are You a “New School” Leader?

You do not lead by hitting people over the head – that’s assault, not leadership.”
– Dwight D. Eisenhower, 34th American President

If you pick up a training or human resource magazine these days, you’re likely to find at least one article about how to work with, maximize, engage and otherwise lead the “Millennials.” Millennials are also known as “Y’s” or the “how to engage generation.” Then there are Generation Xers, the boomers, and the echo boomers. Does paying attention to this really make a difference in how things happen at work each day? Researchers tell us it does. What is very certain is that managing is changing and challenging today. You and your leaders cannot afford to be “old school.”

Old School vs. New School

Management speaker, author and trainer Tim Connor describes the old school leader as a “top down autocrat while giving lip service to bottom up responsibility, decision making, goal setting and problem solving.” Further more, he says that these old school leaders are “often aloof and inaccessible. They believe to win means beating someone else.” He goes on, but you get the picture. Does this sound like someone in your organization and in fact, several people? Your organization could be headed for turnover, low productivity and morale, and poor customer service. Maybe you are already there.

On the flip side, Connor explains that the leader of the future, our “new school” version, listens to employees, customers, and suppliers to create partnerships inside and outside the organization. “They empower people by pushing decision making, authority, accountability, problem solving, goal setting and risk taking down through the organization.” This kind of environment is one that is ripe for growth.

Leading the Diverse Workforce as a New School Manager

With all of the diversity in your workforce, new school leadership creates managers who are trained to focus on what people do (their behavior) rather than their attitudes or personal characteristics. They also must possess critical skills necessary to delegate, evaluate performance, deal with complaints and resolve conflicts in a positive and effective way. They support each team member’s sense of self-respect and dignity. As Connor says, new school leaders “create a strong team approach to projects, programs, objectives and solving problems. They encourage cooperation and open, honest communication. They reward creativity, mistakes that contribute to improvements and honest feedback.”

Benefits of New School Leadership

Whether you have leaders who are new, experienced or aspiring there are many benefits to bringing your leadership into a more forward thinking, culturally and sensitive way of approaching work. The benefits of this new leadership are:

  • Increased employee retention, morale, and productivity
  • Improved customer and supplier relationships
  • Open communication and discovery of issues as a chance for positive change
  • Being known as a great place to work to improve recruitment
  • Maximization of talent and resources

Leadership certificate programs are helping organizations turn their supervisors and managers into new school leaders who are creating more positive and productive work environments.

About the Author
Don Bowlby is the President at Corexcel, a company specializing in online continuing education and workforce training. For more information about Corexcel and the training materials they offer, visit www.corexcel.com.