CNA Exam and Certification: New York

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Certified nursing assistants, or CNAs, play an essential part in the medical industry, impacting the lives of patients daily. In hospitals, nursing homes, and many other medical facilities, CNAs support both patients and doctors in a myriad of ways. For those considering a possible career at a certified nursing assistant, an exciting and fulfilling future lies ahead. Before a CNA can earn their state-issued certification, they are required to undergo specific training. After training, a potential CNA candidate will need to successfully pass an exam designed to test both their knowledge and practical skills. With the health and safety of patients at stake, being able to demonstrate a satisfactory level of professional expertise is critical for a CNA’s success.  If you’re interested in pursuing a career as a certified nursing assistant, it can be beneficial to understand the requirements of the CNA exam.   

The New York State Nurse Aide Registry

In the state of New York, every nursing aid has a record in the NYS Certified Nurse Aid Registry. It is the responsibility of the registry to maintain accurate records of all CNAs in the state, allowing potential employers to confirm their official certification during the hiring process. To be considered for employment as a CNA, you must have a certificate issued by the NYS Nurse Aide Registry. To obtain your certificate, you will first need to qualify for and successfully pass the state CNA exam.  

Qualifying for the CNA Exam in New York

For those preparing to take the CNA exam, NY outlines a specific set of qualifying conditions that must be met first. These mandatory guidelines are designed to ensure that every candidate is properly prepared for the exam and a career as a certified nursing assistant.  Before you can take the CNA test, NY state requires that you complete training from an accredited CNA educational program, such as the Allen School of Health Sciences. The school you select must be approved by both the NY Department of Health and the NY State Education Department, so you must choose carefully.  The state guidelines for a CNA program include a significant focus on curriculum, establishing the following expectations:
  • A program must deliver at least 100 hours of training, comprised of a minimum of:
    • 70 hours of classroom curriculum
    • 30 hours of clinical experience
  • The curriculum must address a wide range of topics, including anatomy, physiology, patient observation, communication with patients, infection control, personal care, nutritional needs, and more.
Depending on if you’re located in NY State (or want to work as a CNA in NY State), depends on the exact requirements you’ll need to follow. However, most schools and educational programs will expect the following of prospective students:
  • Students must be at least 18 years old
  • Students are not required to have a high school diploma, but it is encouraged due to improved career prospects and increased earning potential
  • Students must be able to pass a drug test and TB skin screening
  • Students must submit to a fingerprint background check and provide immunization records
If you aren’t sure if you meet the enrollment requirements for your CNA training program, an enrollment advisor can help.  

New York CNA State Exam: What to Expect

Once you’ve graduated from your New York state-approved CNA training program, you’ll be able to move forward in the testing process. According to NY CNA requirements, you must schedule your test within 24 months of completing your training program. Depending on your specific program, you may be eligible to test on-site at your school. Or you may need to schedule testing at one of the test’s regional CNA testing centers.  The New York CNA testing process addresses two separate components, both of which are critical in your ability to deliver quality patient care: knowledge and skills. During the 60-question written exam, you will answer multiple-choice questions designed to test your expertise. An option for an oral test is offered, but there is a reading comprehension section that is required of all test-takers.  The clinical evaluation gives you the opportunity to demonstrate five, randomly-selected skills that you would be expected to complete regularly as a CNA. You can expect to receive both spoken and written directions for each selected skill. Your indirect care behaviors will be directly assessed as you complete each task. CNA candidates are allowed three attempts at passing both the knowledge and skills portions, at which point retraining is required. Once you have completed the test, you can typically get your NY CNA exam results online within 48 hours. If you successfully pass, your certificate and wallet card will arrive about ten to fourteen days after the test.  

Tips for Passing the NY CNA Exam

For prospective CNAs, the state exam is one of the most important tests they will ever encounter in their career. Here are a few tips that can help you approach this potentially life-changing exam with confidence:
  • Select a reputable New York CNA program that has an established track record of providing high-quality education and training. It’s critical that you choose a school that is accredited by the state of New York to ensure you qualify for the exam. If you are unsure if the program you are considering is included in state-approved schools, ask the enrollment advisor for details.
  • Find a studying method that works well for you. Every CNA student is different, so don’t be afraid to experiment with a few different study styles to find what suits you best. Some exam candidates prefer studying in a group, while others achieve better results from solo study sessions.
  • Don’t be afraid to ask questions – this is a valuable tip for your CNA training, exam, and entire professional career. If you feel uncertain about a specific training topic, skill, or any other part of your professional journey, meet with a trusted educational mentor or contact a reputable source for more information. 

Prepare for CNA Exam Success at the Allen School of Health Sciences

If you’re interested in working towards a career as a New York State nurse aide, your very first step is to choose the right training program. At the Allen School of Health Sciences, you can enroll in one of New York’s best CNA training programs and build the skills and knowledge you need for your professional future. Our comprehensive program combines in-classroom training with hands-on experiences, led by knowledgeable instructors who are passionate about making a difference.  After graduating from the Allen School, you’ll be ready to take the New York CNA exam with confidence and achieve your career dreams. Learn more about the CNA training program at the Allen School by requesting more details or contacting our enrollment team today. Image Credit: Shutterstock/ARLOU_ANDREI

Get the Healthcare Skills and Training Today to Protect Our Future

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Get the Skills and Training Today with Online Classes to Protect Our Future

Today more than ever, it is abundantly clear that healthcare professionals stand on the front lines when it comes to keeping our world healthy, safe, and happy. In light of recent world events, much of society has gained a new appreciation for healthcare workers, along with a heightened understanding of how much these highly trained professionals contribute to our daily lives. Whether you’ve long dreamed of a job in the medical field or have found yourself only recently inspired to pursue a healthcare career, the odds are that you’re well aware of the positive impact you can have on your future professional role. In fact, for countless healthcare workers, the promise of making a difference initially attracts them to the industry. Both personally and professionally fulfilling, working as a healthcare professional can certainly change your life for the better. If you’re hoping to work toward a healthcare career that you’re proud of, a career as a medical assistant may be the path you’ve been hoping to find. And now, thanks to a significant increase in workforce demand, it’s become easier than ever to find options for a healthcare education that suits your unique needs,  including excellent online programs. Here’s everything you need to know about how to get the training needed to become a medical assistant, and why this career path is the right one for you.

Medical Assistants: A Force for Good in the Growing Field of Healthcare

Have you ever considered a career as a medical assistant? You may be familiar with the job title, but not quite sure about what the role actually entails. As a multi-skilled healthcare professional, a medical assistant takes on a wide range of responsibilities in the healthcare setting. Working under the direct supervision of a licensed healthcare provider, such as a physician, medical assistants can work in private and public medical offices, urgent care centers, outpatient surgery centers, and other medical facilities. Depending on experience, education, and interests, a medical assistant may opt to work in a specialty field such as internal medicine, pediatrics, dermatology, cardiology, or urology. Roles and responsibilities of a medical assistant can include:
  • Taking vital signs
  • Assisting with examinations and various procedures
  • Drawing blood and collecting other lab samples
  • Updating patient records
  • Interacting directly with patients during check-in, preparation, and check-out
  • Managing administrative tasks such as medical supply inventory, scheduling, and referrals
As you can see from the diverse tasks that can make up a medical assistant’s responsibilities, they are a significant part of a facility’s healthcare team. It’s understandable that as the healthcare industry expands rapidly, there is notable demand for medical assistants – which means that a wealth of opportunities awaits.

Begin Medical Assistant Training Today

As global events have created dramatic shifts in many of our world’s most basic systems, it’s not surprising that education looks quite different these days. However, that doesn’t mean that you have to put your professional goals on hold. At the Allen School of Health Sciences, we believe that there’s never been a more important time for future medical assistants to begin their training and education. In fact, healthcare workers are experiencing a record level of workforce demand. However, with many campuses being closed for health and safety purposes, our students were faced with a dilemma: how could they get the skills and training needed to become a medical assistant? Working diligently to find a solution, we created an online medical assistant training program that features a selection of courses you can take entirely from home. Regardless of current world affairs or your personal situation and schedule, you can enroll in online medical assistant classes and continue moving toward your career dreams.

Medical Assistant Classes Online from the Allen School of Health Sciences

In creating our online medical assistant program, the Allen School team wanted to be certain that students were still receiving an education that would properly prepare them for a future in the field. Although an online classroom may look quite different from a traditional one, our staff has implemented a number of special measures to deliver an engaging, effective, and educational curriculum. Here are just a few of the ways our medical assistant online courses stand out:

Easy Accessibility with an Interactive, Instructor-Led Classroom Experience.

Instead of simply handing you a digital outline, your instructor will be actively leading the classroom experience. Your learning will be fully interactive, providing you with the opportunity to ask questions in real-time and engage in discussions that support your learning.

Useful Materials to Guide Your Training and Skill-Building

Much like an in-classroom experience, our online courses will include educational materials (such as instructor-created presentations, notes, and more) to help you effectively learn and study.

Passionate, Experienced Instructors

The instructors that lead our medical assisting training programs in New York and Arizona have always been dedicated to teaching and inspiring the future leaders of the healthcare industry. As the demand for trained medical assistants’ skyrockets, the Allen School teachers have become more committed than ever. When you enroll in our online medical assistant classes, you can be confident that your instructors will be enthusiastic about your future success.

Start Working Towards Your Future Healthcare Career Now

As technology introduces a myriad of ways for education to step into the future, healthcare career training is more easily accessible than ever. The Allen School of Health Sciences is thrilled to announce a selection of online classes for our medical assistant training program so that you can pursue your education from the comfort of your own home. For more than half a century, we’ve been a top choice for students working towards a career in the field of healthcare, and now, we’re proud to continue to offer training in an exciting new way. For more information about our medical assistant training programs in Arizona and New York, as well as details about our online courses, please contact the Allen School of Health Sciences today.    

Unprecedented Growth in Healthcare Workforce Demand in 2020

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Healthcare Workforce Demand to See Unprecedented Growth in 2020

The healthcare industry has always been one of the fastest-growing in the world, demonstrating the ongoing need for trained professionals who are prepared to care for patients both healthy and ill alike. In the United States and around the world, 2020 is projected to be a year of unprecedented growth, as a variety of factors drive the sharply increasing need for a healthcare workforce.  The COVID-19 crisis, as well as several other issues, have created a perfect storm of sorts. Ultimately, it seems that the healthcare industry may be facing a serious shortage in 2020 – which is why the growth in workforce demand has increased at a rapid rate.

Healthcare Professionals are Needed Now More than Ever

The coronavirus pandemic is just one of the numerous factors driving the growing demand for healthcare workers, with the industry as a whole expecting significant growth in the next several years. Although COVID-19 is a major force behind the need for nurses and nursing assistants right now, there are several other elements that will continue to fuel demand in coming years, including:
  • The aging population and an increase in chronic conditions in the United States, which will require a larger healthcare workforce than is currently available.
  • A significant percentage of current healthcare workers are expected to retire, as the “Baby Boomer” generation reaches retirement age.
  • Growing availability of new and advanced positions, leading to professionals to seek opportunities outside their current positions.
In fact, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Employment Projections, healthcare occupations are projected to grow nearly 15 percent through 2028. For comparison, that’s close to two million new jobs and a faster growth rate than any other industry (with other sectors averaging six percent growth). Home health care jobs will increase by more than 54 percent, with practitioner offices, nursing and residential care facilities, and hospitals following closely behind. Of the 30 different occupations that are predicted to be the fastest-growing in the next several years, more than half of those are in the healthcare industry, such as:
  • Home health aides
  • Personal care aides
  • Medical assistants
  • Physical therapy assistants
For anyone considering a career as a nursing assistant or another healthcare role, this means that employment prospects should be excellent in the years to come.

How COVID-19 Has Affected the Healthcare Workforce Demand

As the world experiences a widespread pandemic of historic scale and severity, the need for healthcare professionals has become more apparent than ever before. A newfound appreciation and respect for healthcare workers have swept the nation (and the globe), and a growing number of people understand how important trained professionals are to the health and safety of our society as a whole. Although the COVID-19 pandemic has had immediate devastating effects on millions of people around the world, it’s expected to serve as a catalyst for many other changes within the healthcare industry. One of the most significant impacts will be a huge demand for a larger healthcare workforce, particularly those who work in emergency and intensive care positions. 

More Healthcare Workers are Needed Now

A significant shortage in healthcare workers has been one of the biggest challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, as medical facilities around the country realize that their staff simply can’t keep up with the demand for care. As patients are admitted and diagnosed at a steadily increasing rate, there are serious concerns about whether the current workforce will be able to keep up in the next several months. As a result, new healthcare professionals, including nurses and nursing assistants, are discovering that jobs are plentiful. Many facilities are raising their hiring and employment rates, expanding their teams as quickly and effectively as possible to try to meet future needs. 

Changes in “Crisis” Staffing Policies

The dramatic rise in the demand for healthcare professionals has also prompted another significant shift – one that benefits professionals in many different roles. Because staff such as nurses and nursing assistants are needed at facilities all over the country, particularly those facing an influx of coronavirus cases, wages and additional services are on the rise. In some parts of the U.S., nurses see their potential wages nearly double. Others are receiving specialized “hazard pay” due to their exposure to COVID-19 patients. Additionally, those that work in designated “crisis” or “travel” roles are experiencing positive changes in the options available to them. Typically, these roles are only offered via short-term contracts, and without benefits such as paid sick leave. But many agencies are now guaranteeing these professionals sick pay, should they become ill with the highly contagious coronavirus. Finally, additional measures are being taken to protect the health and safety of nurses, nursing assistants, and other healthcare professionals. For many medical facilities, it has become very clear that without their healthcare team, quality and availability of patient care will drop – and so, protective protocols are being developed to help keep nurses and others safe. For example, some facilities are offering their staff benefits such as private transportation to and from work, childcare, grocery deliveries, and sealed meals delivered to their place of employment.

Make a Difference as a Certified Nursing Assistant

Are you considering becoming a certified nursing assistant (CNA)? Not only is this an honorable decision that can allow you to make a positive difference in the lives of countless patients, but it’s also one that can lead you to an extremely fulfilling career. As a nursing assistant, your daily role will be one that centers around helping others, and you will have an important role in the health and safety of our society as a whole. If you’ve always wanted to find a career that is as rewarding as it is lucrative, working as a nursing assistant may be exactly the future for you. At the Allen School of Health Sciences, our certified nursing assistant programs in Brooklyn and Queens provide the training and experience you need to move forward in the healthcare industry. After graduation, you’ll be eligible to take the state exam and pursue employment at one of the hundreds of healthcare facilities in our state. Additionally, the Allen School also offers career support to help you be well-prepared to pursue your professional dreams and goals.  Get more information about our nursing assistant training programs in Queens and Brooklyn by contacting the Allen School today.   *Image By Juice Flair

5 Ways that Nursing Has Changed Over the Years

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The nursing profession has been in existence for centuries, though it’s changed considerably throughout the course of human history. While the earliest nurses were often seen as secondary to doctors and other medical professionals, today’s healthcare industry recognizes nurses as one of the most vital parts of a medical team.  These days, considering a career as a nurse or nursing assistant means envisioning a future that’s dramatically different than the one nurses may have had even a few decades ago. From available training programs and working environments to the increased responsibilities and potential career paths, nursing has improved in many different ways over the years.

Nursing Training is More Complex (and Beneficial) than Ever Before

Early on in the history of nursing, training wasn’t even considered a necessary part of the job. Many young nurses picked up basic caretaking skills from family members, and the earliest formal nurse training courses weren’t offered until the late 1800s. As time went on, training became much more widely available, eventually evolving into a requirement for the job. Today, job qualifications for nursing assistants and nurses are very in-depth, requiring formal schooling, certification, and even special education for certain positions.

The Everyday Work Environment Has Shifted Dramatically

For generations of nurses, workdays were spent either in the home or on the battlefield. Home visits were the norm, with few patients opting to receive care in a formal space such as a hospital. Today, nurses work in a wide variety of medical settings, including hospitals, doctors’ offices, assisted living facilities, schools, and military bases. Some nurses may travel to provide care via home health care services, while others may find that their work takes them across the world to serve those in need.  
Nursing Assistant - Allen Schools Miami

Image Source: Shutterstock-Jacob Lund

 

Nurses Now Possess a Diverse Range of Responsibilities

As nursing became a highly respected career field, and training evolved significantly, nurses gained a significant amount of responsibility. Modern-day nurses take on far more duties than the nurses of several generations ago, employing their specific expertise to fulfill important needs. Gone are the days when nurses were viewed as merely the assistants to doctors; now, they are seen as knowledgeable medical professionals with a valuable role all their own.

Medical Advancements Have Transformed Patient Care

It’s no surprise that technology and new discoveries have changed jobs across virtually all industries, but it’s especially true for those that work in healthcare. Today, many of the medical advancements we take for granted make it possible for nurses to save countless lives, prioritizing patient care and comfort much more than they were able to before.

Nurses Have More Opportunities for Growth

After becoming a nursing assistant or registered nurse, there is still a near-limitless potential for pursuing a career that suits your unique passions and interests. Nurses today can continue their studies and receive specialized certifications and degrees, many of them working in fields that didn’t even exist until recent decades, advancing their careers and increasing their long-term earning potential.   

Make Your Mark in Today’s Healthcare Field with an Education from the Allen School

For interested in the healthcare careers of nursing and medical assisting, an exciting future lies ahead. At the Allen School of Health Sciences, our medical assistant and nursing assistant training programs offer students the opportunity to gain hands-on experiences and knowledge from expert instructors. We make sure that our nursing assistant and medical assistant training students are receiving an education based on the latest healthcare advancements.  For details about our nursing assistant training programs in Brooklyn and Jamaica, Queens, contact the Allen School of Health Sciences today. 

A Day in the Life of a Nursing Assistant

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If you’re considering a career as a certified nursing assistant, you might be wondering: what exactly does a CNA do? Even though many people interested in the healthcare field have a general idea of the duties of a nursing assistant, many are curious about the day-to-day routine of a CNA. Wherever your CNA career path takes you, you can be confident that you’re choosing one of the most rewarding healthcare careers out there. Here’s an interesting peek into a day in the life of a nursing assistant, specifically one working with patients in a nursing home:

6:30 – 7:00 AM

Once I arrive at work, I put on my scrubs and get ready for the day. That means clocking in, checking in at the nurses’ station, and getting my list of patients for the day.

7:00-8:00 AM

I make my first set of rounds, checking in with all my patients and getting them ready for the day. For most, this involves help getting up out of bed, using the restroom, and getting into the shower or a bath.

8:30 AM

Breakfast is ready! Most of my patients today feed themselves, but a few need help. I spend some one-on-one time with those patients, enjoying a brief morning chat while feeding them today’s breakfast of pancakes and berries.

9:00-10:00 AM

Time for rounds again – this time, I’m mostly just changing them and helping them to the restroom as needed. Every time I see my patients, it’s important to me to make sure they have everything they need. For some, this means grabbing an extra blanket or a warm beverage, while others ask for their walkers to head to the community room.

10:30 AM

After checking in with patients that have activated their call lights, our team works on getting patients together for the daily activity time. Today, there are a few exercises planned, along with a short movie showing for anyone who’d like to participate.

11:00AM-12:00 PM

After finishing rounds again, I start prepping my patients for lunch. It’s chicken soup on the menu for today. I make sure that patients’ clothing is carefully covered with towels to catch any spills and assist those who require help eating.

12:30 PM

Now it’s my turn for lunch, and I eat a quick meal with a few other CNAs on my team. We talk about last night’s episode of a popular sitcom, then get ready to jump back into rounds.

1:00-2:00 PM

Last rounds of my shift, which include taking vitals and recording weights. I say goodbye to my patients for the day, promising to stop by their rooms to say hello tomorrow.

3:00 PM

As I clock out for the day, I can’t help but smile – even though the day was hectic, as always, it’s been so fulfilling to make a positive difference in the daily lives of my patients.

Begin Your Nursing Assistant Career with an Education from the Allen School of Health Sciences

For individuals interested in the world of medical careers, The Allen School of Health Sciences can be an excellent first step towards a bright future. Whether you’ve been dreaming of a job as a nursing assistant for years, or you’re just now considering rerouting your current career path, our certified nursing training program can prepare you to enter the healthcare industry. One of the biggest benefits of working as a CNA is opening the door to a wide variety of professional opportunities and career paths – all you have to do is get started. For more information about how enrolling in our nursing assistant training program can jumpstart your future, contact The Allen School of Health Sciences today.

Interview Question: What is your biggest weakness?

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If there’s one question most people dread in an interview it’s “describe your biggest weakness”  No one wants to admit they have faults, and you certainly don’t want to jeopardize a chance at a job by appearing inept. So keep these five factors in mind when answering this tricky interview question.

Make Sure Your Answers are Credible

A medical assistant who hates needles or a nursing assistant who says they don’t like working with people will not be a great candidate. If either of these statements were actually true you wouldn’t be in the healthcare field.

Convey That you are Coach-able

Ideally, you can present an example that you’ve already overcome. Perhaps you initially found it intimidating to work in an electronic health record, but you sought extra help from your instructors while in school and this is no longer true.

Let Them Know You Don’t Mind being Corrected

This is a weakness you haven’t corrected yet, but with some help could be easily resolved. Perhaps it’s difficult for you to multi-task, but if you take the time to write yourself reminders and create task lists you are able to address multiple things at once.

This is not the Time for a Deep Confession

This is not the time to spill your deepest, darkest secrets. Keep your answers strictly professional and relatable to the position you are seeking.

Don’t be Overly Critical of Your Shortcomings

Your answer should never raise a giant red flag. Saying something like “I can never find a vein on the first few tries” is probably going to end an interview pretty quickly.   The bottom line is, no one is perfect and employers know this. They want to determine how you are going to fit into their organization and existing structure. Keep your answers clear, simple, and truthful and you should have no problem answering this one.

Graduate Spotlight Blog: Adam Craig

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For recent Allen School graduate Adam Craig, attending The Allen School was about more than just completing his education. With several years of experience in the field and a drive to continuously improve his professional skill set, Adam wanted to be part of a community of learners that shared his passion for making a difference – and he found it at The Allen School. The Allen School isn’t just a place to pursue your education and prepare for your career; here, you’ll build lifelong relationships with fellow students and industry-leading educators. For students like Adam, The Allen School community is what sets the school apart. Read on to learn more about what brought Adam to The Allen School, and how his time here has helped him chart a successful path for his future.  

What brought you to The Allen School?

After several types of jobs, an associate’s degree, and considering a variety of four-year college degrees, I just knew that I wanted to continue my education in the medical field. I had experience already. I served five years in the Navy as a medic, but it had been a while ago, so I wanted to bring my skills back up to standards. Also, I wasn’t just concerned with the graduation rate or certifications from a school. I wanted to be part of a community again, a group of people that wanted to help others as much as I did. When I started my classes at Allen School, it was easy to see that the staff and students all shared that belief and passion as well.  

How did your experience at The Allen School prepare you for what you are doing today?

Starting off on the right foot is so important to becoming the best medical professional you can be and making yourself and others proud by doing what you love. A good education is just the beginning; you’ll go into a field that’s ever-changing and always improving on itself, so there’s always something new to learn.  

What made you go into this field?

Before The Allen School, I had already had experience in the medical field as a Navy medic. I served for five years but wanted to pursue an education in order to improve my skills and bring my knowledge up to current standards.  

What are your ultimate career goals in the medical field?

I’m still thinking about my long-term career goals, but some options I’m considering include nursing or working as a physician’s assistant.  

What are some of the most important things you’ve learned at The Allen School?

At The Allen School, the instructors and staff truly care about your success and the quality of your skills. They want you to go into the community and help those who cannot help themselves, just as they would. Being able to be a part of a school where everybody shares these common beliefs is an excellent experience.  

Find Your Professional Path at The Allen School

If you’re ready to start working towards the career you’ve always dreamed of, The Allen School is an excellent first step. We’re honored to be the starting point for so many students’ professional goals as we help our graduates build the skills, knowledge, and experience they need to succeed. Our passionate educators are experts in their field, supplying you with the excellent educational foundation and hands-on experiences to tackle your biggest career dreams. Contact your local Allen School today for more information about the enrollment process today!

Allen School Graduate Spotlight: Justine Lujan

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Have you ever dreamed of pursuing a career in the healthcare industry? Maybe you’ve always envisioned yourself working in the medical field, or perhaps you’ve just recently discovered a passion for helping others. For recent Allen School graduate Justine Lujan, a lifelong interest in the health sciences blossomed into a rewarding career path, thanks to the education and experiences she gained on campus. Motivated by a desire to make a difference and be a positive example for her young son, Justine is proud to have completed her education at Allen School and is now embarking on the professional journey of a lifetime.

What brought you to The Allen School?

When I started to work, I got into the service industry as a bartender and did not finish college. Then, one day I became a single mother and was without a job. Life seemed to be crashing down on me, and all I could think of was my son. I needed to get back on track and be an example worthy of my son. I went online to look for information and not long after, received a call from an Allen School enrollment advisor.

How did your experience at The Allen School prepare you for what you are doing today?

The staff at Allen School is more like a big warm family who genuinely want to see you succeed and prosper. Their encouragement and guidance fueled my drive to strive for better, and they recognized in me the strengths I had a hard time seeing. Their encouragement changed my life, not just educationally, but also as a woman and a mother. Now, not only am I a graduate of Allen School, I have been hired on as an Enrollment Advisor. I believe in this school so much; I wanted to be a part of changing the lives of our future generations.

What made you go into this field?

Since I was a little girl, I have always been intrigued by the health sciences. Maybe it comes from growing up with all brothers who had constant broken bones, scrapes, and cuts, so we were in the hospital often. I have always envisioned myself working in a hospital, helping others like the medical professionals who took care of our family.  Nothing fulfills my heart more than making a difference in someone’s life.

What advice do you have for Allen School students and alumni interested in your field?

I was hesitant before enrolling – maybe because of fear – but I soon realized it was the best decision of my life. Walking into the school felt warm and welcoming, even with the initial nerves I had. After my first day, the nervousness turned into excitement. My advice is to use your fear to fight harder for your dreams. Taking the first step is always the hardest, but at The Allen School, it’s more than worth it.

What are some of the most important things you’ve learned at The Allen School?

I have learned it takes just one person to change many lives, and you can be that person! I’ve seen that in my experience with the Allen School staff; they are genuine people who truly recognize the best in others and want to bring out the best.

Pursue the Career of Your Dreams at The Allen School

Are you ready to take the first step towards living the life you’ve always wanted? At The Allen School, you can be part of more than just an educational family – here; we’re family. Our talented team of educators has the knowledge and expertise to give you the solid foundation you need, combining hands-on experiences with excellent course content to prepare you for a successful start on the career path you want. Contact The Allen School to learn more about the enrollment process and start working towards your dreams today!    

The Effects of Love on Your Heart

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Valentine’s Day has come and gone, but February is still heart month. Today we look at the potential benefits that love can have on heart health and the problems that heartache can cause as well.

Love and the Brain

That rush of emotion when you first see each other is actually your brain releasing Dopamine. Your brain also releases adrenaline and norepinephrine which gives you that racing heart feeling. Finally, your brain throws in a little Oxytocin in the mix to create that overwhelming feeling that we call love.

Love and the Heart

Studies have shown that couples in love have lower blood pressure and less stress, even if the relationship isn’t perfect. Couples often tend to make more health-conscious choices in diet and exercise leading to an overall improvement in health.

Broken Hearts Are a Thing

Difficult relationships and breakups can cause stress which increases the risk of heart disease. “Broken Heart Syndrome” also called stressed-induced cardiomyopathy or Takotsubo Cardiomyopathy is a real condition in which the left ventricle of the heart actually weakens and fails to contract properly.

Love in Many Forms

It’s not just traditional relationships that are responsible for all these love related benefits. Many people find these benefits with friends, family, and even their pets. It’s the emotional bond that causes all of these things to occur.

Want to learn more about love and all of its health benefits? Click Here Ready to start working towards a career you can love? Contact the Allen School today! We are enrolling now for our spring classes and cannot wait for you to become part of the  Allen School family. Visit www.allenschool.edu to learn more.