If you’re interested in knowing how to administer a professional hot stone massage, take a look at our hot stone massage guide.

The Importance of Massages

Besides serving as an effective form of stress relief, massage therapy also provides various health benefits. Here are the primary benefits that hot stone massages offer.

1. Pain relief: Hot stone massages treat chronic pain, sore muscles and muscle spasms, and various injuries. They also can reduce blood clots by improving blood circulation.
2. Relaxation: By increasing the release of endorphins, hot stone massages are a form of stress relief. This self-care technique can also improve mood and energy levels.
3. Improved mobility: By applying heat and pressure to the muscles, hot stone massages improve one’s flexibility and range of motion.

Step by Step Guide To Administering a Hot Stone Massage

If you’re curious about how to do a hot stone massage, check out our comprehensive hot stone massage guide below.

1. Prepare your massage space: Set up the massage table, set a folded sheet or towel aside, and gather the stones you’ll need. Make any other preparations as desired, such as lighting candles or turning on relaxing music.
2. Heat the stones: The stones are typically heated in a water bath using a portable infrared heater.
3. Guide the client: Have your client lie face down on the massage table.
4. Protect the skin: Place a sheet or towel on the skin to protect it from burns.
5. Position the stones: Place them along the client’s back and legs, focusing on pressure points. Let the stones rest in that position for about five minutes to allow time for the heat to set in.
6. Apply pressure: Move the stones along the client’s body, using gentle movements and circular patterns. This pressure and movement are what provide relaxation and pain relief.
7. Repeat the process: Have your client flip to the other side, and follow the same steps. Instead of placing the stones on the back and legs, place them on the upper chest and legs.
8. Final steps: Remove the stones, and clean up your massage space.

Top 2 Types of Hot Stone Massage Techniques

Among the various types of hot stone massage techniques, Swedish and deep tissue are the most popular.

1. Swedish: The massage therapist uses long strokes and circular motions to apply pressure to the client’s muscles and joints. This technique relaxes the muscles and increases circulation in the body so it can better heal from injuries or illness.
2. Deep Tissue: Deep tissue massages utilize long strokes and deep pressure to release muscle tension and relieve pain in targeted areas. This technique is best for clients who experience chronic pain or need relief from long-term injuries.

Looking To Pursue a Career in Massage Therapy?

If you’re ready to become a licensed massage therapist, there’s no better way to kickstart your career than by completing the accredited massage therapy training program at the top massage school in Fort Myers. By combining expert classroom instruction with practical hands-on training in a professional salon setting, Â鶹´«Ă˝â€™s program prepares students for long-term career success.

To see where our facility is located, check out our . Apply to our massage therapy training program today to jumpstart your career as a massage therapist.

The post How to Administer a Hot Stone Massage appeared first on Â鶹´«Ă˝.

Understanding Massage Therapy

Massage therapy is a therapeutic technique that involves manipulating soft tissue to relieve pain, improve circulation, and promote relaxation. This type of physical therapy improves general health and well-being, including pain and stress reduction. Massage therapy also treats various health conditions—such as muscle spasms, headaches, and arthritis.

3 Types of Massage Therapy

Whether you’re getting a massage or administering it, you have a few options to choose from:

1. Swedish Massage

During a Swedish massage, the massage therapist will administer long strokes either with their hands or a small round object called a spoon. These long strokes are often combined with kneading and tapping to produce optimal results.

Swedish massages have been proven to:

• Relieve muscle tension
• Improve blood circulation
• Treat chronic pain
• Improve sleep quality

2. Deep Tissue Massage

Unlike other massage types, a deep tissue massage focuses on working deep into the muscle tissue. By applying slow strokes with their knuckles, elbows, and hands, the massage therapist will release muscle tension and break up scar tissue.
The therapist may incorporate stretching techniques to release muscle tension and/or joint mobilization techniques to improve range of motion.

3. Sports Massage

Sports massages target muscles, tendons, ligaments, and joints to improve an athlete’s performance, prevent sports-related injuries, and accelerate recovery time after an injury has occurred. A massage therapist will apply slow strokes and deep tissue techniques to the muscles, helping them relax and heal.

Top 5 Massage Therapy Benefits

Check out the top five benefits you’ll enjoy after receiving massage therapy.

1. Reduce anxiety symptoms
   Massage therapy heals the body from the inside out. Stress reduction and increased serotonin are among the benefits of massage therapy for those who suffer from anxiety.
2. Improve mood
   The emotional benefits of massage therapy include stress reduction, increased endorphins, and reduced depression symptoms.
3. Relieve muscle pain and soreness
   By using targeted strokes, massage therapists help relieve muscle pain and soreness.
4. Strengthen immune system
   Massage therapy helps strengthen your immune system by reducing stress and anxiety levels, which are known to reduce immunity levels.
5. Generate better sleep
   Massage therapy improves sleep quality by reducing stress levels and anxiety, relaxing the body, and relieving chronic pain.

Launch Your Massage Therapy Career at Â鶹´«Ă˝

If you’re ready to become a licensed massage therapist, apply for the accredited Massage Therapy program at Â鶹´«Ă˝. You can complete our program in as little as 20 weeks. Through practical, hands-on training in a real-world setting, you’ll gain the skills needed to administer a wonderful massage. Upon course completion, you’ll have the opportunity to work in various settings and help clients feel their best. Jumpstart your career as a massage therapist at .

The post 5 Massage Therapy Benefits That Might Surprise You appeared first on Â鶹´«Ă˝.

Keep reading to learn more about what you can expect from a career in medical assisting.

Â鶹´«Ă˝ Medical Assisting

If you’re considering pursuing a medical assistant career, it’s important to know what will be expected of you. Take a look at the education, training, and skills you’ll need as well as what your responsibilities will be.

Education & Training

Education and training requirements for MA jobs generally look pretty similar. Here’s what you’ll need to do before applying for an exciting new job:

1. Complete a training program that includes opportunities to earn a certification (most will include an externship)
2. Pass an industry certification or registration exam to become a:

• • Registered Medical Assistant (RMA)
  • Certified Medical Assistant (CMA)

Once you have a couple of years working as an MA under your belt, you can choose a medical specialty that interests you. Choosing a specialty will give you more opportunities for learning, hands-on experience, and career advancement.

Skills

What skills should a medical assistant have?

To be a medical assistant, you have to be detail-oriented, committed to accuracy, empathic, and adaptable. Good interpersonal skills are a must. You must also be able to multitask. You should be well-organized, capable of prioritizing and problem-solving, and able to collaborate with teammates.

What are some hard skills for medical assistant?

In medical assisting, “hard” skills may include understanding injections, taking vital signs, scheduling, patient preparation, and reading an electrocardiogram (EKG).

While this list isn’t exhaustive, medical employers look for the following skills in potential employees:

• Detail-oriented
• Administrative capabilities
• Effective communication
• Organized
• Time management
• Technologically savvy
• Excellent customer service

Responsibilities

What are the responsibilities of a medical assistant?

Any medical assistant role will include both clinical and administrative responsibilities. Below, you’ll find a few examples of duties that fall into each of these two categories.

What is a clinical responsibility of a medical assistant?

• Measure vitals
• Gather patient medical history
• Help perform patient exams
• Conduct lab work

What are the Administrative responsibilities of a medical assistant?

• Schedule patient appointments
• Answer phone calls
• Manage patient records and organize paperwork
• Oversee the patient prescription process

Career Overview

Where an MA Can Work?
Where is the best place to work as a medical assistant?
What is the easiest place to work as a medical assistant?

One perk of a medical assistant career is that you have a range of workplace options:

• Hospital
• Outpatient clinic
• Urgent care clinic
• Private practice
• Specialty medical facility

Depending on which facilities near you are hiring, you can take your pick based on personal preference.

Opportunities After COVID

How the Coronavirus Pandemic Affects the Role of a Medical Assistant?

While COVID has negatively impacted some industries, it has spurred continual growth in the medical field. As facilities navigate the pandemic more effectively, patient capacities will increase, and hospitals will hire more medical personnel.

With the enforcement of safety guidelines, more patients feel comfortable seeking medical care again. The United States also has a growing elderly population which has increased the demand for skilled medical workers.

Enroll At Â鶹´«Ă˝

You can’t choose a better education and training program than the Comprehensive Medical Assisting (CMA) program at Â鶹´«Ă˝ (FA). If you’re ready to jumpstart your career in medical assisting, enroll today.

This accredited program prepares students for successful careers in medical assisting by combining classroom instruction taught by industry professionals with hands-on practice via a professional externship. Additionally, the CMA program includes skin care training to prepare you for jobs in medical facilities and for physician that specialize in skin conditions. Apply today, and you can complete our 61-credit hour CMA program in as little as ten months.

The post Medical Assistant Career Overview appeared first on Â鶹´«Ă˝.

What To Include on Your MA Resume or CMA Resume

One of the first hurdles you’ll run into when crafting your medical assistant resume is deciding what needs to be included. Here are some key pieces of information to add to your resume.

Your Contact Information

Employers won’t contact you if they don’t know how. Include your full name, mailing address, phone number, and email address in a section of your resume. If you prefer to be contacted by phone or email, include a “best method of contact” differentiator. Do not include information that could be used to steal your identity, such as a social security number or birthdate.

Tip: Your contact information should be right at the top of the resume.

An Eye-catching Resume Objective

Describing yourself with powerful words will catch the attention of employers. When talking about your skills or qualifications, use verbs. Instead of saying something like “I was responsible for…”, say something like “Compassionately Cared for…”. Similarly, make your objective statement stand out by including it at the top and leading with a hook. Don’t make it more than a couple of sentences long—short and sweet is always best when it comes to resume writing.

Your Highlighted Medical Assistant Skills

As an M.A., you probably have a variety of skills and expertise. When it comes to writing your resume, it’s easy to fall into the trap of including them all. This isn’t a good idea. Only highlight skills that set you apart from other candidates—not the basic skills that everyone learns as a medical assistant. This is key to making your resume readable, appealing to employers, and succinct.

Tip: Only include 5-10 skills on your resume.

A Showcase of Certifications and Education

The more qualified you are, the better the chances are of snagging that inverview. That’s why it’s important to include all the qualifications you have, like certifications and education. As a rule of thumb, include every certification and education you have had within the past ten years. Anything older won’t be relevant. Before including certifications, make sure they are up-to-date and not expired.

A Look at the Hard Numbers

Last but not least, include the hard numbers. When it comes to writing your work history and experience, make sure to include the years and dates. Not only does this help break up the constant flow of words, but it also helps employers get a better idea of how much experience you have.

Tip: Include years and dates in a different font than the list of experiences. Make it prominent and one of the first things the employer will see.

Where To Train for a Career as a Medical Assistant

Does your resume have some gaps? Perhaps you need a stronger background to get the job? That’s where medical assistant training comes into play.

Although you don’t need a 4-year degree to become a medical assistant, training and certification is still necessary. To get the highest quality of training, attend a medical assistant program that is:

• Comprehensive
• Works with your schedule
• Includes the necessary skills you need to know, including:
• Blood drawing
• Patient charting
• Measuring vital signs
• Scheduling appointments
• Administering injections or medications

Get the Medical Assistant Training You Deserve at Â鶹´«Ă˝

, we pride ourselves on having one of the best medical assistant programs in the state. You’ll learn everything you need to enter the healthcare workforce with your best foot forward. Our program includes a mix of classroom instruction taught by industry professionals, hands-on practice, and an externship working with real patients. It’s everything you need to learn medical assisting—all rolled into one comprehensive program

Ready to start your healthcare career? Learn more here.

The post How To Write a Medical Assistant Resume? appeared first on Â鶹´«Ă˝.

Allied health careers offer the best of the medical field without the grueling hours and advanced education. Ready to see why this might be the perfect fit for you? Read on to find out.

What Is an Allied Health Career?

Getting a profession in allied health means that you’ll become a medical professional involved with the delivery of health or related services to a community. Allied health includes most health-related jobs. These jobs pertain to the identification, evaluation, and prevention of disorders and diseases, nutrition and dietary services, and rehabilitation and healthcare system management.

Types of Allied Health Professions

So, what exactly are allied health jobs? They’re jobs that help support physicians, dentists, and therapists. Types of allied health professions include:

• Dental hygienists
• Dietitians
• Physician assistant
• Medical assistant
• Ultrasound technicians
• Audiologist
• Phlebotomists
• Respiratory therapist
• Medical sonographer
• Healthcare manager

Benefits of Allied Health Careers

Many people striving for medical careers often have to spend upwards of four years getting a medical degree in a niche position—and with an excessive amount of debt. Allied health professions offer a great alternative to this. They feature all the rewarding benefits of working in the medical field without the many years of schooling and costs. Here are the top benefits of allied health:

Flexibility
With training in allied health, you can work in all types of settings: from ERs and local clinics to major hospitals and independently owned surgeons’ offices. The possibilities are endless—and that’s because allied health professionals are always in demand to help support and facilitate medical services.

Another aspect of flexibility is scheduling. Medical professionals with advanced degrees—like physicians and nurse practitioners—often work long, grueling hours. In fact, nearly a quarter of physicians work 60-80 hours per week. Allied health professionals tend to work regular 9-5 hours, providing a good work-life balance.

Satisfaction
Whether you’re a physician or a physician’s assistant, you’ll be directly involved in helping your community and people’s health. Allied health positions are just as rewarding as those that require advanced degrees.

Security
Many allied health professions provide great salaries and a high employee retention rate across many medical fields, whether dentistry or pediatrics. Healthcare jobs always have been in demand, and the demand continues to rise. This means that there are almost always open jobs for those with allied health training.

Competition
Another benefit of allied health is that it’s a competitive field. Starting salaries in the healthcare industry are often higher than other fields and require the same (if not less) training and requirements. Similarly, because of the many jobs available to allied health professionals, there is room to pick and choose which job openings offer the best salaries and compensation packages.

Time
Relative to other medical jobs, allied health jobs have a faster training and certification rate. Many allied health jobs require anywhere between 6 months to 2 years of training—significantly less than doctors and nurse practitioners.

What Is Involved in Training

The type of training received is determined by the type of program you pursue. Some allied health jobs require less training than others, and the nature of the training varies; dentist assistants will get different training than phlebotomists. One thing is for certain: the training you’ll receive will be a mix of hands-on, practical training and in-the-classroom learning. This helps you become familiar with what your future allied health position requires and prepares you to enter the field as soon as you graduate from your program.

COVID19’s Impact

COVID19 has played a large role in shaping the medical industry. It shot up the demand for medical workers and created many new jobs for people entering the healthcare field. And although the pandemic has changed and things seem to be going back to normal as vaccinations are on the rise, the demand that COVID19 created is still at an all-time high.

This means that the skills you get through an allied health training program can help launch you into your next career move easily and quickly.

Medical Assistant Career Path

Perhaps one of the most in-demand allied health positions right now is that of a medical assistant. It has a growth rate of 23%. This makes it one of the highest-paying jobs you can get without a college degree.

To become a medical assistant, you need to attend a medical assistant program. On average, these can take anywhere from nine months to two years, although some accelerated programs allow you to get your credentials in just six weeks.

Where Can I Get Medical Assistant Training in Fort Myers, FL?

Ready to take on the medical field? It’s time to apply to Â鶹´«Ă˝â€™s Comprehensive Medical Assisting program.

This allied health program offers interactive learning from experts in the field and prepares students for a rewarding comprehensive medical assisting career. Students will develop the necessary skills to perform the many responsibilities the job demands:

• Welcoming patients
• Performing routine medical procedures
• Overseeing medical records
• Setting appointments
• Communicating with patients and healthcare providers

Once students graduate from medical assistant training, they will have the skills required to work alongside doctors and nurses in these facilities and more:

• Private practice
• Hospitals
• Outpatient clinics
• Nursing homes

Contact today to learn more!

The post An Allied Health Career Might Just Be the Best Healthcare Careers Ever: Here’s Why appeared first on Â鶹´«Ă˝.

With tons of perks and benefits, being a medical assistant can bring some serious success into your life. To help you decide, we’ve listed the top seven reasons you should become a medical assistant. First, let’s take a look at the medical assistant program and what it entails.

The Medical Assistant Program

When you attend a medical assistant program, you’ll get a combination of hands-on and traditional classroom learning. You’ll also discover how to perform lab and administrative procedures in a medical setting. This includes taking courses in medical terminologies, such as the following:

• Anatomy
• Phlebotomy
• Medical ethics
• Pharmacology
• Medical office procedures

What Do They Do?

They are important assets to any hospital or healthcare facility. They help complete both administrative and clinical tasks to facilitate the process of getting patients the services they need. They work under the direction of a supervising physician.

Although their daily tasks consist primarily of paperwork—like taking care of billing and insurance—some MAs also record patients’ vital signs, draw blood, administer medication, and more. Daily responsibilities can include:

• Patient care and interaction
• Scheduling appointments
• Vital signs measurement
• Organizing patient files
• Coordinate billing and insurance
• Lab work, such as examining samples

Top 7 Reasons To Become a Medical Assistant

Becoming a medical assistant can be an exciting career due to the many benefits the job offers. From flexible hours to good pay, here are seven reasons why you should consider becoming a medical assistant.

It’s an In-Demand Career
The healthcare industry is on the rise—which means the demand is also rising. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for MA is projected to grow 19% through 2029. With so many different places to work in—from small clinics to larger hospital wings—there’s always a healthcare facility in need of a medical assistant.
It Pays Well

Of all the jobs that don’t require a college education, a medical assistant job is one of the most high-paying. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that medical assistants earn an average salary of $34, 800. Depending on where you work, you could get paid more. For example, if you work in a junior college, you could earn $43, 4000.

You Can Get Certified Quickly
Becoming a medical assistant takes 9 months to 3 years. However, it usually takes about one year to become certified and ready to work. Some programs also include internship opportunities to help you get your foot in the door.

Certification Recommended
While not required in Florida, medical assistants should become certified or registered. Individuals can become registered through American Medical Technologist (AMT) by completing an approved training program and passing the registered MA (RMA) exam. This means you can demonstrate you are best prepared to enter the medical field.

Enjoy Flexible, Predictable Hours
If you work as a medical assistant in a medical clinic, working overnights or irregular hours won’t be a problem you encounter since many of these clinics practice standard business hours. That said, if you would like flexible hours, such as morning shifts, night shifts, or weekends, you can work as an MA in emergency clinics or hospitals.

Enter the Field Quickly
The combination of short medical assistant programs and the high demand for MA means that you can enter the field quickly—almost as soon as you get your certification.

Post-COVID Success
Medical assistants are needed now more than ever because of the COVID-19 pandemic. But after the pandemic ends, current and prospective medical assistants can still rest assured that the demand for their skills will be present and growing. The growth of the aging baby-boom population signifies an increase in demand for preventive medical services—and the physicians who provide these services need medical assistants to help them.

Get Trained at Â鶹´«Ă˝

Does being a medical assistant sound like the right fit for you? Then it’s time to get your certification started.

Attend an accredited, comprehensive MA program at . You’ll get the most out of your education through:

• Small class sizes
• Instructors who are experts in their field
• Hands-on experience
• Relevant training
• Career placement assistance

Start your career today! Contact us to learn more.

The post 7 Reasons Why You Should Become a Medical Assistant appeared first on Â鶹´«Ă˝.

QUESTIONS TO ASK YOURSELF TO PREPARE FOR THE MEDICAL ASSISTANT INTERVIEW

(1) What should I wear?

You want your outfit to look professional, polished, and neutral. Your clothes should mirror the expectations of the facility with the job opening. Prepare your interview outfit before the day of the interview. Make sure it fits, is clean, and is ready to go for the big day. You want to look and feel confident, comfortable, and well-groomed.

(2) How long will it take to get to the interview?

Allow extra travel time to arrive 10-20 minutes early. Make sure you have the address ready and look over any directions ahead of time. If you are driving, know where you will park. If you plan on taking public transportation, get your travel plan in place ahead of time.

(3) What should I bring to the interview?

Print and bring several copies of your resume, a copy of the job description, and a list of your references. It’s much easier to have these things handy in a folder or a binder than it is to be fumbling for contact info on your phone. If you have a panel interview or know that you will be meeting with more than one person, make sure you have a hard copy of your resume for each person and one copy for yourself. Bring a pen and a notebook so you can take notes.

(4) What do I know about this position?

Go over your printed copy of the job description and think of how your skills and training align with the position. Just as your potential employer is looking for a candidate that is a good fit, you should show initiative and be interested in finding the right fit for you in a position.

(5) What do I know about this company?

Visit the ABOUT section of the company website. If you spend some time looking, you can learn about their company culture, vision, mission statement, and values. Check out the company’s social media pages.

(6) Have I cleaned up my social media sites?

Employers check out your online presence, too. Make sure your social media profiles (Instagram, Facebook, What’s App, Twitter, etc.) are work-appropriate.

(7) Have I practiced my interviewing skills?

Interviewing is a skill so the more practice, the better.

QUESTIONS TO EXPECT AT THE MEDICAL ASSISTANT INTERVIEW

There are many potential interview questions for medical assistants. Here are some of the most common.

(1) Tell me about yourself.

Don’t let this open-ended question catch you off guard or tempt you to go on too long and tell your entire life story. You want to introduce yourself as a job candidate and craft your answer as a response to the medical assistant job description. Focus on your experience and how it relates to the position. Be interested, quick, and concise. You want to exude confidence and professional poise.

(2) How much experience do you have as a Medical Assistant?

Mention your experience, your training, and any externships.

(3) What is your greatest strength?

Answer honestly and confidently. Align your strength in regard to the position. Some great strengths are being compassionate and patient-centered, being a team player, and having excellent time management skills.

(4) What is your greatest weakness?

This can be tricky but answer honestly and then talk about how you are working on your problem area. If you are new to the medical assistant field, this is can be an excellent answer to this question. “My weakness is that I’m a new medical assistant. I will need to learn your office processes, yet I am confident in my clinical and administrative skills. I am eager to apply what I learned in my coursework and gained through my externship.”

(5) Tell us about your computer skills.

Mention computer skills relevant to doing the job, mention that you have experience with Electronic Medical Records (EMR), medical billing (if possible, include insurance companies, Medicare, and Medicaid), and experience with Microsoft office. Knowing HIPAA protocol will also make you a strong candidate.

(6) Have you been training in phlebotomy?

You want to mention your experience and assure them that you comfortable drawing blood.

(7) How would you handle a difficult patient? What do you do if an irate patient is complaining?

You want to show that you are compassionate and able to follow protocol. You could say that you would first patiently listen, try to get an understanding of the problem or why the patient is upset, and then come up with a solution. You want to add that you would involve a supervisor if necessary.

[plsc_button url=”/programs/health-wellness/” target=”_blank” color=”blue” style=”outline” radius=”semiround” size=”st”]Become a Certified Medical Assistant[/plsc_button]

QUESTIONS TO ASK AT THE END OF THE MEDICAL ASSISTANT INTERVIEW

Always have questions to ask at the end of the interview. It shows your interest in the position and shows how you are thinking ahead and imagining how you could succeed in the position.

(1) What do your top Medical Assistants have in common?

Their answer will let you know what characteristics they value.

(2) What does the average work week look like for a Medical Assistant at [Name of Practice/Clinic/Hospital]?

Asking about an average work week instead of an average workday sets you apart and gives you extra information such as their schedule, flow, if there are staff meetings, etc.

(3) Is there anything that we haven’t covered that you think is important to know about working here?

Asking this shows that you are seriously considering accepting the potential job offer.

(4) What are the most challenging aspects of this particular position?

Asking this question shows that you know there will be challenges and that you are up for taking them on.

(5)What is your favorite thing about working here?

Asking this is asking for their opinion of the workplace. It shows that you are looking for the right fit for you, too.

(6) May I have your business card?

You want to obtain business cards with everyone’s email address so you can promptly send a thank you message after the interview.

(7) What are the next steps?

Asking about what’s next shows your extreme level of interest in moving ahead in the hiring process.

GOOD LUCK ON YOUR INTERVIEW!

What is the first step on the journey to becoming a Medical Assistant? Enrolling at Â鶹´«Ă˝!

Are you looking for Medical Assistant training in Ft. Myers, Florida?
Â鶹´«Ă˝ offers a 61-credit-hour Comprehensive Medical Assisting program.

Train for a medical assistant in as little as 40 weeks!

We can’t wait to answer all of your questions. Call today.

The post MEDICAL ASSISTANT INTERVIEW QUESTIONS: QUESTIONS TO EXPECT AND QUESTIONS TO ASK appeared first on Â鶹´«Ă˝.

With Covid-19 virus testing capacity still limited in the United States, healthcare workers are preparing for an unprecedented situation. Guidelines are changing quickly at medical facilities, including doctors’ offices, clinics and hospitals. Personal protective equipment (PPE), including masks, gloves and shields, as well as critical respirators are in short supply.

It is profoundly challenging times on a global scale. This is a healthcare workforce situation that hasn’t happened in over one hundred years. Of course, medical workers need their vital tools to do their lifesaving work. Even more importantly, the healthcare industry needs more competent, caring people to do this significant, lifesaving work.

The Role of Medical Assistants During Covid

Now more than ever, healthcare teams are relying on certified medical assistants. Trained medical assistants are often serving as the backbone of medical facilities all over Florida, our nation, and the world.

The all-around training and knowledge that certified medical assistants possess make them highbred medical professionals in extreme high demand, especially during these unprecedented times. Depending on responsibilities and functions assigned, certified medical assistants support many medical personnel to ensure patients are receiving the adequate care they need and deserve.

How Medical Assistants Manage Covid Patients

The many crucial roles of a certified medical assistant in this busy time of the Covid pandemic can be described many ways. The medical assistant career has so many facets and is continuing to expand. What are some of the potential roles of a medical assistant?

• “First face” of the medical facility
• Patient educator
• Scribe with attention to detail
• Diplomatic communicator
• Health coach
• Compassionate counselor to help patients through rough emotional times by showing compassion and empathy
• Clinician for routine procedures
• Administrator to liaise between departments, facilities or individuals
• Care team coordinator
• Right hand assistant to doctors
• Generalist (jack of all trades)

What remains constant in this evolutionary medical workforce during the Coronavirus pandemic? Trained Medical professionals and
Certified medical assistants remain an essential part of that healthcare team.

Expansive Growth Potential for Medical Assistants

Even before the start of the pandemic, healthcare was a tremendously growing field. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that healthcare
will add about 4 million jobs by 2026, approximately one-third of all jobs in the United States. The need for medical assistants is expected
to increase 29 percent. This is an amazing job outlook. In the immediate future, these incredible predictions may even seem conservative as the healthcare industry is looking for more compassionate caregivers to fight the Covid-19 pandemic. The medical assistant career is one with a bright future in this challenging, often bleak time.

The Effect of the Covid-19 Pandemic

We are uncertain on the exact course that the pandemic will take. We do know that medical assistants are urgently needed now, as well as will be needed in our future post-pandemic world. While we don’t know the exact changes to come in the post-pandemic world, we do
know that medical assistants will continue to be vital to the healthcare industry.

Studying to become a medical assistant may be your fastest route to a career in the burgeoning healthcare field. Because a medical assistant
must be so versatile – and can work in a variety of places in the healthcare industry – receiving certification could be just the beginning of a career that could go in a plethora of directions.

Â鶹´«Ă˝ Knows Florida

If you’re looking for a comprehensive Medical Assistant program in Fort Myers, Florida, please consider Â鶹´«Ă˝. Location is all-important during the Covid-19 pandemic. Located in Fort Myers, our school closely follows what is going on in our state. We know and
understand all things healthcare in Florida. We follow the Florida Department of Health, the Florida Medical Examiners, as well as the
Center for Disease Control (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO). In addition, there are many ordinances specific to location, including local stay at home orders and procedures for quarantine for Covid patients.

Comprehensive Medical Assistant Program

Healthcare is now changing as quickly as technology. Maybe even more so! Â鶹´«Ă˝ provides up-to-the-minute training in our comprehensive Medical Assistant program.

Our instructors are knowledgeable professionals who know and teach about the ever-evolving medical climate. The benefits of training in
our Medical Assistant program at Â鶹´«Ă˝ are many:

• Small class size
• Flexible class schedules
• Hands-on learning
• Fast-track learning
• Financial aid for those who qualify
• Clinical Externship (160 hours)
• Job placement assistance

Take the First Step Toward a Lifesaving Career

Enrolling in the comprehensive medical assisting program is the first step toward an exciting career that can make an immediate difference
in many lives. Â鶹´«Ă˝ is accredited by the Council on Occupational Education (COE), was voted Best Career School in Southwest Florida, and offers a 61-credit-hour Comprehensive Medical Assisting program. In less than 10 months (if you study fulltime days), you will be qualified and eligible to sit for the Registered Medical Assistant (RMA) certification exam offered through American Medical Technologist. Once you’re certified, you can be on your way to an exciting, lifechanging career.

The Only Constant is Change

Make a change in your career path today! Choose Medical Assistant Career.

• Do you love to care for people and want to make a real difference in their lives?
• Are you passionate about joining a growing industry?
• Do you want to be part of a patient-centered team that allows you to grow and gives you flexibility?

Choose a lifesaving career in the time of Covid-19. Your medical assisting career is waiting for you to enroll.
Call today.

For the latest information on Covid-19, we suggest visiting the following websites—the Florida Department of Health website, the
CDC website and the WHO website.

•
• – CDC Website
• – WHO website

For the latest specification information for clinic operations, see the CDC’s article, “Infection Prevention and Control Recommendations
for Patients with Suspected or Confirmed Coronavirus Disease 2019.”

•

The post The Evolving Career of Medical Assistants appeared first on Â鶹´«Ă˝.

Types of Scalp Massage

One thing to keep in mind about scalp or head massage is that it doesn’t require the pressure of a deep tissue or sports massage. Can you imagine using the same amount of pressure on headache pressure points as you would on knots in your back? There are two main techniques to employ for a scalp tension massage, just as there are with other modes of massage therapy, and they each can be performed with a lighter touch using repetitive motions to achieve the same effect.

• Effleurage – This method relies on circular motions and strokes to wake up the scalp and increase circulation in the head. It can be employed across the scalp as well as near the forehead and temples to relieve tension.
• Petrissage – This practice involves gentle kneading action to lift the scalp. While this is essentially the same technique used for deep tissue massage, it would not be with the same firmness on the scalp.

Most scalp massages would include a combination of these methods to ease any tension and invite oxygenation.

Big Benefits of Head Massage

Besides the obvious reason why you would get a head massage – it feels good, why else would someone want to see a massage therapist for this special treatment? Let’s look at some of the key reasons that scalp massage is so beneficial.

• Studies have shown that scalp massage can promote hair growth, thanks in part to the increase in blood flow to the hair follicles. That may be part of why your stylist treats you to a vigorous shampoo when you have a hair appointment. Head massage may also help with lymphatic drainage, which is purported to move toxins and waste from cells. Both circulatory boosts can encourage the growth or thickening of hair, which can make it more resistant to damage and breakage.
• Kneading and rubbing the scalp is an excellent form of tension massage, which is great news for headache sufferers. Again, the improved blood flow associated with scalp massage can relieve some forms of migraines as well as tension headaches. The massage techniques can also help headache trigger points to ease, thus helping facial and scalp muscles relax.

Mind and Body Connection

Aside from the significant relief from tension a scalp massage can give clients, it can also improve overall health and wellbeing. If a client suffers from bruxism, also known as tooth grinding, or TMJ symptoms, problems with the joint where the jaw attaches to the skull, he or she may find relief from the pain and discomfort associated with these oral conditions. A combination of massage therapy and dental appliances can improve tightness, pain, and limited motion due to these problems.

With a reduction in muscle tension and stress in the head, scalp, and face comes fewer symptoms of anxiety and depression as well as a noticeably improved mood. It can also help slow your resting heart rate and lower your blood pressure, taking some of the work and strain away from the heart. Any improved circulation in the scalp is bound to have some positive effects on the rest of the circulatory system, and that reduction of stress and tension just adds to those effects.

Things to Remember

When you incorporate scalp massage into your massage therapy practices, be mindful of your clients’ comfort levels. You should first check with them to see if they are comfortable with a head massage because not all clients like to have their hair touched. Next, be considerate of their hair. If your massage is too intense, it could tangle the hair and potentially break some follicles. You don’t want to cause more harm than good.

A good approach to scalp massage is to start closer to the face and temples, working your way back along the scalp until you reach the neck area in the back of the head. Some spas or massage therapists include a scalp massage as part of a total body massage, while others may offer it as an added service. Either way, you should expect a scalp massage to take anywhere from five to fifteen minutes, depending on your client’s needs.

You may also want to use a different massage oil for the scalp than you do for the rest of the body, if you plan on using oil at all. Look for natural oils such as coconut, almond, avocado, or jojoba oils that are also moisturizing for hair in addition to a dry scalp. A scalp massage can also be done without oil, but if you want to use it, remember that a little goes a long way.

⇒ Check out Massage Program Tour at Florida-Academy

Learn From the Best

If you are interested in a career in massage therapy or are currently a massage therapist exploring new techniques, you should visit to learn more about coursework available. Check our website or contact us at (800) 324-9543 to learn more about our health and wellness programs. We have day and evening classes to make education convenient for every student.

The post What You Should Know Â鶹´«Ă˝ Scalp and Head Massage appeared first on Â鶹´«Ă˝.

Let’s take a look at some of the more common types of massage therapy.

1. Swedish Massage

In the early 1800s, Swedish doctor/gymnast/teacher Per Henrik Ling created the Swedish Movement Cure to help relieve chronic pain. It was the precursor to what we know as Swedish massage.

2. Hot Stone Massage

Similar to Swedish massage in that it is good for people with muscle pain and tension, massage therapists place heated stones on different parts of the body. The stones are used either in lieu of or in addition to their hands to help:

• Reduce muscle tension
• Relieve pain
• Increase blood flow
• Encourage relaxation

3. Aromatherapy Massage

Aromatherapy combines gentle pressure and essential oils to produce relaxation. This massage therapy style has an added bonus: it can help with emotional healing by:

• Elevating your mood
• Reducing stress and anxiety
• Lessening symptoms of depression
• Alleviating muscle tension and pain

4. Deep Tissue Massage

If you’ve ever had certain spots on your body that are often painful and stiff, deep tissue massage may give some relief. The massage therapist uses slow strokes and deep finger pressure to bring relief, but it’s not recommended for those who are sensitive to pressure.

• Good for chronic pain
• Relieves tension from deep within muscles and connective tissue
• Helps with soreness, injury or imbalance
• Uses intense pressure

5. Sports Massage

Athletes are often subjected to repetitive use injuries from participating in a particular sport. Sports massage takes various approaches to help athletes before, during or after sporting events. It may involve deep pressure or strokes to help manage pain and prevent injuries. It can:

• Increase flexibility and performance
• Relieve pain, anxiety and muscle tension
• Help prevent sports injuries
• Aid healing after an injury

6. Trigger Point Massage

A tight area in muscle tissue that can cause referred pain in another area of the body is called a trigger point. Trigger point massage helps alleviate the pain source through isolated pressure and release cycles.

• Uses deep breathing to help identify the source and intensity of pain
• Releases constricted areas of muscle to alleviate pain
• Decreases pain after a single treatment
• Helps manage pain and stress from chronic injuries

7. Thai Massage

Thai massage goes beyond other types of massage because the therapist uses his or her whole body to move the recipient into a variety of positions. This ancient technique uses gentle pressure and stretching techniques to help relax the person who, unlike with Swedish massage, lies on the floor and actively participates in the massage. It can:

• Lower stress
• Boost energy
• Improve range of motion
• Relieve headaches

8. Chair Massage

Athletes are often subjected to repetitive use injuries from participating in a particular sport. Sports massage takes various approaches to help athletes before, during or after sporting events. It may involve deep pressure or strokes to help manage pain and prevent injuries. It can:

• Increase flexibility and performance
• Relieve pain, anxiety and muscle tension
• Help prevent sports injuries
• Aid healing after an injury

Regardless of the type of massage, it can make you feel good and help you relax. Is massage therapy a career that you may enjoy? Â鶹´«Ă˝ offers a comprehensive 600-hour curriculum (with day and evening classes) that can get you started in a massage therapy career in as little as 20 weeks.

The post Types of Massage Therapy: Which is Right for You? appeared first on Â鶹´«Ă˝.