How to React During A Time of Crisis – COVID-19

The current global COVID-19 pandemic is a rather peculiar and unique situation for students and people worldwide. There are not too many instances in life where we are asked to slow down and stay in. For many of us over the last few weeks, we went from being busy humans on a schedule to being home-bound with minimal to no human interaction. During a crisis, things are out of our control and can change without any warning and we must adjust accordingly. These are uncertain times. What kind of effect can this have on us? Often without a sense of control, we naturally tend to panic, stress, and worry, but it is completely normal.

Health experts recommend these strategies to react appropriately during a time of crisis:

Stay informed during a crisis

Use reliable sources such as official health and government websites to stay informed with what is happening in your local community. Contradictory information is always being circulated on social media and social media is certainly not an accurate source for COVID-19 updates. While it is important to stay up to date with news, remember to keep it at a limit. Overloading with negative information can lead to increased stress and anxiety. Stay informed when necessary and stay calm.

Focus on yourself and your health

Feel your feelings and be aware of them. Vocalize and explain your feelings to someone you trust, write them down, or even express them through activities. Mental health awareness is key in times of crisis. Focus on your health by being attentive and taking necessary precautions. Practice healthy habits and limit your contact with stress-inducing factors. There are many great practices for mental health available online.

Create a plan with strategy

One of the positive outcomes of the current COVID-19 pandemic is the increased time we have. Use this time to create a plan if you haven’t yet! Keep yourself occupied by writing down tasks, activities, jobs, exercises, and things you generally enjoy doing, then do it. Take the time to explore a hobby that you have always wanted to try, or simply enjoy the outdoors with attention to social distancing. Plan what you will do now and then make an action plan of what the future will hold after we overcome the pandemic. Focus on “the now” and worry about this rest when the time comes.

Take action when necessary

Listen to your body if you think you are not feeling well both physically and mentally. Be aware of the COVID-19 symptoms and monitor yourself accordingly. Seeking help if symptoms occur is necessary. The same is necessary if you are feeling mentally unwell or express feelings of hopelessness.

Here are some signs you might benefit from extra help and support:

• You can’t think about anything other than coronavirus or the COVID-19 illness
• Your anxiety interferes in your daily life—for example, you have a hard time doing daily tasks
• You isolate yourself from others when it isn’t necessary
• Feeling hopeless or angry about the situation
• Having a hard time eating or sleeping well
• Experiencing physical symptoms like constant headaches or stomach pains

We recognize this can be a stressful time and it’s normal to feel worried and anxious. It’s also very common for people to display great resilience during times of crisis! After all, pressure is how diamonds are made. This is a time to come together as a society and stay close emotionally if not physically. As the pandemic continues to unfold, let’s act responsibly and reach out when we need support.

What to Expect When You Become A Medical Laboratory Assistant/Technician

You will be surprised to learn the full job description and duties of a medical laboratory assistant/technician. Expect the unexpected because a day in the life of a medical laboratory assistant/technician will vary from one workplace to another. Here is what you can expect from Trillium College’s Medical Lab Assistant / Technician diploma program, and from a career in this thriving industry.

Our program gives you the knowledge and practical skills needed to play an important role in healthcare. You will be promoting community health while working under the direct supervision of a physician, registered medical lab technologist, or other healthcare professionals. Emphasis is placed on understanding an array of laboratory technician skills. As well as ethical and administrative responsibilities as a medical lab technician. Subject areas covered include specimen procurement, laboratory safety, medical terminology and documentation, infection prevention and control, and many others.

Here is what to expect:

Expect to be able to work as part of a team AND independently

The duties of a medical laboratory assistant/technician can vary depending on where you work. You can expect to work face-to-face with clients as you perform administrative or clinical duties, but you can also expect to work behind closed doors managing laboratory tests too. A great medical laboratory assistant/technician will have the ability to execute both independent and group duties in their workplace. Our Medical Lab Assistant / Technician diploma program provides students with outstanding communication skills to prepare them for both team-orientated duties and independent workplace duties.

Expect to stay very organized and often multi-task

There is a high likelihood that no day will be the same as the next as a medical laboratory assistant/technician. Common duties include; labeling and sorting specimen samples, loading and operating laboratory equipment, collecting blood samples and fluids from patients for testing, performing simple tests on fluids, making chemical solutions, using computers to input data, managing hazardous materials, sterilizing equipment, and more. As you can tell, there are often important tasks and duties that require immediate attention. As a medical laboratory assistant/technician, it is your responsibility to manage and organize your time to ensure your responsibilities are taken care of with attention to prioritization.

Expect to learn a lot and enjoy making a difference in the medical field!

Being a medical laboratory assistant/technician can sometimes be demanding, but it is most certainly worth it. The hard work and dedication will pay off when you know that you are impacting the lives of patients every day. You are playing a crucial role in the medical field and contributing to patient healthcare. The work of a medical laboratory assistant/technician never goes unnoticed!

If you’re interested in becoming a medical laboratory assistant/technician, simply fill out the form below. Start making a difference in healthcare today!

The Benefits of Being A Massage Therapist That You Probably Didn’t Know About

Express your creativity as a massage therapist

There are many benefits choosing a career in massage therapy. As a massage therapist, you know the secrets to making your body feel good and you get to help others feel good too. The Massage Therapy Diploma Program teaches you the techniques and skills to be able to practice and help others the way that YOU want to. Cool right? The best part about studying massage therapy is that you can actually use a lot of your own creativity with it. Once you master the massage techniques, you can begin adding your own touches of personalization to help better the world of massage therapy and especially set yourself apart from your competition.

One essential part of massage therapy is the process of healing and relaxation. The great part about our program is that anyone can learn this when studying massage therapy. Once you do, you’ll be able to execute a very unique and in-demand benefit for people! When you enroll yourself in massage therapy, you will quickly learn that there are many variations of massage therapy, which you’ll be able to use in any scenario that you could come across with future clients.

Choose your career path

Some people choose to practice massage therapy as a full-time career and others even take it on as a part-time career. It is possible to take massage therapy as a second career and practice part-time to benefit income. You are able to use the skills that you learned in a time that works for you, which is definitely not something that everyone can say. The types of places you may find yourself working as a massage therapist are:

• Spas
• Yoga Studios
• Hotels & resorts
• Physician’s Offices
• Private companies
• Out of home practicing

Healing not just for others

Would you believe us if we told you that some students study massage therapy to better their own overall healing process? It is not uncommon for dancers, bodybuilders, and athletes to take this study role on as a career to benefit their body. If you already have a passion for understanding how the human body works, there is a very good chance that massage therapy would be a great suit for you. As a massage therapist, you get to see how a body works and find solutions for pain that people feel and ultimately fix it.

Explore The Massage Therapy Diploma Program right now! Looking for help in careers? Check our Employment Services to help find the career you want with your diploma.

Six Qualities an Employer Looks for In A Medical Office Assistant

Besides the knowledge and understanding it takes to become a Medical Office Assistant, many other different traits and qualities exist that are required for the job too.

If you’re beginning the Medical Office Assistant Program at Trillium College– or interested in it – you are definitely at the right place! We pride ourselves in being passionate about what we have to offer for students, which is nothing but the best.

A day in the life of a Medical Office Assistant unfortunately can’t be described as relaxed or easy-going. Like many jobs, with more work comes more responsibility. There are many responsibilities, duties, and tasks that a Medical Office Assistant must take care of. What makes being a Medical Office Assistant so unique is that no day is the same. If you haven’t already learned, being a Medical Office Assistant is almost being a jack-of-all-trades. Medical components, clinical, office and even physical components can be required in the job.

Being in the medical administrative field requires a few other qualities to have. Employers know you have the education credentials, but they also want to see the extra qualities that can differentiate you from the rest. This is what they are:

1. Patience

As mentioned, a lot of days on the job are not the same. Some days are slower, and other days you may find yourself at a faster pace. When working at clinics or hospitals, you interact with many different people such as patients, families, friends, etc. because everyone wants answers. A lot can be expected from a Medical Office Assistant, whether it is from the health care providers, or the patients. It is important to keep a cool ground. The calmer and more patient you are, the more efficiently you are able to work, which creates a well-functioning work environment.

2.  Communication

The ability to communicate properly and effectively is important in every job. In the life of a Medical Office Assistant, delivering key messages to the proper people whether it is a health practitioner, patient, or coworker is crucial. Communication is key across all spectrums. It is important to understand all incoming messages and instructions in order to execute tasks correctly.

3. Organization

Days can get hectic and all of a sudden, the task you were originally working on begins to get pushed back because of another incoming task. Staying organized plays a key role when managing tasks and responsibilities as a Medical Office Assistant. What does organization exactly mean? It means knowing how to prioritize your tasks and taking initiative to create a productive environment for yourself and everyone else.

4. Positive and Energetic

Although this trait can be forgotten about, it is an important trait to have. It’s refreshing to see a positive attitude or smile in any workplace. It can make a significant difference in the medical field when certain days aren’t so bright for some patients or families, and makes a difference in your working environment. There are good days and there are bad days, but being able to smile through it all makes it special!

5. Proactive

Being proactive is another word for taking initiative, such as taking things into your own hands. It means doing something without having to be told to do it. It’s essentially being one step ahead of everyone else. Quickly learn what is expected of you and of your role as a Medical Office Assistant, then go ahead and do it. Note, it’s important to work responsibility. If you are unsure of an answer or how to do something, asking questions is always great and crucial when working with patients.

6. Empathetic

Having empathy means having the ability to understand and share the feelings of others. Often, the medical field is recognized as a career where you must put your emotions aside and focus on the work needed. When working closely with patients, being empathetic is a great trait to have to connect with patients.

Are you ready to begin your new career?

The career of a Medical Office Assistant can be very promising, in respect to salary and lifestyle! Many Medical Office Assistants have been able to find a job after graduating their respective programs and are happy with their careers. Trillium College believes in creating strong knowledge for every single student in every program. Fill out the form below to get in touch with our Career Coaches and begin your new career today!

Personal Support Workers support our sick and elderly. PSWs go to people’s homes, lift the immobile from their beds, and help clients take medicine correctly. Most importantly, perhaps, PSWs provide an ear for the lonely.

Trillium College-trained PSWs are in demand – but are male grads especially so? Here are 5 points to consider:

1. Client comfort can’t be ignored

Ontarians agree that people shouldn’t be hired – or fired – because of gender. The fact is, though, some clients feel more comfortable being helped by members of their own sex. Don’t believe this? Well, check online: While there’s a wealth of PSW jobs advertised, a number read, “Male PSWs Required…”

2. Baby boomers

We’ve heard over and over that the baby boomers are aging. Nonetheless, it’s worth mentioning here because, as more Ontarians enter their declining years, PSWs will experience growth in demand. The Canadian Home Care Association reports in-home care needs rose 55% in the past five years, and seniors represented the bulk of this increase.

On the other hand, 45% of PSWs are in their 50’s or older. According to the Canadian Research Network for Care in the Community (CRNCC), many will retire in the coming 15 years. Opportunities for PSWs of both sexes will continue to grow and grow, and Trillium College is helping our province meet that demand.

3. Strength

While only fossilized thinking casts all men as strong and women as weak – men’s added muscle mass and stature can help in the PSW profession. Remember, physically assisting the immobile is a big part of this career!

4. Underrepresentation to Equal Representation

Did you know that, in 2009, only 3% of PSWs were male? (CRNCC & PSNO, 2009). It’s time to fill the gap – and many employers are happy to help “even the playing field.”

So, while it’s safest to say opportunities have grown – and are growing – for PSWs of both sexes, there are certainly some strong reasons men should step into this noble field. Become a PSW now and support your community! Learn more about our Personal Support Worker program.

The Formula for Success in Esthetics and Spa Operations

The cosmetics, esthetics and spa industry is thriving because people are looking to reduce stress and practice self-care. A successful career in esthetics and spa management is a mix of personal passion and the right education.

How do you know if you’re the right fit for this career?

• Am I outgoing?
• Am I creative?
• Do I have an interest in health and beauty?
• Working with people?
• Working with my hands?

If you already have a passion for beauty, wellness, and helping others, then you’re off to a great start! There are, however, two addition must-haves in order to ensure success in the esthetics field: practical techniques and business management skills. This is why an education at Trillium College will set you apart from the dreamers and the doers.

Education Must-Have #1: Practical Techniques

This is the hands-on aspect of an esthetics and spa course. This part of a program is where students learn the skills required for:

• Manicures
• Pedicures
• Applying cosmetics
• Facials
• Spa and body treatments
• Eyebrow waxing
• Body hair removal

Students should also learn how to customize treatments to match specific client needs. For maximum learning, these practical techniques should then be practised. At Trillium College, all students are given the opportunity to hone their skills on real clients in the public student clinic.

Education Must-Have #2: Business Management Skills

Some programs focus solely on industry techniques, but the Advanced Esthetic and Spa Management program at Trillium College also provides business management training.

Courses in business management are essential in preparing students to succeed in the beauty and wellness industry. Learning about marketing, finance and other parts of business management equips Trillium College graduates to take on a management role or even start their own business.

Consequently, without proper business training, students could be prepared to perform treatments on clients but not know how to find clients. They may not know how to manage inventory and track finances in order to be profitable.

Business management training is essential for anyone who wants to have an exciting and lucrative career in this industry. For this reason, Trillium College has worked to develop and include courses on Spa Operations and Management, Ethics and Professionalism and Communication Skills in our diploma program.

Questions? Call Trillium College now at 1.855.234.2008 or fill out the form below.

Our next start date is coming up soon! Find out when here.

A Day in the Life of a Dental Assistant

What exactly does a dental assistant do all day? What should you expect when you land a great job at a dental clinic as an assistant? We asked Emma, a 30-year-old dental assistant in the Oshawa area, to share what it’s like to work as a dental assistant in a busy clinic.

Why did you choose to become a dental assistant?

I chose it because I needed a part-time job that paid well. I also chose it because I was interested in the healthcare field, but I didn’t think I’d enjoy nursing.

Can you describe the dental clinic you work in?

I work in a fast-paced, busy clinic. We have five operatories (clinic rooms), two dentists, two dental assistants and four hygienists.

What are your main responsibilities at the dental clinic?

Each day is a bit different, but almost every day I:

• Sterilize instruments
• Greet and seat patients
• Assist with procedures (restorations, root canals, extractions, crown preps, etc)
• Take x-rays
• Polish teeth
• Take impressions
• Do lab work
• Pull charts
• File
• Bill patients
• Accept payment
• Clean the operatory rooms where we work

How much time do you spend working with a dentist?

I work alongside my assigned dentist every day, all day long.

How is your job different than that of a dental hygienist?

A dental hygienist works alone scaling teeth. As a dental assistant, I work along with the dentist doing different procedures to restore teeth.

What parts of the job are most challenging?

Working with kids can be fun but also challenging.

What are your favourite parts of the job?

I love helping someone love their smile!

Are you interested in joining the ranks of dental assistants? Trillium College offers a 12-month diploma program that will completely prepare you for a career as a dental assistant.

In conjunction with the in-class dental program components, you will gain valuable professional experience working in a clinical setting in our dental college clinic. After graduation, you you may find employment in general dentistry, community dentistry, specialty dentistry or dental sales.

A new program is starting soon! Find out more here.

So, you’ve been researching the Personal Support Worker field and wondering about making a career change. You’ve read that PSWs are lucky heroes of sorts, who help the sick, have job schedule flexibility and work in an industry facing growing demand. But do you really have what it takes to be a PSW? At Trillium College, we teach our PSW diploma program students the importance of these 5 traits:

1. Positivity

Sometimes it’s hard for the sick and elderly to stay positive. Pain and loneliness can be realities for the unwell, and an important part of a PSW’s job is lending a helping hand – both physically and mentally. As a PSW, your positivity makes a world of difference.

2. Physical Strength

While you don’t have to be a legendary strongman (or woman!) to become a PSW, physical strength is an asset. PSWs assist immobile or physically restricted individuals on a regular basis, lifting them out of bed, into the bath, and so forth. It helps to be strong – or at least in good shape – as a PSW!

3. Compassion and Patience

Can you imagine how hard it must be to need others’ help to eat, bathe, or go to the washroom? You can? Well, that suggests you have empathy. And, with empathy, comes patience. People who need PSWs often face extreme physical and/or mental limitations due to illness or age. It’s your job to help them live the best lives they can – without fear or embarrassment.

4. Team Work Skills

No matter where you choose to work, be it a long-term care home (LTC), hospital or individual’s house, you’ll need both independent and team work skills. As a valuable member of our health care system, you’ll have to work alongside medical professionals and the clients you represent!

5. Organization Skills

Visiting multiple clients’ homes, helping them take the right medications and coordinating with other health care professionals: all this takes organization, which is an important skill for a PSW to have.

Think you have what it takes to become a PSW? Call us today at 1.855.234.2008 to learn more about Trillium’s Personal Support Worker diploma program.

Five Ways to Kickoff Your Career As An Esthetician

What’s stopping you from beginning your well-deserved career as an esthetician? Whether it is fear of failure, or lack of confidence, we understand how it feels starting a brand new career. You completed your education and now somehow the world looks even bigger than when you first began your studies. However, do not let fear of the unknown stop you from chasing your dreams! You officially have the skills and knowledge you need to be an esthetician. Thus, it’s time to kickoff your well-deserved career.

You may find yourself eager to jump into any job available, but it’s important to be prepared. You have rightfully and thoughtfully earned your diploma from the Esthetics & Spa Operations Program, and now it’s time to find the right job! Before doing so, you will want to ensure you have everything you need beyond your classroom knowledge to impress future employers. Use our tips below to kickoff your career within the thriving esthetics and spa industry.

1. Narrow your skill set.

While in school you had the opportunity to learn a variety of skills, tasks, and practices within the esthetics and spa operations industry. Whether it was makeup application, nail art, skin treatment, and probably more, you will want to choose an area of focus and practice. This will not only make it easier to perfect your skills, but it will establish a specific market for you to conquer in. Trying to master and offer multiple types of services on your own can be overwhelming. As you begin to kickoff your career, you should begin by becoming proficient in one skill set and expand more services later on in your career.

2. Create a business card.

Be ready for any opportunity with a business card. First impressions are important and with a business card you can surely impress future employers, technicians, stylists, etc. Create a business card including your contact information with a design that reflects who you are. Get to know your local esthetics community online and in person. Be sure to keep a few business cards with you at all times because you never know when an opportunity may arise!

3. Have a stellar resume.

Kickoff the job of your dreams by creating a memorable resume. There are various ways to design and format resumes, but feel free to let it reflect who you are as well. If you are unsure of what to include in your resume, start with the basics:

• Objective
• Key Skills
• Experience
• Education
• Certifications
• References

A simple search online can provide great examples of specific industry resumes, including a resume template for esthetics. Also be sure to double check your work. We recommend having one or more people to proof-read your work. PRO TIP: Include a cover letter when applying to a specific job!

4. Showcase your services.

Show off your work visually using a website or social media page. Begin taking pictures of your work or work from the past, as well as posting relevant content. Building and sharing content can give others an exclusive inside look at your work and your creative side. Furthermore, showcasing your work and services is also a great way to begin growing clientele by sharing all you have to offer and all you are capable of providing. Showcasing your services can not only be fun, but is impressive from an employer’s perspective by showing how well prepared you are.

5. Practice and learn!

There is always room for improvement. As you prepare to kickoff your career and eventually advance in your career, you can always make time to learn more. Having the education and certification is mandatory, but learning anything else is a bonus. Get to know your esthetics community and feel free to learn a thing or two from fellow estheticians, beauticians, stylists and plenty of other professionals. Some communities are known to provide master classes at esthetic companies where you can even further a specific skill set. Plus, anything else you learn or certify in can be added to your resume and make you more reputable.

So, don’t let anything get in the way between you and your career in esthetics! The esthetics industry is constantly growing and changing. With so many beauty trends evolving and spreading, the need for esthetic professionals is definitely increasing. If you want to kickoff your career in the world of beauty, check out our Esthetics & Spa Operations Program here.

As a graduate of the Massage Therapy program at Trillium College, there are many promising employment opportunities in St. Catharines. They may find employment in private clinics, hospitals, spas, wellness centers, and geriatric care facilities are fitting professional environments for a massage therapist, while self-employment as a certified Massage Therapist is another avenue that may be explored.

Current Employers of our Massage Therapy graduates in St. Catharines

Zen Wellness Clinic
Goodlife
Massage Addict
Medi Massage
Performance Health & Wellness
Christienne Fallsview Spa
Double Tree by Hilton
Massage Therapy Niagara

Massage Therapy Program Description

Trillium College’s Massage Therapy program introduces you to a variety of soft tissue manipulation techniques to treat stress, pain, and other physical conditions or disorders. You will develop the specialized knowledge and skills to systematically assess clients’ needs, formulate comprehensive clinical impressions, develop specific treatment plans and evaluate clients’ progress and treatment outcomes. Our curriculum emphasizes client focused care and is designed to facilitate your growth as a health care professional in order to become a Registered Massage Therapist (RMT).