NursingJobs.LifeTips.com

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1 NursingJobs.LifeTips.com

2 Category: Healthcare Jobs and Staffing Subcategory: Healthcare Jobs and Staffing Tip: Dos and Don'ts of Healthcare Management Salary Negotiations Most professionals don't enjoy salary negotiations, but it's an important part of the hiring process. Making a counter-offer, backed up with solid research, can solidify your worth, resulting in higher compensation. Read on to learn the dos and don'ts of salary negotiations for healthcare administration jobs. Do take into consideration your experience. Those with more experience should be able to command higher wages. When negotiating your salary, make sure to point out the level of knowledge you bring to the table. Don't forget to do your research. While online salary calculators can give you a ballpark figure, it's important to conduct an informal salary survey. Simply contact human resources offices of comparable healthcare organizations, and ask for a salary range for healthcare managers. Do show some flexibility. Negotiation is a two-way street, so remember to give a little. Don't discuss how much money you need to earn. Bringing personal circumstances into the picture, like how much you need to pay your mortgage, won't win you any points with the employer. Instead, discuss your experience and knowledge. Tip: Healthcare Administration: Creating a Better Resume Healthcare recruiters often spend seconds scanning a resume. This means you need to catch their interest within the first couple paragraphs or you might not make it to the interview round. Read on to learn about landing healthcare administration jobs by refreshing your resume. Preparing to write your resume. Before revamping your resume, make a list of your most impressive accomplishments. When creating this list, think about items that will set you apart from others. Incorporate your accomplishments into the first 1-2 paragraphs of your resume. The easiest way to do this is by creating a summary section. This will catch the recruiter's attention and draw them into the rest of your resume. Eliminate any task-related language. This language includes sentences that begin with responsibilities include Instead, focus on accomplishments you've achieved; for example, processes or tactics you've implemented that made an impact on the organization. Tip: Places to Find Healthcare Temp Jobs Whether you're looking for temp-to-hire positions or temporary healthcare jobs that fit your scheduling needs, it helps to have a few options to consider before making that big decision. Here are a few types of medical facilities that often hire temporary healthcare employees: Offices of physicians. These employers routinely hire temporary help for nursing, clerical and medical assistant jobs. Medical and diagnostic laboratories. These

3 employers often hire lab technicians and other healthcare professionals to assist during busy times. General and psychiatric hospitals. Both of these hospitals often need temporary help during times of increased volume or staffing shortages. Insurance Companies. People don't often think of an insurance company as a corporation that would need healthcare employees. But when it comes time to review medical records for insurance claims a nursing professional is often needed. A healthcare staffing firm like Clinical One that specializes in healthcare temp jobs can help you in your search. Since they already have relationships established with employers, they can help you find jobs much quicker. And, you'll get access to temporary jobs that aren't available on traditional job boards. Tip: Tips for Breaking into Healthcare Management Healthcare management jobs are on the rise, with a jump of 30% between And in the future, the growth is expected to continue. Those interested in this profession will need to get the required education and skills to land a position. Read on to learn tips for breaking into healthcare management. Get an advanced degree in healthcare management. Although it's possible to get into healthcare management with a bachelor's degree, a master's degree in healthcare management will expand your opportunities and income potential. Network with local hospitals. The majority of healthcare management positions are with hospitals, which makes networking with these professionals important. If you don't currently work in a hospital, get involved with your local professional organizations to get networks on the inside of these organizations. Make contact with a healthcare staffing firm. These companies specialize in placing healthcare management professionals, which makes it easier to land a position. And if you need more experience, they can place you in positions to help you get that experience. Category: Hospital Jobs Subcategory: Hospital Jobs Tip: 5 Ways to Find Hospital Job Openings Whether you are just starting your job search, or have been at it for months, it helps to have a few tips. Using a multi-pronged approach to landing hospital jobs can expedite the time it takes to find the right job. Social Networking. The internet has opened up new and creative ways for hospital workers to network. Social networking sites like Facebook allow you access to groups specific to your industry, online recommendations, and provide the ability to tap into unadvertised hospital positions. Direct marketing to recruiters. Get creative and generate a marketing campaign of your own for hospital work. Freshen up your resume, and then contact recruiters at staffing agencies to set-up informational meetings. Even if they don't have positions right away,

4 making a contact will serve you well in the future. Look for similar positions. When a job position is formally posted, you may have hundreds, and even thousands of competitors. However, finding unadvertised positions will narrow the competition, and ultimately make landing a job much easier. For example, instead of looking for nurse practitioner positions, look for lab tech, physician and other hospital related jobs. Then, contact the recruiter and ask if they're hiring for nurse practitioners in the near future. Taking advantage of professional organizations. Join local professional organizations to make contacts in your community. Make sure to keep active in the organization, that way, when you're ready to find a new job, contacts are only a quick phone call away. Partner with a staffing firm. And finally, don't forget to partner with a staffing firm. Companies like Clinical One can help you find positions that aren't available on traditional job boards. Tip: Choosing a Hospital Interview Wardrobe Whether you wear scrubs or a suit to work, candidates for hospital jobs often wonder what should I wear to my interview? Since making a good first impression can help secure a job offer, it's important to choose wardrobe wisely. Read on to learn tips for choosing the perfect interview outfit. Err on the side of being conservative. If you ask any recruiter, they will tell you: it's better to be overdressed then underdressed. So, if you're not sure what to wear, dust off that old suit (or even better, splurge on a new one), and you'll be in good shape. Take advantage of your inside contacts. Your best resource in finding out what's interview appropriate, is asking a current employee. If you know someone who works for the hiring company, ask about the manager's style. Are they casual or more formal? Finding this out ahead of time will help you make the right wardrobe decisions. If you haven't already, partner with a staffing firm. A company that specializes in filling hospital jobs is your best resource. Staffing companies know exactly what the employer's expectations are for a candidate's wardrobe. Tip: Hospital Job Interview Blunders When applying for hospital jobs, it's exciting to get an interview request. But before stepping into the hospital recruiting department, it's important to avoid common interview blunders that may cost you the job. Here are a few pointers to get you started. Don't focus on the negative. Don't get blindsided by questions such as have you ever quit a job or have you ever dropped a class. If you've made mistakes in the past, turn those experiences into positives. Discuss what you learned and applied from any mistakes. Be prepared to discuss your grades. If you're applying for a hospital job right out of college and have poor grades, be prepared to discuss those. Then, focus quickly on your proven abilities in practical knowledge. For example, you may have completed an internship and have a glowing recommendation about supervisor. Don't forget to follow-up. Keep your name at the top of the pile with timely follow-up. This means, sending a thank you note within 24 hours of the interview, and calling a few days later to answer any additional questions the recruiter may have.

5 Tip: Hospital Job Outlook: 5 Careers with Growing Demand With the aging population on the rise, hospital jobs are booming, even when other sectors are facing cuts. If you haven't decided which career path to take yet, consider five hospital jobs that are increasing employment by at least 20% by Registered Nurse. Registered nurses work alongside doctors to implement patient treatment plans, and ensure comfort while staying at the hospital. With more then 587,000 new jobs anticipated by 2016, the demand for registered nurses is on the rise. Medical Assistant. Medical assistants in a hospital environment can expect to room patients and manage administrative and clinical tasks to support the patient plan of action. Job growth for this occupation is expected to increase 27% by Pharmacy Technician. These individuals assistant pharmacists with providing medication to hospital patients. Job security is strong, with job growth reaching 27% by Medical Records Technician. This hospital job will entail maintaining thousands, and even millions of healthcare documents including: x-rays, lab tests, and treatment plans. Job growth should reach 27% by Physical Therapist. As a physical therapist, you will work with a variety of patients, from small children to the elderly. And as the population ages, this occupation is expected to grow 27% by Tip: Hospital Jobs: Getting Ahead of the Competition If you've applied to dozens of jobs without any response, it's time for a few simple tricks to redeem your resume from the maybe pile. Simple actions like working your network and refreshing your resume can make a huge difference. The first step in getting ahead of the competition is to maximize your networking opportunities. If you belong to professional organizations, brainstorm contacts you have that work for the hiring hospital. Then, contact those individuals and ask if they're willing to personally hand in your resume. Also, don't forget to refresh your resume before handing it over. A recruiter will spend seconds on a resume, making a first impression more important than ever. A quick trick to catching the reader's attention, is putting your most impressive accomplishments in the first paragraph of the page. And finally, don't forget to partner with a recruiting firm like ClinicalOne.com. Companies that are highly specialized in helping candidates find hospital jobs have access to positions that aren't available on mainstream job boards. Tip: Hospital Jobs: Mastering the Phone Interview Phone interviews for hospital jobs can be tricky. Most interviews will take 30 minutes or less, giving you a short amount of time to leave a lasting impression. But fortunately, there are a few tips that can get you one step closer to landing the job. The first step in mastering a phone interview is to invest time in preparation. Create a small space where the interview will be conducted, and lay out your resume and a list of your most impressive accomplishments. And just because you're not meeting in person doesn't

6 mean you can wear sweats and a t-shirt. Dress up, it will help you feel more put together. Also, keep pets and other distractions out of the room. The goal is to give the hospital job recruiter the most professional impression possible. Barking dogs, background noises from TV, or a laundry machine going haywire will provide a huge distraction. And finally, avoid little pitfalls that can give an unfavorable impression. For example, don't interrupt the interviewer, provide direct answers and don't forget to close the deal for an in-person interview. Tip: Hospital Jobs: What to Know Before the Interview Even in the best of circumstances, interviewing for hospital jobs can be stressful. With a short amount of time to put your best foot forward, it helps to have a few tips. Read on to learn some of the most important items to master, before the big day. The first item to practice before the interview is your about me pitch. Typically the first few minutes of a hospital interview are dedicated to getting to know more about you. Make sure to practice this. Think about something interesting on your resume, qualifications, or anything that distinguishes you from other applicants. The important point to remember is keeping conversation light during this time. Also, make sure to think about your goals before your interview. This question may come up, and it's important to address it directly. When figuring this out, think about your immediate objectives, and how those would benefit the hiring hospital. And finally, don't forget to research the hospital thoroughly before the interview. This will help shape your interview responses to the hospital's mission, vision and other special needs. Tip: Resume Tips for Landing a Hospital Job Whether you're applying for a surgeon position or nursing position, creating an eye catching resume is important. Oftentimes, candidates lose the recruiters interest within seconds. Learn a few tips to avoid this common pitfall when applying for hospital jobs. Include letters of recommendation. If your current resume includes something like recommendations available upon request, it's time to rethink this strategy. Including those letters with the resume packet will make a better case for your candidacy. When including letters, make sure they are one page or less, and relate closely to the position you're applying to. Don't bury important achievements in your resume. Most recruiters spend seconds skimming a resume to determine if you'll land an interview. The secret to catching their attention is including your most compelling information in the first third of your resume. This will draw the reader into your resume, and entice them to call you. Get rid of boring resume paper. If you want to blend in with other candidates, choose a heavyweight white bond paper. But if you want to stand out, try choosing something less tradition, like a professional gray paper. Category: Nurse Practioner Careers

7 Subcategory: Nurse Practioner Careers Tip: Nurse Practitioner Cover Letter Basics Even if a position doesn't require a cover letter, it's a wise idea to include it. When you can't meet with a recruiter in person, a cover letter gives you an opportunity to put your best foot forward. But, creating a letter that entices the hiring manager to invite you for an interview can be tricky. Read on to learn tips for creating a cover letter. In the first paragraph of your cover letter, make sure to state that you're applying to nurse practitioner jobs with the company. If you're transitioning from working in a different type of environment, include a short sentence after your introduction sentence. For example, "After working in a hospital environment for several years, I'm excited to have an opportunity to work in a smaller practice and getting to know patients better." Then, quickly highlight qualifications that relate to the job position. Typically, you should only list 2-3 that most closely match the nurse practitioner employment listing. The final paragraph of your cover letter should entice the hiring manager to schedule an interview. Make sure to include your contact information, so the manager can easily give you a call. Tip: Tips for Becoming a Nurse Practitioner During the 1960s, the nation had a physician shortage, which created the position of Nurse Practitioner. These professionals provide care very similar to physicians, diagnosing and treating conditions. Currently, the demand for Nurse Practitioners is on the rise, and these individuals earn a generous wage, about $86,486 annually according to the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners (2009). Read on to learn tips for becoming a nurse practitioner. Get a bachelor's degree. The first step in becoming a Nurse Practitioner is earning a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution. Most students earn their registered nursing destination, and then practice for a few years before entering a nurse practitioner program. Apply to Master's Programs. After you have a few years of experience under your belt, apply to a Master's Degree in Nursing. During this course of study, you'll learn how to diagnosis and care for patients in more detail than undergraduate programs. These programs typically last about two years, on a full-time track. Get licensed with your state. Once you've completed your Master's degree, contact your state's Board of Nursing to get licensed. Most states require that applicants pass a state administered exam and have several years of nursing experience before earning a nurse practitioner licensure. Also, don't forget to partner with a recruiting firm like ClinicalOne.com. Since staffing firms already have relationships established with employers, they can making it much easier to land nurse practitioner jobs. Tip: Tips for Earning a Doctor of Nursing Practice Degree While nurse practitioners are only required to have a Master's degree and licensure in

8 their state, advanced education can provide additional opportunities and more income. A Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree provides nurse practitioners with credentials that are similar to physicians, clinical psychologists and dentists. Read on to learn more about earning this degree. DNP programs typically require a student study 3-4 years after completing their bachelor of nursing program. During this time nurse practitioners will learn how to diagnosis and clinically manage patient illness. They will also need to sit for their state exam to gain certification. With this degree, you can expect a salary bump of about $20,000. And remember, when looking for nurse practitioner employment, make sure to partner with a great staffing firm. Since they already have relationships established with employers, it makes it much easier to land a job. Category: Nursing Careers Subcategory: Nursing Careers Tip: Benefits of Nursing Per Diem Jobs If you're looking for a nursing job that offers more flexibility, per diem nursing is a nice alternative. These positions allow you more control over your work schedule and can supplement income on your full-time nursing gig. Read on to learn the benefits of nursing per diem jobs. Quick payments. With per diem jobs, you often get paid weekly for the work you've completed. Some companies will even allow payments to be posted directly to your bank account, which gives you access to funds quicker. Flexible work schedule. Per diem nursing allows professionals more flexibility with their schedules. Whether your goals are picking up an extra shift to pay for upcoming expenses or working part-time, per diem nursing provides you with more control over your schedule. Working per diem full-time. For individuals who don't want to be tied down to a permanent nursing position, yet want to work full-time hours, per diem nursing provides a nice alternative. Just partner with a firm that specializes in per diem staffing like Clinical One. They can help you connect with employers to find work that meets your scheduling and income goals. Tip: International Nursing Jobs: Places that Hire A career in international nursing provides an opportunity to travel all over the world, and often comes with an attractive compensation package. Contracts typically last 1-2 years, depending on the individual position. Read on to learn which countries commonly offer international nursing jobs. Check out New Zealand or Australia. To qualify for these nursing positions, you'll need to get your visa, travel insurance and take care of local licensing requirements. A staffing firm like Clinical One can assistant with these details. Consider becoming a Nurse in Singapore. These positions are typically 1-2 year contracts, and offer very attractive compensation and benefit packages. Typically, applicants will need to undergo a series of interviews, provide letters of

9 recommendations and pass a physical exam to qualify. Travel to the United Arab Emirates. Many of these positions are located in the city of Abu Dhabi, which has beautiful scenery and local sites. These positions offer generous salaries, living allowances and sometimes paid utilities. Tip: Massachusetts Nursing: Getting Ahead with Continuing Education The best part about being a registered nurse is that you have many opportunities to move into specialties such as labor and delivery, oncology, pediatrics and much more. But to make your resume attractive for these positions, it helps to have a few tips. Read on to learn strategies for landing specialized Massachusetts nursing jobs. Surgical Nursing Summits. If you're interested in transitioning into a surgery environment, check out organizations like the Massachusetts Nurses Association (MNA). They offer surgical nursing summits, allowing you to learn about assessment and considerations for surgical situations. Labor and Delivery options. The MNA also offers courses that can help you break into popular specialties, like labor and delivery. Getting a few of these classes under your belt will make your application look much more attractive. Talk with a recruiter. If you want to transition into a different specialty, talk with a staffing firm like Clinical One. Since they specialize in Massachusetts nursing jobs, they can help you make your resume more attractive to future employers. Tip: Mastering Nursing Interview Questions Securing a nursing interview is an exciting accomplishment. However, it is often a very stressful event. Preparation can make the interview process go smoothly, allowing you to put your best foot forward. Read on to learn tips for mastering interview questions. Handling pressure. You can expect to be asked questions that gauge your ability to handle pressure. Be prepared to give specific examples of situations that required you to deal with managing stressful situations. Explain gaps in employment. If you have gaps on your nursing resume, you will be expected to provide a brief explanation. Make sure to bring the discussion back to your track record and accomplishments. Discuss why you want to work at the facility. Hiring managers will ask you the question, Why do you want to work at our organization? This is your chance to showcase that you've done your homework on the facility. Discuss what you like about their mission and how they're dedicated to patients. Don't forget to talk with a staffing firm like Clinical One. Since they understand the employer's hiring needs, they can give you interviewing tips. Tip: Tips for Becoming a Nurse According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the growth for nursing is expected to rise 23% by This means the addition of 587,000 new jobs for nurses. Read on to learn more about how to become a nurse and find permanent, travel, or contract nursing positions. Associate's Degree in Nursing. Earning this 2-year degree will prepare you for entry-level nursing positions. There are currently over 800 of these programs

10 nationwide, which are typically offered at community or junior colleges. Many of these professionals continue on to earn a bachelor's degree, providing access to more opportunities. Bachelor's of Science in Nursing. This is a 4-year program that prepares students to become registered nurses. There are currently over 700 nursing programs nationwide. Although this program takes longer than an associate's degree, you'll have access to more career opportunities. Before entering a program, check with your state nursing board. This will ensure the program qualifies for licensure in your state. And once you've completed the program, taking a state administered exam will prepare you to practice nursing in your state. Also, make sure to partner with a staffing firm like Clinical One that specializes in placing nurses in permanent, travel, per diem, and contract positions across the US. They can help you access jobs that aren't available on mainstream job boards. Tip: Tips for Finding Massachusetts Nursing Jobs In the state of Massachusetts, the job outlook for nursing is excellent, growing faster than other occupations. While there are many opportunities available, it helps to know where to look for these positions. For example, even if a hospital doesn't have a job posting, making contacts with recruiters can help you tap into unadvertised positions. Read on to learn tips for finding Massachusetts nursing jobs. Check out Psychiatric Nursing Positions. These positions, which are typically located in acute care hospitals, often post jobs for nurses. Emergency Room Positions. Emergency Rooms all over the state of Massachusetts regularly hire nurses. Even if a company isn't hiring, send your resume to a recruiter because new positions open regularly. Talk with staffing firms who specialize in Massachusetts nursing jobs. Companies like Clinical One have relationships established with employers across the state. Staffing firms can also help you find positions that fit your special interests and income goals. Tip: Tips for Finding Temporary Nursing Jobs Whether you want more flexibility, or need work while looking for full-time employment, temporary nursing is a great option. It allows you an opportunity to earn a nice wage while enjoying the flexibility of choosing what hours you're available. Read on to learn tips for finding temporary nursing jobs. Partner with a staffing firm. Companies like Clinical One specialize in temporary nursing jobs, including per diem, travel, and contract positions. And since they already have relationships established with employers, it makes finding a job much easier. Spread the word that you're interested in temporary positions. If you're involved in professional associations, network and ask about employers that hire temporary nurses. This will allow you to tap into unadvertised positions in your community. Talk with hospital recruiters. These companies constantly hire temporary nurses, and having your information on file can help you land a position. Talk about benefits. Just because the position is temporary doesn't mean you can't negotiate benefits. Ask if the company is willing to offer a health, dental, and vision plan while you're working.

11 Tip: Tips for Landing International Nursing Jobs With a global nursing shortage, there's no time better than now to launch an international nursing career. These opportunities provide the ability to travel all over the world while gaining valuable career experience. Read on to learn tips for landing international nursing jobs. Get experience under your belt. The types of nursing positions you're offered will depend on your background and experience. So, before applying to international nursing jobs, make sure to get a few years of experience. Become fluent in a language. If the only language you speak is English, it will limit the opportunities available to you. Determine where you want to work, and then take a few language courses. Talk with staffing firms. Firms that specialize in international nursing jobs like Clinical One can evaluate your experience and interests and provide access to jobs that aren't available other places. Gather the required information. Make sure to have copies of your license and any other information recommended by the staffing firm. This will allow you to be better prepared when the job offers roll in. Category: Occupational Therapist Career Subcategory: Occupational Therapist Career Tip: Occupational Therapist Jobs: Determining your Salary Range Occupational therapists earn a generous wage, typically from about $50,213-$61,233 annually. However, determining where you fit into the salary range is important. Having this information ironed out before getting a job offer will ensure you're better prepared to negotiate. Read on to learn tips for determining your salary range. Experience level. According to payscale.com, entry-level occupational therapists will earn approximately $50,213 annually. Those with 5-20 years of experience will earn $56,506-$61,233 annually. Employment sector. Those working in franchises typically earn the least, at about $48,000 annually. Those with occupational therapist jobs in school districts or hospitals often earn a higher wage, about $52,129-$55,482 annually. Geographic location. Geographic location also plays a major role in your salary range. For example, jobs in California typically pay higher than positions in Boston. When looking for occupational therapy employment, make sure to partner with a staffing firm like Clinical Once. They work closely with hiring employers and can help you find positions that meet both your income and career goals. Tip: Occupational Therapy Jobs: Embarrassing Interview Blunders to Avoid Getting an interview for an occupational therapist job is exciting. But after you've heard the big news, it's time to hunker down and prepare for the big day. Read on to learn three interview blunders to avoid. Side-stepping these mistakes might just save you

12 embarrassment when interviewing for jobs. Wearing too much jewelry, perfume or makeup. During an interview, it's important to ensure the hiring manager is listening to what you're saying. These distractions can prevent the hiring manager from taking you seriously. Not practicing for the interview. There are some basic interview questions an occupational therapist will be asked: how to develop a patient treatment plan, strengths and weaknesses and how you contributed to your former company. Get familiar with what you have to offer to the organization and highlight those points. Giving lengthy responses to questions. The phrase more is better doesn't apply to answering interview questions. Before answering a question, take a minute and formulate your response. This will allow you to be more concise when answering. Tip: Tips for Becoming an Occupational Therapist Occupational therapists focus on a variety of issues, including workplace ergonomics and rehabilitating disabled individuals. But before launching your career as an occupational therapist, it helps to have a few tips. Earn a bachelor's of science degree in occupational therapy. These programs are offered across the nation and prepare you for occupational therapy jobs. Take the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy (NBCOT) exam. Passing this test will make you a board-certified Occupational Therapist (OT). Determine what type of setting is right for you. Occupational therapists have many options including working in hospitals, doctors' offices or franchises. Focusing your job search will allow you to be more satisfied in your career. Also, remember to partner with a staffing firm who specializes in occupational therapist employment. Companies like Clinical One already have relationships established with companies hiring these professionals, making it easier to find a job. Tip: Tips for Handling an Occupational Therapist Phone Interview When applying to occupational therapist jobs, landing a phone interview is a stepping stone towards securing the position. But before you start that interview, it's important to have a few tips. Dress professionally. Even though a recruiter won't be able to see you, dressing professionally will make you more confident and ultimately, get you closer to an in-person interview. Prepare your workspace. Your phone interview workspace should be free of distractions. Have your resume and a list of your accomplishments in plain sight. Take your time answering questions. During your occupational therapist interview, make sure to take a couple of seconds before answering a question. This will allow your answers to be more concise, and avoid rambling on (which by the way, is a huge turnoff to recruiters). Close the deal. When your interview is concluding, make sure to ask for an in-person interview. Discuss your enthusiasm for the occupational therapist job, and ask about the next step in the process. Tip: Tips for Writing an Occupational Therapy Resume

13 In terms of your search for occupational therapist jobs, writing your resume is one of the most important time investments you can make. With only seconds to make a case for your candidacy, it helps to have a few tips. Read on to learn how to improve your resume. Get rid of boring resume paper. Recruiters will receive hundreds of resumes on plain white and cream resume paper. Instead, choose a light gray or mute blue color to be unique while still keeping it professional. Don't bury important accomplishments. If you just graduated from college, make sure to list your volunteer work or other important experiences in the first ¼ of the page. And for those more established in their careers, find ways to showcase your unique accomplishments. For example, have you helped improve the level of care provided to patients? Make finding credentials easy for recruiters. This is the first item recruiters must check off their list. Put this information with the header at the top of the page. Get away from task-oriented resumes. Instead, focus on how your actions improved results. For example, your work with developing treatment plans streamlined work for the entire office. Tip: Top Occupational Therapist Programs Choosing an occupational therapy program can be difficult. With dozens of programs across the nation, finding the right program can take time. Fortunately, U.S. News compiled a list of the top occupational therapy programs in the nation. 1. Boston University, Boston, MA 2. Washington University in St. Louis, St. Louis, MO 3. University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA 4. University of Illinois, Chicago, IL 5. Tufts University, Medford, MA 6. University of Kansas Medical Center, Kansas City, KS 7. University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, NC 8. Colorado State University, Fort Collins, CO 9. New York University, New York, NY 10. University of Pittsburg, Pittsburg, PA Once you've graduated from an occupational therapy program, make sure to partner with a staffing firm like Clinical One. Companies that specialize in occupational therapy jobs can help you find positions that meet your long-term career goals. Category: Physical Therapist Career Subcategory: Physical Therapist Career Tip: Mastering the Physical Therapist Job Application A physical therapist job application will determine if you land an interview or get put at the bottom of the resume stack. But before you break out your ball point pen, read on to learn a few tips for mastering the physical therapist job application. Attach a resume. Make sure to attach a formal resume to every job application. While some companies will require the completion of a standard application, including a resume will further detail your experience. Include letters of recommendation. If you've just graduated from

14 college, include letters of recommendation from college professors and internship supervisors. This will provide an opportunity to showcase your abilities. Avoid hand-writing the application. If the company provides an online application, make sure to type in the answers instead of hand writing. This will appear more professional and avoid embarrassing misspellings. Deliver the physical therapist job application in person. If possible, stop by the hiring company's human resources department and deliver the application. Ask if the hiring managers has a moment to discuss your application. The worst that can happen is the recruiter will say no. And in the best case scenario, you'll land an informal interview. Tip: Physical Therapist Job Interviews: Mistakes to Avoid After attending a few dead-end interviews, many physical therapist job candidates often wonder: why haven't I gotten a second interview? If you ask an experienced recruiter, they'll point you to four mistakes that can seal your fate. Read on to learn mistakes to avoid when attending physical therapy employment interviews. Don't wing it. When you were in college, did you ever give a presentation without preparing? If so, you know why winging it is a recipe for disaster. Practice with a close friend before the interview to iron out responses. This will make you appear more polished. Don't forget to make a list of your strengths and weaknesses. In your interview, you'll be asked about these attributes. Focus on your ability to create an effective treatment plan, and give examples of how you motivate patients. Don't talk too much. Talking too much, or too little, can be a deal-breaker for hiring managers. This can be avoided if you spend adequate time preparing and making answers direct and concise. Don't ask about compensation or benefits on the first interview. Save these issues for later in the interview process. Don't forget to ask for the job. Once the interview is complete, restate your interest in the position and ask about the next step. Tip: Physical Therapist Jobs: Building a Better Resume With only seconds to make a first impression, every word in your resume needs to count. Making a few small changes can save your resume from the do not call pile and land you an interview. Read on to learn tips for building a better resume. Tailor your career objectives to the industry. When applying for positions, stay away from generic resumes. Instead, tailor your resume to the specific industry. For example, if you're applying for a home care position, discuss your experience working with elderly patients. Make a list of accomplishments. Before you start work on your resume, make a list of your accomplishments. Choose items that are measurable, and show the positive results of your work. These items should be worked into the first ¼ of your resume. Ensure that qualifications are easy to spot. Before diving into reading your resume, the recruiter should be able to see your certifications and licensure information. Include this information next to your resume header. Send your resume to a staffing firm. These companies read dozens of resumes each day making them a huge resource. Make sure to contact staffing firms that specialize in physical therapist jobs,

15 like Clinical One. Tip: Physical Therapist Jobs: Tips for Advancing your Career Earning a promotion won't just give you an income boost; it provides a sense of accomplishment. But, landing these positions often takes preparation. Read on to learn tips for advancing your physical therapy career. Choose companies with advancement opportunities. It's often easier to get promoted within your own organization. When choosing a new company, select a sector with potential for future growth. For example, home care is expected to experience rapid growth because of the aging population. Create a development plan. A promotion to physical therapist director doesn't always happen overnight. Partner with your current manager to create a development plan. This will provide the training needed to position yourself for advancement. Partner with a staffing firm. Companies like Clinical One specialize in physical therapy employment. And they already have relationships established with employers, making it much easier to find opportunities for advancement. Tip: Physical Therapist Jobs: Top 3 Places to Find Jobs Whether you just graduated from college or have been practicing physical therapy for years, you may be wondering, Where are good places to look for jobs? Although trolling mainstream career boards may uncover a few jobs, tapping into unadvertised positions is much easier. Read on to learn the top three places to find physical therapy jobs. Home Health Care Facilities. These companies hire physical therapists regularly, and typically pay about $70,920 annually. Physician's Offices. Sometimes private practices will hire physical therapists to offer complimentary services. For example, an occupational and speech therapist and audiologists may work with physical therapists. You can expect to earn about $65,000 in these positions. Medical Hospitals. Check with local medical hospitals for physical therapy employment. They often recruit these professionals, and pay about $66,000 annually. Also, consider partnering with a staffing firm like Clinical One. Since they already have relationships established with employers, it makes finding physical therapy employment much easier. Tip: Tips for Determining a Physical Therapist Salary According to Salary.com, physical therapists can expect to earn $54,885 - $71,310 annually. However, the amount you earn will largely depend on your experience level and sector of employment. Here's a quick breakdown of what you can expect to earn by sector. Home Health Care Services. Individuals in this sector can expect to earn about $62,480 annually. Private Practices. Those working in private practices can expect to earn $60,564 annually. Hospitals. Positions in a hospital environment typically have many job openings, paying about $59,417 annually. Working for an athletic team. These physical therapists typically earn about $65,147 annually. Government sectors. Those working for the government can expect to earn about $66,803 annually. Also, when

16 looking for physical therapist jobs, make sure to partner with a staffing firm like Clinical One. They can help you find companies that meet both your professional and income goals. Tip: Tips for Getting an Advanced Physical Therapy Degree Earning your physical therapist degree is an exciting accomplishment. But many professionals are left wondering, What's next? Continuing your education doesn't just bring opportunities for advancement, it also provides more income potential. Those earning masters and doctorates of physical therapy can increase salaries by tens of thousands of dollars each year. Read on to learn how earning an advanced degree can help your physical therapy employment opportunities. Transitional Master's in Physical Therapy. This program helps physical therapists with a bachelor's degree earn their master's without repeating any previous curriculum. Most programs will take about 2 years to complete, and your income can jump up to $80,000 annually. Transitional Doctorate in Physical Therapy. This degree allows those with both a bachelor's and master's degree in physical therapy to earn a doctorate. Most programs will take 3-4 years to complete. With this degree, you can also expect to earn up to $7,000 more than a professional with a master's degree. And remember, don't forget to check with your state before enrolling in a program. If the course isn't approved by your state, it could compromise your ability to use the credentials. And finally, partner with a staffing firm to secure employment. Companies like Clinical One specialize in physical therapist jobs, giving you greater access to job opportunities. Tip: Tips for Writing a Better Physical Therapist Cover Letter Even if a physical therapist job application doesn't require it, writing a cover letter can score brownie points with the recruiter. It allows them to learn more about you before diving into your resume. Read on to learn tips for writing a better physical therapist cover letter. Choose the right paper. If you select a simple white or cream, your resume may blend in with other candidates. Instead, select a different color while still keeping it professional. Get to the point. When applying to physical therapist jobs, recruiters may receive hundreds of applicants each day, and they aren't all for physical therapist positions. Make sure to state which position you're applying for first. Focus on your qualifications. Most recruiters don't have time to read a lengthy biography about your career. Instead, make a concise list of qualifications to include in the cover letter. These highlights should be tailored to the specific physical therapist job you're applying to. Don't forget to discuss treatment plans. As a physical therapist, a large chunk of your work is based on the success of treatment plans. Make sure to highlight these successes in the letter. Call out special qualifications. When writing your cover letter, try to think like a recruiter: what makes you special? Stay away from anything generic, and focus on unique attributes that you bring to the table.

17 Category: Physician Assistant Careers Subcategory: Physician Assistant Careers Tip: Determining your Physician Assistant Salary Whether you just graduated from college or have several years of experience, determining your physician assistant salary is important. This will give you the ability to negotiate the best compensation package available. Read on to learn tips for determining your physician assistant salary. Evaluate the industry. When working in a physician assistant job, your salary will vary depending on the industry in which you work. For example, in a physician's office you'll earn approximately $74,160 annually, and an outpatient care facility will pay higher about $80,960 each year. Conduct a quick salary survey. Another factor in your compensation is geographic location. To determine salaries in your area, contact hospitals and local medical practices and ask for salary ranges. Partner with a staffing firm. Companies like Clinical One can help you determine an appropriate salary based on your education and experience level. Plus, they can help you find a position that will meet both your income and career goals. Tip: Preparing for a Career as a Physician Assistant Before launching your career as a physician assistant (PA), you'll need to take care of positioning yourself to get accepted to a program. This includes taking care of prerequisites and clinical requirements. Read on to learn tips for preparing yourself for employment in a physician assistant job. Take care of prerequisites. Most physician assistant programs require that applicants have the following prerequisites before applying: one year of general or cell biology, one year of microbiology, one year of inorganic chemistry, one year of human anatomy and physiology, and a course in developmental physiology and statistics. Ask about clinical experience. Some programs require up to 1,000 hours of clinical experience before entering a PA program. If you aren't currently working in the medical field, get creative. Volunteer experience and PA shadowing often counts. Secure financial aid. The cost of earning a PA degree isn't cheap, usually about $60,000 or more to complete the entire program. Before entering a program, check out financial aid and scholarship availability. Tip: Tips for Applying to Physician Assistant Programs Deciding to become a physician assistant is an important decision. But before applying to programs, it's helpful to have a few pointers. Read on to learn tips for applying to physician assistant programs. Gather important information. Before applying to physician assistant programs, gather important items such as references, official transcripts and a professional resume. Having this information compiled beforehand will streamline the application process. Apply to programs early. Sometimes, getting your

18 applications in early will give you a leg up on the competition. Some programs even allow early acceptance for early applicants. Check for testing requirements. Some programs require applicants to take special tests such as the GRE or a Pre-Admission Assessment. Get these requirements taken care of early so you can retake tests if needed. Once you've graduated from a program, make sure to partner with a staffing firm like Clinical One. They can help you access physician assistant jobs that aren't available on mainstream job boards. Tip: Tips for Becoming a Physician Assistant Physician Assistants are formally trained to assist in the diagnosing and preventative health care of patients, working under the supervision of a licensed physician. Many people who are interested in this career aren't sure where to start. Here are a few tips for launching your physician assistant career. Check out local programs. Most Physician Assistant programs are at community and vocation schools. You can also find these programs at military training centers. Typically, completing this program will take about two years attending full-time. Shadow a Physician Assistant. If you're unsure about this profession, contact a local hospital and ask if you can shadow a professional. This will give you the exposure needed to determine if it's the right career for you. Contact your state for certification requirements. Every state has different certification requirements, but generally you'll need to pass an examination and demonstrate your skills. Partner with a recruiting firm. Once you've graduated from your program, check out staffing firms that specialize in physician assistant jobs. Companies like Clinical One specialize in this profession, making it easier to find employment. Tip: Tips for Finding your First Physician Assistant Job You've attended school for two or more years, and now it's time to land your first physician assistant job. But you aren't sure where to start. Fortunately, there are many resources available, helping you land your first job sooner. Partner with your career services department. They have relationships established with employers that regularly post positions. Look through the career services current job listings, and ask what other organizations in your area hire regularly. This will allow you to contact these companies, and may give you access to unlisted positions. Talk with college professors. In this field, you'll have many college professors who have contacts in the medical community. Get to know your professors, and ask for ideas about which companies may be hiring. And if the professor has an inside contact, they may be able to help you get your foot in the door. Check out staffing firms. Companies like Clinical One specialize in physician assistant jobs and already have relationships established with employers. This may help you find a job sooner. Tip: Tips for Getting Certified as a Physician Assistant Once you've graduated from a physician assistant program, you'll need to secure