“I hate my job”.

“I need a career change”.

“I have no time to go back to school to focus on what I really want to do”.

Does this sound like you?  Are you looking for a change in your career but have no time to squeeze it in?

If you’ve said “yes” to any of the above, Trillium College has some exciting news to share.

Starting in January 2022, evening classes will begin for our Graduate Programs along with Business Management, Supply Chain Management & Logistics and Video Game Design. 

These programs will still be offered in the daytime, but to make them more accessible for working people and families, we have decided to offer them in the evenings too.

Gone are the days of being stuck forever in a job you don’t enjoy or feeling trapped at the bottom of the corporate ladder.  With Trillium College, you can literally keep up with your day job and providing for your family while working towards your new career in the evenings.

Our programs will run Monday to Friday from 6-10pm, all online and no weekends; which means that it is now within your grasp to make the changes you want to make and level up you career while still being able to work full-time or juggle your daily responsibilities.

Imagine being able to enjoy dinner with your family and then changing into your comfy clothes to take the first step to a brand new future, all from the comforts of your home. 

Our days are full; an income is a necessity; being there for your family is a priority but at the end of the day, what about you?

So, if you’ve dreamed about making a career change, or need to upgrade your skills to get that promotion, Trillium College is here to help.

Evening classes are filling up quickly, so contact one of our Career Coaches to find out more.

Life as a Pharmacy Assistant

Teresa Kelly has worked as a Pharmacy Assistant for 20 years.  Her first job came after finding an ad in the newspaper and applying for it.  She has jumped around to three pharmacies during that time, but she has never looked back.  

“I love this job,” she proudly laughs.  “I love my patients, I love who I work with and I just love being able to really get to know all of the people who come in on a personal level.”

Teresa has now earned a 9-5 position and an income of $30/hr.  

Her main focus is to help people.  

“People don’t come into the pharmacy when they are feeling well,” Teresa said, “They are here because they aren’t feeling great so you need to be a people person and a bit compassionate.”

Now it’s funny because I always assumed the Pharmacist ran the show; that was until I saw Teresa Kelly and her colleagues in action.

They do pretty much everything to make the Pharmacy operate.  “We are the Pharmacist’s sidekick,” Teresa joked, “we are like their right-hand man.”

Their daily tasks include everything from collecting the faxes that come in from the doctors to stocking and putting out all of the supplies, to making sure that the right inventory is coming in to fulfill prescriptions, to answering phones and patient questions, to following up with doctor offices about prescription renewals and dealing with insurance.  

I remember going into the Pharmacy about a month ago to fulfill a prescription and coming home all distraught because the prescription I had been given was NOT the one my doctor had ordered. I angrily picked up my phone to call the Pharmacy and give them a piece of my mind, but I was quickly talked off the ledge by the Pharmacy Assistant who informed me that I was given a generic drug.  

“A generic drug?”, I questioned.  “Why would I want a generic drug when that is not what my doctor prescribed?”

In a very calm voice, the Pharmacy Assistant on the other end informed me that a generic drug is a copy of a brand name drug. The generic drug is pharmaceutically equivalent to the brand name drug: it contains the identical medicinal ingredients, in the same amounts and in a similar dosage form. 

There may be many generic versions of the same brand name drug, and these are usually available at a lower cost.

Turns out they saved me $60 to take a drug that was exactly the same.

It was like carrying a Gucci knock-off bag and no one being the wiser!  

From that moment on I knew that my Pharmacy Assistant was watching out for my family and I. 

“We do have a lot of protocols in place,” Teresa emphasized, “as with all of the drugs and people’s health we need to have a lot of privacy and confidentiality in place.  We need to make sure we don’t breach anything as we are dealing with people’s very personal information and we know all about their health history.”

Teresa emphasized that with more and more drugs coming into the market there are always jobs available. 

“It is a very high demand job and if you are a good (pharmacy) assistant you can get a job anywhere,” she said.

The key to being a good assistant is to stick around.  This industry sees a lot of students coming in and out, so if you plan to stick around and learn a lot, then you will have great longevity in this field and never be in need of a position.

Teresa considers the job to be a ‘lifelong learning experience’.  Every day is different as you are always dealing with different patients and different ailments.  

Teresa is thrilled that she answered that newspaper ad 20 years ago and encourages anyone who likes to help people, is curious about how medications work and is detail oriented to give it a try.

“It’s a great job.  You learn so much every single day and after twenty years, I still have a fascination for how drugs work.”

Check out our Pharmacy Assistant program today!

How to Shine as a Personal Support Worker

Have you ever considered becoming a personal support worker?  I have, and after much reading and research, this is what I have learned, and I would love to share how to shine as a PSW with you…

A career in Personal Support Work looks both exciting and rewarding. No two days at work will ever be the same; I love that! Despite what seems like possible challenges that I could face in my job, it looks like an extremely fulfilling option where you can shine with potential. PSWs make a world of difference in the lives of their clients each day by providing them with the support they need. A helping hand, emotional support, and some company. Many clients look to their PSW’s for human interaction and for someone to chat with.

I believe that being a PSW is not going to be everyone’s cup of tea, there would need to be a lot of effort to find the right balance in this career. However, the people with huge hearts, extraordinary patience and empathy are incredibly successful at becoming certified Personal Support Workers and find happiness and fulfillment from this rewarding career. Many PSWs build lasting relationships with clients and feel a sense of accomplishment in their role. So, how does someone shine in a career as a PSW?

Shine by building meaningful connections with clients.

The key to being a successful PSW is by building professional but also empathetic relationships with clients. Paying attention to a client’s body language, visual, verbal, and non-verbal cues is very important. It will allow you to know if their care plan is meeting their needs. Some clients experience loneliness, especially in long-term or end of life care. You can shine by being a source of companionship and conversation.

Stay positive.

Clients who are around a positive influence are more likely to think positively. Positive thinking has been linked to health benefits such as decreased stress, lowered depression, and an overall better physical and mental well-being. Adjusting your attitude and taking responsibility for how you react in situations can benefit the client’s health (and your own).

Shine by taking time for yourself.

Are you feeling exhausted, stressed, or drained? Being a PSW is a demanding career that requires physical and mental strength and a growth mindset. Always exercising this strength can deplete your energy stores. Remembering to manage yourself and taking the time to rest and refresh, will allow you to perform your job more effectively and continue to shine.

Treat everyone with respect.

Each client has their own story and deserves to be treated with respect. Despite being in a vulnerable position, clients are human beings who have thoughts, feelings, dreams, and aspirations. Respecting your client will ensure client-centred care and mutual respect.

I know I am ready to shine and become a front line hero in a fulfilling career as a Personal Support Worker, are you? Join an industry that is in high demand and start caring and supporting those who need it most. As a graduate of Trillium College’s PSW program, you may find employment in a variety of settings, including long-term care facilities, home care agencies, senior citizens’ recreation centers, hospitals, group homes, and respite and palliative care centers. We are thankful for Personal Support Workers who make a difference! Fill out the form below and commit to your new career today!

A Day in The Life of a Medical Office Assistant

Our Medical Office Assistant diploma program prepares students for a career in medical administration. In light of the COVID-19 outbreak , the medical field is experiencing rapid growth, creating demand for a huge range of careers in medical administration.

Our graduates find well-paying jobs in offices, clinics, and hospitals as:

Administrative assistants

Office managers

Medical transcriptionists

Medical billing clerks

Unit/ward clerks

Patient registration clerks

But what does a typical day in the life of a medical office assistant look like? Given the scope of job options, there are many possibilities. Our example graduate, Laura, can fill in the details of what an average workday for her looks like. Although some of the details might change, any job as a medical office assistant will include similar tasks and responsibilities.

A Day in the Life: Laura Smith, Clinic Office Manager

Laura is a 29-year-old graduate who works full-time as Dr. Greene’s office manager. Dr. Greene is a busy cardiologist who splits her time between her private office, where Laura has worked for three years, and the local hospital. Laura’s role is to care for all clerical aspects of Dr. Greene’s practice, while Dr. Greene’s nurse looks after clinical aspects.

8:00 am: Laura arrives at the office, ahead of other staff. She unlocks the door, turns off the alarm and turns on all the computers and tablets. She records a new voicemail stating today’s availability. Laura listens to voicemail messages and checks office email, taking note of any cancellations or urgent messages. She calls patients from her waiting list to fill any same-day cancellation slots.

8:30 am: Greets Doctor Greene and the office nurse as they arrive, updating them on the day’s schedule and any urgent patient messages.

9:00 am: Finally, Laura greets the first patient as he arrives. She confirms his demographics and OHIP information is up-to-date in medical record software. After discovering the patient had recent blood work done that is not on his file, she calls the lab to have it sent over immediately before the doctor sees him.

9:30 am: Then Laura continues registering patients as they arrive. In between patient arrivals, she processes all documents that have arrived since the last work day. She files lab work electronically in patients’ electronic medical records, prints off prescription renewals for the doctor to sign, and sets aside referral requests to deal with later in the day.

10:00 am: The phone is ringing off the hook. Calls include ones from a pharmacist who needs a Limited Use code for a prescription the doctor just sent in, an Emergency Room nurse who is caring for one of Dr. Greene’s patients, and another doctor who wants to speak with Dr. Greene about a mutual patient.

11:00 am: Laura registers a first-time patient and creates electronic medical record for her. She helps the patient fill out basic paperwork and enter her demographics and allergies into her medical record. The new patient forgot her lengthy list of medications at home, so Laura calls her pharmacy to get a list sent over right away for the doctor’s review.

12:00 pm: Lunchtime.

12:30 pm: Next, Laura calls tomorrow’s patients to remind them of their appointments. She leaves messages for any who do not answer, reminding them to bring their health card and list of medications.

1:30 pm: Now it’s time to processes referrals. Laura sorts referrals by urgency, according to office guidelines. She finds appointments for each patient, sending their appointment times and instructions to their referring doctor.

2:30 pm: After finding out that Dr. Greene is attending a conference next Friday that she forgot to mention, Laura begins rescheduling all of that day’s patients. There are few openings in the doctor’s schedule, so this task requires patience and problem-solving.

3:30 pm: Unfortunately a patient arrives without an appointment, explaining that he urgently needs to see the doctor. After asking the patient questions and discussing the situation discreetly with the office nurse, Laura adds him to the day’s schedule.

4:30 pm: However, although the patients should all be gone by now, there are still a few patients to be seen. The doctor is running overtime and patients are restless in the waiting room. Laura stays until all patients are seen, making their follow-up appointments and booking any tests the doctor ordered for them.

5:30 pm: After recording a new voicemail stating that the office is now closed and checking the office e-mail one last time, Laura finishes her workday by turning off the computers and lights, setting the alarm and locking the door.

After reading what a typical day for Laura looks like, it’s clear that working as a medical office assistant is a demanding profession that requires:

Multitasking

Attention to detail

Problem-solving skills

Excellent people skills

A career as a medical office assistant can be immensely rewarding. Medical office assistants act as a liaison between patients who need help and the practitioners who can offer that help. They assist people in their most vulnerable moments and help them navigate the healthcare system. Medical office assistants often make the difference between a patient falling through the cracks or getting the help they need, when they need it.

If you love people, enjoy being organized, and want to make a difference, then a career as a medical office assistant might be the perfect fit for you!

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.