5 Rewarding Benefits of Our Massage Therapist Program

If you are someone who enjoys helping others, wants to make a difference, has patience, and is a kinesthetic learner, then this may be the program for you. Becoming a massage therapist has many rewarding benefits that can lead to a fulfilling and successful career!

Here are five reasons why you should become a Massage Therapist today.

One: Hands-On Experience

While learning in-class, students gain an incredible amount of knowledge that aids in their skills applications while working closely with their instructors. Besides the in-depth training, students also get to experience working with the public in student clinics and learn to network at community outreach events. As a result, students have ample practical experience to begin working as a massage therapist.

Two: Designated Title

Upon meeting and completing all of their program requirements, Trillium College forwards successful graduate names as a recommendation to apply to challenge the provincial certification examination. Upon passing, students can gain licensure with the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario (CMTO). Once registered with the CMTO as a regulated health practitioner, they can use the protected title RMT or MT. 

Three: Work Environment

Massage therapists can choose to work in a variety of places.

Here are a few examples of where an RMT may find employment in:

• Home Practice
• Multi-disciplinary clinics
• Hotels/ cruise ships / destination resorts
• Fitness centers
• Mobile massage therapy

Four: Well Rounded Understanding of the Human Body

Students who enroll in Trillium’s Massage Therapy program have the opportunity to understand the body as a whole, creating a robust scientific basis to make truly informed decisions for treating clients and their own physical and mental health. 

Five: Helping Others

Many massage therapists commit to creating a positive and supporting environment for themselves and others. This type of environment and formal training will give you the ability to provide holistic, client-centered treatments. 

If you think studying Massage Therapy is for you, check out The Massage Therapy Diploma Program to find out more details and register today! Or, if you’re having trouble deciding which career path is right for you, chat with one of our Career Coaches who are available any time to discuss your future career. 

Virtual Learning as a Trillium College Student

Who would have thought that earning a college diploma would simply require me to log in and learn from home? It’s easy, it’s interesting, and it’s investing in my future, all from the comforts of my living room.

I didn’t have to uproot myself, figure out transportation, or even parking.

I didn’t even have to take on added expenses to buy new clothes or a new backpack… I’ve saved a ton of money by enrolling at Trillium.

My career path is clear, and my future is already looking brighter by simply logging in to my online learning platform.

Four mornings a week, I’m greeted by my instructor, I open up the chat to say hello to my classmates, and the live teaching begins. This wasn’t what I (or any of us for that matter) had planned on for my ‘college years’, but I’m able to remain focused and get my work done, usually while nibbling snacks and wearing my slippers.

Half the time, I only dress from the waist up and keep my pajama pants on for comfort, but I have to remember to turn my zoom video off before I stand up so no one notices. Let me tell you, that is NOT the case for some of my classmates- LOL!

Having a live instructor in a virtual learning environment to deliver all theory-based learning somehow makes the online experience feel like a real, in-person classroom.

Lectures move at a normal pace, and it feels almost as if I have a private instructor since all our computers are muted to keep the lectures free from distraction and background noise until participation is required.

To make it fun, I’ve even started a weekly tally for how many times someone says, “we can’t hear you, you’re on mute.” If I could put a toonie in a bin every time I heard that phrase, I might just be able to buy the college when this is all done.

But all kidding aside, I’ve never been someone who thrives under pressure. I hated when an instructor would call on me, and then all eyes in the classroom would be staring straight at me.

Being at home, being relaxed, and in my own personal space allows me to feel more confident learning the material and doing the assignments and tests.

The bonus is that I will complete my course faster than if I’d gone to a public college, and because of the condensed schedule, I will be able to get out into the workforce a lot faster than if I’d made another choice.

Now, I have yet to see a naked human run through the screen or hear a child singing at the top of their lungs in the background during a lecture like some online blogs profess, but there have been many funny moments as we all adapt to virtual classrooms and the magic that is Zoom.

I am by no means saying this has been a walk in the park. With my loss of part-time employment when the pandemic first hit, I didn’t have extra income or savings to pay for my courses, but my Career Coach helped me realize my tuition was an investment in my future. A Trillium College Student Finance Planner helped me to secure the funding necessary to complete my course; it was so helpful to have someone to help me navigate through all the paperwork. With the schedule being the same start and end times each day, it allows me to take on a part-time job in the evenings, and I don’t feel like I’m falling behind as I know I can fit everything in, including studying.

Another advantage of instructor-led virtual learning and one of the greatest reliefs during this pandemic is that I don’t have to wear a mask, I don’t have to wash my hands ten times an hour, and I’m 100% safe in my own home.

When my alarm goes off every morning, I simply head downstairs, pour a bowl of cereal and make myself a coffee while I boot up my computer and log in. Sure there have been times where the instructor will talk for a few minutes only to realize his mic was muted, or someone accidentally spills coffee on their keyboard and lets out a shriek of horror, but by the end of class, we’ve accomplished our learning objectives and that’s what matters most to me.

In a world that is moving so quickly with goods circulating at a rapid pace, the role of the Supply Chain Manager (SCM) is crucial.  

With the global pandemic we are all living in, supply chains have been severely disrupted, and it has had a huge impact on companies around the world. Sure, we have all heard this on whatever news channel we tune into, and those of us that do the grocery shopping have all experienced stock shortages because of so many delivery restrictions. I mean, who will ever forget the great toilet paper shortage of March 2020?!  

But what is supply chain management really?  

The basic purpose of the supply chain is to fulfil demand, drive customer value, improve responsiveness, facilitate financial success, and build a good network. Supply chain management is the lifeline of an organization and can cause a company to succeed or fail.  

As a kid, I remember playing this old-school computer game called lemonade stand, where we had to make a prediction based on supply and demand. We were provided the day of the week and the weather and then we had to decide how much sugar, how many lemons and how many cups we wanted to buy. Then we had to make our purchase and hope for a profit. It was a fun game and at the time I did not realize that I was learning about a supply chain.  

Supply chain management is necessary for the foundation of all societies. Today’s markets are highly competitive, and consumers are looking for the best value and reliability. Manufacturers and retailers depend on SCMs to design networks that meet customer service goals at the least total cost. To sum it up, efficient supply chains enable a firm to be more competitive in the marketplace and the Supply Chain Manager’s main goal is to decrease the total supply chain cost.

So, what makes a successful SCM?

The ability to adapt to the times, think outside the box and to embrace new technologies and ideas are definitely skills supply chain wannabes should hone.

How much do SCMs earn?

Are you sitting down….? The mean Canadian salary for an SCM with a college diploma was $94,961 in 2019. The Canadian Annual Supply Chain Survey 2019 estimates that there are SIX open Supply Chain positions to fill for each graduate with supply chain skills. It is a candidate’s market and companies are finding it harder than ever to source the best talent. Supply Professional says that the market is more candidate-driven than it has been at any point since the financial crisis in 2008!

What would I do if I were you?

Call a Trillium College Career Coach today to find out how soon you can start the Supply Chain Management & Logistics program!

Articles & Websites:

• https://www.supplychaincanada.com/media/files/2019-annual-survey-of-the-canadian-supply-chain-professional.pdf
• supplypro.ca

Bob Inksetter used to work in a fancy kitchen, whipping up tasty meals that would make your mouth water.  He was passionate about food, but woke up one day and felt that he needed more.  He wanted to give back, to make a difference and help change lives. So; he took a leap of faith and enrolled in a Community and Developmental service worker program, graduated, started working and hasn’t looked back since.  

“As a chef I hit the wall with no upward movement that I could see in my career.  I was looking for a change and wanted something more fulfilling with more mobility.  I asked myself, What’s my purpose?  How do I want to leave the world?  I knew that when I checked out I wanted to leave the world a little bit better…I guess it was an age thing, but I knew I could do something fulfilling.”

Being a Community and/or Developmental service worker is a calling. It’s a passion for helping people from all walks of life and a desire to make a direct impact on people’s lives. The paycheque isn’t six figures but the job satisfaction is second to none.

Inksetter works as a family support worker at the Good Sheppard in Hamilton, ON.  His main focus is homelessness; helping his clients find housing after difficult situations. The Good Sheppard is the only family shelter in Hamilton meaning that they help with shelter for families that have a mother, father and children or a father led family. 

“It’s the only option for dads,” Inksetter says, “so that’s kind of sad and yet cool to be a part of at the same time.”

“I’m not gonna lie,” Inksetter comments, “there are days it is really tough,” but he then went on to say that one day in particular will always stand out to him.  

“We were helping this really young family try to find housing.  The mom was only 16 and the dad was 18.  They had experienced a lot of trauma and barriers, but they just wanted to live as a family.  It took a long time, but eventually we got them a house.  Our whole office had a celebration, lots of high fives were passed around.  It was a great day to be able to give them a start.”

Lindsay Riehl, who considers herself a human services advocate, has worked as a community service worker for a decade.

“You have to have a really strong will and you need to know your limits,” she explains.  

“You understand how lucky you are because after a hard day, least we can it behind and go home to our families, eat a meal and turn on the tv to unwind; something that our clients don’t usually have the means to do. It can be hard to see the situations people are living in, but you just learn to turn it off as a professional,” Riehl explains.

Riehl worked most of her career with brain injury patients; helping them to integrate back into the world and get back on their feet. 

 “When I can walk into a room, sense my client’s mood and diffuse a situation, I find that very rewarding,” she explains.

Riehl has since moved on to the developmental side of service work helping people with physical, mental or intellectual development disabilities function better in the classroom, at work or in their day-to-day life and is enjoying the change.  

“There is so much room for growth,” she explains, “New techniques, new ways to get involved in making positive change, there are so many possibilities.”

Riehl admits that there are hard days, but the bottom line is that there are many more days that you can go home knowing you have made a real difference.

Both Inksetter and Riehl admit that one down side to service work is burn out, it can be so hard to leave the work at work, but you learn to compartmentalize your emotions and do what needs to be done during working hours only. 

If you can identify with both Inksetter and Riehl as being someone who wakes up thinking, “How am I going to make this world just a little bit better for someone else today?”, then you are definitely the type of person who would excel in a career as Community and/or Developmental Service Worker, click here to learn 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!

COVID-19 Update #7

This update is to speak to the communication regarding the provincial phased plan to re-opening. 

At this time, post-secondary schools are not part of the re-opening plan, including Private Career Colleges. We will continue to complete our theory elements of the programs online, and all practical elements will be scheduled when permitted to do so. Programs that do not have a practical element will remain online for the foreseeable future. 

We recognize that you may be feeling anxious about the future and would like to have timelines to follow, however, that is not a possibility at this time. 

We will continue to keep everyone updated through our communication channels. Please remember that if there are no immediate communications it is because there have been no changes to any of our plans and there is nothing to share. We appreciate your continued patience and professionalism as we wait for more government approvals.

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!

Returning to School as A Mature Student

You have been working for a couple of years as a mature adult, but you do not feel satisfied with the work that you are doing or the position that you’re in. You would love to find a career that makes going to work exciting and fulfilling, but you are not sure where to begin. So, what do you do? The thought of returning starting over and going back to class may seem daunting. You may be worried about what others will think of you or if you will succeed. The reality is, returning back to school is not as intimidating as you may think. It is never too late to better yourself and to make a decision that will have a positive and lasting impact on your life.

What are the benefits of going back to school as a mature student?

Returning with Mature Perspective

Mature students returning to obtain education have a positive attitude toward schoolwork. They are looking to get the most out of their formal education. Which means they are more likely to participate in class discussions and to value lessons. Their higher engagement with courses will ensure the retention of class materials and concepts to prepare them for their future better.

Increased Financial Knowledge and Stability

A good portion of their motivation to do well in courses stems from their monetary investment. Most returning mature students are responsible for paying for their education. Do you feel as though your financial situation is a barrier to getting the right training? Trillium College can help you by figuring out funding, scholarships, or financial aid. Call 1.866.661.2070 today to find out how Trillium College can help you afford adult learning courses or a diploma program.

Responsible Decision Making

Trillium College has found that returning mature students are in a better position to succeed in school. Adults are motivated learners who have fewer social distractions than recent high school graduates. They are highly motivated to succeed and to make a change in their lives. Mature students have a better understanding of what the workforce is like and know what they want and do not want.

It Is Never Too Late!

There is no such thing as returning or upgrading your education too late. There are no age limits or restrictions on becoming a student. Our knowledgeable Career Coaches will help you figure out a schedule that will work for you. We know you have a lot to balance, and we are here to help you!

Set up your future for success and don’t settle for a career that has you frequently checking job listings. At Trillium College, our courses prepare you for your career and help you to succeed. We have knowledgeable Career Coaches to offer you help and extra support along the way. Don’t wait, get your career started today with Trillium College!

Trillium College Supports Front Line Heroes

What exactly does it mean to be a front line hero in Ontario right now? 

While others are practicing physical distancing and working from home, front liners are going in to work during the global pandemic. The job of a front line worker is considered essential, and they work directly with the public to continue to provide services. Whether they are on the front lines working in health care, at grocery stores, as part of the supply chain system for the province and the country, or any other essential-named jobs, they are all fulfilling fundamental duties that we need. We, along with the rest of the nation, THANK them!

Our front liners are heroic people. 

While most of us are being encouraged to stay home or work from home, front line workers have been called upon to continue working during the state of emergency. Their duties have been deemed essential by the Ontario Government, and society simply cannot function without them. While it makes sense that we cannot imagine hospitals or grocery stores being closed, it is crucial to recognize the sacrifice our front-liners are making to help our communities during uncertain times. 

So, what types of jobs do front liners fulfill?

Here are examples of jobs that many of our Trillium College alumni are fulfilling as front line workers:

• Personal Support Workers
• Medical Support Staff
• Pharmaceutical Support Staff 
• Retail Employees
• Supply Chain Workers
• Community Service Workers, and so many more!

Let us honour our heroes. 

Now more than ever, we must do our part to keep our community safe. Following safe protocols saves not only your life but also the people around you, including our front-liners! We have always honoured our graduating students, but we are sending extra positive vibes and support to our alumni front-liners. The Trillium College community is with you!

Are you a Trillium College alumnus working on the front lines or working an essential service job? We want to hear your stories and experience! Reach out to us!

COVID-19 Update #6

Trillium College is committed to ensuring the highest level of safety for our Trillium College Community.  

This update is to speak to the communication regarding the province’s allowance for Regulated Health Professions to begin to return to practice.  

Regulatory colleges that govern the 26 regulated health professions are now beginning to share return to work guidelines and best practices.  Trillium College will adopt any of the relevant elements to include them in our return to the classroom plan. Trillium’s plan will include direction from Public Health Ontario, The Chief Medical Officer, the College of Massage Therapists of Ontario, and the Ministry of Health and Long Term Care. These will all have a significant impact on how Trillium will establish the return to campus, classroom, and the reinstatement of all student massage, dental assisting, and esthetics clinics. 

At this point, the provincial green light for these professions to resume practice is only for licensed professionals. The campuses remain closed to the public, and clinics are not operating.  

Unfortunately, we can not predict the unknown or future timelines. However, when it is deemed safe, our goal is to re-open campuses so that students can get back in the classroom and resume their routines. 

We will continue to keep everyone updated through our communication channels.