Understanding Michael’s Journey

Michael entered the world 10 weeks earlier than expected, arriving at just 30 weeks of gestation. Premature birth can disrupt the typical developmental timeline, leading to delays in milestones such as head control, which is critical for further motor development. At four months old, Michael’s mother observed that he wasn’t yet holding his head up, a crucial skill typically emerging in the first few months of life. Recognizing this as a red flag, she sought early intervention through OT.

Assessment and Intervention

Assessment:

The first step in Michael’s OT journey was a comprehensive assessment. The Occupational Therapist Practitioner (OTP) evaluated his fine motor skills and sensory processing abilities. For a baby his age, key developmental milestones include:

• Bringing hands to the mouth
• Pushing up onto elbows and forearms while in a prone position

These actions are essential for developing core strength, which is foundational for sitting, crawling, and eventually walking. The assessment aimed to pinpoint Michael’s developmental delays and to establish a baseline for his therapy goals.

Intervention:

With a clear understanding of Michael’s needs, the OTP designed an intervention plan tailored to his specific challenges. The focus was on integrating Michael’s favorite toys into therapy sessions to make the exercises engaging and motivating. For instance, the therapist placed Michael in a prone position and used toys to encourage him to lift his head and push up with his arms. This approach not only targeted his core strength but also helped him build coordination in a way that was enjoyable and stimulating.

The intervention strategy was grounded in the principle that therapy should be meaningful to the child. By incorporating toys that Michael enjoyed, the OTP increased his motivation to participate in the exercises, leading to more effective and enjoyable therapy sessions.

The Results

Michael’s journey through occupational therapy yielded impressive results. With consistent and targeted intervention, he reached significant developmental milestones: he was able to sit independently by six months and began walking by 13 months. These achievements underscore the effectiveness of the therapy in addressing his initial delays and supporting his overall development.

Key Takeaways for Occupational Therapy Practice

Michael’s case provides valuable insights into effective OT practice, particularly for premature infants:

1. Assessment is Crucial: Accurate and thorough assessment of developmental milestones is essential in identifying delays and setting realistic goals. This process ensures that therapy is targeted and effective.
2. Meaningful Interventions: Integrating a child’s interests into therapeutic activities can enhance engagement and motivation. In Michael’s case, using his favorite toys made the exercises more enjoyable and effective.
3. Family Involvement: Understanding the family’s daily routines and values helps in designing interventions that fit seamlessly into the child’s natural environment. This collaboration ensures that therapy is practical and supportive of the family’s lifestyle.
4. Monitoring Progress: Regularly tracking the child’s progress allows for adjustments to therapy goals and methods as needed. This dynamic approach ensures that the therapy remains relevant and responsive to the child’s evolving needs.
5. Holistic Approach: Addressing both fine motor skills and sensory processing within the context of play promotes overall development. This comprehensive approach helps children achieve meaningful outcomes and supports their growth across various domains.

Conclusion

Michael’s case exemplifies the profound impact that individualized and targeted occupational therapy can have on the development of premature infants. By focusing on meaningful interventions, involving the family, and maintaining a holistic approach, OT practitioners can facilitate significant progress and help children like Michael reach their developmental potential.

Premature birth can set the stage for a range of developmental challenges, but with the right support and intervention, many children can overcome these obstacles and thrive. Occupational therapy plays a crucial role in this process, offering tailored strategies that address each child’s unique needs and capabilities. Michael’s story is a testament to the power of personalized therapy and the difference it can make in the lives of children and their families.

Learn More

Elmhurst University’s Master of Occupational Therapy is one of many graduate programs within the health care family of programs in the School of Graduate Studies. To learn more, please fill out the form below.

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What is Occupational Therapy?

Let’s start by defining occupation. At its core, occupations encompass the myriad of activities we engage in daily – from the mundane tasks of toileting and dressing to the more intricate actions like driving to work or navigating our computers. These activities, spanning from the muscular coordination needed to grasp objects to the cognitive demands of attention and memory required while driving, form the fabric of our existence.

Reflect on your morning routine – the steps you take to prepare for the day, the seamless transitions as you transition from home to school or work. Each action, often performed at a subconscious level, contributes to the tapestry of our lives. Now, imagine the upheaval caused by an accident or stroke, disrupting this delicate balance.

In such moments of disruption, occupational therapists step in, guiding individuals towards reclaiming their independence through a reimagining of familiar occupations. This may involve environmental adaptations such as installing a shower bench or devising new organizational systems to facilitate daily tasks.

What Can Occupational Therapy Accomplish?

Now, let’s shift our focus to children, particularly those with developmental delays due to conditions like Down syndrome, autism, or cerebral palsy. For these young ones, occupational therapists become facilitators of growth, harnessing developmental milestones through the guise of play – a pursuit inherently meaningful to a child.

As you contemplate these examples, it becomes apparent that occupational therapy transcends mere rehabilitation; it is a catalyst for restoring purpose and autonomy to those whose lives have been altered by circumstance. While our foundation lies in neurology, muscular function, and developmental psychology, our ultimate goal remains steadfast – facilitating individuals in reclaiming their ability to engage in the occupations that bring meaning to their lives.

What Else Can Occupational Therapy Do?

The realm of occupational therapy extends far beyond clinical settings. We traverse diverse landscapes, from mental health facilities fostering new habits and routines to rehabilitation centers aiding in post-illness deconditioning. We are found in schools nurturing visual perceptual skills and in pediatric clinics assisting with emotional regulation. Our journey even takes us to community centers, where we empower seniors to navigate newfound avenues of community engagement.

Our practice is not confined by boundaries; it is guided by a holistic understanding of human experience – blending anatomy, physiology, movement, and mental well-being with the intrinsic value of meaningful occupations. The next time you navigate your daily commute, consider the myriad of skills at play – from grasping the steering wheel to engaging your executive functions. In these moments, the intricate work of occupational therapists becomes palpable – as they empower individuals to embrace new skills or rediscover those lost along life’s journey.

Learn More

Elmhurst University’s Master of Occupational Therapy is one of many graduate programs within the health care family of programs in the School of Graduate Studies. To learn more, please fill out the form below.

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According to the American Speech-Language-Hearing Association, speech-language pathologists assess and treat clients in the “Big 9” areas of articulation, fluency, voice and resonance, receptive and expressive language, hearing, swallowing, cognitive aspects of communication, social aspects of communication and communication modalities.

When a client has either permanent or temporary limited speech, speech-language pathologists may need to complete an assessment for an augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) program or device.

Speech-language pathologists work with clients who could benefit from AAC across the lifespan from infant to older adult and across a range of disabilities including those that could be present at birth (e.g., cerebral palsy, Down’s syndrome, autism), acquired from an injury (e.g., aphasia, dysarthria), or a condition that worsens over time (e.g., ALS, dementia).

Regardless of what setting a speech-language pathologist may choose to work in, they may have a client who requires AAC for some of their daily communication needs. However, there are certain truths and myths about AAC that are important to understand.

What is Augmentative and Alternative Communication?

Augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) are different forms of communication used when someone is not able to meet their daily needs through speech alone. For example, an autistic child may use AAC to help them answer a question at school or play with their classmates. An adult who has recently had a stroke may use AAC to tell their partner they love them or joke with friends at card club. One of the most famous people who used AAC was Stephen Hawking, a brilliant theoretical physicist.

Types of AAC

There are several types of AAC solutions which are generally split into unaided and aided categories. Unaided AAC is any form of communication other than speech that does not require any additional equipment. For example, a speech-language pathologist may teach parents of a young child with Down’s Syndrome how to use sign language with their speech. Sign language is a type of unaided AAC because it only requires the parent’s body to do and nothing else.

Aided AAC is any form of communication that does require additional equipment. Aided AAC can be further divided into low tech and high tech systems. Low tech systems do not have computer parts, like a book with pictures or a printed alphabet board. High tech systems do have computer parts, like an app that speaks text on a mobile device or a computer that speaks the name of a picture while tracking a person’s eyes.

Common Myths about Augmentative and Alternative Communication

The speech-language pathologists at Elmhurst University work with families and professionals who expressed some common misconceptions about AAC. When Elmhurst would bring up the possibility, many families were concerned about the AAC impeding the person’s ability to learn how to use their voice to communicate. We reassured them that anecdotally and from well-designed research studies, this was not actually the case.

Let’s take a look at a few of these myths of AAC, and other common misconceptions:

Myth #1: My child will not learn how to speak if they use AAC

Speaking is much faster than using AAC. Communication rates for people who use AAC are approximately 15-20 times slower than communication rates for people who use typical speech (Beukelman & Mirenda, 2013).

If a child is able to use speech, they will. AAC does not prevent speech development, but may actually support gains in speech. Millar et al., (2006) noted that in well-designed studies, no participants had reduced speech, but actually demonstrated small gains in speech use after using AAC technologies.

Myth #2: My child is not ready for AAC

There are no age, language or cognitive requirements for using AAC. AAC is adaptable to the individual who needs it even for very young children or adults with very limited communication. According to the Communication Bill of Rights (Brady et al., 2016), everyone, including children, has the right to fully participate in in their daily lives through communication, regardless of their differences in ability.

Myth #3: My partner can speak a few words, they don’t need AAC

AAC can be used as a support for speech and not just a replacement. For example, a person may be able to communicate using speech at home with their significant other but may need to use AAC when ordering a drink at a coffee shop. If speech is not sufficient to meet all daily communication needs, a person is then eligible for AAC. Understanding when to use AAC and when to use speech is part of AAC intervention, specifically, strategic competence (Light et al., 2003).

Myth #4: I don’t need to know how to use my partner’s AAC app

It is important that the family, friends or other important people in someone’s life know how to use their AAC. This supports the use of the AAC in daily activities, increases AAC acceptance and improves learning of the AAC device.

For example, one common intervention strategy for AAC is augmented input. During augmented input, the communication partner, such as a caregiver or significant other, uses speech and AAC to communicate to the person who uses AAC. Augmented input interventions can be effective for a range of individuals across different ages, diagnoses, and language abilities (O’Neill et al., 2018); however, in order to do this intervention, the communication partner needs to know how to use the AAC.

Learn More

If you are interested in learning more about speech-language pathology or AAC, please visit the Elmhurst University website for information on the Master of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders, and fill out the form below so that we can follow up with you.

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Occupational therapists are in high demand and job prospects are excellent. No previous experience in OT is necessary to begin a master’s program. A bachelor’s degree in any subject allows you entry into a master’s program where you will be trained as a professional in the dynamic, growing, lucrative, and fulfilling field of occupational therapy where you will make an immense difference in the lives of others.

Why Choose a Master’s Degree In Occupational Therapy?

As an occupational therapist, you evaluate patients and develop strategies to motivate them and improve their life skills. You may help patients with activities such as:

• Completing chores
• Dressing
• Eating
• Following directions
• Processing information
• Using transportation
• Writing

Though patients may need to repeat various tasks to gain mastery of them, an OT must think creatively and be able to adapt treatment to the patient’s skill level, energy level, and symptoms, which may vary daily. Occupational therapists also rely on strong communication skills to help patients understand instructions and their course of treatment.

After earning a master’s degree in occupational therapy, you have the option to further your education and choose an area of specialization, including:

• Gerontology
• Feeding, eating, and swallowing
• Mental health
• Pediatrics
• Stroke rehabilitation

Whether you choose to specialize or become a generalist, a master’s degree in occupational therapy provides numerous opportunities for gratifying work.

If you are interested in a challenging career which provides great rewards for the patient and the therapist, occupational therapy may be for you.

Career Outlook with a Master’s Degree In Occupational Therapy

You may be asking yourself, “What could I do with a master’s degree in occupational therapy?”

As an occupational therapist, you raise your patients’ self-esteem and confidence by helping them develop self-sufficiency. Whether you are building skills with patients to help them eat independently, cook a meal on their own, or return to work, you are giving them a chance to live their lives more fully. Some OTs even work to better the lives of others on a larger scale by working with architects consulting on accessibility in buildings or helping to develop adaptive clothing and tools.

Occupational therapists work in a wide range of settings, including:

• Government agencies
• Hospitals and clinics
• Nursing homes
• Outpatient facilities
• Primary care offices
• Private homes
• Schools

While an OT most often works individually with a patient, collaboration as well as advanced communication and interpersonal skills are an important part of the job. Psychologists, social workers, speech therapists, physical therapists, and family members team up with occupational therapists to achieve the best holistic outcome for a patient.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the annual wage for occupational therapists was $85,570. The number of jobs in OT is expected to increase by 14% every year through 2031. This growth is much faster than the average growth for all occupations, making the master’s degree in occupational therapy a smart investment.

Preparation for Entry-Level Occupational Therapist Positions

A master’s degree in occupational therapy is the minimum standard for becoming a practicing occupational therapist, so choosing the right university to earn your degree is critical.

Elmhurst University’s Master’s Degree in Occupational Therapy (MOT) is designed for students who are new to the field of OT. Elmhurst’s graduate program prepares you for your future as an OT with rigorous academic coursework, service learning, practical experience in the field, and collaborative research on campus. The Elmhurst MOT degree program is offered in a hybrid format combining online learning with on-campus classes. You can complete the master’s degree in 24 months of full-time study.

The Elmhurst MOT degree is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Occupational Therapy Education (ACOTE) of the American Occupational Therapy Association (AOTA). The AOTA is the accrediting agency for occupational therapy schools and ensures your coursework meets the exacting standards of AOTA.

To become a certified occupational therapist, you must pass the National Board for Certification of Occupational Therapists (NBCOT) exam upon completion of the master’s degree program. Since 2018, Elmhurst MOT students have had a passing rate of 100%, reflecting the extensive preparation you receive through the program’s comprehensive, career-focused curriculum.

Pursue a Dynamic, In-Demand Occupational Therapy Career

With a master’s degree in occupational therapy from Elmhurst University, you will graduate into a rewarding career with abundant job openings, a variety of work environments, high salaries, personal and professional satisfaction, and the privilege of helping patients live their fullest lives.

Discover how to become an occupational therapist by requesting information below about Elmhurst University’s MOT degree.

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Public health is a growing and vibrant field filled with rewarding opportunities at the community, national, and global levels. As a public health professional, your work will be varied, engaging, and satisfying. Perhaps most importantly, you’ll be helping to relieve suffering and greatly improving the quality of people’s lives.

What Do Public Health Professionals do?

Public health professionals promote and protect the health, safety, and wellbeing of people and their communities. To achieve this goal, public health professionals engage in a variety of duties, such as:

• Conducting scientific research
• Tracking diseases
• Assessing and monitoring a community’s health
• Communicating with communities to inform and educate
• Investigating causes of health hazards
• Developing policies and laws for improved safety and health
• Setting safety standards in work and education environments
• Creating plans for crisis management
• Innovating ways to improve quality of life

You may choose to work as an environmental specialist, epidemiologist, community health worker, director of a healthcare facility or health-related organization, biostatistician, or policy writer. These are just a few of the careers that are open to you as a public health professional.

Reflecting the ever-growing demand for public health professionals, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a growth of 28 percent in medical and health service managers, including public health leaders, through 2031, with approximately 56,000 job openings each year.

Essential Skills for a Public Health Professionals Leaders

As a public health leader, you model standards of ethical behavior and promote wellness in your community by encouraging and demonstrating healthy living.

To be effective in the role, the essential skills for public health leaders to possess include:

• Critical thinking: Interpret information to help develop policies, laws, and educational material to address health needs in your community.
• Strategic vision: Public health leaders develop implementation-focused policies and programs to address community health needs.
• Data analysis: Public health leaders are able to interpret complex data from multiple sources and connect it to their strategic vision to impact their community.
• Collaboration: Public health leaders work with team members, community members, politicians, government agencies, and other healthcare professionals.
• Communication: Gathering and sharing information, presenting data and strategic plans, working with team members and other professionals, advocating, and educating the community all require strong communication skills.
• Empathy: Willingness to learn about and understand diverse populations and their needs are crucial to leading a successful public health campaign.

These skills overlap. To collaborate successfully, you must be able to communicate effectively. As you master these skills, you’ll see more connections between them and understand how valuable they are.

Pursuing Expertise in Public Health Professionals Leadership

Elmhurst University recognizes the need for fresh ways of thinking about today’s complex health challenges. Our multidisciplinary online Master of Public Health (MPH) degree prepares you with the essential skills for success as a public health leader and challenges you to apply creativity to problem solving.

MPH coursework provides you with the deep knowledge and skills to lead with confidence and face challenges head on. Upon completion of the program, you possess the skills to:

• Use systems thinking to understand the structural factors that lead to health disparities.
• Lead organizational change to introduce innovative approaches to health promotion.
• Use epidemiology and biostatistical data to understand the causes of and effectively prevent disease.
• Manage public health services

Elmhurst’s online MPH degree’s course on innovation management challenges you to employ new ideas to encourage innovation in existing health organizations. You’ll also engage in a practicum, putting your skills to use in a real-life setting.

You can enroll in the online MPH degree as a part-time student, allowing you to complete the degree in two years. You will enter the program with a cohort of students who will be with you throughout the MPH, adding to the supportive environment at Elmhurst.

Stand Out as a Community Health Leader with an MPH Degree

With an MPH degree, you have the skills and knowledge to create significant and lasting benefits for countless people. As a public health professional, you help prevent disease and injuries; give children the opportunity to thrive; and improve the quality of life for people locally, nationally, and globally.

Explore the next stage of your career as a public health leader by requesting more information about Elmhurst University’s MPH degree problem below.

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You can become a health systems leader by first pursuing a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree program. Through a DNP degree health systems leadership program, you will achieve the highest level of clinical nursing expertise and be prepared to take your career in exciting new directions. You may choose to become a leader in patient care, research, administration, or policy. Whichever area you pursue, you will have a significant impact on innumerable lives.

What Does a Health Care Systems Leader Do?

Health care systems leaders are passionate professionals who care deeply about the wellbeing of others. They are responsible for maintaining high standards of workplace efficiencies in order to provide the highest quality patient care. They tirelessly advocate for their patients and team members, creating a safe and effective healthcare environment.

As a health systems leader, you can be a progressive agent of change working to develop and implement health care policies to improve the overall health care delivery system. In order to usher in the most efficient and effective outcomes, leaders in this area of nursing must understand organizational leadership, governmental and system health policy, local and national population health, and health care information systems–as well as how these concepts intersect and impact patient care.

The ever-evolving health care landscape needs advanced practice nurses now more than ever. According to the American Nurses Association, the need for health care systems leaders is intensifying as the general population ages and requires more complex, multidimensional care. It will be health system leaders who will guide the profession through the changes ahead.

What Do You Learn in a DNP Program?

You must have completed a master’s degree in nursing, hold an active unencumbered nursing license, and be employed as a registered nurse to enroll in a DNP degree program. With these credentials already in place, you will have the foundation to hit the ground running as you pursue a health systems leader role.

In your coursework, you will become an expert in leadership in organizations and systems and will deepen your leadership savvy as you explore areas of study including:

• Healthcare information systems – using data in planning and implementing best practices
• Healthcare Policy – influence and advocate for positive policy change to impact health systems and clinical practice
• Advanced health promotion across diverse cultures — identifying, analyzing, and evaluating key public health issues
• Translating evidence into nursing practice — designing protocols based on data
• Epidemiology – discovering patterns of disease in human populations

A health systems leader communicates with a network of people, including patients, fellow nurses, administrators, and family members and makes leadership decisions that may have significant impact on others and on the industry. Strong interpersonal skills are necessary to make communication effective. As you work toward completion of the DNP, you will become an adept communicator able to team build, resolve conflicts, problem solve, and work with a variety of populations.

Most DNP programs culminate in a final project focused on defining a problem and applying evidenced-based data to seek solutions. This experience can jumpstart your new career and give you the opportunity to make a scholarly contribution to nursing leadership.

What Roles Can I Have in Health Systems Leadership?

You are a passionate professional who cares deeply about the wellbeing of others. A DNP degree opens many doors and allows you to bring your passion to variety of dynamic careers. You may choose to become a specialist in a particular area of nursing. Or you may decide that a role as a nurse leader—someone who guides the industry through administration, policy, education, and research—is the career for you.

Or you may decide that a role as a health systems leader—someone who guides the industry through administration, policy, education, and research—is the career for you.

Leadership roles in health care include:

• Director of Nursing
• Chief Nursing Officer
• Hospital Chief Executive Officer
• Chief Nursing Informatics Officer

Gain Systems-Level Leadership Skills

To meet the need for highly skilled health systems leaders, Elmhurst University offers a Doctor of Nursing Practice degree program that is designed to accommodate the schedules of working registered nurses. The program is part-time and 100% online with a combination of synchronous and asynchronous classes, allowing students to earn the DNP in 28 months.

Students must have a minimum of 250 MSN clinical hours to enter the program and must meet all other admission requirements.

When you enter the DNP program, you will join a cohort of like-minded professionals who will be your classmates, colleagues, study partners throughout the program. Our new DNP program will accept its first cohort of nurses in Fall 2023.

Create Meaningful Change as a Health Systems Leader Through a DNP Degree

Health systems leaders are vital members of the healthcare team, guiding their staff in safe, effective, and compassionate care policies that save and improve the lives of their patients.

Elmhurst University has been a leader in nursing education for 50 years, and our nursing programs have been recognized by U.S. News & World Report as among the best in the nation. Let your career as a health systems leader begin at Elmhurst where leaders train leaders.

Ready to get started? Fill out the form below to request more information about Elmhurst’s DNP degree program.

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Speech-language pathology is a dynamic and rewarding career that affords you a range of employment settings and opportunities to specialize. Pursuing a master’s in speech-language pathology or communication sciences and disorders jumpstarts your journey to becoming a speech-language pathologist. An advanced degree prepares you with hands-on experience and cutting-edge practical knowledge to go and try to improve other people’s lives.

What Exactly Is a Speech-Language Pathologist?

Speech-language pathologists, also referred to as speech therapists, are health professionals who diagnose and treat speech, language, communication, fluency and swallowing problems that occur from birth, injury or other medical condition.

Communication problems occur across all age groups, and as a speech-language pathologist, you have the freedom to focus on a particular group, such as toddlers or adults, or to work with people of all ages.

Speech-language pathologists are highly trained, licensed professionals. To enter this vibrant field, you must:

• Hold a master’s degree in speech-language pathology or communication sciences and disorders from an accredited program.
• Complete hands-on clinical experience.
• Earn a passing grade on the Praxis Speech-Language exam.
• Receive National American Speech-Language-Hearing Association (ASHA) certification and state licensing.

All states require speech-language pathologists to be licensed, though specific requirements vary from state to state.

Speech-language pathology is a fast-growing career path that offers high job satisfaction and an average annual salary of $79,060 — and is expected to grow at a rate of 21%, much faster than the average for all occupations, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Further exemplifying how rewarding this career path is, U.S. News and World Report recently ranked speech-language pathology as No. 3 in Best Jobs in Healthcare and No. 10 in overall Best Jobs.

Roles and Responsibilities of a Speech Pathologist

As a credentialed speech-language pathologist, you can build a flexible work schedule depending on your employment setting and the population you serve. It also provides you with a variety-filled career working with clients to address a range of issues and disorders, including:

• Dysarthria: difficulty with the muscles used in speech.
• Aphasia: difficulty speaking or understanding others because of damage to the brain.
• Dysphagia: swallowing disorders.
• Stuttering: repetition and pauses that break the flow of speech.

Many speech-language pathologists work in schools with children and adolescents. However, other settings need their skills and compassion. That includes hospitals, nursing homes, rehabilitation centers, doctors’ offices, community health clinics, colleges and universities and private practices.

Research is critical to the advancement of speech-language pathology, and you may also want to apply your science background and entrepreneurial spirit by conducting research and developing new treatments or equipment that advance your field.

Unlock Your Potential to Change Lives

Selecting a master’s degree that matches your goals, interests, and career aspirations is the first step in becoming a speech-language pathologist. At Elmhurst University, the Master of Science in Communication Sciences and Disorders (CSD) degree can be your launching pad.

You will study alongside a cohort of peers who are at similar points in their career journeys and who will support you as you advance together through your master’s studies.

Students attend classes full-time and are able to complete the program in less than two years.

Elmhurst’s CSD master’s program provides students with critical clinical experiences in a variety of settings. In the on-campus Speech-Language-Hearing Clinic, students work alongside professionals to assess and treat clients. In a state-of-the-art simulation center at Elmhurst Hospital, students practice clinical skills on high-tech mannequins in a realistic hospital setting. Nursing and occupational therapy students learn in the simulation center along with CSD students, creating opportunities for collaborative learning and interdisciplinary problem-solving.

Not only will you be well-prepared for national certification by ASHA and state licensure, 100% of students from Elmhurst’s Communication Sciences and Disorders master’s program to date have earned passing scores on the Praxis exam and received job offers upon graduation.

Prepare for a Rewarding Speech Pathology Career with a CSD Master’s

As a speech-language pathologist, you not only help people communicate effectively, you also give them confidence in themselves, their abilities, and their potential. Elmhurst’s Master’s in Communication Sciences and Disorders degree provides the first step toward achieving your goal to become a speech-language pathologist, so you can help others achieve their dreams. Request information below to get started.

The post How Do I Become a Speech-Language Pathologist? appeared first on Elmhurst University.

Anyone who wants to work in nursing has to put in plenty of time and effort, whether by finishing a nursing diploma program, earning an associate degree of nursing (ADN) or completing a bachelor of science in nursing (BSN). What’s the difference? The most immediate is the time commitment.

• A nursing diploma or certificate program is typically offered by hospitals, technical schools or community colleges and is the most accelerated way to become a registered nurse. These programs do not include general education classes and can be completed in one to three years.
• An associate degree of nursing takes two years (60 credit hours) and, like a diploma program, focuses on nursing-specific topics but also includes some general-education coursework.
• A bachelor of science in nursing is more in-depth than diploma programs or ADNs. Core nursing courses form the framework, but students also take deep dives into advanced topics such as leadership, informatics, research and public health. A BSN usually takes four years (120 credit hours) to complete.

Regardless of the pathway, all nursing candidates embark on some combination of coursework and clinical hours and must pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX) before they can practice.

Based solely on the time investment, some students may opt for a diploma or an ADN. But the initial outlay of time for a BSN translates into long-term career benefits for nurses:

• Better preparation and knowledge of the field: A BSN prepares nurses for potential specialization in a variety of areas, including pediatrics, obstetrics and gynecology, hospice and palliative care.
• Broader career advancement opportunities: Candidates with BSNs are considered by most employers to be preferable to candidates with diplomas or ADNs. According to a survey last year by the American Association of Colleges of Nursing, more than 40% of hospitals and health care facilities require a BSN, and twice that percentage prefer it.
• Pathway to continuing education: A bachelor’s degree is a prerequisite for graduate studies or advanced-practice nursing.
• Higher pay: Average pay for a nurse correlates to his or her degree: A registered nurse who completes a diploma program earns $65,700 a year, according to Payscale; a nurse with an ADN makes more than $70,000; and a BSN puts nurses on the path to earn more than $86,000 a year on average. In addition, a bachelor’s in nursing qualifies professionals for the highest-paying jobs, such as RN directors, at $92,000 annually, or a clinical nurse manager at $87,000.

And though a bachelor’s degree takes more time, for practicing nurses who want to complete their degree, RN-to-BSN programs allow for accelerated formats. Some can be finished in just four semesters by building on previous coursework.

At Elmhurst University, the School of Health Sciences offers seven programs of study — three at the undergraduate level and four at the graduate level or above — for those seeking a career in nursing. These programs are designed to meet students where they are and to prepare them to reach their full potential in a vibrant career.

Complete the form below to request more information today!

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An interdisciplinary MPH degree emboldens you to face complex public health challenges head-on through the development of your scientific knowledge, communication skills, and leadership abilities.

Students pursuing a Master of Public Health degree are committed to making the world a healthier, safer place in fields such as health policy, health administration, epidemiology, public health education and advocacy, and more.

Face Public Health Challenges Head-On

Public health policies impact our lives every day—from rules governing clean water to tobacco-free zones to vaccinations. With an MPH degree, you will contribute to this meaningful, life-changing work by addressing the existing and emerging health and safety issues facing communities today.

To build the competencies required to be successful in this field, you complete coursework across the following core areas in an MPH program:

• Biostatistics: apply statistical reasoning and methods to public health problems.
• Epidemiology: the study of how often diseases occur in different groups of people and why.
• Environmental Health Sciences: how the built and natural environment influences human health.
• Health Policy and Administration: planning, management, and evaluation of public health programs and policies.
• Community Health: advocating for and educating communities on healthy living.

Because public health professionals often are embedded within the fabric of their communities, the wide range of MPH course topics ensure you are able to work collaboratively in interdisciplinary teams to solve problems. The courses also allow you to see intersectionality between the topics, deepening your understanding of how public health issues impact the varying populations around you and across the world.

In an MPH program, you usually also participate in an applied learning experience in a public health setting of your choice—such as an internship, practicum, or research project—that brings the knowledge gained in the classroom to life. These experiences provide much-needed exposure to real-world issues, getting you ready to hit the ground running upon graduation.

Other health care careers, such as nursing, allow you to make significant contributions to the recovery of individual patients. As a public health professional, rather than treating illness and injuries, you will be working to prevent those illnesses and injuries for individuals and entire communities.

Pursuing an MPH Online

Aiming to meet the market’s demand for highly credentialed public health professionals, many higher education institutions now offer MPH degree programs online in order to reach more students seeking to take the next step in their public health careers. You experience the same quality, rigor, and faculty mentorship in an online MPH program as you would in any in-person program, with the added benefit of more convenient scheduling.

The online format of an MPH is ideal for professionals balancing family and work responsibilities—people who require convenience and flexibility in their program of choice. This is especially true for those who find traveling to campus difficult.

Given that many online MPH programs also feature cohorts of students, you will be able to lean on the consistent support of your peer group who are at a similar point in their career journey. Through the online format, you’ll find yourself connected with a diverse group of classmates who bring with them a range of experiences, perspectives, and goals that can elevate your own knowledge.

Many online MPH programs require a hands-on learning component, such as an internship or a practicum, that is completed in person. Pursuing an MPH through an online program allows you to learn in the nation’s top public health master’s programs while staying connected with your local community in order to expand your professional network of mentors and potential future employers.

What Can You Do with an MPH Degree?

Public health professionals are in high demand in this booming field. In fact, the Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that 2 million new health care positions will be created by 2031, including many specialized roles in public health.

Increased life expectancy, the threat of new viruses like COVID-19, and an increase in the need for community mental health services are just a few of the issues creating a call for master’s-prepared public health specialists. The ever-changing landscape of the field affords you plenty of growth and opportunities for innovation in your career.

An MPH degree prepares you for diverse career opportunities in industry, non-profit, and government sectors. Below is a small selection of the roles you may choose to pursue, along with average annual salaries calculated by the Bureau of Labor Statistics:

• Health Care Administrator: $101,340
• Emergency Management Director: $76,730
• Biostatistician: $96,280
• Epidemiologist: $78,830
• Health Educator: $48,860
• Social and Community Service Manager: $74,000
• Environmental Scientist: $76,530
• Occupational Health and Safety Specialist: $74,870

Building Transformative Leadership Skills

Guiding a community to better health requires strong leadership skills and the determination to think creatively and develop new approaches to familiar problems.

To rise to meet these challenges, Elmhurst University’s online Master of Public Health degree program features a forward-thinking concentration in Public Health Leadership and Innovation. What’s more, Elmhurst’s liberal arts roots provide a broadened perspective so that students can craft interdisciplinary solutions that drive tangible results in their community.

Elmhurst’s MPH degree is offered entirely online in a part-time cohort model that takes two years to complete, supporting working professionals who are ready to expand their career outlook. The MPH faculty are experienced public health leaders and are dedicated to student success through a transformative, skill-building curriculum that lays the foundation for a lifetime of success.

Change the Future of Public Health with an MPH Degree

With a Master of Public Health degree, you will be contributing to the creation of healthier and safer communities and your work will improve the lives of people around the globe.

If you’re ready to make a difference, fill out the form below to request more information about Elmhurst University’s online MPH degree program.

The post What is an MPH Degree? appeared first on Elmhurst University.

Let’s look at some common questions about a career in occupational therapy.

What Does Someone with a Master’s In Occupational Therapy Do?

Occupational therapy is a hands-on—and on-your-feet—practice. Occupational therapists often work in tandem with other health professionals, including physicians, nurses, physical therapists and speech-language pathologists.

The focus of occupational therapy is helping patients learn to manage everyday tasks, which could mean anything from getting dressed, brushing teeth, eating and drinking, throwing a ball, or typing. Then therapists develop a plan to assist their patients in accomplishing those tasks or find alternate methods of completing them.

OTs evaluate their patients’ strengths and weaknesses to determine action steps. They set goals with their patients and track their progress. They train patients in using assistive devices, whether that be something as simple as a grabber to help pick something off the ground, or as complex as a motorized wheelchair.

They help their patients learn, or relearn, skills: Buttoning a shirt, going up and down stairs, even flipping through a book.

Is Occupational Therapy a Dying Field?

No. It’s the opposite, actually. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the field is expected to expand by 17% over the next decade, much faster than typical job growth. The agency predicts about 10,000 occupational therapy jobs to be open each year.

Much of this boom can be attributed to an aging population that wants to stay active in its later years. But early-intervention programs for preschool-aged children—and sometimes even younger—have also been fueling demand. Advances in technology add to the need for specialized services.

How Hard is it to Get a Master’s In Occupational Therapy?

Rigorous is an appropriate word when it comes to the occupational therapy curriculum. Yes, you will be studying. You’ll be doing group research. And you’ll be participating in clinicals with OT professionals to gain hands-on experience.

But you’re not doing it alone. Your classmates and professors will be there to answer questions and form study groups, especially while tackling the heavy-duty science courses, covering research and theory, writing papers and taking exams.

So, yes, it’s hard. But it’s not impossible.

What Can I Do with a Master’s in Occupational Therapy?

Occupational therapists work with patients who have chronic medical conditions, sustained an injury or have a developmental disability or mental-health issue that makes everyday life difficult.

Occupational therapists can be found in a variety of settings. They interact with people of all ages, from infants to the elderly. They work in schools, clinics, vocational programs, hospitals, rehabilitation centers, nursing homes and mental health facilities. Many are employed by hospitals or other large health centers.

A lot of occupational therapists keep a typical 9-to-5 schedule, but others work in settings that require evening or weekend shifts. In 2020, the median pay for occupational therapists topped $86,000, according to the BLS.

How Long Does it Take to Get an Occupational Therapy License in Illinois?

Most occupational therapists spend five to six years in school, earning their bachelor’s and master’s degrees (sometimes through a combined program).

In Illinois, occupational therapists must intern for six months in an occupational therapy setting under a licensed OT, pass a criminal background check and pass the National Board for Certification in Occupational Therapy exam, called the Occupational Therapist Registered exam.

Licensure has to be renewed every two years.

Study Occupational Therapy at Elmhurst University

A master’s degree in occupational therapy from Elmhurst University will prepare you for professional entry-level practice as an occupational therapist. Designed for students who are new to the field of OT, Elmhurst’s graduate program combines rigorous academic coursework with service learning, practical experience in the field, and collaborative research on campus.

Request More Information Today!

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