Ed4Career Blog | Category: Online Education

Are you having trouble focusing? Me too!

By Kris Powers | August 25th 2020

Woman with head in the clouds

I used to excel at multi-tasking, and now I cannot even SINGLE task. What is happening to me?

While I don't usually turn to the internet for diagnosing what ails me (sorry, WebMD), a quick search on the internet reassured me I am not alone. Turns out, experts say that the extra anxiety caused by the Covid-19 pandemic has impaired our working memory and ability to focus.

“All over the world, people are trying to overcome one of the few universal problems this pandemic has brought on: that it feels near-impossible to stay focused on anything. Whether it’s work or study, or even pleasurable things like reading, gaming or chatting, everything suddenly feels like a battle against your attention span to concentrate on what was once simply routine” writes author Sarah Manavis.



Medical assistant with a patient

Medical assistants perform clinical and clerical tasks in healthcare facilities. The Bureau of Labor Statistics lists the following as common tasks of a medical assistant:

  • Record patient history and personal information
  • Measure vital signs, such as blood pressure, pulse and temperature
  • Help physicians with patient examinations
  • Give patients injections or medications as directed by physicians and as permitted by state law
  • Schedule patient appointments
  • Prepare blood samples for laboratory tests
  • Enter patient information into medical records

Medical assistants are employed within various healthcare facilities. The majority of medical assistants are working within physician offices, but they are also employed in hospitals, correctional facilities and schools.


Certain Things in Uncertain Times

By Kris Powers | March 21st 2020

Balloon lifting paper boat out of water

COVID-19 has everyone’s attention. Communities are pulling together to help try to control the spread of the virus. Elected officials are making the best decisions they feel they can make at this time to protect their communities. Schools are closing to try to squelch the virus’s spread. Neighbors are offering a lending hand with childcare or a hot meal.

In light of businesses, schools and organizations temporarily shutting their doors, many people are facing job uncertainty. Theme parks, restaurants, bars, hotels, convention centers, travel – there will be no industry left untouched by current events.

Companies that are able to set up work remotely are doing so. Unfortunately, other companies are having to suspend or lay off employees until the economy takes an upward turn.



Caregiver with older couple out in nature

Home health care aides are medical personnel who work within the home of patients with chronic illnesses, disabilities or cognitive impairment and help them complete their daily living activities. According to BLS.gov, home health aides do the following in their daily work:


Exploring Alternatives to the 4-Year Degree

By Kris Powers | July 11th 2019

Compentency or Skills Based Training

The key to success is a good education. After high school, there are many options of obtaining continuing education and career training.



Stepping ahead of the competition

In my role as Human Resource Specialist for a large software technology company, I am tasked with recruiting, interviewing and hiring new talent when the need arises. For example, we recently had an opening at my company for a Financial Analyst. The hiring manager requested we find an applicant with a bachelor’s degree in Finance/Accounting with strong Excel and analytical skills.  Simple to fill, right? Not as easy as we originally thought.  

After posting the opening on our company website, we received a huge influx of resumes; all with similar backgrounds and degrees. The resumes that caught our attention and rose to the top of the pile were those applicants who had completed certification courses after receiving their bachelor’s degree.


Burnout Linked to Chronic Stress at Work

By Kris Powers | May 31st 2019

Stressed out professional male

In its latest revision of the International Classification of Diseases (ICD), the World Health Organization (WHO) has officially classified workplace burnout as an occupational phenomenon. This change will be reflected in the new version of the handbook, International Classification of Diseases ICD-11, which will go into effect in January 2022.

What is burnout? In the past, the WHO defined it as a “state of vital exhaustion”. But with the recent revisions to the ICD, it is now classified as a work hazard.


Advice for Parents Going Back to School

By Kris Powers | May 15th 2019

Adult female student with baby on lap

How do you carve out the time for career training or taking courses for degree completion? It might be a little difficult, but it is NOT impossible! We've come up with a few steps to get you started.


Facing Your Career Change Fears

By Kris Powers | May 1st 2019

Businesswoman staring off into distance

Any change in life comes with a degree of uncertainty. Some of us feel energized by new adventures, and some are so frightened that we stay in a bad situation far longer than we should.Truth be told, sometimes the fear is worse than the reality. The following steps might help you explore what is holding you back.


Certifications Can Lead to Advanced Opportunities

By Kris Powers | March 29th 2019

Career Development

Career training courses that lead to certification opportunities can provide learners with a less expensive alternative to traditional degree programs. These courses and certifications can also provide a faster pathway to career advancement.