The National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX®), is used by all state nursing boards to determine whether or not a nurse is ready to practice at an entry-level. There are two Next Gen NCLEX examinations, the NCLEX-PN®, for practical and vocational nurses, and the NCLEX-RN®, for registered nurses. Although many concepts are overlapping, this post will solely discuss the NCLEX-RN® for the sake of simplicity. The following are seven concepts you should know prior to taking the NCLEX®.  What does NCLEX® stand for? “NCLEX” is an acronym for The National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX ..read more

If you are in healthcare, you have no doubt heard the term “silver tsunami” to refer to the growing population of seniors in the United States. As Baby Boomers age, they are creating an expanding need for healthcare. With a looming shortage of physicians, advanced practitioners are filling provider gaps in a wide range of healthcare environments. What does a nurse practitioner scope of practice encompass, and how does it differ from that of a physician assistant? NPs and PAs: An Increase in Providers The American Association of Nurse Practitioners (AANP) reports that as of February 2024, there ..read more

Embarking on a career in the nursing field later in life is an inspiring journey that many individuals choose to undertake. Whether it’s a personal passion or a long-held dream, it’s never too late to pursue a fulfilling career in healthcare. In this guide, we will answer the most common questions asked by those starting a nursing career later in life.  Do I Really Want to Become a Nurse?  The first step in becoming a nurse is ensuring you want to pursue this career. Is it a lifelong passion, a desire for a meaningful career change, or a newfound interest?  It’s important t ..read more

So, you’re studying for your Surgical Technology Board Exam. If you’re gearing up for the Certified Surgical Technologist (CST) exam, we’ve got you covered. Our Surgical Technology exam review question bank has been updated for 2024, featuring over 1,750 NBSTSA style questions to prepare you and help you practice for the exam. Try your hand at 4 free surgical tech practice questions from the new bank and see if you’re ready! How did you do? Whether you got them all right or you struggled through, you’re on the right track to start practicing. The BoardVitals Question bank for the Na ..read more

The American Board of Preventive Medicine (ABPM) Addiction Medicine Certification Exam is a major step for physicians looking to practice in addiction medicine. This examination assesses a candidate’s knowledge and ability to apply critical concepts in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of patients with substance-related health conditions.   To excel in this exam, understanding the ABPM Addiction Medicine Certification Exam Blueprint is crucial. Let’s break down the blueprint and use the content specifications to help you optimize your study strategy.  What is the Addictio ..read more

Every year on March 30th, we pause to recognize the invaluable contributions of physicians around the world on National Doctors’ Day. This special day serves as a reminder of the invaluable contributions made by physicians to society. What is Doctors’ Day, and how can you celebrate the medical professionals in your life?  The History of Doctors’ Day  The first Doctors’ Day was held in the United States in 1933 in Winder, Georgia, when Eudora Brown Almond, the wife of Dr. Charles B. Almond, decided to set a day to honor physicians. The date was chosen to commemorate the anniversa ..read more

You’ve worked tirelessly through years of medical school, and the culmination of your efforts has finally arrived: the residency match. While you may be excited to have matched, it can be disappointing to realize you matched into a program lower on your preference list, especially as watch your classmates celebrate their own successes. It’s okay to feel disappointed, and it’s natural to have envisioned a different outcome after investing so much time and effort into your medical education. However, it’s crucial to remember that matching into any residency program is a significant achievement a ..read more

As candidates prepare for the rigorous residency interview season, it’s essential to anticipate the types of questions that may arise during these pivotal conversations. While the questions asked will vary by program and specialty, certain themes and questions tend to recur across the board, and there are some questions that appear more than others. Here’s a look at some of the most common questions asked during residency interviews for the 2024 Match:  Tell me about yourself.  Why are you pursuing ______ specialty?  Why do you want to have your residency here?  Tell me ab ..read more

Every year, 4th year medical students wait anxiously for Match Week to find out if they matched into a residency program. This special week is a significant  milestone in every medical students’ career in medicine. During Match Week, social media feeds are filled with students celebrating their own successes. For some, however, Match Week may not turn out the way they had hoped it would. If you received the news that you didn’t match into any residency programs, it is not the end of your journey to becoming a physician. Here are some steps you can take to reach your goals. Looking for mor ..read more

Becoming a dermatologist is a rewarding and challenging journey that requires years of dedication, education, and hands-on training. Dermatologists are medical professionals who specialize in diagnosing and treating disorders related to the skin, hair, and nails.  Once you graduate from high school, it can take from 12 to 15 years of education and training to become a dermatologist. The road to becoming a dermatologist is long and challenging to ensure practitioners are prepared to deliver the utmost quality in patient care.   If you’re interested in pursuing a career in dermato ..read more