Healthcare Edge

Healthcare Edge

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PTK Healthcare Edge curriculum is based on interviews with physicians, nurses, and other healthcare providers about what they needed to know but didn’t learn in school.

"Phi Theta Kappa’s Healthcare Edge program is a game-changer for community college students pursuing careers in medicine. It equips them with essential skills like empathy, ethics, and critical thinking, helping them stand out on medical school applications. This programming bridges barriers for our students, creating a mindset of professionalism and persistence that’s vital for success."

-Professor Lisa A. Eccles, Ph.D., M.S., DLM(ASCP), C(ASCP)

What will I learn?

 Patient Care

  • Examine healthcare case studies related to patient care
  • Explore recommendations for proper patient care under varying circumstances
  • Discuss the application of empathy and compassion when caring for patients
  • Identify components of effective communication
  • Classify a variety of patient personalities and traits
  • Analyze legal & ethical expectations of healthcare workers
  • Describe expectations for patient confidentiality
  • Explore high-pressure performance skills

Performance Care

  • Examine healthcare case studies related to performance expectations in healthcare
  • Explore the components of workplace professionalism
  • Apply critical thinking and problem-solving skills
  • Identify components of collaboration and teamwork
  • Recognize interpersonal and communication skills
  • Demonstrate knowledge of work ethic
  • Apply Adaptability and time management skills
  • Explore expectations of working with supervisors
  • Describe technical expectations in healthcare

Self-Care

  • In this unit, students will…
  • Examine healthcare case studies related to self-care
  • Explore the components of self-care
  • Evaluate recommendations for mindfulness
  • Recognize characteristics of employee burnout
  • Identify recommendations for physical and mental self-care
  • Demonstrate self-confidence
  • Explore emotional intelligence

Job Care

  • Examine recommendations for securing employment in the healthcare field
  • Analyze expectations for interviewing for healthcare positions
  • Identify components of a healthcare focused resume
  • Explore advice for finding the best place to work
  • Explore recommendations for salary negotiation
  • Explore the benefits of joining professional healthcare organizations

Professional Development