Studying for any type of test is always a daunting task. There is so much information to absorb, very little time to learn it, and you have to pass. Big Apple Training, an allied health college with campuses in White Plains, New York, and the Bronx, offers the following tips to help you prepare for testing. Whether you’re studying for a BLS certification or if you plan to become a certified nursing assistant, implement these five study tips and you’ll be ready.

5 Studying Tips

Study In Short Bursts Each Day 

Study a little bit each day. Even if you have another job, children, or additional family responsibilities—or all three—try to set aside 15 to 30 minutes each day to review the material. As the test date approaches, it will be easier to review what you already know rather than cramming at the last minute. Whether you’re studying to become a phlebotomist or a certified nursing assistant, entering the medical field is challenging, so integrate your studies into your everyday life as much as possible to increase your familiarity to the practice.

Know Your Strengths 

Are you a morning person or a night owl? Try studying when you are at your peak. You may find that using a mixture of both nightly and daily study sessions is beneficial, because both times offer distinct benefits. You’re more likely to feel energized during the daytime, and it’s easier to reach out to colleagues and study groups for extra help. On the other hand, you may find more peace and quiet by studying after dark. No matter when you prefer to study, you should always make sure you get enough sleep; more and more studies indicate poor sleep affects your memory and learning function.

Study In A Quiet Place 

This one seems obvious, right? But for many, finding a quiet place to study is difficult. If you have roommates, children, or live with a big family, your home may never quiet. You may find the best place to study for the certified nursing assistant exam, for example, is at the library. Most branches offer quiet rooms for students.

Stay Away From Social Media & The Internet 

It’s easy to waste a lot of time surfing the internet and uploading posts on social media. Checking Facebook once during the day can cost you 30 minutes of productive study time. Thankfully, there are apps that block social media and other online distractions. Try the SelfControl or Freedom apps and be more productive.

Take A Break 

Take breaks while studying. Get up and walk around once every hour or two, eat a healthy snack, and go outside for a change of scenery. Avoid fueling up on coffee or sugary snacks and beverages—while these can provide a temporary boost, you’ll probably feel drained after the sugar and caffeine wear off. 

If you’re studying a profession in allied health, Big Apple Training will give you the resources and instruction you need for success. If you’re interested in becoming a certified nursing assistant, phlebotomist, EKG technician, home health aide, or hospital billing and administration staff, visit the Big Apple Training website to explore your options. To reach the Bronx campus, call (718) 231-3600; if you live in White Plains, call (914) 437-7373. You can also learn more about allied health by following Big Apple Training on Facebook and Twitter.