Whether you’re working toward your first certification exam or returning to school for a second career in health care, successful studying is the key to acing your tests and achieving long-term results. The goal is to not only get good grades but also to retain what you’ve learned. If it’s been a while since you’ve seen a classroom and you feel out of practice, here are a few insights into what it takes to be a top student. 

3 Tips for Improving Your Approach As a Student

1. Retake Your Notes

Reviewing the materials shortly after class will significantly improve your ability to retain information. Moreover, writing and rewriting what you learned will help you remember it. One option is to make an audio recording of your class, then transcribe what your instructor said. It’s also helpful to paraphrase their words to ensure you grasp the meaning. 

2. Join Forces With Others

Team up with your classmates to review and discuss the lessons. Usually, each member of your group will have different strengths to contribute. Take turns explaining concepts to one another. Exploring varying perspectives will help you internalize the subject on a deeper level, and it can also reveal gaps in your understanding. Moreover, since your career in health care involves working with others, school is a great place to enhance your interpersonal skills.

3. Don’t Multitask

When you sit down to study, don’t leave the TV on, listen to podcasts, or pick up your phone to check Facebook and Instagram. While it might feel like you’re giving yourself “a break,” turning to various forms of media while you work is a great distraction and hindrance to your learning. Set a timer for studying and save the entertainment for after you’ve finished. 

Ready to start a career in health care? Big Apple Learning in White Plains, NY, specializes in preparing students for such a path, with high-quality instructional training in CNA certification, medical billing and coding, and other related professions. They make the investment as affordable and easy as possible, with payment plans and flexible options for those with tight schedules. Visit their website to view their classes, and call (914) 437-7373 today to discuss your interest in pursuing a career in health care.