---
title: A blog for NHA candidates and certificate holders. | Jessica Salley (3)
description: Care + Career Blog by NHA (3)
---
[](http://www.nhanow.com/)
# Care + Career
Resources, news and fun for NHA certification candidates and alumni.
## Jessica Salley
### Recent Posts
## [How to read an NHA exam crosswalk](https://info.nhanow.com/blog/how-to-read-an-nha-exam-crosswalk)
- [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share)
[](https://info.nhanow.com/blog/how-to-read-an-nha-exam-crosswalk)
Healthcare practices change over time and we have to make sure NHA certification exams accurately test the most current and relevant tasks in each profession we serve. So, every few years NHA consults with a lot of healthcare experts, and conducts nationwide job analysis research to update or create a new test plan for a given exam.
Depending on the profession ([medical assistant, phlebotomy, etc.](http://www.nhanow.com/certifications)), a test plan could change a little or a lot. Some professions are evolving rapidly and others are changing, but not as fast. That can make it hard to know at-a-glance the difference between a new and a previous test plan. That’s where the exam crosswalk comes in.
[Read More](https://info.nhanow.com/blog/how-to-read-an-nha-exam-crosswalk)
## [How to read a test plan (the insider's study secret)](https://info.nhanow.com/blog/how-to-read-a-test-plan-the-insiders-study-secret)
- [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share)
[](https://info.nhanow.com/blog/how-to-read-a-test-plan-the-insiders-study-secret)
Does your upcoming certification exam feel like a mystery? Wondering what’s going to be on it?
Enter, the NHA certification exam test plan.
There is a different test plan for each of NHA’s certification exams [available for students and the trainers and instructors ](http://www.nhanow.com/for-schools/resources)who are preparing them for the test. The test plan is used as the guide for creating the exam, as well as building the content in NHA study guides and practice tests\*, and while it won’t teach you what you need to know to pass the test, it can be a helpful free resource for planning your studying – but how do you read one?
[Read More](https://info.nhanow.com/blog/how-to-read-a-test-plan-the-insiders-study-secret)
## [How do I get a healthcare job without experience?](https://info.nhanow.com/blog/how-do-i-get-a-healthcare-job-without-experience)
- [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share)
[](https://info.nhanow.com/blog/how-do-i-get-a-healthcare-job-without-experience)
A question that comes up often for anyone completing their education or transitioning to a new allied health career is how to get that FIRST job.
Even though there is no “one right way” to land that first job, we’ve pulled together some strategies and actions you can take to demonstrate that you’re the right fit for the job you’re applying for.
[Read More](https://info.nhanow.com/blog/how-do-i-get-a-healthcare-job-without-experience)
## [Mapping the stops on your certification journey](https://info.nhanow.com/blog/what-you-need-to-know-about-the-certification-cycle)
- [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share)
[](https://info.nhanow.com/blog/what-you-need-to-know-about-the-certification-cycle)
Being [#NHAcertified](https://info.nhanow.com/nhacertified) is an accomplishment that reflects your dedication to your career success. It shows you value having access to the most up-to-date industry information. And a current up-to-date credentials demonstrates to your employer (or future employer) that you've been keeping up with your continuing education.
[Read More](https://info.nhanow.com/blog/what-you-need-to-know-about-the-certification-cycle)
## [3 Real Allied Healthcare Professionals Share What They Love About Their Career](https://info.nhanow.com/blog/3-real-allied-healthcare-professionals-share-what-they-love-about-their-career)
- [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share)
[](https://info.nhanow.com/blog/3-real-allied-healthcare-professionals-share-what-they-love-about-their-career)
Wondering what it’s like to be a certified allied healthcare professional? We asked Nicole (CPT), Rachel (CMAA), and Adelaide (CCMA), why they chose to earn, and maintain their certification.
[Read More](https://info.nhanow.com/blog/3-real-allied-healthcare-professionals-share-what-they-love-about-their-career)
## [7 healthcare jokes to tickle your funny bone](https://info.nhanow.com/blog/a-little-healthcare-humor-to-perk-up-your-day)
- [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share)
[](https://info.nhanow.com/blog/a-little-healthcare-humor-to-perk-up-your-day)
In light of National Humor Month, we're sharing seven of our favorite healthcare jokes, stories and puns.
Whether you're an allied health student, teacher, professional or employer, taking five minutes to read this post is your prescription for a little fun.
After all, laughter is the best medicine.
[Read More](https://info.nhanow.com/blog/a-little-healthcare-humor-to-perk-up-your-day)
## [How two very different programs advance student success by staying connected](https://info.nhanow.com/blog/how-two-very-different-programs-advance-student-success-by-staying-connected)
- [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share)
[](https://info.nhanow.com/blog/how-two-very-different-programs-advance-student-success-by-staying-connected)
Successful externships? Check. 90% exam pass rates? Check. Quality job placements? Check. But what sets these health care career tech programs apart? Keeping up with student progress using a comprehensive set of tools.
While health science may be the subject Rená Kuehler is teaching to high school students in Amarillo, Texas, it’s the self-sufficiency, stability and humility she sees develop in her students over time that are the real fruits of her labor.
“They gain confidence, they walk taller, they start to become determined and focused professionals,” says Kuehler.
[Read More](https://info.nhanow.com/blog/how-two-very-different-programs-advance-student-success-by-staying-connected)
## [Celebrating CTE Success](https://info.nhanow.com/blog/celebrating-cte-success)
- [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share)
[](https://info.nhanow.com/blog/celebrating-cte-success)
During [CTE, Career and Technical Education,](https://app.hubspot.com/compose/1430252/blog-post/32139) awareness month we are sharing some of the exciting successes that [#NHAcertified students and professionals](https://app.hubspot.com/compose/1430252/blog-post/32139) have had during and after their CTE run program.
From a college student making waves to a woman who changed her life with the help of friends and educators, get ready to be inspired by three incredible stories of certified success!
[Read More](https://info.nhanow.com/blog/celebrating-cte-success)
## [5 things to keep in mind every day at work](https://info.nhanow.com/blog/5-things-to-keep-in-mind-everyday-at-work)
- [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share)
[](https://info.nhanow.com/blog/5-things-to-keep-in-mind-everyday-at-work)
When you're focusing on achieving your allied health career goals, it's easy to forget to refine a very important skills set — the kind that cannot be easily tested or measured: **Soft skills.**
Soft skills are your personal attributes that help you communicate and relate to your patients and healthcare colleagues. In a field that is focused on care, these skills are especially important as you work toward advancing in your allied health career.
Want to improve your soft skills? Here are five things to keep in mind every day on the job...
[Read More](https://info.nhanow.com/blog/5-things-to-keep-in-mind-everyday-at-work)
## [On a job search? Here are healthcare job titles to look for](https://info.nhanow.com/blog/healthcare-job-titles-to-look-for)
- [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share)
[](https://info.nhanow.com/blog/healthcare-job-titles-to-look-for)
[Searching for your next job](https://info.nhanow.com/blog/tips-for-landing-an-allied-health-job) is a big deal and can be an overwhelming task. If you feel like you’re not finding enough opportunities that match your skills you could be accidentally limiting your search.
Sometimes the job that lines up just right with your skills doesn’t have the exact job title that you’d expect. Because healthcare environments can all be a little different and any given position could have a unique mix of tasks, a job title could sound a little (or a lot) different than what it says on your certification.
[Read More](https://info.nhanow.com/blog/healthcare-job-titles-to-look-for)
[Previous](https://info.nhanow.com/blog/author/jessica-salley/page/2) [All posts](https://info.nhanow.com/blog/all) [Next](https://info.nhanow.com/blog/author/jessica-salley/page/4)
## You make a difference every day.
When you work in healthcare, you go home every day knowing that you changed lives. Here, we're sharing industry news, updates, professional resources and more.
### Subscribe to Email Updates
### Recent Posts
### Posts by Topic
- [Allied Health Careers (52)](https://info.nhanow.com/blog/topic/allied-health-careers)
- [Continuing Education (39)](https://info.nhanow.com/blog/topic/continuing-education)
- [Career Pathways (33)](https://info.nhanow.com/blog/topic/career-pathways)
- [Insider (33)](https://info.nhanow.com/blog/topic/insider)
- [Getting Certified (17)](https://info.nhanow.com/blog/topic/getting-certified)
- [CBCS (15)](https://info.nhanow.com/blog/topic/cbcs)
- [Industry News (15)](https://info.nhanow.com/blog/topic/industry-news)
- [Job Search Tips (15)](https://info.nhanow.com/blog/topic/job-search-tips)
- [Medical Assistants (15)](https://info.nhanow.com/blog/topic/medical-assistants)
- [NHA Certified (11)](https://info.nhanow.com/blog/topic/nha-certified)
- [Regulatory Udates (11)](https://info.nhanow.com/blog/topic/regulatory-udates)
- [Certification Exams (9)](https://info.nhanow.com/blog/topic/certification-exams)
- [Real Stories (9)](https://info.nhanow.com/blog/topic/real-stories)
- [membership (9)](https://info.nhanow.com/blog/topic/membership)
- [Career Tools (8)](https://info.nhanow.com/blog/topic/career-tools)
- [Exam Prep (8)](https://info.nhanow.com/blog/topic/exam-prep)
- [Pharmacy Technicians (8)](https://info.nhanow.com/blog/topic/pharmacy-technicians)
- [Study Tips (8)](https://info.nhanow.com/blog/topic/study-tips)
- [CCMA (6)](https://info.nhanow.com/blog/topic/ccma)
- [CTE (6)](https://info.nhanow.com/blog/topic/cte)
- [Pharmacy (6)](https://info.nhanow.com/blog/topic/pharmacy)
- [Professional Skills (6)](https://info.nhanow.com/blog/topic/professional-skills)
- [Professional Tips (6)](https://info.nhanow.com/blog/topic/professional-tips)
- [Recertification (6)](https://info.nhanow.com/blog/topic/recertification)
- [Staying Certified (6)](https://info.nhanow.com/blog/topic/staying-certified)
- [member (6)](https://info.nhanow.com/blog/topic/member)
- [studying (6)](https://info.nhanow.com/blog/topic/studying)
- [CPhT (5)](https://info.nhanow.com/blog/topic/cpht)
- [Career & Technical Education (5)](https://info.nhanow.com/blog/topic/career-technical-education)
- [EKG (5)](https://info.nhanow.com/blog/topic/ekg)
- [Study Prep (5)](https://info.nhanow.com/blog/topic/study-prep)
- [COVID (4)](https://info.nhanow.com/blog/topic/covid)
- [Patient Care (4)](https://info.nhanow.com/blog/topic/patient-care)
- [Stacked Credentials (4)](https://info.nhanow.com/blog/topic/stacked-credentials)
- [Billing and Coding (3)](https://info.nhanow.com/blog/topic/billing-and-coding)
- [CET (3)](https://info.nhanow.com/blog/topic/cet)
- [Credentialing (3)](https://info.nhanow.com/blog/topic/credentialing)
- [Electronic Health Records (3)](https://info.nhanow.com/blog/topic/electronic-health-records)
- [Patient Care Technician (3)](https://info.nhanow.com/blog/topic/patient-care-technician)
- [CEHRS (2)](https://info.nhanow.com/blog/topic/cehrs)
- [CMAA (2)](https://info.nhanow.com/blog/topic/cmaa)
- [Candidate tools (2)](https://info.nhanow.com/blog/topic/candidate-tools)
- [Great Topic (2)](https://info.nhanow.com/blog/topic/great-topic)
- [NHA News (2)](https://info.nhanow.com/blog/topic/nha-news)
- [Phlebotomy (2)](https://info.nhanow.com/blog/topic/phlebotomy)
- [Resume Tips (2)](https://info.nhanow.com/blog/topic/resume-tips)
- [Team-Based Care (2)](https://info.nhanow.com/blog/topic/team-based-care)
- [Apprenticeships (1)](https://info.nhanow.com/blog/topic/apprenticeships)
- [CPT (1)](https://info.nhanow.com/blog/topic/cpt)
- [Cert Holders (1)](https://info.nhanow.com/blog/topic/cert-holders)
- [Certification (1)](https://info.nhanow.com/blog/topic/certification)
- [ExCPT (1)](https://info.nhanow.com/blog/topic/excpt)
- [HOSA (1)](https://info.nhanow.com/blog/topic/hosa)
- [Study Prep (1)](https://info.nhanow.com/blog/topic/study-prep)
- [aging (1)](https://info.nhanow.com/blog/topic/aging)
- [cancer (1)](https://info.nhanow.com/blog/topic/cancer)
- [customer service (1)](https://info.nhanow.com/blog/topic/customer-service)
- [halloween (1)](https://info.nhanow.com/blog/topic/halloween)
- [health occupations (1)](https://info.nhanow.com/blog/topic/health-occupations)
- [health sciences (1)](https://info.nhanow.com/blog/topic/health-sciences)
- [heart facts (1)](https://info.nhanow.com/blog/topic/heart-facts)
- [style your scrubs (1)](https://info.nhanow.com/blog/topic/style-your-scrubs)
- [thanksgiving (1)](https://info.nhanow.com/blog/topic/thanksgiving)
see all
- [Terms of Use](http://www.nhanow.com/terms-of-use)
- [Privacy Policy](http://www.nhanow.com/privacy-policy)
- [Careers](http://www.ascendlearning.com/careers/)
- [Accreditation](http://www.nhanow.com/accreditation)
- [Help Center](http://www.nhanow.com/help-center)
Copyright© 2026 Assessment Technologies Institute®, LLC. All rights reserved.
### Did you miss the "Finding Opportunity: The New Administration, Legislation and You" webinar?
By clicking the button below, I agree to the [Privacy Policy](http://www.nhanow.com/privacy-policy).
X