Coyne College

Why Should You Choose Trade School over College?

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Have you ever thought that you’re not cut out for the college lifestyle? Do you want to pursue a career sooner rather than later? Maybe you don’t want to spend four years of your life partying or sitting in impractical classes you don’t enjoy when you could be training for a career that you love. If so, then trade school might be a great investment for you. Trade school careers are good options for those who want to learn a solid skill – like nursing or working as an electrician or plumber – and, best of all, many of these careers are quite high-paying considering the time you put into the schooling vs. the entry-level salary you receive when you graduate. Why chose trade school over college? Here is an overview of the benefits of attending trade school and what your career options might be depending on the trade you pick.

Trade School vs. College

1. Trade School

Trade school once carried a stigma of a school that is more advanced than high school but still not quite college. If you choose trade school vs college, you’re likely looking at two years of full-time school in a practical, career-oriented line of work like electrical or HVAC technology, medical assisting, construction, or nursing. Degrees conferred at a trade school will likely be certificate programs or Associate of Arts or Associate of Science degrees.

2. College

When most people talk about going to “college”, they mean a four-year public or private institution. Degrees conferred at a four-year institution are usually a Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Arts, or perhaps a Bachelor of Fine Arts if you study a creative subject like film, studio art, or creative writing and you create a portfolio for your senior project.

Benefits of Choosing Trade School

If you’re a millennial, you’ve probably grown up hearing from your parents that you need to “make good grades and get into college”, not “college or trade school”, but what if you are not academically inclined or you have no patience for literature, foreign language, and theory? Maybe you’ve got a gift for practical thinking, or you might have an intuitive understanding of welding or how electrical wiring works.

  1. Career Path
    Though there is much benefit to a liberal arts education, it’s not always a practical choice to attend a four-year college and major in English or Philosophy. Majors like this, unless you have a solid career plan, might leave you high and dry and scrambling for unrelated work after you graduate. The demand for essential workers such as electricians, nurses, pharmacy technicians, and plumbers are needed to help keep communities running.
  2. Apprenticeships
    If you choose a four-year college, the closest thing you might get to a modern apprenticeship is an internship, during which you might be learning the tricks of a new trade, like working at a news station or creating important spreadsheets, or you might be fetching coffee and taking notes in meetings. At a trade school, you can take advantage of genuine vocational school training. You’re learning a real-world skill, after all, and there’s no room for a nurse who doesn’t know his or her vital signs or an electrician who doesn’t understand the basics of household wiring.
  3. Lower Tuition
    Many trade schools boast affordable tuition rates. For example, in 2019-2020, the average college tuition paid was $41,426 at private college, and on the lower end, $11,260 for in-state residents at state schools. In comparison, two-year colleges and trade schools might cost you about $7,345. Combining this lower overall cost with in demand careers makes trade school a great bet – especially in these uncertain, post-COVID times.
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Popular in Trade School

Medical Assistant or Pharmacy Technician

These two trade school jobs are likely to provide great entry-level pay, exciting career options, and a lot of flexibility. Do you see yourself working in a pediatrician’s office? How about filling prescriptions and communicating with patients about their medication regimens at a local, family-owned pharmacy?

There are numerous options for medical assistants, who can work in the front of the office or in the back, where they might process patient histories or even take patient vitals, like heart rate and blood pressure.

Pharmacy techs have the responsibility of communicating with both pharmacists and patients to make sure their medications are correctly filled, and they can get patients’ help from a licensed pharmacist if needed. If you want to pursue this career, the time is right: the median salary for medical assistants is currently $34,800 per year, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, and job growth is rated at 23% over the next 10 years.

Electrical Technology

Electricians are often in high demand as they have a specific set of skills that might include installing and repairing construction wiring in both commercial in residential developments, working with lighting, or maintaining electrical control systems. Their current median salary is $56,180 per year and job growth is projected at 10% for the next 10 years.

If you’re the type of person who envisions going to school to learn what’s necessary for a job, working immediately after graduation, and making a great starting salary, then trade school might be right for you.

Contact Coyne College to discuss admission for a trade school in Chicago and to begin planning your future today.

Why Should I Consider an Allied Health Career?

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If you are considering what career path to pursue, you may want to consider training for an allied health profession. This is a great and rewarding career choice for anyone who wants to help people. Coyne College has several programs that could help you get started working in this field.

What Is an Allied Health Career?

Allied health jobs are those that use science- and evidence-based techniques to diagnose, evaluate, and treat acute and chronic conditions. They may also promote wellness and preventative medical practices. Some jobs in this field also provide support and administrative assistance to medical practices. Specifically, these professions are non-physician and non-nurse roles in healthcare.

People working in these roles may perform diverse responsibilities. For example, different roles may work in laboratory testing, perform administrative work, interact with patients, provide emergency medicine, or complete many other duties. Typically, people working in an allied health profession will specialize in a particular skillset.

What Are Some Examples of Allied Health Professions?

Jobs in the allied health field range from diagnostic personnel to health information technologists. The following are a few examples of titles that fall under this umbrella:

• Medical assistant
• Pharmacy technician
• Medical laboratory scientist
• Phlebotomist
• Medical billing and coding specialist

What Are the Benefits of Allied Health Professionals?

Working in an allied health profession can be a rewarding experience both financially and personally. There are many choices in careers. However, working in an allied health job has a unique set of benefits that attract many people. Perhaps the following advantages make this the right career path for you:

  • High Job Satisfaction: Many allied health jobs involve working with people and helping to ensure the good health of patients. This can be a very satisfying way to earn a living for the right person. It is an opportunity to have a direct and significant impact on someone else’s life. Few jobs are comparably fulfilling.
  • Job Security: Healthcare is a necessity. Therefore, the industry tends to be well-established and consistently growing. As long as there are people, they will need to receive quality healthcare services. There are almost always jobs available for people with training in the allied health professions.
  • Very Flexible: Compared to many other professions, allied health jobs are quite flexible. The training is relatively quick for the healthcare field. Plus, there are many jobs available in different sub-fields. If, for example, you pursued a medical assistant program, you could work in several possible jobs. Furthermore, there are healthcare jobs near every population center.

In addition to the above benefits, many people find that allied healthcare training dovetails well with a military career. There are many healthcare-related jobs in the military, meaning that you can find good employment with a chance to serve your community and country. Some people receive their training while working in the military and others learn outside then transition to a military career. Again, this is a very flexible field to work in.

Why Allied Health vs. Another Healthcare Job?

Many of the above benefits apply to other jobs in the healthcare field. However, allied health positions tend to be relatively accessible and involve much shorter training processes than becoming a physician or nurse.

Each individual must decide whether pursuing a career in allied health is the right choice versus getting training for other jobs. However, for most people, it makes more financial sense to get training through a shorter program then get right into the workplace.

Furthermore, allied health programs are usually less expensive compare to traditional college courses. If you are eager to get into the healthcare field without investing the time and money necessary to pursue a medical or nursing degree, this may be the right option for you.

What Is Involved in Training?

The exact training requirements depend on the program you pursue. However, you can always expect to learn hand-on with practical training, studying theory, and learning from case studies. Most programs can be completed in less than a year. However, you can extend your studies further if you wish you to attend part-time while working.

At Coyne College, many of our allied health programs involve some externship training with a partner organization. We have found that our combination of practical and theory-based allied health career training empowers our students to master the skills they need to succeed quickly and thoroughly.

Many of our courses blend the clerical and clinical aspects of allied health professions, especially our medical assistant and pharmacy technician programs. This helps our students to gain the knowledge and abilities they need to maintain a highly flexible career. All our programs will help you enjoy the benefits of allied health professionals.

How Does COVID19 Impact Working as an Allied Health Professional?

The impact of COVID19 has been felt throughout the world in almost every manner imaginable. In the allied health field, there is greater demand than ever for skilled workers. You can anticipate finding more job openings available if you get the training you need.

While the situation will be very different after the 10 or more months necessary to complete training, there is no question that there will be long-lasting effects of the pandemic.

Understandably, some people are concerned about their safety working in healthcare during the crisis. However, organizations are doing an increasingly good job of protecting their workers. Plus, once the pandemic is contained, there will still be plenty of allied healthcare jobs.

Work Towards a Brighter Future at Coyne College

Does an allied health career sound right for you? Take your first steps towards a brighter future by enrolling in one of Coyne College’s allied health career programs. Learn more about our medical assistant, pharmacy technician, and medical billing and coding specialist programs. We have classes starting regularly to help you get on the path to success sooner. Apply online for admission.

Everything You Wanted to Know About HVAC Installation

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An air conditioner operates by taking in warm air and pulling it over a coolant system. In an HVAC system, there is also a heating component that can be adjusted depending on whether you want your home to be cooler or warmer.

HVAC Installation Guide

The air conditioning unit is a key component of your HVAC system, especially during the summer months when the temperatures start to soar. It is important to maintain the air quality to ensure your comfort and maintain your home’s energy efficiency. If planning to update or install a new system, then this HVAC installation guide can help you select a properly sized unit, connect the air conditioner to your central heating system, determine the cost of installation, and find the best location for your AC unit.

Sizing Up the Air Conditioner

The size of the unit makes a crucial difference in terms of air quality. If the unit is too small, then the air in your home cannot be properly treated. A unit that is too big can risk undermining energy efficiency and may even shut off before the air has fully run through the system. When considering how to install an air conditioning unit, it is best to consult with a technician on everything, including matters of unit size.

The heat gain of your home also factors into the size of the unit. When inspecting your home, the technician will determine how much heat is filtered into the living space. Everything from the placement of doors and windows to the position of your home in relation to the sun affects the heat gain calculation. Knowing how much heat is regularly retained by your home will help the technician select the most energy-efficient unit for your space.

Keeping Your Home Energy Efficient

Energy efficiency is determined through the SEER, or season energy-efficiency rating, which your technician will calculate during the inspection. The rating varies depending on much electricity the air conditioner uses to operate. Higher SEER ratings mean a lower cost for you, and the technician will ensure that your HVAC system continues to maintain your home’s energy efficiency.

The Best Place for the AC Unit and Thermostat

Any AC system is liable to make some noise, so you want to consider keeping the new unit tucked away from you and your family. Try to avoid placing the unit’s outside components near any bedrooms, as this might cause some annoyance in the future. The technician will know the best place to install the unit so that you can maintain the peace and comfort of your home.

You also want to think carefully about where to install the thermostat, which allows you to set the temperature in your home and regulates the entire HVAC system. It is best to keep the thermostat indoors and away from any draftiness that could affect its readings of the overall temperature. The thermostat should also be kept away from ducts, which will direct air toward the device and likely tamper with temperature readings. To improve energy efficiency, you can install a smart thermostat that automatically adjusts the temperature reading to create optimal living conditions.

HVAC Installation Guide for Homes with Central Heating

If you have a central heating unit already in place, a technician only needs to make a few modifications to your system. There should already be a duct system that connects to your furnace or central heating system, and the air conditioner simply needs to be introduced to this ductwork. It is important to have a technician check to make sure that the ducts are properly connected. Otherwise, the system could possibly leak and reduce energy efficiency.

Even with existing ductwork, you might need to make some changes to your system to make sure that the new unit can properly function in relation to the heating system. Possible alterations include having your furnace or heating system altered to accommodate the introduction of the air conditioner and modifying the duct system so that quality air is spread effectively and efficiently through your home.

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Installing New Ductwork

No HVAC installation guide would be complete without addressing what do if your house needs an entirely new duct system. Not every home has ductwork built-in, but this is not a problem for a trained technician. If your home needs to be outfitted with new ductwork, then your technician will create a floor plan and determine how to complete the installation in an unobtrusive way as possible. The best places to put ducts are spaces that are hidden from view such as closets or if you have multiple floors, attic ceilings. The technician will make sure that every aspect of your HVAC system is installed without making major renovations to your home.

The Cost of Energy Efficiency

With any new installation come cost considerations. There is not a set price for this type of renovation, and the cost of installing a new unit varies and depends on multiple factors:

  • Size of your home
  • Quality of insulation and electrical system
  • Number of doors and windows
  • Condition of ductwork

A technician will inspect your home prior to completing the air conditioning installation and can provide a cost estimate. The technician will check every element of your existing heating and cooling system to determine what is best for your home.

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Build Your Expertise

There are many considerations to keep in mind when installing a new air conditioning system. As temperatures start to rise, you will want to have the perfect HVAC system to control the air quality of your home. With the help of an HVAC installation guide and a trained technician, you can ensure that your home is comfortable, energy-efficient, and ready to take on the heat. In addition to seeking out a technician, you can learn more about the finer points of heating, ventilation, and air conditioning by registering for HVAC programs at Coyne College. Our instructors have the expertise and help you become a top technician. Heating and cooling systems are an integral part of any building’s infrastructure, and through our training programs, you can gain expert-level knowledge of these essential systems.

Warning Signs of Faulty Electrical Wiring

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Faulty wiring can be very dangerous. In the United States, wiring problems are responsible for tens of thousands of house fires every year. Fortunately, the majority of wiring-related accidents could be prevented by inspecting for faulty wiring and fixing it before a major issue emerges. The following faulty electrical wiring signs will help you find and address problems.

1) Visibly Damaged Wiring

It may seem obvious that any visible wire damage is a problem. However, many people overlook seemingly minor damage thinking that it won’t cause an issue. Even if the wire is mostly in good shape, it is better to fix it promptly than risk the potentially serious consequences.

Some issues to look out for include frayed wire ends. Another common problem is bite marks on the wiring. Bitten wires often look fine other than some cosmetic damage. However, sharp teeth can often sink a lot deeper than you may expect. If you find a home pest problem, consider checking the nearby wiring carefully for any damage.

2) Scorching or Discoloration

Look at outlet points around the property. Any strange colors, scorching or other evidence of burning indicate that there are some electrical problems.

Typically, this means that the wiring connected to the outlet is getting overly hot. You may also notice distortion of the faceplate of the outlet. Similarly, if you can feel heat coming from the outlet, that is a clear indication that it is heating up.

It probably comes as no surprise that hot electrical wiring is a bad thing. While it is normal for wiring to get slightly warm when used consistently, it should not be so hot that it is uncomfortable or that it causes any damage to the outlet plate. Stop using the outlet immediately and try to find the problem.

3) Frequent Blown Fuses/Breaker

If the fuse keeps blowing or the breaker keeps tripping on a circuit, that is a sign that something isn’t right. It could simply be an indication that you are overloading the circuit. However, good wiring should make this relatively difficult to do under normal operation. So, it could be a sign that there is a wiring problem.

In a well-wired property, using every outlet on a circuit should only be an issue if you are using an appliance or other item that has very high power demands. Typically, appliances such as dryers and HVAC are wired on special circuits to accommodate this demand.

Another reason you may be causing the breaker to trip is that there are too many multi-outlet extension cords on the same circuit. Again, this won’t usually be a problem unless you are egregiously overloading the circuit. If there are no obvious excess demands, there may be an issue with the circuit.

Damaged Wiring
Even if the wire is mostly in good shape, it is better to fix it promptly than risk the potentially serious consequences.
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Scorching or Discoloration
Look at outlet points around the property. Any strange colors, scorching or other evidence of burning indicate that there are some electrical problems.
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Frequent Blown Fuses/Breaker
If the fuse keeps blowing or the breaker keeps tripping on a circuit, that is a sign that something isn’t right.
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4) Excessively Messy Wiring

Electricians don’t need to make their wiring completely neat when they install it. There are no technical benefits to organized wiring nor drawbacks to messy wires. So, a little disorder isn’t necessarily anything to worry about.

However, the organization of the wires speaks somewhat to the quality of the work. Someone who is meticulous about keeping things orderly is more likely to be careful with the wiring. Conversely, an excessive mess may indicate a slapdash job. This is not a hard and fast rule, but it can be an indicator.

5) Unusual Sounds

Another one of the most important faulty electrical wiring signs is sound. In particular, buzzing is an indication that something is amiss. Normally, an electrical current should produce no noise that is audible to the human ear. However, when a wire is damaged, a prong is loose or some other issue exists, the current may jump and creating a buzzing noise.

You may also be able to hear your lights flickering even if you can’t see the problem. This indicates that the current isn’t quite flowing smoothly. Even minor issues can cause undue stress on the system and may result in a bigger problem down the road.

6) Burning or Other Unusual Odors

Similarly, strange smells are an indication that you may have electrical problems. The most common odor that you can expect is a burning smell. It is probably not a surprise that this should be investigated and resolved quickly. After all, the most common danger of wiring problems is electrical fires.

Any source of burning smell or smoke should be fixed quickly. However, if the problem is significant enough that there is clear burning on the sheathing, you should disconnect everything from the circuit and manually trip the breaker. The problem is severe enough that it could cause imminent danger.

Other odd smells should also be investigated. They could be the result of burning producing an unfamiliar smell. They could also have other causes. Regardless, it is best not to ignore anything that seems out of the ordinary.

7) Flickering or Dimming Lights

Light fixtures should only require a relatively small amount of power to run at full brightness. Therefore, if your lights are flickering or dim, it could be a sign that there is some faulty wiring.
The problem could also be that the lights are sharing an outlet with a major power consumer. Appliances that have heating or cooling elements tend to be the most electricity-hungry. Consider unplugging any appliances on the same circuit to see if that resolves the problem.

You could look into moving the lights to another circuit. Additionally, if removing the appliance from the light circuit does not fix the problem, try changing the bulbs and/or plugging in a different light fixture. If none of these changes resolve the issue, you may have a deeper problem.

Take the First Step Toward a Career as an Electrician

The above faulty electrical wiring signs will help you identify a problem with the wiring in your home or business. If you want to learn how to fix these problems yourself, consider getting an education to become an electrician. This could be your first step towards a reliable and rewarding career. Coyne College offers programs such as electrical construction and maintenance. Learn more and apply online today.

A Brief History of HVAC

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Air conditioning is something we take for granted, but when it’s on the fritz we certainly take notice. Have you ever thought about the history of air conditioning? Who was the inventor of air conditioning?

AC history (the beginnings)

In the 1840s, long before electricity was invented, John Gorrie, a Florida doctor and inventor thought cooling might be the remedy for fighting disease and keeping people comfortable. He came up a system of interior cooling that involved transporting huge blocks of ice from frozen lakes and streams in the north to cool hospital rooms. The logistics were unreasonable, so he experimented with refrigeration and devised a machine that made ice using horsepower, wind-powered sails or steam. He was granted a patent for his ice-making machine in 1851 but never saw it come to the marketplace, as his chief financial backer died. However, his work laid the foundation for modern-day air conditioning.

When was air conditioning invented?​

Willis Carrier, who worked as an engineer at the Buffalo (NY) Forge Company, was given the task of solving a big humidity problem in a Brooklyn publishing company that made magazine pages wrinkle. He designed and patented his “Apparatus for Treating Air” that used cooling coils to either humidify the air by heating water or dehumidify by cooling water. He ran tests to perfect his technology and then built and patented an automatic control system that regulated the humidity and air temperature in textile mills. With the success of his apparatus, he realized that other kinds of businesses could benefit from temperature and humidity regulation, so he left Buffalo Forge and formed his own company—Carrier Engineering Corporation—with six other engineers. The AC invention date—1902—is credited to Carrier.

Willis-Carrier-Ac-inventor

When was the term “air conditioning first used” and how big was the first AC unit?

In 1906, Stuart Cramer, who was a textile mill engineer, was the first person to coin the term “air conditioning.” The first residential unit was installed in 1914 and needed a room of its own: it was seven feet high, six feet wide and 20 feet long. One of these early units carried a price tag of $10,000 to $50,000, which translates to $120,000 to $600,000 at today’s rate of exchange.

What other major achievements in heating/cooling history followed?

Just two years later, in 1904, organizers of the St. Louis World’s Fair used mechanical refrigeration to cool parts of the Missouri State Building that housed fair events. It was able to circulate 35,000 cubic feet of air per minute and gave the public its first glimpse of cooling used for comfort. That same year, theaters began using a modified heating/cooling system that utilized refrigeration equipment to force cool air through floor vents. The problem was that lower areas were too cold and upper areas were too hot and muggy.

When was the first furnace invented?

We’ve talked about cooling, but heating is equally important. Benjamin Franklin invented the cast iron Franklin stove in 1742, which was a predecessor of the furnace. Until 1885, most homes were heated by wood-burning fireplaces, but a riveted-steel coal furnace transported heat by natural convection via ducts from the basement furnace to upper rooms. Cast iron radiators were invented around the same time and enabled homeowners to heat their homes with a coal-fired boiler that could deliver hot water or steam heat to radiators in every room. In 1935, the first forced-air furnace was introduced and used an electric fan to distribute coal-heated air through the home’s ducts; gas- and oil-fired versions followed.

How else did Carrier influence HVAC history?

Carrier’s company installed the first well-designed cooling system for theaters in Los Angeles in 1922. Air was pumped through higher vents, which resulted in more equally distributed cooling. On Memorial Day in 1925, Carrier introduced a centrifugal chilling system at New York’s Rivoli Theater: a breakthrough in HVAC inventions. Although it was more reliable and less costly than previous systems, it was still too big and expensive to use wide scale.

Was Carrier the only name associated with air conditioning?

Frigidaire and General Electric both appeared on the HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) scene within a decade of Carrier’s big achievement. In 1929, Frigidaire debuted a split-system room cooler that was shaped like a radio cabinet. Although it was small enough for homes, it was but too heavy required its own condenser. A year later, General Electric patented 32 prototypes for improved self-contained room coolers. In 1931, H.H. Schultz and J.Q. Sherman invented the first room air conditioner; it sat on a window ledge, similar to portable units today. Around the same time, General Motors synthesized CFC (chlorofluorocarbon) coolants, the world’s first non-flammable refrigerants. Although they helped with cooling, CFC coolants were later linked to ozone depletion and phased out in the 1990s.

What’s the story of the modern air conditioners we’re familiar with?

Since 1947, AC units became more compact and cheaper. In that year, 43,000 systems were in use. By the 1960s, most new homes in the United States were built with central air conditioning. By then, electric air conditioner window units were affordable and had come down in price from the early days; a 1938 Chrysler unit cost $416. By 2009, the Energy Information Administration reported that 87 percent of all American households—about 100 million homes—used AC units.

When was air conditioning invented?
Willis Carrier, who worked as an engineer at the Buffalo (NY) Forge Company, was given the task of solving a big humidity problem in a Brooklyn publishing company that made magazine pages wrinkle.
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When was the first furnace invented?
Benjamin Franklin invented the cast iron Franklin stove in 1742, which was a predecessor of the furnace.
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Why is air conditioning important?
Between 1960 and 2004, heat-related deaths in the United States were 80 percent lower than they had been in the previous 59 years.
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Why is air conditioning important?

We know that air conditioning helps keep us comfortable, but it also saves lives. Between 1960 and 2004, heat-related deaths in the United States were 80 percent lower than they had been in the previous 59 years. Air conditioning played a major role in reducing those numbers.

How can I learn more about HVAC?

You can enroll in HVAC technician programs at Coyne College Chicago. You’ll get hands-on instruction from industry professionals that will teach you to install, troubleshoot and service domestic and commercial HVAC-R systems. Earn your diploma in as little as 42 weeks at Coyne College and you’ll be prepared for a rewarding, in-demand career that O*NET OnLine reports will grow 11 percent—much faster than average for other jobs—through 2028. Illinois expects to see job growth of 13 percent.

Contact Coyne College today to get the HVAC training you need to succeed. It’s going to be a hot summer. Learn about some HVAC summer preparation tips.

Learn the Basics of Home Electrical Wiring

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Electrical wiring can be tricky—especially for the novice. That’s why it’s usually best to hire a professional for anything other than a simple job. Otherwise, you could risk injury, damage or fire. If you do plan to complete a DIY project that has an electrical component, there are some basic things to know about wiring installation.

Understanding electrical wiring

Since the 1940s, any house built (or any older home that has been rewired) has had to follow an electrical code: the NEC—written with safety in mind. NEC code identifies types of electrical wires and electrical cable types by color. When you remove a switch plate, you’ve probably noticed yellow, white, black, red or green wires. They are not there to be decorative; each serves a specific purpose, and some don’t play nicely with others.

How to electrical wires

When you’re doing wiring installation, you need to identify the parts of the wiring cable, the non-metallic electrical cable: the outer sheathing (the jacket) and the inner wires. The colored “wire” you see—the green, black, red, blue or white—is actually the sheathing that covers the inner copper wires. If you look closely, you’ll see markings stamped on the sheathing to let you know the number and gauge of wires inside. The color of the sheathing lets you know what each wire does.

The following is sort of an electrical wire types chart:

  • Black wires or “hot wires” carry live electrical loads from the electrical service panel to an outlet, light or other destination.
  • Red wires are also hot wires used to interconnect smoke detectors, so that if one alarm goes off, all the others do as well.
  • White and gray wires are neutral wires that connect to the neutral bus bar, which attracts current and carries it throughout the house. Don’t let the “neutral” part fool you because they can still carry a charge—especially if the current load is not balanced.
  • White wires wrapped in black or red electrical tape are also hot wires. The tape just lets you know that the white wire, which is normally neutral, is being used as a hot wire instead.
  • Green wires connect the grounding terminal in an outlet box and run it to a ground bus bar in the electrical panel, giving current a place to escape to the ground in the event a live wire touches metal or another conductor. Green wires can only connect to other green wires but can still be live if the electrical system is faulty.
  • Bare copper wires are the most common type of grounding wires.
  • Blue and yellow wires, although not usually found in non-metallic (NM) cable, are sometimes used as hot wires in an electrical conduit. The blue ones are travelers that might be in the switches at both the top and bottom of a staircase to control the same light.
Black Wire
Carries live electrical loads from the electrical service panel to an outlet
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Red Wire
Used to interconnect smoke detectors, so that if one alarm goes off.
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White and gray wires
Are neutral wires that connect to the neutral bus bar, which attracts current and carries it throughout the house.
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What type of wire is used for residential?

Most modern homes use nonmetallic (NM) cable that consists of two or more wires wrapped inside the colored sheathing mentioned previously. The package of wires usually contains one or more hot wires plus a neutral and a ground. To accommodate wiring in an older home or if your wiring just needs work, you can splice the old wires with new NM cable using a junction box that protects wire connections. The larger circuit wires carry circuit voltage that can be really dangerous to touch. If you don’t know what kind of wires you have, consider them all to be dangerous.

DIY wiring and switching tips

If you have the confidence and want to tackle a DIY wiring job on your own, you need to be prepared with information and tools.

  • Have the proper tools. These might be a multimeter that tests electrical voltage and a combination sheath/wire stripper.
  • Familiarize yourself with the different wires. Make sure you know which colored wire goes where and their purpose to avoid electrical shock and to safely wire your home.
  • Have more wire than you need. Make sure it stretches at least three inches outside of the electrical box.
  • Patch drywall with big plates. Did you make the hole in the drywall too big? Fix it with an oversized electrical plate.
  • Pay for quality. Don’t scrimp on the quality of switches and outlets.
  • Check the voltage before you touch wires and circuits. The multimeter will let you know if they’re safe to touch.
  • Do your research. Watch YouTube video tutorials.
Electrical wiring mistakes to avoid

An electrical “oops” moment could be really serious, causing short circuits, shocks or fires. These are a few common mistakes you’ll want to avoid:

  • Never connect wires outside of electrical junction boxes. If there’s no box, add one and connect the wires inside it.
  • Remember the three-inch minimum on wire length. Don’t cut your wires to short. IF you do, add six-inch extensions.
  • Never leave sheathing unprotected between frames, as in a ceiling installation. Staple it to a 2×2 or use metal conduit if the wire runs along the wall.
  • Avoid loose switches or loosely connected outlets.
  • Never install a three-slot receptacle without a ground wire.
  • Don’t recess an electrical box behind a wall surface. Instead, add a wall extension.
  • Secure cable with a clamp so wire insulation doesn’t cut or fray.
Common household electrical problems

If you have old wiring, you probably have a whole set of issues. One of the more common ones is frayed insulation because there was no grounding, and the wiring wasn’t made to handle today’s heavy-duty appliances. There are several other common electrical problems that are not restricted to old wiring:

  • Frequent surges caused by lighting, damaged power lines, or faulty appliances or wiring
  • Dips in power supply because of faulty devices (or those made of poor-quality materials) connected to the power grid
  • Light switches that don’t work correctly
  • A circuit breaker that trips frequently
  • An overloaded circuit breaker
  • Shocks
  • Lights that are too bright or too dim
  • High electrical bills
  • Lightbulbs that burn out too often
  • “Possessed” recessed lights that go out and then come back on
How to

If you have proper electrical training, you should be able to handle most projects. Have you thought about becoming an electrician? According to O*NETOnLine, the projected job growth for electricians through 2028 is faster than average for other occupations. Consider enrolling in electrical construction and planning programs Coyne College Chicago. You’ll get the hands-on electrical training and individualized instruction you need to prepare for an in-demand career as an electrician. You may also want to consider electrical construction and maintenance (ECM programs) in Chicago.

Curious? Contact Coyne College for more information.

Common Misconceptions About Trade Schools

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There’s a certain stigma that has surrounded trade schools for a while: that they somehow provide an inferior education that is only good for those who can’t do anything else. Nothing could be further from the truth. Let’s debunk some common misconceptions about trade school.

Trade schools are for people who aren’t smart enough to get into college.

That is simply untrue. According to U.S. News & World Report, there are at least 100 colleges that accept 90 percent of those who apply; some even accept all who apply. Trade schools offer focused education and teach many skills that are relevant to even those who study in four-year colleges, such as critical thinking, communication, collaboration, pride in workmanship.

You can’t get a high-paying job if you go to a trade school.

If earning an average of $47,230 right out of school is low, then I guess that’s right. But how many four-year college grads can’t get jobs in their field and are working as baristas? Some of the highest-paying trade school career options pay well over that average salary:

  • Dental hygienist ($71,970)
  • Electronics repairer ($55,610)
  • HVAC technician ($57,250)

A trade school degree is not a real degree.

It’s true that you can opt for a diploma or certificate program from a trade school, but many offer two-year associate degrees; some even offer four-year bachelor’s degrees. In some cases, a diploma or degree from a trade school is a steppingstone to continuing education. For example, if a student earns a diploma in medical assisting, there’s no limit to where that person’s career can go. They will have a strong foundation that could lead to any number of careers: nursing, accounting, administration and more.

Trade School Misconceptions
Trade schools are for people who aren’t smart enough to get into college.
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Trade School Misconceptions
You can’t get a high-paying job if you go to a trade school.
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Trade School Misconceptions
A trade school degree is not a real degree.
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If you learn a trade, you’re stuck with it throughout your entire career.

It’s true that your education is focused on a particular trade and the skillset that goes with it. However, many technical skills overlap. For example, someone who studies to become an HVAC technician will learn some basic electrical and welding, as well as essential workplace skills. A pharmacy technician will learn about anatomy, billing, records and medical ethics and could work in a variety of locations. Who knows where it could lead?

Credits don’t transfer to a four-year school.

It’s true that some students study at a trade school with the intention of finishing their education at a traditional college. Just ask the university if they accept transfer credits. They may only apply to certain majors, but you can learn the specific requirements before you enroll.

Trade schools aren’t challenging.

Yes. Major universities with heavy academics have some very challenging programs, but trade schools teach students to be workforce-ready on day one of their first jobs. The hands-on training students receive is valuable. Every student is challenged with new tasks that mimic what they will do in the real world. Many also are required to participate in externships that actually get them into the field to practice in a real company.

You can’t get financial aid if you go to a trade school.

That is also untrue. Most trade schools offer financial aid for those who qualify, and many even offer scholarships. Depending on the trade and the demand for workers, some employers will pay a student’s tuition if they agree to work for them for a certain length of time.

There’s no job placement at a trade or technical school.

Most trade schools offer job placement services and have staff available to help students learn to interview, write resumes and apply for jobs. Many schools also offer job fairs and invite local employers to come meet with students who will graduate soon.

These misconceptions have given trade schools a bad reputation.

In reality, many young people are seeing the value of attending trade school and not a traditional college—especially when you consider cost, length of the program and job availability.

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How much does it cost to go to a trade school?

The cost is significantly less than a four-year college. The average trade school education costs $33,000—sometimes less than the cost of a single year of college. If you multiply that by four, you get $132,000, which also comes with significant student debt that can last nearly the length of a career!

What are some of the advantages of a trade school?

The trades are in demand. Many trades workers are nearing retirement age, and people are needed to fill their shoes. If you learn a trade, there are short-term programs. You could complete your program in a few weeks or months as opposed to a few years. Imagine that you’re 19 and just completed a nine-month HVAC technician program. You start working immediately.

Let’s say you earn $50,000 a year. Your friend, who is also 19, decided to attend the state university and has three more years to go. By the time he or she graduates, you will have worked for three years and made $150,000. Deduct the $33,000 for the cost, and you’re $117,000 ahead of your buddy who has earned $0 and paid $132,000 in tuition. Now, who’s the smarter of the two?

How to Trade school

It’s easy. You need to have a high school diploma or a GED and fill out an application. In many cases, there are student loans for trade programs. You just need to contact the school you want to attend and ask about their financial aid. If you want to know how to apply, visit the school’s website. In most cases, you can apply online.

Trade programs in Chicago

Coyne College in Chicago offers several in-demand training programs that last less than a year:

  • HVAC Refrigeration
  • Electrical Construction & Planning
  • Electrical Construction & Maintenance
  • Medical Assistant
  • Medical Coding & Billing Specialist
  • Pharmacy Technician

Coyne also offers financial aid and has career services specialists who can help you find a job.

Contact Coyne College for more information or to enroll in a program.

Pharmacy Technicians: Front Liners of COVID-19

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Pharmacy technicians are responders to the coronavirus pandemic, showing their dedication and diligence every day. They play a vital role when it comes to providing the public with medicines, therapeutics, vaccines and patient care. It’s no surprise that there is an increasing pharmacy job demand to help with COVID-19 patient care whenever possible.

Brave pharmacy technicians—COVID-19 front liners—are stepping up to the plate to help out in any way they can.

Promoting during COVID-19

Pharmacies and their pharmacy technicians are following CDC guidelines during the pandemic. They are all wearing face masks and requiring anyone who visits the pharmacy to do the same. Additionally, if they have fevers or coronavirus symptoms, they are staying home until they have completely recovered to protect their fellow staff members and their customers.

Covid-19-Safety-Guidelines

Taking extra precautions when filling prescriptions

Filling prescriptions and dispensing medications are key jobs of a pharmacy technician, but in this time of COVID-19, it is necessary to take extra precautions. Often, pharmacy staff must consult with customers and explain their medications, the dosage and possible side effects. Now, however, social distancing is a must to lower the chances of spreading the virus. Here’s what pharmacy technicians can do:

  • Have hand sanitizer (at least 60 percent alcohol) available on counters for customers to use; pharmacy staff should have easy access to soap and water for washing their hands frequently.
  • Ask customers to submit prescription orders via the phone or online whenever possible and pre-pay online if they can.
  • Limit direct contact by placing the filled prescription on the counter for the patient to pick up.
  • Avoid handling insurance cards and ask the customer to read the information aloud.
  • Try to not touch items the customer has touched.
  • Encourage home delivery or curbside pickup of medications.
  • Put a plastic barrier or vinyl shield between the pharmacy desk and the patient and add a pass-through slot to avoid direct contact.

Carefully reconsider administering routine preventive vaccinations to adults

Pharmacies often provide routine vaccinations for seasonal flu, shingles and pneumonia to their customers. However, that involves close contact, which could be unsafe. The CDC recommends evaluating the community’s COVID-19 situation before regularly administering vaccines. If it’s deemed safe, give priority to older adults or those with underlying conditions. Screening for fever and COVID-19 symptoms is advisable.

Multitasking in the era of COVID-19

The evolving role of pharmacy technicians during the pandemic is at the forefront of health care. Pharmacy technicians are multitasking during the crisis. They’re supporting dispensing, immunizations, compounding and many other duties. Some are even helping at long-term care facilities to facilitate immunizations of residents. Some pharmacies are trying to secure COVID-19 testing, which the techs can administer.

The job demand for pharmacy technicians

According to O*NET OnLine, jobs for pharmacy technicians are projected to grow 7 to 10 percent through 2028, which is faster than the average for other jobs. Pharmacy tech jobs are in demand because they are part of the allied health industry, which is growing every day. Ten of every 20 occupations of high growth in the U.S. are in health care—especially in Chicago, a hub for medicine. As pharmacies expand their offerings (including clinical care) to customers, more pharmacy technicians will be required to staff them.

A pharmacy technician’s

A pharmacy technician has a number of duties that make a typical day of work different each day. Specific responsibilities could vary, depending on where the tech works: in a hospital, lab, retail pharmacy, compounding pharmacy, nursing home or mail-order pharmacy. These are some of the typical duties:

  • Communicate with customers. The tech is usually the first point of contact for pharmacy customers—the face of the pharmacy—and as such needs to greet, listen to, interact with and help customers who have questions about their prescriptions and health.
  • Enter data in the computer. This might include entering insurance information, changing patients’ personal information, ordering supplies and creating labels.
  • Process medications. Count pills, fill bottles and label medications.
  • Fulfill prescription requests. It’s critical to dispense drugs properly: check for drug interactions, duplicate prescription requests, correct dosage and more.
  • Manage pharmacy inventory. As new stock comes in, you’ll need to put it on the shelf and also make sure medications have not expired.
  • Help patients take care of their health. You’ll need to go over the details of their medication, answer questions and make sure they understand how and when to take it.
Read our other Pharma Blogs Here:
Health care training programs for pharmacy technicians

You can get pharmacy technician training at Coyne College Chicago. Complete your program in as little as 42 weeks. Enroll in Coyne’s 42-week pharmacy tech program and prepare for a rewarding career. You’ll learn how to enter and order meds, keep records, mix IV solutions and compound products, and fulfill prescription orders. In addition to traditional classroom instruction by industry-professional faculty members, you’ll participate in a hands-on externship that will give you real-world experience. Once you graduate, you will be qualified for entry-level positions in retail or hospital pharmacies.

A career as a pharmacy technician is on the health care industry lookout. Contact Coyne College today to train for your career.

Coyne College celebrates National HVAC Day – June 22

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A lot of the time we can take indoor comfort for granted, but it’s the HVAC technicians who keep our systems running year-round.

National HVAC Day - June 22

Today is YOUR day, HVAC techs. A National HVAC Day. Coyne College would like to extend our thanks to you! Your hard work and dedication to the field are what keeps consumers happy and buildings/houses running smoothly.

If you are interested in becoming an HVAC technician, Coyne College offers an HVAC/R program where you can complete hands-on training in less than a year. You will be taught by industry professionals all of the skills needed to succeed in a career as an HVAC technician.

Read our other Posts Here:

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Everything You Wanted to Know About HVAC Installation

August 18, 2020 No Comments

An air conditioner operates by taking in warm air and pulling it over a coolant system. In an HVAC system, there is also a heating component that can be adjusted depending on whether you want your home to be cooler or warmer. HVAC Installation Guide The air conditioning unit is a key component of your

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A Brief History of HVAC

July 6, 2020 No Comments

Air conditioning is something we take for granted, but when it’s on the fritz we certainly take notice. Have you ever thought about the history of air conditioning? Who was the inventor of air conditioning? AC history (the beginnings) In the 1840s, long before electricity was invented, John Gorrie, a Florida doctor and inventor thought

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Coyne College celebrates National HVAC Day – June 22

June 19, 2020 No Comments

A lot of the time we can take indoor comfort for granted, but it’s the HVAC technicians who keep our systems running year-round. National HVAC Day – June 22 Today is YOUR day, HVAC techs. A National HVAC Day. Coyne College would like to extend our thanks to you! Your hard work and dedication to

Read More »

HANDS ON TRAINING COMPLETED IN LESS THAN A YEAR

If you like working with your hands, have a mechanical aptitude and are looking for a career with a tremendous future, becoming a heating, air conditioning and refrigeration technician could be a perfect fit. Demand for technicians with heating, ventilation, air conditioning and refrigeration (HVAC-R) training is on the rise. As the world shifts to an increasingly energy-efficient, technology-based HVAC-R systems, and a construction industry driving new commercial and residential construction, will fuel the need for qualified technicians, installers and mechanics. Tremendous opportunities for people with the right HVAC-R training continue to emerge.

Visit Coyne College for more details.

Medical Assistants’ New Roles During COVID-19 Pandemic

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A medical assistant is known for his or her versatile clinical and administrative skills. That’s why an MA plays such a vital role in the healthcare community. However, in these days of COVID-19, medical facilities are experiencing an all-hands-on-deck situation. That means all available resources and personnel are needing in the COVID-19 crisis. Medical assistants roles in Covid-19 are more important than ever to take on expanded duties.

What are the usual administrative and clinical duties of a medical assistant?

A medical assistant helps doctors in private practice, hospitals and outpatient clinics perform a number of clinical and administrative duties: giving medications, checking vital signs, drawing blood, removing sutures, noting patient medical histories, processing insurance claims and more:

Clinical duties may include:

• Preparing patients for medical examinations
• Drawing blood
• Removing sutures and changing dressings
• Performing basic laboratory exams
• Notating medical histories
• Assisting the doctor during exams
• Instructing patients about how and when to take medications
• Advising patients about special diets they may need

Administrative duties may include:

• Welcoming patients and answering the phone
• Setting appointments
• Overseeing patients’ medical records
• Supervising patients’ insurance information
• Organizing necessary information, such as hospital admissions and laboratory services
• Handling correspondence

Medical-Assistant-Duties

What extra help can a medical assistant offer during a public emergency such as COVID-19?

Medical assistants and medical students can help combat COVID by lending support to doctors, nurses and other healthcare workers on the front line. Their help is especially needed as COVID-19 causes clinic consolidation. Needs and situations can be different in different states, but all can use the additional help.

In Wisconsin, for example, medical assistant apprentices are taking swabs of people who are thought to be symptomatic. Some are also supporting teachers at UW Health’s daycare facility by watching the children of healthcare workers on the front line.

Lifespan hiring in Rhode Island includes finding medical assistants to help during the COVID-19 crisis at various hospitals. Their duties will include documentation assessment, monitoring medication, administrative assistance and help with daily living activities of patients. That could include lifting, positioning and pushing patients on stretchers; monitoring patient status; or even performing CPR.

The University of Maryland Medical System has created a temporary Emergency Staffing Pool to support patients, the community and employees. Medical assistants are being hired to work in food services, guest services and clerical areas. They can also help with patient care: bathing, transporting, feeding, shampooing and performing minor housekeeping. Additionally, they can relay messages, assemble equipment and page healthcare providers. Those with clinical skills may be asked to perform additional duties.

What if medical assistants are not yet certified?

The demand for their skills is so great that the AAMA (American Association of Medical Assistants) is extending exam eligibilities for an additional six months so new medical assisting grads can help during the pandemic. Similarly, if a working medical assistant’s recertification is due, the credentialing deadline is being extended.

Medical-Assistant-Certification

How can a person become a medical assistant?

Medical assistants are in high demand. According to O*NETOnLine, the projected job growth through 2028 is 11 percent or more—much faster than average. In Illinois, the rate is 14 percent. To become a medical assistant, you must enroll in a comprehensive training program that covers clinical, laboratory and administrative procedures. Coyne College Chicago offers a 54 weeks diploma program that will prepare you for an entry-level position as a medical assistant. You’ll study:

• Medical terminology
• Anatomy and pathophysiology
• Pharmacology
• Electronic Health Records
• Clinical and administrative procedures
• Medical law and ethics
• Phlebotomy and laboratory procedures
• Basic insurance and billing
• Technology in the medical office

Additionally, you’ll participate in a medical assisting externship that gives you a chance to practice your newly learned skills in an actual medical facility, working with real patients.

When you enroll in medical assistant programs in Coyne College, you’ll get hands-on learning from instructors who are all industry professionals. Coyne also offers financial aid for those who qualify, along with career services and job placement assistance.

Contact Coyne College today and train to become a medical assistant.

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