Posted on July 11, 2025 in
Health
Chronic Disease Day is a reminder of a growing challenge in healthcare: millions of people around the world are living with conditions that don’t just go away. In Canada alone, nearly half of adults over age 20 live with at least one chronic illness, such as diabetes, heart disease, arthritis, asthma, or cancer.
Healthcare workers play a critical role in the long-term management and care of patients living with these conditions. Whether you’re working at the front desk of a clinic or providing bedside support in a care facility, certain skills are essential for improving patients’ quality of life.
At ABM College, our healthcare diploma programs prepare students with real-world training and practical knowledge. Here are five of the most important skills you’ll need – and how ABM helps you develop them.
Compassionate Communication
Chronic illnesses can take a toll not only physically but also emotionally. Patients may be dealing with stress, frustration, or anxiety over their symptoms and treatment routines. Healthcare workers must be able to listen empathetically and offer clear, respectful guidance.
How ABM Helps: Students in programs like Medical Office Assistant learn to communicate professionally with patients, families, and care teams – building trust through active listening and patient-centered dialogue.
Medical Knowledge & Terminology
Understanding chronic conditions, medication regimens, and medical documentation is crucial. You’ll need to recognize signs of disease progression and help coordinate care effectively.
How ABM Helps: Our curriculum includes anatomy, physiology, and healthcare fundamentals. You’ll gain a strong foundation in terminology so you can support diagnoses, treatment plans, and specialist referrals with confidence.
Organizational Skills
Managing chronic conditions often involves juggling appointments, test results, prescriptions, and lifestyle recommendations. Healthcare workers need to stay organized to keep everything running smoothly.
How ABM Helps: In programs like Medical Office Assistant, you’ll learn how to handle administrative duties, schedule appointments, maintain accurate records, and manage time efficiently in fast-paced environments.
Patience & Resilience
Chronic diseases require long-term management, and progress can be slow. Both patients and healthcare workers need endurance and emotional resilience to navigate the journey.
How ABM Helps: With the support of experienced instructors and a collaborative learning environment, ABM helps students build the mindset needed for sustainable, supportive care careers, such as a Personal Support Worker.
Problem-Solving Abilities
No two patients are alike. Symptoms may fluctuate, treatments may change, and complications can arise. The ability to think on your feet and respond appropriately is essential in chronic care.
How ABM Helps: Practicum training and hands-on simulations allow students to experience real-world healthcare challenges and find practical solutions under pressure.
Turn Skills Into Support – Start Your Healthcare Career Today
Behind every chronic illness is a person doing their best to live a full and meaningful life. Whether it’s managing symptoms, understanding medications, or just offering a kind word at the right moment, trained healthcare professionals are essential allies in that journey.
At ABM College, we believe education is one of the most powerful ways to create lasting change. Our healthcare diploma programs are designed not just to prepare you for a job, but to help you become a compassionate, confident contributor to your community. With flexible learning options, fast-track graduation timelines, and job-ready skills, you’ll be equipped to make a real impact in a year or less. The Personal Support Worker course at our Toronto campus will have you job-ready in just 28 weeks, or you can study online with our Medical Office Assistant and Unit Clerk Diploma from anywhere in Canada.
If you’re ready to turn your passion for helping others into a rewarding career, now is the time. Join ABM College and be the difference for patients living with chronic conditions – every day, not just on Chronic Disease Day.
Contact us to learn more.
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About The Author
Content Editor
Stephen Emond is an award-winning author and a content editor. He has broad experience in content development, copy editing, journalism, marketing, and information technology spanning a variety of industries. He has published a series of best selling historical reference guides covering decades of computer and video gaming history. Stephen is currently working as a Content Editor and Writer at ABM College.