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Posts Tagged ‘college degrees’

These days it’s impossible to find a medical facility of any size that doesn’t employ at least one clinical lab technician. They are responsible for running and testing any samples a doctor provides for infections, viruses, drugs or whatever is needed for a diagnosis. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are currently over 300,000 of them in the U.S. The Bureau extrapolates there will be a need for another 50,000 before the decade is out, making it a profession who’s growth is rated greater than average, and one that particularly benefits from an online degree.

Still, there’s the matter of affording the education. At minimum, one needs an Associates degree in the profession, and these days a four year degree is preferred. With the cost of tuition currently outpacing the rate of inflation, this is not something to be taken lightly. Although an experienced technician can make over $50,000 a year, even at that salary one can be strapped with student loans for many years to come. If you need more information about accredited distance learning degree, look on the internet.

Still, there are options available to the future techie beyond the aforementioned student loans and the everyday Pell Grant. Here are a couple of options one should consider when pursuing this field:

(1) S-STEM Scholarships – This program was started about a decade ago and has been greatly expanded over the last two presidential administrations. It awards 100 students $100,000 to $600,000 a year, depending on need, what they are pursuing and academics. It’s designed to help students in their pursuit of science, technological, engineering and mathematic degrees, of which clinical techs certainly fit the bill.

(2) American Society for Clinical Laboratory Society – One of the main professional societies for clinical lab techs. They have a web page containing approximately 25 different scholarships and grants to assist aspiring students help pay their tuition and fees to post-grads obtain research funding, who administers them and where you can go to find out more information on each one.

(3) Work Study/Internship Programs – This is a very popular way for students to learn about the field, and is usually done in conjunction with an online college or brick-and-mortar university. It’s not only an excellent way to earn credits, but to get a paycheck every one to two weeks. Again, the Society has a lot more information for those who want to pursue this route. Just realize these days most recruiters look for grads with full four year programs. There is an abundance of information about degree programs online on the web.

(4) Corporate Scholarships – Major corporations have also rolled up their sleeves and entered the financial aid fray. These include corporations such as Tylenol, who gives out $250,000 to promising medical professionals to the Siemens Corporation, who has handed out over $7 million to STEM-related education and many more.

If there’s one piece of advice for a student earning an online degree it’s to do all this research with the aid of a financial aid officer. They can help provide guidance regarding other federal and private financial aid programs to pay getting that bachelor science degree.

Every student thinking of going to college has heard of the Pell Grant. It cuts the cost considerably for those who are pursuing traditional and online degrees. At the same time, even though President Obama pushed through a raise on the Pell, it’s currently only good for less than $6,000 at max, and that might not cover the entire cost of tuition, much less living expenses.

What many students don’t know is there’s another federal program, one that’s been around longer than even the Pell. Entitled the Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant, or the SEOG, it was introduced back in 1966. It can give a student as much as an additional $4,000 towards tuition and fees. In fact, this year the U.S. will give out over $700 million through the SEOG, making it the second largest grant program in the country. If you need more information about grants for college, look on the internet.

Like the Pell, the first thing that must be determined is entitlement. The FASFA is the primary instrument to decide that. One must give out their financial situation in incredible detail, although it might soon be replaced with one’s IRS filing. The thing is the document can be used to determine both the Pell and the SEOG.

There are other important qualifications for the SEOG. First, the student must be a born or naturalized American citizen. Next, even if one gets the Pell Grant there must still be a negative difference between everything else one gets and the school’s cost. It should also be noted the SEOG is only for Associate’s or Bachelor’s degrees, not vocational programs or post-grad. The student must also have and maintain a grade point average of 2.0 or better before and during their academic career.

If the student somehow manages to be overpaid by the Pell, then he/she automatically loses the SEOG. On the other hand, if a student drops out for a time, he can still get SEOG money if deciding to go back. Another way to lose the SEOG is, after dropping out, the student winds up in default of any college loans they may have had.

Another thing is the money never goes directly to the student. Instead, the college sets up an account where the check is deposited. Where it gets fancy is when a term (whether it’s a semester or trimester) starts, the Board of Education issues a check through the college. Upon receipt, the applicant goes to the school’s bursar office and signs over the check. It is deposited to the account and provides the tuition payment in this manner. There is an abundance of information about pell grant application on the web.

One important tip about all this is it’s a good idea to do all this with the assistance of a financial aid officer. They can help a student navigate through the maze of paperwork and bylaws, making it easier to obtain the desired money. It’s their job after all.

What’s important is when the Pell Grant doesn’t meet your educational needs; there is another grant program that can be an incredible supplement towards obtaining on campus or distance learning programs. Of course, just because the SEOG is there with the federal Pell grant for college doesn’t mean one shouldn’t look for more.

It’s no big secret that corporations and governmental agencies employ accountants. There are also those who help families and individuals with tax preparation, securing retirement plans and deciphering mortgages. While a Certified Public Accountant and higher can certainly do the job, they aren’t always necessary. An aptitude in math and a traditional or online college degree can get you started.

A Business Accountant specializes in the needs of small-to-mid-size businesses and in financial services to individuals and families. They are also called general accountants and Accredited Business Advisors. Whatever the title, these kinds of accountants can be seen everywhere, from doing income taxes to assisting in putting together business proposals for the general public. If you need more information about online accredited degrees, look on the internet.

The entire process isn’t complete until the candidate is tested by the Accreditation Council for Accountancy and Taxation, a satellite of the National Society of Accountants. To obtain that business accountant designation, an eight-hour Comprehensive Examination for Accreditation in Accounting must be passed. It tests proficiency in financial accounting, reporting, statement preparation, taxation, business consulting services, business law, and ethics. One must have at least three years experience in the field to take the test. The Council allows two years of education, either online or on campus, to count for two years of experience.

According to a 2007 salary survey conducted by Robert Half International, a staffing services firm specializing in accounting and finance, general accountants and internal auditors with up to one year of experience earn between $31,500 and $48,250 a year. Those with 1-3 years of experience earned between $36,000 and $60,000. Senior accountants and auditors earned between $43,250 and $79,250, managers between $51,250 and $101,500, and directors of accounting and internal auditing between $68,000 and $208,000. The variation in salaries reflects differences in size of firm, location, level of education, and professional credentials.

The Federal Government also hires a large number of accountants for its various departments. The annual salary for junior accountants was $28,862 in 2007. Those who get their Masters degree first with two years pro experience begin at $43,731. Salaries are slightly higher in selected geographic areas. Accountants employed by the Federal Government in supervisory and managerial positions averaged $78,665 a year in 2007. There is an abundance of information about online degree program on the web.

High-level senior accountants may receive additional benefits, such as a company car and an expense account. Wage and salary accountants usually receive standard benefits, including health/medical insurance, life insurance, a 401(k) plan, and paid annual leave.

As with all forms of accounting, the best way to advance in the field is with a two part plan. The first is to gain experience on the job. The other is to continue one’s education, both in staying on top of the field for the latest rules and regulations. Go on for a Bachelor of Science or higher as far as degrees are concerned. It’s also not uncommon for ABAs to go on to become CPAs or even Certified Internal Auditors or Management Accountants.

You can get an online college degree while working to get the experience this field demands. There are many positions possible, from working with small companies to Fortune 500, with all needing a distance learning accounting degree to advance.

Many a cartoon was built on the country bumpkin coming to the big city to make his or her future. What many city slickers may not know is it was representative of a problem of the previous century. Country living has many a virtue, but they have struggled to give the same opportunities as their urban counterparts. Unless they are going into agriculture, most country kids graduate high school to few job opportunities in their local arenas. Even the colleges they need to advance themselves are mostly located in metropolitan areas. So they leave. Some call this out-migration.

That was the 20th century, this is the 21st. There is now a solution: online education. Rural students are choosing to earn their associates degree online through online universities. This solution comes with a side benefit; graduates greatly improve their employment prospects while they stay in the comforts of their home environment.

Considerable research has been published showing college graduates have a leg up when entering the work force. Further, human resource directors testify online graduates come with honed skills that set them up to be exemplary employees. These skills include an understanding of time management, refined self-motivation skills and considerable technological experience.

This seems like an ideal solution to a big problem, except there’s currently a glitch. Rural districts often are missing the one thing critical requirement for online educations: broadband access. They don’t have the needed infrastructure to move from dial-up modems to high-speed web links. Most online schools require DSL or faster for their web tools to work efficiently. These tools include streaming video, real-time chat sessions and downloading textbooks in any kind of timely manner. Going broadband would allow students to work from home on the same level playing field as his or her fellow students, through telecommuting or web-based jobs instead of having to move to a new location.

There is one other factor that makes this an attractive consideration: cost. Virtual schools, on the average, cost much less than their on campus counterparts, even if advanced education is still expensive. This can be tough for rural areas, which are more likely to be economically challenged than the suburban and urban students.

Going to an online college is a way to drive that cost down, since these students also have financial difficulties that force them to choose between work and school. Many online students can continue to work at their jobs by day and take classes over computers at night.

That leaves only one last obstacle. Many rural students might not possess experience for e-learning. They are not accustomed to only communicating online after years of only eye contact. This situation should only be temporary. Social networks such as Facebook are now interwoven into the general national fabric. Also, millions of children are already taking either fully online or blended online/in person bachelor masters degree.

So e-learning is rapidly becoming a real alternative for rural education. It makes eventually going to the big city a much easier option. Many will go on in their education into a distance learning course, allowing them basically global employment. Whether associate or masters degree, online education is a large part of the future.

Balancing one’s needs against one’s dreams is a high wire act that can use every break it can get. Life likes to throw banana peels in the tightrope of life, doing it all it can to make every person fall. One usually learns this after they graduate from high school, leave the family nest and try to make something of themselves, especially online distance learning. Fortunately, getting an online education makes this balancing act easier.

The first example is purely academic. A student entering a brick-and-mortar school often finds their campus may not have all the courses they feel they’ll need to succeed. For instance, a four year degree in Marketing is nice, but getting a minor in something like IT or manufacturing is much better. An online college allows students to enroll in a wider range of classes, permitting a better customizing of their curriculum.

Another example would be an English major attending on-campus courses could be limited to the offerings at that institution. This course may be integral to the degree candidate’s program, honors thesis or future career. However, that same English major will not be limited by location with one of the country’s many schools online.

Probably the best known reason for online schools is the classic situation of a person wanting to advance their education in order to advance their real time job. The conflict comes when trying to get that education, raise a family and hold down that job all at once. After all, it’s difficult enough trying to go to a campus while holding a 9 to 5 job. Also, having to pick up the kids and get them to bed on time can make it nigh on impossible.

As had been known ever since online was called “distance learning”, one of its main selling features has been its ability to make it is possible to still go to work, then study off work hours. If anything, many times it’s been found that work-student/internship programs benefit greatly from studying online. It also has the added perk of giving the student hands-on experience in what will eventually be their career.

Individuals pursuing traditional degrees at on-campus institutions may find that they would like a complementary program or associates degree that offers different skills to those which they will develop with their major. This can be as simple as a certificate in a career-based program. A good example here is a student studying physical therapy deciding it would be a good thing to learn something as life-saving as CPR.

Getting an online accredited degrees gives you the opportunity to study on one’s own time, one can often get that extra bit of education during the weekend or over a summer break. They can also choose to take the classes wherever they want, not just their home. By that one means it can be at an Internet caf, on a vacation, even at a fast food restaurant. All one needs is Internet access.

The thing is, with the current economy, one really can’t advance without a degree these days. Getting an accredited degree online makes balancing the academic life against the real world less difficult.

The evolution of the information age is turning out to be an incredible boon for a single parent. Thanks to recent technology, a working mom can hold down her job, attend college online, and still be at home for her kids. One such way she can do this is by becoming a medical transcriptionist.

Medicine is turning the latest innovations, such as high speed modems and the continuous miniaturization of computers, to their advantage. An industry known for hands-on care for their personnel are using it to keep part of their staff at home. One such group is medical transcriptionists. Nearly 40% of them have their work now parsed out via the Internet. If you need more information about distance learning college, look on the internet.

What a transcriptionist primarily does is listen to dictated recordings from a facility’s medical professionals and transcribes them into reports, correspondence and other paperwork. One of their primary tools is a headset, so they can hear the dictation in detail. From there they key the text, editing as necessary. After they are done, usually all a physician should have to do is review and sign or correct and send back.

It should be made clear that a medical transcriptionist is not a secretary. They have to have a thorough knowledge of medical terminology, which is highly specialized. They must also know their way around medical reference sources, many of which can be accessed over the Internet. They must also know a specific style of writing, one that complies with local legal and ethical requirements for keeping patient information confidential. After all, a mistake on their reports – such as not noting an allergic condition – can lead to fatal consequences.

How the latest information advances has affected the job is the Internet’s become a mode for transmitting documentation. They receive dictation over e-mail and then return it the same way, thus allowing them to work from home. Many times they don’t even need a PC, but a PDA that utilizes dictation software. Speech recognition technology is growing in use. Transcriptionists key the oral reports; edit them and check for any wording that doesn’t make sense, medically or otherwise.

Employers prefer to hire transcriptionists who have completed postsecondary training in medical transcription offered by many vocational schools, community and online college. Completion of a two year associate’s degree or a one year certificate program – including courses in legal issues relating to healthcare documentation, and English grammar and punctuation – is highly recommended There is an abundance of information about healthcare administration degrees on the web.

Transcriptionists tend to be hourly or per job workers. The rate averages over $15.00 an hour, dependent upon the place of employment and skill level. Top level personnel get as much as $21.00 an hour. One thing the Bureau notes is that once established, they never lack for work.

It’s a career a single parent can certainly appreciate and one that is facilitated by online school. Some even follow up with more education to get an online medical degree that will allow them additional choices.

People who are returning to the job hunt after an extended absence from employment are discovering they are feeling a bit out of their element. The job market is extremely competitive, the economy is in a state of flux, and many other factors are playing into the job search as well. There is great importance placed on having an outstanding resume with the appropriate distance learning programs and an eye-catching cover letter.

The advantage of being a recent graduate is having guidance counselors, career advisors, and other people affiliated with the school who are able to point students in the right direction. In addition to this, students have the most up-to-date skills and knowledge in their field of choice, making them prime candidates for hiring. Employers are looking to hire someone with an advanced degree. This is not only becoming more commonplace in many industries, but a requirement in some.

Although free online courses could help them sharpen their skills and gain a stronger connection to their industry, out-of-work professionals may want to consider taking advantage of the perks that can come with enrollment in an online degree program. Get down to the basics of your education, without wasting time and money on everything from a lengthy commute to high tuition fees.

Working adults are able to continue their education without having to change their schedule at their current job, or arrange for things such as childcare and other family obligations. Online institutions are catering to this growing number of professionals who are seeking to further their education. By improving their education, they can expect to attain more knowledge and the skills that will aid them in getting a new job or starting a new career.

A traditional on-campus education often has a higher tuition, and doesn’t allow you to work at a time that is conducive to your schedule and convenient for you. Get on track and improve your personal and professional life by enrolling in an online degree program. Don’t worry about breaking your budget or giving up precious time. Do it your way, on your own terms.

For instance, some schools have created Internet-based student unions that allow online bachelors candidates to network with one another. Through these online platforms, these students may be able to offer one another advice on childcare or financial aid and work together on job searches or school-related projects.

Grasp the concepts you need to learn in your courses by working with others on group projects or joining student-lead discussions. Many degree on line encourage students to work with each other and help each other feel more comfortable with coursework.

Individuals who pursue college degrees through an online masters degree program may gain a competitive edge as they embark on their search for a new job.

In today’s economy, very few individuals have extra money to waste on fruitless pursuits. Adults who are putting serious consideration into a return to school for the university degrees they need are carefully weighing their options.They know that in order to earn a college degree, they must make a serious commitment of time and finances to make an investment in higher education pay off.

You’re also a busy working professional and you have many other obligations in your life. Enrolling in a traditional campus-based education would take away from time with your family, time to work at your job, and quality time for things you enjoy in your spare time. You would spend more time away from the home, traveling to a campus and sitting in a classroom.

Fortunately, many online colleges have designed programs that are tailored to students with busy schedules. Consequently, professionals and continuing students who wish to upgrade their skill sets or complete a online degree can ensure they will get their money’s worth from these institutions. The quality of your education will not be compromised by enrolling in an online degree program.

Another advantage to this form of education is to be able to break apart lessons into easier to grasp portions. You can take your time on some of the more complicated information, and complete the easier parts more rapidly. If you have not been in a learning environment in awhile, this could be even more beneficial to you.

First time users of this online education format may do well to take their time getting more familiar with the way it works. A free online class may be the path to take, before you enroll full time in an online degree program. You will have the ability to learn the basics of this type of education and its formatics, as well as refamiliarizing yourself with the style of learning with which you are most at ease.

Online university programs could also help individuals whose education was interrupted feel more comfortable in their learning efforts. Classroom-based universities could intimidate some returning students and make them feel self-conscious, as they may worry they will be judged for their age. Conversely, distance degree candidates can focus their energy on their studies and take comfort in the fact that many of their classmates are pursuing higher education for the same reasons they are.

Yet another advantage of an associate degree programs online is being able to network with like-minded individuals with similar goals and aspirations. You can speak with other students about job seeking, developing the perfect resume, and how to nail an interview. Whether you choose to connect with other students via email, chat room, or discussion board, you can network effectively.

The flexibility of an online program for one or more needed online degrees is a huge advantage and benefit to working professionals across the nation. Join the thousands of students who enroll in an online degree program every year, some for masters degrees, and work toward a better place in your professional life.

As one popular gaming character would say, “You’d better believe it!” Gaming design is a very serious business. Since the introduction of Pong to shopping malls barely three decades ago, computer and video games have turned into an almost-recession proof, billion dollar industry, and the designer is king. With the objective of entering this field in mind, many are participating in degree programs online and on campus.

These days gaming design is an interesting hybrid career. A good designer needs an education in both computer science and business administration to truly get the most from an education. Getting a bachelors degree from an on campus or an accredited online college doesn’t really matter too much. A game designer must have experience with computers anyway. If you need more information about undergraduate degree, look on the internet.

The reason a good game designer should have a lot of business courses is he or she must be able to either create an original concept or hunt down a licensed property which will make a profitable game. Also, the designer should be able to comprehend the necessities of what market and platform the game will work best in, whether it’s a domestic game console, through the Internet or such new devices as a smart phone. Then the designer has to assemble his team, including programmers, artists and marketing people. They do everything to assemble the game and then get it out to the gaming community of consumers. The computer skills should be obvious; the designer had better be familiar with code and such to guide his programmers.

To say the career is torridly hot is not succumbing to hyperbole. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, nearly two thirds of all domestic households have some kind of video or computer games, and are always on the hunt for the latest edition of one series or another. Because of this, the Bureau projects job growth will be an amazing 30% by 2018.

While the current recession has slowed the industry somewhat, it looks like other forms of entertainment are turning around quickly. One thing helping the industry is growth in game rentals as opposed to sales. Another innovation that is helping is the introduction of new tech, such as the smart phone and the recent Apple’s iPad, although at this moment it’s way too soon to fully comprehend how the latter will impact the business. There is an abundance of information about degree in technology on the web.

As for affording an education, the field has avenues most would not think of. As the profession does involve computer science, it is not only eligible for standard Pell and state grants, but also one can go to the National Science Foundation and apply for S-STEM scholarships. Many private corporations, such as Microsoft, also have set up their own financial aid programs to help budding designers. As such, it’s a good idea to do a little research through search engines such as Google, as well as talk to a college financial aid officer.

One thing that proves how serious a business game designing has become is the salary. The Bureau reports a designer fresh out of school usually starts at $37,000, and the average salary for experienced personnel is over $60,000. With such possible benefits as health insurance, retirement and investment packages and possible profit sharing, the total packages can go into the $100,000 range.

The irony is it’s very real. There are online university degrees that can get you started. A business degree and a science degree can be obtained while you currently work, as you take care of a family, and as you do all that’s needed to enter this exciting field.

Usually, when one thinks of the 2009 stimulus act, they think of how it bailed out banks and the car industry. What they don’t realize is there was actually something written in it to reward going for advancing one’s education. A piece was added that made it possible to get a tax refund for going to college, and that refund can come to thousands of dollars. Those who are attending on campus schools, as well as taking an online college course or several, can benefit.

This new stimulus is called the American Opportunity Credit, and is a modification of the previous Hope Credit. It came into effect in 2009, and can be used in this April’s tax filing. It would be a good move to discuss this with a tax professional so you can obtain the most benefit. If you need more information about accredited distance learning degree, look on the internet.

There are several key differences between the Hope and the Opportunity credits. According to the IRS, the Opportunity Credit entitles more students (and their parents) to qualify over the next two years for a tax credit to pay for college expenses, including many with higher incomes and those who owe no tax. It also adds required course materials, possibly including laptops and PCs, to the list of qualifying expenses.

The credit is now open to single filers with a modified adjusted gross income is $80,000 or less. For married couples filing a joint return, the ceiling is now $160,000 or less. Previously, the limits were $48,000 and $96,000 respectively. This does not mean you can immediately apply it to your next tuition bill. You have to wait to file for it with your next income tax filing. This means if you started college this September, you’ll have to wait until April 2010 to claim it.

One gets a full refund for the first $2,000 in tuition, fees and/or costs related to going for a degree. If the costs go beyond that first $2,000, one can have an additional 25% refunded up to the next $2,000. For example, if a school year costs $6,000, one gets a 100% refund for the first $2000, 25% of the next $2,000 (or $500) and nothing for the last $2,000. That’s a total of $2,500 credit when filing one’s 2009 or 2010 income tax.

It can get sticky with the “cost related” aspect. For instance, just buying a computer does not automatically mean one can apply the Opportunity credit to it. On the other hand, if one’s courses forces a student to buy a computer, such as getting one that can handle online colleges, then it’s a legitimate expense for the refund. There is an abundance of information about grants for college on the web.

Most important is the Opportunity could turn into a refund. One can be entitled even if one gets a tax refund without the credit. Again there are some provisos. The refund has a cap of $1,000 instead of $2,500.

There’s one other important detail, and that’s the Opportunity credit is only good for the first two years of college. For juniors and beyond, one has to apply for what is called a Lifetime Learning credit. No matter how a student looks at it though, it’s the kind of stimulus one certainly can use when advancing their education. For more information, check with a tax expert, a financial aid officer or go to the IRS website and look up American Opportunity Credit.

An online college course toward an accredited degree is something that can change one’s life. This refund, in addition to the online grant and scholarship opportunities out there, make good financial sense and good planning as the student takes these benefits and uses them for advancement in their lives.