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Preparation for a new career requires consistent time and diligence. 

But several careers offer a foot in the door with two years or less of training. 

This training can take place through online degree programs, professional certificate programs or traditional college programs.  Entry-level jobs in these fields may not begin at the top of the heap; but the newly-learned skills will be used; and  on-the-job experience generally translates into higher salaries.

In a four-year college, students generally spend the first two years taking general education courses that may have little to do with the student’s major. Two-year programs that utilize a technical school format enable student to focus on the specific training desired, without having to take additional liberal arts classes. Then, after completion of all required coursework, the student earns a professional certificate or an associate’s degree.

A few careers that may require only one or two years of training include:

1. Paralegal (Legal Assistant)
2. Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) or Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN)
3. Preschool Teacher (Early Childhood Education)
4. Automobile or Motorcycle Mechanic
5. Emergency Medical Technician (EMT)
6. Computer Technician
7. Medical Coding and Billing Specialist
8. Fire Management Specialist
9. Surgical Technologist
10. Computerized Accounting Specialist

Those seeking a 2-year training program should check out one of these careers or others that are offered through online schools, junior colleges or vocational schools.

online degree program, online schools, associates degree, professional certificate, paralegal, LPN, LVN, motorcycle mechanic, EMT, computer technician, medical coding, fire management, career, job

Popularity: 15% [?]

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Frustrated middle school and high school officials across the country have outlawed iPods in the classroom. Students have used them to cheat on exams and are not attentive when listening to their downloaded music during class.

However, creative schools are using the popular technology to connect with students and spur interest in educational topics.

Jose Marti Middle School in Union City, New Jersey, uses iPods to help bilingual students learn English grammar and vocabulary. The students listen to songs in English as a supplement to their language studies. School officials believe strongly enough in the use of iPods for educational purposes that they plan to distribute 300 of the devices to children in poor New Jersey schools. This $130,000 experiment has already gained the interest of school districts all the way to California who are taking a second look at the usefulness of iPods.

New Jersey schools have already used iPods to teach English, French, Spanish and science. The iPods used in classes cost about $250 each and are equipped with a video screen. Headsets are also provided to students.

Colleges have already begun to make use of the popularity of iPods. In 2004, Duke University provided iPods to the freshman class that contained preloaded orientation information. A number of Duke classes now require an iPod; but the university no longer provides them free of charge.

The use of iPods is just another way that today’s technology is showing up in the classroom. Laptop computers have already become a fixture among students in college. Mini-devices like the iPod, which are light and portable, may lay the groundwork for a future cross between a laptop computer and an MP3.

The use of the latest technology in early education is a smart move. New Jersey is leading the way in combining proven educational strategies with the technology culture of today’s generation. And thankfully, students — like those at Jose Marti Middle School — will discover that learning really can be fun.

middle schools, high schools, education, colleges, iPods, New Jersey, Duke University, teaching, learning, technology, MP3

Popularity: 14% [?]

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A Wylie teacher and a Lake Elsinore city council candidate are in the same boat. Both are under fire for claiming unaccredited online degrees among their credentials.

In Wylie, Texas, teacher and city councilman Merrill Young has resigned from his job as a teacher in the Wylie Independent School Districe amidst allegations of fraud relating to his education credentials.

The Texas Education Agency (TEA) revoked his teaching certificate when Young appeared on a list of fake degree buyers ’outed’ following a recent and heavily-publicized Seattle diploma mill case. In that case, over $7 million was earned by owners of the illegal business for churning out fake college diplomas.

Young reportedly paid $100 for a fake bachelor’s degree in business administration from Concordia College & University. Concordia boldly states on its website that its college diplomas can be mailed out in as little as 2 weeks following a credit card payment – with no college work required.

The Texas Education Agency considers Concordia College & University to be an unaccredited institution whose fake college degrees cannot be used in Texas to obtain a job, promotion or pay raise. The TEA continues to investigate the case.

In Lake Elsinore, Californa, city council candidate Amy Marie Bhutta is dodging allegations that her doctoral degree is unaccredited.

Bhutta, who is a high school teacher, earned legitimate bachelor’s and master’s degrees from accredited universities; and a doctoral degree was not required for her teaching job. However, during the course of her campaign for a city council spot, opponents raised questions about the source of the ’Ph.D.’ designation that Bhutta so prominently and proudly displayed next to her name.

The online doctorate, received from City University Los Angeles (CULA) in 2003, is in question because it is not accredited by any of the major national or regional accrediting bodies. CULA may not belong in the category of fraudulent diploma mills; however, the school has not met the stringent requirements of accrediting agencies approved by the U.S. Department of Education or the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).

Both cases, Young’s and Bhutta’s, illustrate the likelihood of fake or unaccredited degrees eventually coming to light. Young claims he did not know that his online degree was a phony. Bhutta says CULA required mounds of college-level work, including a doctoral dissertation; but that she cannot remain supportive of the school, due to problems with its accrediting agency.

The lesson in all of this is that potential students should carefully check out any traditional colleges or online schools they are seriously considering as possibilities for enrollment. The U.S. Department of Education has information on accreditation, a listing of reputable accrediting bodies, and a database of all accredited U.S. colleges and universities. But as consumers, students should not forget to heed the caveat, ’Buyer Beware’.

Merrill Young now works for the Wylie ISD as an instructional special education aide while his case is being investigated; and Amy Bhutta continues on the campaign trail, sans the Ph.D. behind her name.

diploma mills, fake degrees, online degrees, online schools, Wylie, fraudulent degree, online doctorate, CHEA, higher education, US Department of Education, Lake Elsinore

Popularity: 14% [?]

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An online law school graduate recently made the news when he sued the Massachusetts Board of Bar Examiners and won the right to take the state bar exam.

Like a sonic boom, it has rocked the legal education community.

Ross Mitchell, an online school graduate of Concord Law School, passed the California bar exam in 2004. But since Concord is not approved by the American Bar Association (ABA), Mitchell was not eligible to practice law outside of California and could not sit for the bar exam in other states.

However, the Massachusetts Supreme Court ruled in Mitchell’s favor and made an exception after reviewing his excellent academic record.

The decision comes at a time that the American Bar Association is preparing to perform a comprehensive review, which will include an thorough assessment of online law schools. Mitchell’s success in this case may open up the opportunity for other exemplary e-learning law school grads to challenge the ABA requirements for taking state bar exams.

Concord Law School, Mitchell’s alma mater, is a fully online law school. It is recognized by the California Bar Association; so graduates may sit for the California bar exam and, if they pass, practice law in California. However, the ABA does not recognize any law degree that is completely earned by distance learning.

And although Concord Law School is accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, the Accrediting Commission of the Distance Education and Training Council, and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation, it is not approved by the ABA because it is an online law degree.

Some states outside of California allow Concord Law School graduates to sit for the bar exam if the candidate has passed the California bar exam and has worked as a lawyer for five years. But other states, like Minnesota, do not allow graduates to sit for the bar exam.

The Massachusetts Supreme Court made a step in the right direction to insure fairness for graduates of reputable online schools like Concord Law School.

Maybe the ABA will follow suit.

online school, online schools, online law school, distance learning, Concord Law School, bar exam, ABA, Massachusetts, American Bar Association, e-learning, lawyer, Minnesota, sonic boom

Popularity: 14% [?]

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Military-friendly colleges and universities serve the U.S. military community by taking special care of servicemembers, veterans and their families.

And once again, Military Advanced Education (MAE) magazine has provided a valuable resource for current and former military personnel by selecting the top military-friendly colleges and universities, based on specific criteria.

Those chosen schools in the “online” category offer an impressive array of accredited, flexible academic programs that fit the unique needs of military students. In addition, online schools and others on the list may offer special scholarships, financial aid, counseling, and other perks to U.S. servicemembers, veterans and their families.

Although the list does not include every military-friendly school, it offers an excellent starting point for potential students.

The complete list can be accessed online; but almost 200 military-friendly schools offer online degree programs and are listed here.

1. Albany Technical College
2. Albert Magnus College
3. Allied American University
4. American Intercontinental University
5. American Military University
6. American Sentinel University
7. Anne Arundel Community College
8. Anthem College Online
9. Arcadia University
10. Argosy University
11. Arkansas State University
12. The Art Institute of Pittsburgh
13. Ashford University
14. Ashworth College
15. Aspen University
16. Austin Peay State University
17. Averett University
18. Baker College Online
19. Baker University — Professional and Graduate Studies
20. Barstow Community College
21. Barton Community College at Fort Riley
22. Barton Community College Great Bend
23. Belhaven University
24. Bellevue University
25. Berkeley College
26. Bismarck State College
27. Brandman University
28. Broadview University
29. Bryan College
30. Burlington College
31. Butler Community College
32. Caldwell College
33. California State University, Chico
34. California University of Pennsyvania
35. Capella University
36. Central Michigan University
37. Central Texas College
38. Chaminade University of Honolulu
39. The City University of New York
40. Cleary University
41. Clemson University
42. Cochise University
43. College of Lake County
44. The College of St. Scholastica
45. Collin College
46. Colorado State University — Pueblo
47. Colorado Technical University
48. Columbia College
49. Columbia Southern University
50. Concord University
51. Coplah-Lincoln Community College
52. Cornerstone University
53. Cowley College
54. Craven Community College
55. Del Mar College
56. Duquesne University Leadership and Prof. Advancement
57. Eastern Michigan University
58. ECPI College of Technology
59. Edmonds Community College
60. Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University - Worldwide
61. Erie Community College
62. Everest University Online
63. Excelsior College
64. Fayetteville Technical Community College
65. Ferris State University
66. Florida Institute of Technology
67. Florida National College
68. Fort Hays State University
69. Globe University/Minnesota School of Business
70. Graduate School
71. Grantham University
72. Green Mountain College
73. Hannibal-LaGrange College
74. Hawaii Pacific University
75. Herzing University
76. Hope International University
77. Indiana Tech
78. Indiana University - Purdue University Indianapolis
79. Indiana Wesleyan University
80. The International Import-Export Institute at Dunlap-Stone University
81. ITT Technical Institutes
82. J.F. Drake State Technical College
83. Jefferson College
84. Jefferson Community College
85. Joliet Junior College
86. Jones International University
87. Kansas State University
88. Kaplan University Online
89. Keuka College
90. Keystone College
91. Kodiak College, University of Alaska Anchorage
92. Lake Superior College
93. Lamar University
94. Liberty University
95. Mansfield University of Pennsylvania
96. Mayville State University
97. Metropolitan State College of Denver
98. Metropolitan State University
99. Monroe College
100. Monroe Community College
101. Montgomery County Community College
102. Mountain State University
103. The National Graduate School
104. National University
105. Nazarene Bible College
106. New England College
107. New Mexico Junior College
108. New Mexico State University
109. Niagara County Community College
110. North Georgia College & State University
111. Northern Virginia Community College
112. Northwestern State University of Louisiana
113. Ohio State University
114. Old Dominion University
115. Olympic College
116. Park University
117. Penn State World Campus
118. Pierce College Military Program
119. Pima Community College
120. Post University
121. Rasmussen College
122. Regent University
123. Regis University
124. Rivier College
125. Roane State Community College
126. Rochester Community and Technical College
127. Rochester Institute of Technology
128. Roger Williams University
129. Saint Leo University
130. San Diego Community College District
131. Seattle Central Community College
132. Siena Heights University
133. Southeast Missouri State University
134. Southern Illinois University Carbondale
135. Southern New Hampshire University
136. Southwest Virginia Community College
137. Southwestern College - California
138. St. Joseph’s College - New York
139. Stratford University
140. Strayer University
141. Sul Ross State University
142. SUNY College of Technology at Canton
143. SUNY Empire State College
144. SUNY Maritime College, The Fort
145. Thomas Edison State College
146. Tidewater Community College
147. Troy University
148. United States Sports Academy
149. University of Central Arkansas
150. University of Colorado at Colorado Springs
151. The University of Findlay
152. University of Iowa
153. University of Maine at Augusta
154. University of Management & Technology
155. University of Mary
156. University of Maryland University College
157. The University of Memphis
158. University of Nebraska - Lincoln
159. University of Nebraska - Lincoln, MBA Program at Offutt AFB
160. University of Nebraska at Kearney
161. University of Nebraska at Omaha
162. University of North Dakota
163. The University of Oklahoma
164. The University of Phoenix
165. University of Pittsburgh
166. University of South Florida
167. University of Southern Maine
168. The University of Texas at Dallas School of Management
169. University of the Incarnate Word
170. University of the Southwest
171. University of West Florida
172. University of Wisconsin-Platteville
173. University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point
174. University of Wisconsin-Whitewater
175. Upper Iowa University
176. Utah State University
177. Utica College
178. Vanderbilt University
179. Vincennes University
180. Virginia College
181. Wake Technical Community College
182. Washington State University
183. Wayland Baptist University
184. Webster University
185. West Hills Community College District
186. West Texas A&M University
187. Western Carolina University
188. Western Dakota Technical Institute
189. Western Governors University
190. Western Wyoming Community College
191. Westfield State University
192. Wilmington University
193. Wiregrass Georgia Technical College
194. Yakima Valley Community College

Potential military students should take advantage of additional college information provided at military education centers, designated Department of Defense service centers and reputable online education websites.

For further information about this list, please check out Military Advanced Education magazine’s 4th Annual Guide to Military-friendly Colleges and Universities.

military education, military friendly, military students, military veterans, online classes, online colleges, online degree programs, online schools, servicemembers, top military friendly

Popularity: 14% [?]

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George Lucas, creator of the multimillion dollar Star Wars industry, has a philanthropic interest in improving public education and preparing children and teens to successfully navigate the technology-driven world of the future.

He particularly values and highlights teachers who creatively engage students, often with multimedia, in order to enhance learning. Lucas believes that children learn better when they are stimulated and interested in the subject matter.

So he put into print his ideas for the best ways to educate children. Edutopia, the magazine underwritten by the non-profit George Lucas Education Foundation, is a treasure trove of innovations in teaching and a rich resource for discovering new trends in education. Online education, interactive media and additional virtual tools are discussed in detail as ways of generating student interaction and focus.

The September 2007 issue talks about 10 hot topics in public education:

1. No Child Left Behind and the need to transform it
2. How to retain and attract highly-qualified teachers
3. Alternative school schedules that improve student scores
4. Distance-learning and its impact on students and teachers
5. Why politics will definitely be a part of high school classrooms in this academic year
6. The explosion of interest in teaching and learning the Chinese language
7. Why oceanographer Robert Ballard believes that science really is fun and relevant for children
8. Using the technology of MySpace/YouTube to create student online learning communities
9. High school career academies that smooth the transition for graduates from school to the job force
10. How the arts and music education vacuum in public schools is being filled by locals

George Lucas expects to see improvements in the way we educate children as the exciting growth in technology is intermingled with the creative skills of dedicated teachers.

Free subscriptions of Edutopia are available in print to teachers and other qualified persons; and the website includes relevant education articles, videos and teaching modules.

George Lucas, Star Wars, education, children, school, teens, high school, parents, technology, teachers, public school, multimedia, Edutopia, George Lucas Education Foundation, online education, community, information access, trends, Robert Ballard, distance learning, No Child Left Behind, My Space, music education, Ten Hot Education Topics

Popularity: 13% [?]

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In times past, high school dropouts had little hope of ever receiving a high school diploma. Once they left high school, they also left formal education for good — without pomp or circumstance.

But technology has brought new hope for these ex-students.

The rising exodus of teens from secondary school has alarm bells ringing all over the education community, initiating an urgent call for intervention to stop the tidal wave of students who prematurely walk down high school hallways for the last time.

In California, at least 120,000 young people a year become “high school dropouts”, with over a million students in the U.S. falling into this category annually.

According to a 2006 report for the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, one-third of all public high students fail to graduate from high school each year. And among Hispanics, African-Americans, and Native Americans, that percentage rises to one-half.

These figures represent a “silent epidemic“, according to U.S. Secretary of Education Margaret Spellings. She also mentions that 15% of the U.S. high schools produce over 50% of the dropouts.

And what causes dropouts to “drop out”?

• The public high schools with the highest number of dropouts — the 15% mentioned by Secretary Spellings — are generally substandard. Buildings are run-down, hallways are littered, desks are chipped and school books are outdated. In order to receive an education, students often face obstacles like routine violence and overtaxed teachers who struggle to educate their students in an unpleasant, hostile environment.

• Often, students do not understand the relevance of a high school diploma until they leave school. If school is unpleasant and there is little educational encouragement at home, students have no incentive to hang in there and finish their coursework. Once they are out in the real world, dropouts encounter obstacles in finding a satisfying career. Since a high school diploma is a prerequisite for most well-paying jobs, dropouts run into limitless roadblocks in their quest to make a living.

• Teen pregnancy, apathy, and inadequate reading or math skills make it difficult for others to complete high school.

On the whole, dropouts earn significantly less money and end up with a lower standard of living than high school graduates.

However, many adult learners eventually earn the equivalent of a high school diploma by passing the General Education Development test (GED), signaling a new beginning and better life for themselves and their families.

Adult education programs and online GED preparation courses can be found at local community centers, junior colleges and private online schools. And the flexibility of computer learning makes it possible for full-time workers to study on their own schedule.

When they are ready, students must take the GED test at an approved GED test center. In fact, students should beware of GED testing offered online. There is no valid online GED test; it is a scam.

Passing the GED or receiving a high school diploma opens the doors to enrolling in college, job promotions, increased income and a sense of accomplishment.

Still, the easiest thing for current students to do is to remain in school in the first place.

adult education, adult learners, African Americans, career, high school diploma, high school dropout, jobs, new beginning, online GED, online schools, standard of living, teachers, teens

Popularity: 13% [?]

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As the celebrations of the fall of the Berlin Wall continue in Germany, we once again commemorate the members of our armed forces on Veterans Day.

Almost 50 years ago, the city of Berlin was divided by a formidable wall that remained standing for almost 30 years.

East German soldiers patrolled the east side of the wall; and American, British and French soldiers guarded the west side.

My father was a soldier stationed in Germany in the late 1960’s; so I remember the Berlin Wall.

I will never forget traveling into East Berlin as a ‘military brat’ on holiday with my family. We boarded a bus in West Berlin and arrived at Checkpoint Charlie.

There, our paperwork was checked out by U.S. soldiers; and we were given explicit instructions about what to expect on the trip — and how to conduct ourselves. Then the bus drove into East Berlin.

Just a little past the Berlin Wall, the bus stopped.

When I glanced out of the bus window, I saw a mean-looking, well-trained group of uniformed soldiers march up and surround our bus. A few quickly crawled beneath the bus for an inspection, while others walked around it and visually inspected every nook and cranny.

Then, several of them came onboard; and I was suddenly afraid.

They were not friendly fellows. They did not smile, and they certainly did not make small talk.

Instead, they took each person’s passport and stared intensely at the person, then at the passport picture, and again at the person. When it was my turn, I hoped the cold, penetrating stare would not cause me to make any observable misstep.

But I must have done okay; because the soldier moved on and eventually got off the bus with his comrades.

An East German guide boarded the bus and coolly relayed more instructions. The rest of the trip was interesting and uneventful; though we saw only what they wanted us to see — including the majestic Brandenburg Gate.

We were not allowed to talk with any East German citizens, we could not wander off alone, and our bus could not make any deviations from the scheduled tour.

We went through another thorough inspection of the bus before being allowed to cross back into West Berlin; and it was only then that I noticed the tiny crosses that lined the western side of the Berlin Wall — most with flowers, but all standing out as reminders of those who were shot and killed trying to escape into West Germany.

The Berlin Wall was erected in 1961. By the time it began to fall on November 9th, 1989, it stretched nearly 100 miles and was topped with barbed wire.

Historians should continue to remind us of this and other significant events. Without historians, naysayers would attempt to erase or sugarcoat history, in order to promote their own agendas.

Students who major in history should be proud of that choice. And if they can, they should travel to some of the places where key historical events took place.

If they enroll in online degree programs, it will be easier to travel. But online schools and online classes, though convenient, are just one way to pursue a history degree. Community colleges and traditional universities offer additional options.

The Berlin Wall is now gone, thank goodness, but we should remember those soldiers — past and present — who earned the freedoms that America, western Europe and some other countries continue to enjoy.

Soldiers of the U.S. military deserve our highest respect and gratitude, on Veterans Day and every day of our lives, for their generous actions on our behalf.

american, berlin wall, checkpoint charlie, europe, freedom, gratitude, history degree, online classes, online degree programs, online schools, soldiers, us military, veterans day

Popularity: 12% [?]

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A brand new group of educational benefits arrive on August 1st, 2009, for military personnel who served a tour of duty after September 11th, 2001.

This financial windfall covers major expenses for post 9/11 soldiers and former soldiers who return to school to pursue a college degree or vocational certificate.

The Post 9/11 Veterans Educational Assistance Act of 2008 provides financial aid and support to active-duty military personnel and veterans who enroll in accredited online schools, traditional colleges and universities, and vocational schools.

Students will receive all or a portion of the costs for tuition, housing and books if they meet the selective eligibility criteria.

For eligible military members and veterans, the benefits will cover:

• Full tuition up to the amount of the most expensive public college in the applicant’s state,
• $1,000 a year stipend for books & supplies (for veterans only),
• a monthly housing allowance equal to the basic allowance paid to a military E5 with dependents (for veterans only),
• Tutorial assistance or up to $2,000 for one licensing or certification test,
• The option, for some, to transfer these educational benefits to dependents.

Eligibility requirements for the new education benefits apply to those applicants:

• who are still serving in the military or were honorably discharged after serving at least 90 consecutive active-duty days following 9/11;
• who were released from active duty into a branch of the military reserves following 90 consecutive days of active duty after 9/11; or
• who were honorably discharged after 30 consecutive active-duty days following a service-connected disability.

Additional criteria may apply; but students may enroll in military-approved online degrees, online vocational and certificate programs, and traditional college, university and vocational programs.

Costs incurred before August 1st, 2009, are not eligible for these particular benefits.

Benefits remain active for 15 years following the eligible military tour of duty and are payable for up to 36 months for those who meet all of the necessary criteria.

For further information, check out the Department of Veterans Affairs website.

accredited, active duty, benefits, college, education, eligible, financial aid, military, online degree programs, online degrees, online schools, post 9/11, veteran, vocational schools

Popularity: 12% [?]

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There may be a perfect job for someone who loves real estate and enjoys walking through homes. And the best part is that training for this vocation only takes about 150 hours of required study that can all be accomplished online through distance learning.

It is the career of a real estate appraiser.  

Although the real estate market is depressed in most of the country, it is interesting that employment for real estate appraisers is expected to increase at a rate faster than the average of all other occupations, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. And average annual salaries range between $32,000 and $64,000; though top appraisers earn more than $86,000.

Once the appropriate courses are taken through a reputable, high-quality online school – like Allied Appraisal School – students are required to obtain a minimum number of on-the-job training hours. And in order to become fully certified, appraisers must pass a state licensing exam.

Prior to 2008, those studying to become appraisers were not required to have a bachelor’s degree. However, that has changed; and beginnng this year, a bachelor’s degree has been added to the requirements.  It is also important for potential students to check the specific requirements for their state; since licensing requirements vary from state to state.

Approximately 70% of appraisers are employed by real estate firms and banks; and about 30% are self-employed. There is a great deal of research and writing that is part of the job; but computers have made this part easier. In fact, documents that once required a drive to city hall or the court house are easily obtained from the comfort of home via the Internet. Also, appraisers may choose to specialize in residential, commercial or other areas of real estate.

The field of real estate appraisal is expected to be among the hottest jobs of the future; and those who plan ahead will be happily prepared to fill the growing demand. 

online school, online schools, appraiser, real estate, distance learning, hot career, real estate appraiser

Popularity: 12% [?]

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