Master’s Degree

October 25, 2011 Other Online Resources
Master’s Degree

A master’s degree is an advanced degree that is awarded upon the completion of specialized study programs or a certain amount of professional work. A master’s degree aims to provide students with highly specialized knowledge about a particular subject and develop skills that will enable them to independently and austerely solve various problems. A master’s degree gives you a definitive edge over others as a job applicant. To recruiters, you reflect a dedication to acquire knowledge and develop a deep understanding in your particular field, and an inquisitive personality capable of dealing with a variety of complex situations, thus becoming more attractive as a prospective employee. A person’s social and communication skills are rapidly developed due to the large amount of interaction that is carried out with others during the course of study and research.

As the number of people pursuing master’s degrees increases, a number of colleges are now offering online master’s degrees in a variety of disciplines. An online master degree can be completed in as little as 18 months for professionals who have a certain amount of work experience, while the standard programs can be completed in 2 years. Online master’s degrees include Master of Arts (MA), Master of Science (MSc or MS), Master of Law (LLM), Master of Information Technology (MIT) and Master of Business Administration (MBA). With the increasing number of disciplines now offered to specialize in, online master’s degrees are available in virtually any discipline. The most popular master’s degrees are MBA degrees, which enable people to expand their abilities and give them a deep insight into organizational and resource management. An MBA degree prepares individual to fit into a managerial role relatively easily. The online master degree in IT is also becoming increasingly popular as the industry moves towards implementation of computer systems in more and more areas of production.

For professionals in the health industry, an online master degree in Public Health (MPH) or Health Information Systems (MIS) opens up loads of new opportunities to become part of the highly admired health administration sector. Master’s degrees are also available for nurses and bio-technology professionals, offering them the opportunity to move up the ladder in their respective fields. Having most or all of the classes available online is an extra plus for working professionals, allowing them to take classes from the comfort of home at anytime, 24/7. Online education is also student-centered, and allows students to have more face time with their teachers. Through email, students can get in touch with their course instructors at any time, and using various discussion boards, students can freely interact with students not only from around the country but from all around the world. This interaction goes a long way in establishing useful contacts in the industry.

In today’s time, we cannot follow the old concept of starting work straight after school, and holding the same position till retirement. That concept simply does not work anymore, education and training that enables you to maximize your output and performance needs to be undertaken and with the rapid development in science & technology, constantly improving your skills and education is more of a need now than ever before. Online Master’s degree programs aim to develop transferable skills that will help you better adapt to the continually evolving environment. The potential income gain by completing an online master degree is also highly attractive, and statistics indicate that master’s degree holders earn between 20% and 45% more than bachelor’s degree holders. Beyond a higher income and professional development, master’s degrees play a vital role in the improvement of quality of life and national development.

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Security Management Field

October 21, 2011 IT
Security Management Field

What is security management?

The field of security management involves work in areas such as counter-terrorism, executive protection, international security, trade protection, industrial security, background investigation, IT security, computer forensics, and cyber security. Those who hold a security management degree have hundreds of career options available in private businesses, private security companies, federal agencies, intelligence organizations, or local government bodies. In today’s world where countering the forces of terrorism and cybercrimes is of the utmost importance, the field of security is expanding rapidly. As an increased emphasis on security finds its way into every organization from federal agencies to financial institutions, there is a dire need for qualified security managers who can effectively direct efforts towards curbing criminal activity.

What degrees are offered in this field?

Because of the large number of opportunities available for security managers and the prospects for future advancement, more and more people are interested in obtaining a security management degree. In addition to undergraduate and graduate certificate programs and diplomas, a number of degree options are available for students. Associate’s, Bachelor’s, Master’s and Doctorate degrees in security management are being offered by a large number of colleges today. In most cases, students can enroll in an online program, which not only allows them to study from the comfort of their own home, but also permits them to study at any time of the day. An online security management degree also costs a fraction of what an on-campus degree will cost.

Additionally, students save a substantial amount of money by not having to commute. Add to that a large variety of security management programs on offer, and you have a winning combination. A large number of law enforcement officers and professionals looking to open up advancement opportunities and move up to better careers2 are pursuing security management degrees online.  Students can typically earn an associate’s degree in as little as eighteen months, whereas the bachelors and masters degrees last for four and two years respectively. The Doctorate in Security Management degree is usually an extension of a Business Management or IT Security program, and involves extensive research on a particular issue faced by security professionals or the security industry.

What subjects are included in a security management degree?

A student enrolled in a security management degree will study subjects such as physical security; which includes protection design, risk assessment, barriers, alarms and entry control. Students will also study information security and computer forensics where they will learn about firewalls, protection against viruses and hackers, network security, identity theft and financial irregularities in online transactions. Courses on homeland security, anti-terrorism, loss prevention and emergency planning are also taught. A thorough insight into the working and procedures of the legal system is also provided to students, including various legal aspects affecting security such as copyright law, patent & trade law, civil and criminal law and the laws of surveillance and detention.According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, holders of a security management degree will be some of the most highly sought after till 2020. Average starting wages for security management professionals stand at $60,000, which is higher than all other law enforcement professionals.

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Medical Transcription

October 21, 2011 Nursing
Medical Transcription

What is medical transcription?
Medical transcription involves transferring health related verbal information into written or electronic form, printing it out, including it in patient records, and storing it in various hospital and healthcare provider systems for future reference. Medical transcriptionists also take down conversations that may take place between a patient and doctor or hospital administrator or insurance companies. In most cases however, transcription professionals listen to recordings of various conversations and convert them into written or electronic form. Medical transcriptionists are employed in various capacities by hospitals, laboratories, clinics and nursing homes to document interactions between physicians and patients. Transcribed material once typed into a computer is then run through specialized software which then stores all information and sorts relevant materials in order to make medical histories, diagnoses and test results.

What programs can I pursue?
A number of colleges are offering online and on-campus diplomas, certifications as well as medical transcription degrees. In most cases, medical transcription is combined with medical coding and billing courses. The degree offered in this field is the associate of arts degree in medical transcription and billing. Medical transcription degree programs are designed to provide students with the knowledge and skills required to transcribe medical dictation, take down relevant notes, and prepare patient files and other documents with a high level of accuracy. These courses include basic training in subjects such as pharmacology, anatomy, oncology, cardiology, pediatrics, lab procedures and medicine and drug usage as well as instruction on medical terminology.

What skills do I acquire?
Additionally students learn how to use transcription software and learn valuable computer and IT skills as well as transcribing and coding techniques and insurance and healthcare law. Most importantly students are taught how to do their work with full concentration and acuity to minimize the chance of errors and to prepare grammatically correct reports and transcripts. Some employers may require medical transcription professionals to take a certification program. The certification test is conducted by the American Association of Medical Transcription (AAMT) and includes question on various areas of health, medicine, law, grammar and computer techniques. Upon the successful completion of the exam, students become Certified Medical Transcriptionists (CMT).

What are the career prospects?
Medical transcription is a growing field and according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, it is expected to hold a growth rate of about 16% over the next decade, giving it the second highest growth rate of any part of the healthcare industry. This growth is fuelled by the laws which require all patient records to be digitalized. Countless opportunities for the holders of a medical transcription degree exist in hospitals, clinics, laboratories, research centers, insurance agencies, pharmacies and other medical facilities. A medical transcription degree can also be used to start your own transcription business from home, and all you need for that is a computer and an internet connection. The key to being a medical transcription professional lies in acquiring and using IT skills effectively, recognizing and identifying medical terms and working within the limits prescribed by relevant laws. For people who enjoy working with computers and aspire to be part of the healthcare industry or stay-at-home parents looking to supplement an income – earning a medical transcription degree is your guarantee to a better job and ultimately, a better lifestyle.

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Paralegal Certification

October 19, 2011 Legal and Paralegal
Paralegal Certification

What does a paralegal do?
Paralegals are law professionals who assist lawyers in addition to performing a wide variety of clerical and administrative roles in law firms, banks, insurance agencies, government agencies and various businesses. While lawyers appear on behalf of clients in courtrooms and at settlement proceedings, it is the paralegals that carry out the required research in cases. They also process and analyze evidence to decide its impact on legal proceedings, draft agreements, and handle all sorts of paperwork. Other duties performed by paralegals include filing tax returns, preparing various contracts, appraising property, arbitrating disputes between persons, and preparing wills. As officers of the court, paralegals work as process officers and deliver subpoenas and legal notices in addition to drawing on public records and other databases to obtain information. Owing to their knowledge of law, computer training and administrative skills, paralegals are ideal for a variety of jobs across the industry.

How can I obtain certification?
Paralegal certificate programs are a great way to start a highly rewarding career in the field of law. A number of colleges offer both on-campus and online certificate programs. Online paralegal certificate programs are preferred over on-campus programs due to a number of reasons, the biggest being the flexibility they offer to students. You can take classes from the comfort of your home or on your cell phone or iPod when on the go, at any time, twenty-four hours a day, seven days a week. Online programs are also limited to ten or fifteen students per session, allowing you to better interact with your course instructor, something that is considered impossible in a traditional college environment. By becoming proficient in the use of digital technology and different computer software, you gain an edge over other job applicants and develop the skills and technical knowledge sought by employers.

Who issues paralegal certificates?
Paralegal certificate programs are offered by a number of bodies, including the National Federation of Paralegal Associations (NFPA) which allows students to take the ‘Paralegal Advanced Competency Exam’ (PACE) and use the ‘Registered Paralegal’ designation. In order to appear in this exam, applicants must meet specific educational requirements and have a minimum 2 years of work experience. The National Association of Legal Assistants (NALA) has established the ‘Certified Legal Assistant’ (CLA) and ‘Certified Paralegal’ (CP) certification programs. Students can take the NALA exams immediately after graduation from a degree program. The ‘Professional Paralegal’ (PP) certification is offered by the National Association of Legal Secretaries (NALS) and examines students in the areas of communication skills, legal knowledge, ethics and substantive law.

What are the advantages of certification?
In order to apply for a job in most states, students must have completed one or more paralegal certificate programs. Paralegal certification not only helps you develop a better understanding of law but also adds a lot of value to your resume. While it is true that a paralegal is trained in a number of areas and can find employment virtually anywhere, employers prefer the people who have gone the extra mile and made the effort to obtain certification. Professionals who complete paralegal certificate programs also have more advancement opportunities and can move up the corporate ladder fairly quickly, and when you consider all the advantages, paralegal certification is definitely worth the effort.

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Understanding Online Degree

October 19, 2011 Uncategorized

What are online degrees?

Online degrees are becoming increasingly popular as people struggle to improve their education while handling jobs or taking care of family. Numerous colleges offer university degrees online. Associate’s, Bachelor’s, Master’s and even Doctorate degrees in almost every discipline you can think of are offered. The biggest attraction of online programs is the ‘study at your own pace & place’ concept, which allows students to study from the comfort of their homes, at any time, 24/7. Online degrees are offered in health, arts, education, engineering, and information technology among other fields and are becoming increasingly popular among students and working professionals alike. According to a number of studies carried out by the Distance Education Training Council (DETC), students enrolled in online programs are more likely to outperform their peers enrolled in traditional classes. Students who take online classes are more comfortable and knowledgeable in the use of modern technology and these factors make employers look at online degree graduates more favorably today.

What programs are on offer?

Colleges offering degrees online also offer a variety of short courses and certifications besides degree programs, such as courses in graphics designing, web designing, nursing, management, etc. University degrees online include programs such as associate’s degrees in nursing, health technology, healthcare information systems and various disciplines of management. Bachelor’s programs offered by online colleges last between 3 to 4 years, or 2 years if a person holds an associate’s degree. Bachelor’s programs are offered in various disciplines of engineering such as electrical, mechanical, civil and electronics engineering, as well Information Technology, Computer Sciences and Health Sciences. Bachelor of Arts programs are offered in subjects such as literature, language, psychology, ethics and music. These programs are conducted under the supervision of qualified and highly experienced faculty members and the curriculum of most programs is identical to the one followed by traditional colleges.

Can I get an advanced education online?

Many institutions are now offering higher university degrees online, such as Master’s and Doctorate degrees. As is the case with bachelor’s degree programs, countless fields are offered for specialization allowing students to select the subject of their choice and liking. Masters degree programs usually last between 18 months to 2 years, depending on whether you have a certain amount of work experience or not. Masters programs in business administration are becoming increasingly popular for professionals working in the healthcare, engineering and information technology sectors, as they allow people to develop a more diverse portfolio and certain skills that are highly beneficial in management roles. On the other hand, Doctorate degrees follow a pattern similar to the traditional style of study, with students being required to write a dissertation and being interviewed by faculty members and peers before the degree is awarded.

What are the benefits of learning online?

Online degrees have numerous benefits besides having the ability to be taken from any place at any time, such as having a more student oriented style of teaching which allows students and teachers to interact at a higher level as compared to traditional colleges. Course instructors and lecturers also have the flexibility to teach classes from anyplace, whether they are travelling, attending meetings or conducting research in a different part of the country. Lectures are often recorded and made available online to students for reviewing, which is a unique part of earning a university degree online. Moreover, students are well versed with using digital equipment to make projects and visually pleasing presentations which holds great importance in the corporate world. All in all, getting a university degree online is easier than ever, and in return for the professional advancement opportunities it opens up for you, is well worth the time and effort.

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