By Michelle Allen*, for Inpui.com
Are you considering a return to school to earn a degree? Would you like to receive specialized training to help you earn more money in your career? If so, an online-based education may be your best option. You can take classes when you want to and create a schedule that fits with your work and family obligations. In this article, you’ll learn about the benefits of an online education, the types of programs in which you can enroll, and the things you should know before registering.
THE BENEFITS
No Need to Travel: One of the greatest benefits of an online education is that you don’t have to get in your car to drive to school. As long as you have an Internet connection, you can work on your assignments when and where you’d like. Whether that’s in a coffee shop or your living room, you have complete control.
Working with Your Schedule: It’s always hard to schedule classes so that they don’t interfere with your work and personal obligations. With online courses, however, you have much more flexibility. You can work on assignments after getting home from work. If you’re too tired, you can download a lecture and save it for another time.
TYPES OF PROGRAMS
Certificates: The great thing about certificate programs is that they’re designed to quickly teach you skills that you can use to find a job. In as little as a year you can earn a certificate, start a career, and, if you wish, continue your education while you work. Some of the more popular certificate programs are for medical office assistants and veterinary assistants.
Bachelor’s Degree: While a Bachelor’s degree will take a longer time to complete than a certificate, it will give you an advantage when applying for a job. Employers are much more likely to hire someone that has completed college than an applicant who is less educated. Online Bachelor’s degrees can be earned in business, psychology, engineering, and many other areas of study.
Graduate Programs: Studies have shown that holders of graduate degrees tend to earn more than those with four-year degrees. Whether you want to earn more money or just continue your education, an online graduate degree gives you the option of holding onto your current career and getting a Masters in your spare time.
THINGS TO CONSIDER
Taking Tests On-Site: Although online courses allow you to complete your assignments at home, there are some schools that may require you to take tests on-site. For example, you may have to take a final exam at the testing center of your school. Make sure that you know the requirements before signing up for classes.
Accredited Schools: Unfortunately, there are many “schools” which offer degrees that are completely worthless. Look out for lofty claims made by these schools and only register with those that are accredited. Accreditation is a process in which a school is examined by an outside organization to see that certain standards are met. Also you should make certain the online school is accepted by any institution that you plan to continue with in completing your education.
Job Placement Rates: If you’re going back to school to land a better job, you should consider asking about the school’s job placement rates. This might give an indication of the quality of the school, the capabilities of the instructors, and the need in the job market for the position that you’re pursuing.
Online courses can be a great option for people looking to make more money in their careers or continue their education. There are many benefits, including flexibility, and courses are offered in just about any area of study. If possible, seek out people who have taken online courses from the school that you're considering. Keep these points in mind when looking at online career courses, and best of luck to you in your future career!
Are you considering a return to school to earn a degree? Would you like to receive specialized training to help you earn more money in your career? If so, an online-based education may be your best option. You can take classes when you want to and create a schedule that fits with your work and family obligations. In this article, you’ll learn about the benefits of an online education, the types of programs in which you can enroll, and the things you should know before registering.
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| By Beverly and Pack, flickr |
THE BENEFITS
No Need to Travel: One of the greatest benefits of an online education is that you don’t have to get in your car to drive to school. As long as you have an Internet connection, you can work on your assignments when and where you’d like. Whether that’s in a coffee shop or your living room, you have complete control.
Working with Your Schedule: It’s always hard to schedule classes so that they don’t interfere with your work and personal obligations. With online courses, however, you have much more flexibility. You can work on assignments after getting home from work. If you’re too tired, you can download a lecture and save it for another time.
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| Webinar Class by Alan Levine |
Certificates: The great thing about certificate programs is that they’re designed to quickly teach you skills that you can use to find a job. In as little as a year you can earn a certificate, start a career, and, if you wish, continue your education while you work. Some of the more popular certificate programs are for medical office assistants and veterinary assistants.
Bachelor’s Degree: While a Bachelor’s degree will take a longer time to complete than a certificate, it will give you an advantage when applying for a job. Employers are much more likely to hire someone that has completed college than an applicant who is less educated. Online Bachelor’s degrees can be earned in business, psychology, engineering, and many other areas of study.
Graduate Programs: Studies have shown that holders of graduate degrees tend to earn more than those with four-year degrees. Whether you want to earn more money or just continue your education, an online graduate degree gives you the option of holding onto your current career and getting a Masters in your spare time.
THINGS TO CONSIDER
Taking Tests On-Site: Although online courses allow you to complete your assignments at home, there are some schools that may require you to take tests on-site. For example, you may have to take a final exam at the testing center of your school. Make sure that you know the requirements before signing up for classes.
Accredited Schools: Unfortunately, there are many “schools” which offer degrees that are completely worthless. Look out for lofty claims made by these schools and only register with those that are accredited. Accreditation is a process in which a school is examined by an outside organization to see that certain standards are met. Also you should make certain the online school is accepted by any institution that you plan to continue with in completing your education.
Job Placement Rates: If you’re going back to school to land a better job, you should consider asking about the school’s job placement rates. This might give an indication of the quality of the school, the capabilities of the instructors, and the need in the job market for the position that you’re pursuing.
Online courses can be a great option for people looking to make more money in their careers or continue their education. There are many benefits, including flexibility, and courses are offered in just about any area of study. If possible, seek out people who have taken online courses from the school that you're considering. Keep these points in mind when looking at online career courses, and best of luck to you in your future career!
*About the author:- Michelle Allen is a career counselor, and in her spare time she is earning her CNA certification and is about to start looking for CNA jobs to begin her health services career.
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