David R. Wetzel's Blog
Posted by David R. Wetzel
Although the country is in the depths of a recession, there are still many job openings for adults who have the job correct skills and educational background.
There are no secrets to achieving the correct job skills and educational backgrounds for adults seeking employment. Everyone in this position should take advantage of transferable job skills and education when seeking employment in other career fields.
When considering employment in other career fields, it is necessary to lean toward careers which have long term stability and growing. Avoiding declining career fields is in an adult’s interest when changing careers.
There are shortages of qualified people in occupations within the health care industry, teachers in special education, criminal justice, libraries, and green industries.
In addition to these shortages, there are many job openings in the trades, such as: welders, plumbers, electricians, masons, and carpenters.
Most of these occupations require a basic level of education beyond high school.
Associate Degree Continuing Education
Many of the occupations within the health care industry require a two year associate degree. Examples include Certified Nursing Assistant, Licensed Practical Nurse, Medical Transcriptionist, Pharmacy Technician, Medical Secretary, Physical Therapist Assistant, and Medical Assistant.
Often the fastest path for entering and advancement in the skilled trades occupations is by completing one to two years of continuing education in a trade school, community college, or junior college.
Bachelor Degree Continuing Education
Occupations within the health care industry occupations which require continuing education beyond an associate degree include Registered Nurse, Teacher Education, Forensics Crime Scene Investigator, Environmental Engineer, Public Librarians, Industry Librarians, Academic Librarians, and Physical Therapist.
Posted by David R. Wetzel
Have you ever thought about renting college textbooks?
Chegg.com is one resource you can use to rent textbooks. Their rental process includes:
- Rent new or like new textbooks saving 65 - 85 percent of the cost of a new textbook
- Chegg sends the textbook
- Return textbook at end of semester in provided pre-paid shipping container
- Chegg plants a tree for every rental
Another resources are BookRenter.com and CampusBookRental.com.
If renting textbooks are not your preferred method of obtaining college textbooks, then check out additional ways to to save money on textbooks.
Posted by David R. Wetzel
For most people continuing education has a different meaning. Continuing education is a very broad term that encompasses a whole host of educational opportunities.
For example, someone who has been out of high school for a couple of years may view continuing education as pursuing a professional certificate, an associate degree, or maybe even a bachelor degree.
For others continuing education may mean enrolling in a program for recertification of their professional certificate.
Additional continuing education opportunities for some adults may mean earning a doctorate in their career field because they enjoy the research aspect or want to move up the professional ladder.
Also, there are adults who have decided that dropping out of high school was not in their best interest and have decided to earn a GED.
Then there are adults who are classified as lifelong learners, because they are always wanting to learn something new. So they enroll in courses of interest that lead to no special degree. These courses may be offered by a college or their local community center, regardless learning is their passion.
Regardless of how someone defines continuing education, the goal is always the same - to advance their position in life through knowledge.
Continuing Education Resources
A Focus on Lifelong Learning for Career Success
Posted by David R. Wetzel
US Department of Education has announced its new repayment plan called - Income Based Repayment (IBR) for the major types of federal loans made to students. Under IBR, your required monthly payment is capped at an amount that is intended to be affordable based on your income and family size.
What federal student loans are eligible to be repaid under an IBR plan?
Any Stafford, Grad PLUS or Consolidation loan made under either the Direct Loan or FFEL program is eligible for repayment under IBR, EXCEPT loans that are currently in default, parent PLUS Loans, or consolidation loans that repaid a parent PLUS Loan. The loans can be new or old, and for any type of education (undergraduate, graduate, professional, job training).
Who is eligible for Income Based Repayment?
You may enter IBR if your federal student loan debt is high relative to your income and family size. Consideration is based on your income, family size, and state of residence to calculate your IBR monthly payment amount. If that amount is lower than the monthly payment under a 10-year standard repayment plan, then you are eligible to repay your loans under IBR.
What are the benefits of IBR?
Interest Payment Benefit – If your monthly IBR payment does not cover the monthly interest that accrues on the loans, the government will pay your unpaid interest on Subsidized Stafford Loans (either Direct Loan or FFEL) for up to three consecutive years from when you first enter IBR repayment. After three years, and for all the other types of loans, interest that accrues will be capitalized (added to the loan principal on which future interest is calculated) when the borrower no longer is eligible for an IBR repayment amount.)
25 Year Cancellation Plan – If you repay under the IBR plan for 25 years and meet certain other requirements, any remaining balance will be cancelled.
What are the disadvantages of IBR?
You May Pay More Interest – The faster you repay your loans, the less interest you pay. Because a reduced payment in IBR generally extends your repayment period, you may pay more total interest over the life of the loan.
Resource
US Department of Education Income Based Repayment Plan
Posted by David R. Wetzel
Centers for Disease Control (CDC), Public Health Training Network is a distance learning network that offers a wide selection of free courses.
The CDC has been approved as a provider of continuing education by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education, National Commission for Health Education Credentialing, Inc.; American Nurses Credentialing Center's Commission on Accreditation, and International Association for Continuing Education and Training.
The CDC offers continuing medical education (CME) credit for physician and non-physicians, certified nursing education (CNE) credit for nurses, continuing education certified health (CECH) credit for Certified Health Education Specialists, and continuing education units (CEU) credit for other professionals.
When selecting courses, you should always determine if the course providers are approved by the appropriate national accrediting organizations and state boards applicable to your recertification requirements.
Services Provided by CDC Training
- Online search a calendar and catalog of courses
- Select a downlink site for satellite broadcasts
- Register for courses
- Complete course evaluation and exam
- View and print your transcript
- Print your continuing education certificate
Additional Resources
Planning for Continuing Education
Posted by David R. Wetzel
A trade school or vocational school is a school in which students are taught the skills needed to perform a particular job. Traditionally, trade schools have not existed to further education in the sense of liberal arts, rather to teach only job-specific skills.
This purely vocational focus began changing in the 1990s toward a broader preparation that develops the academic and technical skills of students, as well as specific job skills.
Nationally, trade school enrollment and share of the total education market has been growing for years. Nearly 2.25 million students attended in 2006-07, about nine percent of the total market of 25 million students, according to trade group Career College Association.
Enrollment between 2003-04 and 2006-07 increased by 12 percent in programs shorter than two years, 18 percent in two- to four-year programs and 48 percent in programs that last four years or more, the group reported.
"Our sector grew from about two percent of higher education in the mid-90s to about 10 percent even before the recession," said Harris Miller, president of the Career College Association. "Rapid growth becomes kind of hyper growth when the economy slows and when more people begin to return to school."
Trade schools now offer associate degrees, which include liberal arts education. While some schools may earn accreditation from national or specialized accrediting bodies recognized by the U.S. Department of Education, a growing number of trade colleges have the same regional accreditation as traditional post secondary institutions.
A trade school is a great way to get the job of your dreams in an affordable manner. If you do not have the money up front, do not worry, as you can apply for loans and grants just as you would for any other school you want to attend. Job placement is very high for students who attend and complete trade schools.
Resources
Education Requirements for the Skilled Trades
Career Education in Critical Technical Fields
Career Education and Vocational Education Benefits
Wind Turbine Technician Education
Posted by David R. Wetzel
The Mississippi State University (MSU) has developed four new online certificate programs designed specifically for delivery via distance education. These certification programs are available at both the undergraduate and graduate level.
All four programs are accredited and provide distance education or distance learning to adults seeking the opportunity to obtain an academic certifications. The success completion of an advanced certification may mean enhancing marketability in the workforce or advancement within an existing organization.
Distance Education Certificate Programs
Diversity Certificate Program is a 12-hour interdisciplinary program designed to enhance workplace success by promoting the multi-cultural knowledge, understanding, and skills necessary to navigate within a diverse workforce.
Geospatial & Remote Sensing Certificate Program is a 15-hour interdisciplinary program in spatial technologies that crosses departmental and college boundaries.
Business Certificate is a 12-hour program that provides a well-rounded graduate level certificate for the professional who needs to improve his or her business savvy. It may also serve as a precursor to a distance Master in Business Administration.
Economics Certificate is a 12-hour program for professionals working in fields related to the economic development of their cities, counties, states, or regions.
Online Resources
Why Distance Education Continues to Flourish
Advantages of Distance Education
MSU Academic Outreach and Continuing Education
Posted by David R. Wetzel
The certificate will be awarded for the successful completion of two required courses and two additional electives.
Required Courses
Both courses focus practitioners on the fundamentals of building and maintaining properties in the most environmentally responsible and economically efficient ways.
Principles of Environmentally Sustainable Design
The design course covers equipment lifecycle analysis and costing, ratings systems, financial incentives, eco-friendly design, and construction techniques.
Managing Sustainable Building Projects
The management course covers evaluating and selecting green products, recyclables, construction waste management, and renewable and certified materials, among other topics.
Elective Courses
Indoor Environmental Quality
High Performance, Energy-Efficient Buildings
Environmentally Sustainable Real Estate Development
LEED Professional Accreditation Exam Preparation Course
LEED Professional Accreditation Course—Accelerated Version
Resources
Schack Institute Green Certificate Program
Posted by David R. Wetzel
Going "green" is the hottest word today. With the presidents call for more eco-friendly use of materials, along with expansion of wind and solar technology, green careers are the wave of the future.
These careers, which require continuing education, are idea for people who are seeking career changes, been laid off or expecting lay off, and those in dead-end jobs leading to no where.
In many cases, continuing education only requires a few weeks or months. This time period is based on previous job skills and education.
Resources
These resources can be used to help you prepare for moving into the green industry:
Green Occupations and Continuing Education
A Glimpse into Wind Turbine Technician Training
10 Tips for Adults Who are Going Back to School
Federal Student Financial Aid Programs
Posted by David R. Wetzel
Almost everyone is affected by the current recession and high unemployment rate in some manner. Many jobs have been lost and will never return. Many other jobs are in jeopardy of being lost if the recession continues, which recovery is not expected until 2010 at the earliest by some economists.
Some where does this leave people who have lost jobs in industries and career fields, which will probably never return - retail and car manufacturers for example.
The only option is to retrain in new careers which will be around longer or have expected growth over the next decade. The choice is hard for some people, because of finances and location of schools which are not convenient.
This is where distance education (often referred to as distance learning or online education) comes into play. Using a basic computer, everyone with Internet access can enroll in continuing education or retraining programs anywhere. Because the courses are completed from the comfort of their own home.
The following resources provide assistance in for people who need or are thinking about completing additional education to keep their job secure or change careers.
Resources
Changing Careers and Transferable Job Skills
10 Tips for Adults Who are Going Back to School
Distance Education's Frequently Asked Questions
Federal Student Financial Aid Programs
6 Sources of Free Money for Continuing Education
Career Resources
Changing Careers to Become a Web Designer
Career Education in Critical Technical Fields
Certified Nursing Assistant Education
A Glimpse into Wind Turbine Technician Education
Posted by David R. Wetzel
President Obama has called on all Americans to commit to at least one year of higher education or career training. The president made his case by arguing that a high school education is no longer adequate in today's global economy.
He stated the federal government just made a "historic investment" in education with its $787 billion stimulus plan.
According to the U.S. Department of Education only 50 percent of students who enroll in college straight out of high school earn a degree by their 25th birthday. Also this country has the highest high school dropout rate of any industrialized nation in the world.
These two factors have led to the decline in this country from global perspective, with regards to the skills and knowledge necessary to be competitive on a global scale.
Now is the time for individuals to take advantage of this money and continue their education to increase their employment skills and knowledge.
Continuing education is a necessity and critical to the ever evolving employment needs of this country. One example is computer technology skills which are a basic requirement today; ranging from good to advanced skills. Many people today still have few or no computer skills necessary to meet job market demands.
Continuing Education Resources
Reasons Why Adults Need Continuing Education
Recession Proofing a Career with Education
Sources of Money for Free Education
Posted by David R. Wetzel
Earning a four year college degree is not for everyone. Most people have difficulty attending college courses in which the professor teaches students about the theoritical world in business, computers, automobile design, chemistry, etc. You amy be one of these people and are only interested in specific areas of car design or computers. You are also not concerned with learning World History prior to 1600 and appreication of music or art.
If this is the case then, attending a vocational, technical school, or community college is more your idea of continuing your education beyond high school.
All of these schools offer two year degrees in applied science. In these degrees, 90 percent of the courses are focused directly on the hands-on approach to learning about computers, cars, etc.
Here are a few resourses that you can use to help you earn an applied science two year degree in the area you want to learn about.
Automobile Service Training School
Free Computer Technology Courses
Becoming a Licensed Practical Nurse
Posted by David R. Wetzel
For those people who consider themselves to be lifelong learners, open course offers opportunities to learn for free.
Maybe you are just interested in learning Lego Robotics, Circuits and Electronics, or Architectural Design.
Whatever you may be interested in learning about could be on the list of 101 Free Open Courseware Classes.
These classes listed in this directory offer instruction on how to build a wide range of topics such as ocean vehicles, robots, furniture, holographic images, and more.
Additional Resources of Free or Low Cost Courses
The following are sources of free courses, low cost courses, or how to find these type of courses:
Posted by David R. Wetzel
Non- traditional students, just what does this term mean? These are adults enrolled in college or technical schools wiht the desire to improve their job skills or prepare to enter a new career field. Their hope is to qualify for higher paid positions, keep their current jobs, or gain the knowledge necessary to enter an entirely new career.
Non-traditional students are adults, veterans, retirees, former college students, college graduates, GED recipients, students changing careers, etc. Returning to college for of these adults is not an easy decision. They often hold on to many myths, such as:
- I do not have the time
- I cannot afford to pay for school
- I am too old to learn new things
- The instructors and other students will be younger than I am And many more However, fear is the biggest factor that keeps them from returning to the classroom.
A Reality Check for Adults
Here are a few facts that contradicts the fear and excuses of non-traditional students.
- There are typcially more non-traditional students taking continuing education courses today than the so called "tradtional" 18 - 22 year olds
- More people are enrolling in continuing education courses today than ever before, primarily because of the economy
- They are eligible for free sources of funding, state grants, and federal grants or loans
- With all the advances in distance education (distance learning, online learning, etc.) that cater to adults who have full time employment, time is not an excuse
- These students will probably find that other students in their courses are older than them, it is typical to have students in their 40's, 50's, 60's, and somtimes in their 70's or 80's
There really is no excuse for an adult not to enroll in continuing education courses.
Supporting Resources
10 Tips for Adults Going Back to School
Federal Student Financial Aid Programs for Adults
Why Distance Education Continues to Flourish
6 Sources of Free for Continuing Education
Consider Continuing Education to Beat a Recession
Posted by David R. Wetzel
The biggest concern many adults have when considering continuing education as a means of improving their career knowledge and job skills, is how to pay for the education.
However, there are many resources available for adults which provide grants and scholarships which do not require repayment. Also provide access to relatively low interest loans to defer payment after their education is complete that require repayment.
Federal Grants and Loans
Types of federal government grants and include:
- Pell Grants
- Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants
- National Science and Math Access to Retain Talent (SMART) Grant
- and more
Federal loans include:
- Stafford subsidized and unsubsidized loans
- Graduate loans
- Perkins loans
- Private loans
- and more
Free Sources of Money
Along with these grants and loans there are many sources of free money for continuing education and these include:
- State Grants
- College Grants
- Private Grants
- Tuition Reimbursement
- Corporate Scholarships
The important point to remember is that grants and scholarships to not need to be repaid and loans must be repaid.
Regardless of which path you choose to take in paying for continuing education, the benefits are improved work skills, increased job security, and financial stability.
Additional Resources
Distance Education Financial Aid Opportunities
Posted by David R. Wetzel
Due to the declining economic conditions in the U.S., more colleges and universities are offering a greater number of distance education courses, which is evidenced by the continuing increase in course enrollment.
Reasons why adults need continuing education and advantages of distance education provide inforamtion and resources to support the following information obtained from a report by the National Center for Educational Statistics (NCES).
A majority of colleges in the United States — 65 percent — offer college-level, credit-granting distance-education courses; according to a survey released by the NCES in Feburary, 2009, an arm of the U.S. Department of Education.
This is another sign that distance education is becoming a staple of college life. Although the survey did not compare the present to the past, recent data from colleges indicate a jump in online enrollment.
The new survey, polled 1,600 degree-granting postsecondary institutions in the 50 states and the District of Columbia; 90 percent of them responded.
Courses offered reflected a variety of education methods:
- 61 percent of two- and four-year institutions said they gave online courses (usually meaning all instruction is online)
- 35 percent said they gave hybrid or blended courses (combining online and in-class work)
- 26 percent reported other types of college-level, credit-granting distance-education courses (which might include postal correspondence courses).
Over all, the two- and four-year institutions in the survey estimated 12.2 million enrollments (or registrations) in college-level, credit-granting distance-education courses.
Another approach to earning college credit and speeding up a distance education degree is to earn credit for courses is by passing tests in the College Level Exam Program.
Posted by David R. Wetzel
With the country in full scale recession and jobs being lost everyday, the future is bleak for many people. However, the health care industry is begging for people. The health care industry needs nurses and other professionals for all areas.
The increased need of health care professionals is largely due to the wave of baby boomers moving into retirement. This influx of people needing health care services is like a tidal wave: except it is going to last for many years.
According to the US Department of Labor (2008) the health care needs tens of thousands of new professionals to replace retiring health care workers and to handle the growth in the health care industry.
For many of these helath care positions, education is anywhere from one o four years. The following provide paths and education requirements for entering the health care industry for a few of these critical positions:
Registered Nurse Education Requirements
Education to Become a Licensed Practical Nurse
Certified Nursing Assistant Continuing Education