Education Archives - Page 3 of 6

May 18, 2018 by Greg Underwood

The Best Jobs for Certified Nursing Assistants

For anyone looking to enter nursing at an entry-level position, becoming a Certified Nursing Assistant can have you quickly working while studying to advance your career in the field. Whether you simply want to remain in a less-demanding job or are looking to work your way up to becoming an RN or an FNP eventually, getting CNA Certification Training is where you’ll need to begin. Are you wondering where you could work with this kind of certification? Here are the best jobs in the field you might want to explore.

1. Hospitals

It is true that most hospitals around the country are understaffed and in crisis. LPNs and RNs are desperately needed and so they are often overloaded with duties. In an effort to save money and to fill the gap left by the crisis level shortage of nurses, many hospitals pay CNAs well and with a decent benefits package. If you are looking to get your foot in the door with the hopes of one day becoming a nurse yourself, this is a great place to start.

2. Nursing Homes/Assisted Living Facilities

Most nursing homes and assisted living facilities hire qualified CNAs to see to the daily care of residents. While nurses typically assess the residents’ health daily, it is the CNA who will ultimately see to the care of the patients. They will be tasked with helping them bathe and see to their personal hygiene, as well as helping to change bedding or with feeding patients unable to feed themselves. CNAs work closely with patients and because of this, are highly valued by administration and residents’ families as well.

3. Doctor’s Offices and Clinics

Some doctors’ offices and clinics staff both CNAs and Medical Assistants, but some hire one or the other. Duties may overlap, and this is why many clinics hire the type of professional most in need. If you wonder what you will actually be doing as a CNA in a doctor’s office, check with your advisor at the school you’ve chosen to work for.

4. Home Healthcare Agencies

Home healthcare is big business in this country, especially as Boomers continue to reach senior years. For those patients not bad enough to require hospitalization or residency in an assisted living facility, CNAs enable them to remain at home where they are more comfortable. The current thrust of healthcare is the quality of life a patient is able to live. Certified Nursing Assistants help them be as active and well-cared for as possible, so that they can live with the quality of life they so deserve.

While there are other jobs CNAs can apply for, these are not only the most common but the best entry-level positions in the field of nursing. As a Certified Nursing Assistant, you will not only be working in the field, but you will also be gaining knowledge and experience you will need when furthering your education if you choose to do so. If you enjoy working with people, this is a great career for you.

May 13, 2018 by Greg Underwood

7 Reasons For Going Back To School

Are you looking for a way to improve your professional career? Getting a degree will open up amazing opportunities for you. Here are 7 reasons for going back to school and continuing your education.

Would you like to earn a higher wage?

Who doesn’t, right? One of the best ways to make that happen is to go back to school.

But going back to school is not for the faint of heart. As an adult, you may have other responsibilities that you have to keep up. You may have a full-time job, a relationship, and maybe even a kid or two.

Is going back to school worth the work? Let’s take a look at 7 of the top reasons that people decide to go back to college. Then you can decide if it’s the right thing for you.

1. Potential For Earning More Money

People are always looking for a way to add a few extra bucks to their paycheck. Going back to school is one of the best ways to make that happen.

Did you know that college grads, on average, earn 56% more than those with a high school diploma? That’s a huge difference, and the gap keeps getting wider.

You may have to take out a loan to get that college degree. But, if you’re smart about it, you can get that loan paid off and start reaping the benefits of a higher salary in a few years.

2. Less Risk of Unemployment

As education level goes up, the unemployment rate goes down. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that high school grads have a 4.6% unemployment rate. It goes down to 2.5% for those with a bachelor degree, and 1.5% for those with doctoral degrees.

There are many factors that play into this. Companies may be more apt to hire a college graduate. Some may even require a bachelor degree as a basic hiring requirement.

Plus, if you get a degree in a high-demand field like electrical engineering there are a plethora of job opportunities. Even if you move or decide to change jobs, it’s relatively easy to find a new one.

3. More Advanced Qualifications

Going back to school gives you the chance to get more advanced qualifications. Do you want to go further in your field but are held back because of a lack of qualifications? Getting a degree may be just what you need to get ahead.

If you’re already working for a company in your field of interest, check to see if they offer financial assistance for classes. They may require that you have a good employment record and/or maintain a certain grade. But the extra financial help might be just what you need to make it work.

Then, once you finish your degree, you’re practically guaranteed a better job in your field. After all, they wouldn’t have paid for you to go to school if they didn’t think you would do an awesome job.

4. Career Change

Back in the day, people tended to work in the same job for the duration of their career. Nowadays it’s not quite so restrictive. Now people move from job to job and even from career to career with relative ease.

Do you want to be one of those? Maybe you’re stuck in a dead-end job with no hope of advancement. Or maybe you entered a field you thought you’d like but now realize you hate it.

It’s never too late to make a career change and look for something better. Going back to

college can help you do that. Even if you already have a degree, this can be a great way to move in a different direction.

5. Personal Development

Sometimes people go back to college for an entirely different reason. It doesn’t have anything to do with making more money or landing a more enjoyable job. They just want to enrich themselves and learn something new.

Even outside of the classroom knowledge you gain, college is a great experience. You can better hone your self-discipline skills by meeting deadlines and tackling big projects.

It can help build your confidence and social skills. These are things that will come in handy not only for your job but also in life as well.

6. Set a Good Example

Do you have kids or plan to someday? You can set a good example for them now by going back to school.

In fact, for some people, this is their motivation to go to school. Not only do they want to provide better for their children, but also they want to set a good example.

When it’s their turn to go to college, they’ll understand how important it is. Plus, with the way things are going in the US college degrees will only become more important for getting a good job in the future.

7. Be Successful

Sometimes you just flat out want to be successful. You want to prove to yourself, or maybe even friends or family, that you can do it.

What if you’ve always wanted to study law but everyone told you that you couldn’t do it? Maybe it’s time to prove to them–and yourself–that you can. Check out these MLS degrees (legal studies degree programs). You may be surprised how accessible that law degree can be with an online course of study.

The world is full of opportunity. Don’t let anybody, not even yourself, tell you that you can’t achieve your dreams.

Your Reason For Going Back to School

More money. A better job. More education. More prestige.

There are many reasons that people decide to go back to school. Your reason for going back to school may be one of these, or it may be something completely different. Regardless, if you want to earn a degree, you can do it.

For more tips on how to live your best life, check out the rest of our site.

April 26, 2018 by Greg Underwood

Skills You Need to Become a Mechanic

If you have a love and passion for working on cars, becoming a mechanic could be the right route for you. Here are the skills you need to turn your dreams into a reality and secure the mechanic you want.

Becoming Educated

It is important that you begin learning about the mechanic world as early as you can. Whilst you are in high school, make sure that you take mathematics and electronics classes. These fields link to mechanic work, which will become useful for once you begin to study the field. Make sure that you take the time to research into the best Mechanic School Las Vegas, so you can find the best place of study in your area.

Gaining Experience

There are a variety of skills and requirements that are needed to succeed as a mechanic. To gain more of an insight into how a mechanic works, you could offer your services and work as an assistant, trainee or helper, which can help put you ahead of other students and give you more knowledge on what it takes to become a mechanic. When assisting, you will be gaining valuable skills that can help you secure a job in the future.

Getting Certified

Once you have completed all necessary state exams, you will need to get licensed and certified before you can begin working as a mechanic. To get licensed in the state you currently live in, you will more than likely need to complete and pass one or several certification exams. Make sure that you look online at your state’s license database, which will give you all the necessary requirements that apply to you. Different certifications can increase your salary. You will need to factor this in, so you can work out which route is relevant to you.

Staying Organized

There are other skills you need to acquire, which can help put you on the map regarding finding mechanic work. As you will be dealing and using a variety of tools each day, it is important that you stay as organized as you can. Tools can be easily misplaced or lost, and some can end up costing you a vast amount of money, so keeping an eye on your workspace will help ensure you do not lose any vital tools.

Improve Physical Strength

A key role in being a mechanic is lifting heavy parts and working in awkward positions. As you will be doing this every day and for lengthy periods, it is important that you work on your physical endurance and strength. Signing up for a gym membership can be a fantastic way to work on your physical strength, which will enable you to work as a mechanic with ease.

If you are still unsure of whether a mechanic role is right for you or you would like more information, it is best to speak to those who have already studied to become a mechanic. That way, you can ask any questions you may have and be able to get a clearer knowledge of what specific skills and requirements you need to succeed in the profession.

April 26, 2018 by Greg Underwood

3 Creative Writing Tips For Writing Your First Novel

Looking to write your first book? Click here to learn creative writing tips that can help get your ideas down on paper.

Can you imagine if your favorite book was never finished? Well, millions of books get abandoned before they’re completed every year.

The reasons vary – maybe the author ran out of motivation or the story fell apart due to a lack of planning.

So, the question becomes, how can I possibly beat the odds and actually finish my first novel?

Well, it’s not easy – like we said, millions of people try and fail every year. But there are things you can do to help.

If you’re trying to write your first novel, keep reading to discover 3 creative writing tips for writing your first novel.

Plan and Structure Your Novel

While this might not sound very creative, it’s one of the best creative writing tips we can give you.

Consider every detail about your book before you write it – even create a book cover! Now it doesn’t have to be the one you stick with, but it’ll help you decide what you want the overall theme and feel of your novel to be like.

Decide on your story and how it will flow throughout the book. This is not only true for novels, but for script writing and other types of writing, as well.

When deciding on the structure of your book, stick with the classic three-act structure. This structure goes back to Aristotle’s time, but don’t let that fool you into thinking it’s outdated – some of the most beloved stories written to this day have followed this pattern.

Set Attainable Goals for Yourself

You might not get very far if you just say to yourself “I want to finish my first novel by the end of the year.” Instead, try saying “I want to write 500 words today.” It’ll be easier to stay motivated if you’re constantly reaching your daily and weekly goals.

Setting an attainable schedule is also a huge part of this. Remember, real art takes time. Don’t pressure yourself to write as long as humanly possible. Instead, decide to write for an hour in the morning before work.

If writing your novel is your full-time job, then make sure you include scheduled breaks and days off. Consider picking up a liberal arts job, so you don’t stress about money and rush to finish.

Show It Off Before You’re Done

Don’t worry about having a finished piece before asking for opinions. If your book isn’t reading very well or has a huge plot hole, wouldn’t you want to know before you spend the next few months, or even years, finishing it?

Let your friends, family members, or people from an online writing community read it. More importantly, accept and use their criticism. After all, you want to write a novel that others will enjoy, right?

Creative Writing Tips for Your First Novel

It’s okay if your first novel is underway, and you’re feeling discouraged – it happens to the best of us! The best thing you can do is to structure your book, set attainable goals for yourself, and let others review it as you go.

Do you need a break from writing your novel (or do you need money to keep yourself going)? Check out our other post to learn how to become a Freelance Editor.

April 4, 2018 by Greg Underwood

DIY education on the subject of personal finance

According to a recent article on the FA News website, South Africans still have a tendency to be poor savers while at the same time being large borrowers. The conclusion is that the financial services sector needs to increase its efforts in order to try and reverse this position.

Statistics gathered by the Old Mutual’s Mass and Foundation Cluster indicate that South Africa’s metro working population uses approximately 19% of their earnings to repay debt. They also show that only about 48% of the 24-million people who have incurred or taken out debt are able to keep their payments up to date.

The problem stems from a lack of knowledge

Although the cost of living is on the rise, this is not the prime cause of the indebtedness and the failure to make payments on time. The underlying reason is the fact that these people suffer from a lack of basic knowledge about how finance works, and more importantly, what incurring debt can do to those who are ill-prepared.

A lot of people are too afraid to attend classes to educate themselves about personal finance. Many course simply cannot afford the cost of courses. There is, however, an alternative solution. You can teach yourself. As well as being much cheaper than enrolling on a course, it also does away with the stigma that many people are scared will be attached to them if they attend classes.

DIY education through reading

The alternative is reading the right books. The question that first springs to mind in most people interested in this option, is what books? Fortunately, you can find help with this online. An example is the Wonga ZA website and their page on “Recommended reading for personal finance.”

Reading is one of the best ways of educating yourself. It’s something that you can do in the privacy of your own home, away from prying eyes, and it is also quite easily affordable; especially when you take into account the benefits you will reap from the exercise, regarding your future financial situation.

Another great thing about educating yourself in this way is that it is something you can do at your own pace. Not only that, but you can also do it at times that suit you. You don’t have to be regimented about having to go to classes at specific times of day or night.

Improving financial literacy from an early age

We already know that one of the fundamental reasons for the increasing trends here in South Africa towards credit and lending, is the lack of financial literacy and this is particularly evident in the country’s youth. By starting financial education at an early stage in life, we can prevent the problem escalating in the future.

Self-education within the family unit is an ideal way of providing this learning. In addition, it will also help to build a financially literate culture as our children pass this knowledge on to their children in later life. In this way, together, the population can contribute to constructing a better, more financially aware South Africa nation for the future.

April 4, 2018 by Greg Underwood

Passionate About Healthcare? Have You Considered a Career in Public Health?

Often, when we think about healthcare jobs, we tend to imagine doctors and nurses. Maybe you also think of the technicians and other behind-the-scenes individuals, and of course, the surgeons! But healthcare is a very complex system that requires a lot of different people and skills.

With so many different moving parts involved in ensuring that the current healthcare system is working for patients, there are an endless variety of jobs available which in some way contribute to this goal. You don’t have to be working directly with patients to be making a real difference to their lives.

Delivering a high standard of care requires numerous individuals and groups to work together as an effective and cohesive force. The administrative roles undertaken outside hospitals are often just as important in determining how well they function. A career in public health can put you at the forefront of this decision making. This allows you to take on a role which, while not highly visible, is very important.

If you are looking to embark on a career in healthcare but aren’t sure which role is right for you, read on to see if a public health career could be the answer.

Industry Growth

The demand for qualified public health workers is growing all the time. The projected growth in the field puts it far ahead of the national average. This means that the chances of finding employment after obtaining an MPH degree are high.

Job Security

This goes hand in hand with the rapid growth of the industry. Public health careers are among the best available with regards to job security. A stable career means far less general stress in your life. It also means that you can be more certain of seeing a return on the money that you invest in obtaining a degree.

Study From Home

Online degrees have made it possible for many people to study who would otherwise be unable to. Now that anyone who has an internet connection and the willpower can start to study for a degree, careers in public health are a possibility for anyone. Studying online doesn’t mean that you will receive a sub-par education either. Many leading universities – click here for more information – allow you to study online. If you think that a public health career would be a good fit for you, but you are unable to attend a regular college, consider studying online instead.

Variety

Earning an MPH degree will open the door to a wide variety of different jobs. The range of potential work on offer means that there will be something available to match any personality or skillset. The variety of jobs available after earning your degree also means that you will have plenty of options should you wish to switch jobs in the future. You can continue to work in public health, putting your experience to use, but in a variety of different contexts.

Public health is an industry that has a lot to offer. Anyone who is passionate about healthcare and looking for a role in the sector that isn’t quite as intense as nursing might want to consider whether public health could be the answer.

April 3, 2018 by Greg Underwood

4 Things You Should Know Before Becoming a Nurse

Source

Nursing is one of those fields that is marred by preconceptions and stereotypes. However, nursing has changed dramatically from work practices to expectations to the number of roles nurses can fill. And there’s a huge gap between the idealized image of nursing versus reality. Here are four things everyone should know before becoming a nurse.

You’ll Get Over It Eventually

If you’re going to be a nurse, you have to be ready for everything that comes with it. Nurses may deal with serious injuries, and you can’t be squeamish about the sight of blood or other bodily fluids. You’ll need to get over the “ick” factor to deal with patients effectively, though it may take time.

You’re a Highly Trusted Resource

Nursing was ranked the most trusted profession fifteen years running in surveys by Gallup. Patients tend to share information with nurses they may be reluctant to share with doctors. And nurses tend to be the lynchpin of the healthcare system, providing critical information regarding self-care, referrals to specialists and guidance on paperwork. The fact that you’re a support for your patients is one reason why the job can be such an emotional roller coaster, though it is one more reason why patients trust nurses so much.

It Isn’t One Degree

There is an amazing array of credentials related to nursing. A practiced practical nurse or LPN and certified nursing assistant or CAN are considered nurses, and they’re both considered entry-level positions.

Spend another few years in school to become a registered nurse or RN; they typically have a bachelor’s degree. Nurses may have additional certifications or graduate degrees to become a certified nurse anesthetist (CRNA) or certified nurse midwife.

It is actually possible to earn a doctor of nursing practice or DNP; this is a terminal degree for nurses. You can earn one of these advanced degrees through Regis College Online. The Regis Nursing certificate program includes a post-master’s nurse practitioner certificate as well.

Note that learning never stops. Even if you don’t pursue a higher degree, your nursing license will typically require continuing education hours completed every few years.

You Have Schedule Flexibility

Many nurses work 12 hour shifts straight; that’s especially true in hospitals and nursing homes. However, you could find jobs with far more flexibility. School nurses, for example, work during the school day. You could work in a nursing home or urgent care center, and these facilities need people on weekends and holidays, often with higher pay for doing so. You could work the day shift or night shift in a hospital. Work as a travel nurse and you could choose both when and where you work. Work for a nursing agency and you could choose what weeks you’re working and which you’re off.

Conclusion

Nursing is far more than giving out shots and taking someone’s temperature. Nursing is an emotionally and often physically demanding profession. Yet it provides diverse opportunities and the flexibility to work almost anywhere and anytime.

April 3, 2018 by Greg Underwood

What Can You Do With an Electrical Engineering Degree?

For students approaching graduation, it can be both an exciting time in their lives and a very scary and often overwhelming time. Students know they are almost done with their studies and assignments, but that also means they almost ready to enter into the workforce. Just because you’ve gone ahead and obtained a degree, it doesn’t mean you know exactly what you want to do with it.

If you are nearing the end of your electrical engineering degree program at a school such as the New Jersey Institute of Technology, and you find yourself starting to think about your future and what you plan on doing with that degree, you’re going to want to read on. Here, we’ll take a look at some of the top careers out there that will make use of your NJIT Online degree, or an electrical engineering degree from another school. The great news is that jobs exist in a number of different industries, giving you lots of choices.

Automotive Industry

One of the biggest industries you can break into with your electrical engineering degree is the automotive industry. In order to excel in this field, you’ll need to have a deep understanding of automotive technology specifically, as well as technical expertise. Most in the field spend their time designing, testing, and then troubleshooting the various electrical components in a vehicle.

Aerospace Industry

Maybe you’re thinking really big such as aerospace. This is another industry that employs a fair number of electrical engineers. In this industry, you’ll be working with avionic systems again, to test, troubleshoot, maintain, and manage the systems. This particular industry traditionally pays a bit better than the automotive industry.

Design Engineering Industry

Here’s a field that is growing and definitely in-demand. In this industry, you’d be working on designing and then building electrical hardware that adheres to safety guides and regulations. You may end up working in the design department of a big company, or you can always go off on your own.

Electronics Industry

While on the topic of in-demand industries, the electronics engineering field is also big. Here, you’ll need to be very comfortable working with various electrical equipment and components when it comes to medical applications, software, and even navigation systems.

What About the Job Prospects and Salary?

If you’re curious as to the number of jobs that exist and the type of salary you can expect, according to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, the field is expected to grow by 7% in the next eight years and the average median pay is $96,270.

It Doesn’t Stop There

When it comes down to it, an electrical engineering degree is able to open all kinds of doors in various industries. Some of the other industries it can help you break into including IT consulting, straight electrical engineering, network and systems engineering, nuclear engineering, and more. You may need additional courses and schooling, but the initial electrical engineering degree is certainly able to open a fair amount of options.

March 27, 2018 by Greg Underwood

Why to Become a Teaching Assistant

There are so many jobs out there, so when one is choosing a career, it can be a bit overwhelming. Are they ready to commit to one? What if they don’t like it? What if they have trouble finding work in it? There are a lot of things to worry about when it comes to this, and a lot of the time people are not fully educated on what jobs are out there. One that people might not hear about quite as much is becoming a teaching assistant, which can be quite a wonderful job. What is great about becoming a teaching assistant? There are many different things and here are a few of them.

It is fun.

There is so much fun in getting to be a teaching assistant. For one, they get to spend time with children all day, so for those that like spending time with kids, this is a great job. They get to somewhat experience what it is like to be a teacher without the entire workload. They may get to do fun activities like monitor lunch and recess. They’ll often grade papers or lead simple classroom exercises, run errands for the teacher, or help answer questions. Each day will be new and exciting, and there will always be something new to look forward to. When the kids do something fun, the teachers get to do something fun too.

It is often flexible.

Want a flexible work schedule? Then this is the job to have. Teacher’s assistants don’t always come in every day, and this can make the schedule flexible to one’s needs. This will entirely depend on the school, so it is good to know ahead of time, but in the right place, it can be flexible. And who doesn’t want a flexible job?

The pay is decent.

While everyone knows that being a teacher isn’t the highest paying job, it is enough to get by on. It is the same as being a teacher’s assistant. The pay is plenty to pay the bills with some extra. With the job being fun and the pay being decent, what else could one want? With criteria like this, it is a job that everyone should consider, as long as they like children. There are so many good parts of it.

The breaks are convenient.

Speaking of good parts, this is another one. Who doesn’t love breaks from work, even if the job is fun? One of the best parts of being a teacher’s assistant is that the breaks are for the most part the same as the student’s breaks. That includes a summer break.

One can complete their degree online.

Training for it can be easy. There are level 2 teaching assistant courses that can be completed online within a couple of years from institutes such as Brighter Learning. It’s definitely a job to consider, since getting the degree for it can be so simple with the right tools for the job.

March 16, 2018 by Greg Underwood

4 Lucrative Careers That Don’t Require a Bachelor’s Degree

For many years now, people have started looking at alternative options to the traditional bachelors or master’s degree for a variety of reason. For some, it’s mainly because of the uncertainty of actually being able to land a position once they finish college. Furthermore, there is a growing number of lucrative, high demand positions for which bachelors or masters would actually be overqualified. Here are some of the best, most high paying jobs for people without a bachelor’s.

HVAC Technicians

HVAC technicians are in charge of installing, repairing and maintaining heating, refrigeration and air conditioning systems. They may be required to work with residential clients as well as businesses. HVAC systems are very complex, and technicians will have to have a well-rounded knowledge of the field and have the proper preparation as well. HVAC technicians can earn between $40 to $55k a year, depending on the market. States like Michigan for instance pay students slightly higher than the national average. If you want to know more about how to get certification in Michigan as well as job prospects, you can visit best-hvactraining.com for more information.

Real Estate Appraiser

If you were interested in real estate but didn’t want the income insecurity that comes with being a real estate agent, this could be a great alternative. Real estate appraisers are in charge of evaluating the value of homes relative to their market.

They are essential in the home buying and selling process since there might be discrepancies between a home’s advertised price and its real value. They also give completely unbiased information and rely solely on data to provide an opinion on the house’s real value. Home appraisers work with both buyers and sellers as well. While you will need certification to work as a home appraiser, you won’t need to get a degree. Home appraisers can stand to make up to $63,000 a year.

Carpenter

Carpenter is an often forgotten and overlooked trade for some reason, but carpenters are actually in great demand right now. Carpenters are responsible for repairing wooden structures and can also work in the manufacturing of finished wooden products. Carpenters can make up to $60,000 a year and even more if they decide to work as private contractors. This is another career that doesn’t require a long formation, however, skill is absolutely essential. But there is a huge demand for wooden products and creative carpenters are highly sought after for their skill.

Property Manager

Property managers work in conjunction with real estate developers and owners. They are in charge of maintaining properties, dealing with tenant complaints and renting units. In addition, they will also be asked to advertise vacancies, run the property, collect rents and deal with any problems that might occur in the property. Property managers can earn up $54k a year, but that largely depends in which market you live.

All these career choices don’t require advanced education and often pay just as much. So, before you decide on which career path you choose, take a second look at these options and see if they’re the right fit for you.