An interview with Jonathan who works a teacher for a high school in Portland, Oregon.

Q: Can you tell us who you are currently employed with?

A: A high school in Portland Oregon.  Rather not say which one.

Q: What is a typical day like for you?

A: I teach at a high school and I teach a zero hour class so I get to school before 7 and teach from about 7:30 till 2:30. I have 6 classes I teach a day and a prep period, which I occasionally substitute during.

Q: How long have you been at this job?

A: 5 years.

Q: Can you tell us a little about your background and school experience?

A: I got my bachelors in English and a certification in English at University of Oregon.  I started teaching, but wanted the pay bump that comes from having a Masters degree.

Q: What is your online degree in and what school did you get it from?

A: Masters of Arts in Teaching from Kaplan University.

Q: What led you to seek an online degree?

A: Time constraints.  I don’t want to give up my job, but I wanted to rise through the pay scale or maybe in a few years become a principal.  Also the cost per credit was very comparable to getting a degree at a traditional school.

Q: What did you like most about the program?

A: Not a lot to be honest.  Just that it was available and I that I could complete it.

Q: What did you dislike most about the program?

A: Constant reading, group projects with people who don’t do their work and are as busy as I am, or extremely lazy.

Q: Have you only ever worked on an online degree?

A: No.  I have a bachelor’s degree already.

Q: How do online classes compare to being in a “brick & mortar” classroom setting?

A: Less interaction with people tends to happen.  You don’t get to really know or understand how the teacher or other students feel about the issues you are discussing.  I don’t feel I “learned” as much.

Q: What were the teachers like?  What was the interaction with the teachers like?

A: Limited, but similar to being in a lecture hall type class.  Teachers told me what I needed to know and let us do it.  They didn’t hold our hands or micromanage. I liked that.

Q: Did you connect to the university or the other students?  Why?

A: No, but my time was limited.  I had papers to grade and other things to do, so I did not spend a lot of time talking with other students beyond what was required.

Q: Would you do another degree, or your next degree, online or would you choose a campus-based program?

A: I would choose a campus based program, because I prefer being in the classroom and interacting with others.  It is hard however, to argue with the ease of the online structure.

Q: Was it difficult to get motivated without a set class time?

A: No, it wasn’t hard to get motivated, just hard to find the spare time when I had other work to do.

Q: Was your subject well-suited to an online program?  Why or why not?

A: I would say no.  I believe Education is something that requires hands on interaction and discussion.

Q: Do employers respect your degree?

A: I don’t know. That my degree came from an “online” program doesn’t seem to matter to the school district I work for.

Q: Have you encountered any stereotypes about having an online degree?  If you have what are they?

A: No, I have encountered no stereotypes.

Q: What recommendations and advice would you give for those thinking about getting an online degree in this field?  With this school?

A: I’m very neutral on this.  I wouldn’t say one way or the other in regards to the school, but I would say make sure you are the type of student who likes to study “on their own”.

An article by Justin Brown about how the “Distance Learning Phenomenon” is changing the face of higher learning in America.

Distance learning programs – college courses taught over the Internet – have really taken off in recent years. As home computer ownership has expanded, due in part to lower prices and increased interest in the Net, the idea of working on a college degree in the comfort of one’s home has struck a chord. It’s definitely one of the more practical uses of online technology.

There are many advantages to distance learning. First, there is the convenience aspect for students. There’s no need to get ready (shower, shave, dress), no commute, and no walking from one side of the campus to the other to get to the next class. Additionally, in many cases there is no set meeting time, so no rushing to get to class on time. Many courses involve downloadable lectures, giving students maximum flexibility. This has been enormously helpful for those who work full-time jobs during what are traditionally considered “normal” class hours. Now, the working distance learning student can keep a busy work schedule and still keep up with lectures and coursework. Likewise, the flexible structure has made life easier for many professors as well, who also deal with time pressures and scheduling constraints.

Another big advantage that distance learning offers versus in-person classroom attendance is money savings. With traditional college educations, there are everyday expenses that quickly add up:

• Gas, if you commute (which is now an even larger expense!)
• Vehicle maintenance or bus fare
• Dorm room fees, if you live on campus
• Meals at a local restaurant or campus cafeteria
• Clothing, makeup, etc.

Distance learning eliminates virtually all of that! Additionally, more and more programs are becoming nearly or even completely paperless. No more outrageous textbook fees, blue books, pens, Scantron forms, book bags, and all the other incidentals that accompany the old way of doing things.

The savings extend beyond just what the individual students experience directly. Universities also save tremendously, especially the newer ones that have been built around the distance learning model. Class size is more manageable in a virtual environment, reducing the teaching work force and building space needs at many colleges. Moreover, a significant advantage for many universities is that more time can be spent by professors on critical research and scholarship, which is how many institutions earn reputations and make their money.

College tuition inflation is also a real and growing problem. And it’s borne by many students who already struggle just to make ends meet. At some traditional universities, tuition is increasing at an astonishing 10-15% annually, pricing potential attendees out of the running. This situation illustrates another advantage of distance learning. Institutions created specifically around the off-site education model offer comparable instructional quality at greatly reduced tuition rates.

The only potential cost disadvantage with distance learning is for students who do not already own a computer. However, this is increasingly a non-issue, since personal computer ownership, especially among teens, is rapidly expanding. And the cost for a basic PC has come way down in recent years.

How to pick the best distance learning program for your needs

Once you decide to pursue a degree from an online distance education institution, there are a few steps you should follow. First, get on the Web and research the various schools. This is arguably the most important part of the entire process, but it doesn’t have to be difficult. Just do a search at a major search engine, like Google or Yahoo, and use the phrase ‘online education’ or ‘distance learning schools.’ You’ll want to weed out the non-accredited schools first. What does accredited mean? Good question! For standard higher education institutions and colleges, there are six regional accrediting associations in the United States. They review an institution’s standards, curriculum, and degree requirements, and issue accreditations for schools in their geographical areas that meet their criteria. This process takes place for a wide variety of colleges and universities, ranging from small community and junior colleges to the giants of academia, like Harvard and Yale. The six accrediting associations are:

• Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools
• New England Association of Schools and Colleges
• North Central Association of Colleges and Schools
• Northwest Association of Schools and Colleges
• Southern Association of Colleges and Schools
• Western Association of Schools and Colleges

If you’re pursuing a degree in a specialized field from a school that focuses exclusively or mainly on just that field – religion, health, technical, computer-related – look for one of the following accreditations:

• Accrediting Bureau of Health Education Schools
• Accrediting Commission for Career Schools/Colleges of Technology
• Accrediting Council for Independent Colleges and Schools
• The Association of Theological Schools
• Council on Occupational Education
• Distance Education and Training Council

*Note: accreditation does not guarantee a superior (or even adequate) educational experience. Be sure to look into each school’s history to discover any complaints or legal troubles they’ve had or are having currently.

Next, when you have culled your list of potential schools based on accreditation and a clean track record, visit each institution’s website or call them to learn if they offer the exact program you’re interested in. If you’re not sure of the degree you need or want, set up a phone or face-to-face meeting with an advisor, which most of these colleges will provide at no charge. The key is to keep looking until you’ve found the program that most closely matches your goals. Go through your entire list before you jump into any admissions process at a particular school.

For most students, tuition differences will also be a pivotal deciding factor. The costs vary considerably from school to school, but are generally about one-half of the fees you would pay at traditional colleges. That’s good news! Here’s more: the vast majority of these distance learning institutions will accept the same tuition assistance, grants, and government loan payments that other colleges always have. Moreover, if you’re already working in a career and are seeking a degree to advance, more and more employers will reimburse part or all of the tuition, as long as you get satisfactory grades. Here are a couple of examples of tuition fees at two of the bigger, accredited distance learning schools:

• University of Phoenix (general)
  • Bachelor’s Degree: $440/credit hour
  • Master’s Degree: $545/credit hour
  • Doctoral Degree: $620/credit hour
• DeVry University Online (specialized)
  • Bachelor’s Degree in Information Technology: $395/credit hour
  • Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration: $460/credit hour
  • Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Information Systems: $460/credit hour
  • Bachelor’s Degree in Technical Management: $460/credit hour

Finally, be sure to factor in differences in coursework loads and how many terms you must commit to in order to earn your degree. If you’re younger and work only part-time, you can probably handle a full load and faster advancement. But many folks who find distance learning colleges appealing already have careers and families and cannot pursue their degrees full-time. By screening your choices with a realistic eye on your personal schedule, you can save yourself a lot of unnecessary stress later on, once you’ve paid for and are taking courses online. As with most endeavors in life, careful planning and research first will make life simpler after you choose a distance learning program and begin your higher education journey. Good luck!

About The Author

Justin Brown is a successful business writer and educational advisor providing valuable tips and advice for career minded individuals who are interested in pursuing a distance learning >associate degree, >bachelor’s degree, or a >MBA degree. His numerous articles offer career advancement tips and valuable distance education insight.

An article by Justin Brown about how to distinguish between reputable online schools and those offering only bogus promises.

More and more people are looking into an online education as an option for pursuing an advanced degree these days as distance learning opportunities flourish. Looking into these programs can become confusing, however, when you try to compare the different programs offered.

After a while you may realize that some offer genuine continuing education online while others are simply offering to sell you a fake diploma for an outrageous fee. This is one of the greatest complaints about online education – that integrity is sometimes compromised in the search for convenience.

It doesn’t have to be that way, and the few bogus universities or colleges online that are actually fronts for these diploma mills are damaging to the reputation of the many excellent MBA and Bachelor’s programs offered over the Internet that are challenging and rewarding.

Know what to look for in an online education provider

If you are looking for a challenging, educational coursework that will really teach you and broaden your horizons, make sure the online college or university you are considering enrolling at is accredited. An accredited online university has met stringent guidelines in order to be certified as an accredited distance learning facility.

An accredited distance learning school must be able to prove to the governing body that:

• They have met high academic standards.
• They are financially stable and sound, with good economic resources.
• They have a solid, credentialed teaching staff and support staff available to assist students in need.

You may also ask for business references from companies who have hired graduates of the program.

Ask for an outline of the program you are interested in. What classes are offered? Can they show you the syllabus for a few of those classes? You should be able to get a list of a few of the resources you’ll be using so that you can look them over and see what they’re like.

If it seems too easy, it probably is

If a university assures you that you can get numerous credits for your ‘life experiences,’ be very wary – they may be a diploma mill trying to sell you a worthless piece of paper without actually providing you with an education. The curriculum should be distinctly different for a Bachelor’s degree, an Associate degree and an MBA, and each should require a combination of independent work, virtual classroom work and research and hands-on work. Ask about all of these things in order to gauge the integrity of the school’s interest in providing you a first-class education in addition to that fancy document when you graduate.

Ensuring integrity in distance learning

Proponents of online education note that generally if someone is willing to enroll to work on a degree in addition to working or other commitments, they aren’t likely to be trying to take advantage of the system in the first place. They will also note that there are plenty of people on college campuses across the country that are paying someone to take their exam in lectures halls. However, some will say that it is inherently easier to ‘cheat’ online. Let’s take a look at each of these concerns:

It’s easy to plagiarize in an online classroom.

Actually, it’s more difficult to plagiarize a paper in an online environment because of the rise of so many efficient plagiarism tracking software programs. These programs quickly check sections of any submitted work against anything on the web for similarities and return a side by side comparison. If someone is cutting and pasting, the instructor will know.

How do you know the person is really who they say they are?

The same way a professor in a large auditorium classroom does – taking roll and calling on students. Neither asks for I.D., so distance learning operates on your original registration (which does require identification) and your own integrity.

If you are pursuing an education, why would you want someone else doing your work and learning everything?

What about exams?

Testing and examinations are an individual preference for instructors at each distance learning school, but some have that there are ways to ensure that there is a level playing field for all students by eliminating the factors that can affect scores when not everyone is in the same place at the same time. For instance, rather than a timed exam, a final essay may be used, or a multiple choice exam with no time limits. Other professors offer the final exam in specific locations in cities so that all students can commute for this one session, which is a minimal hardship for most.

What about the instructor?

If a school doesn’t provide instructors with integrity, an online education can be a wash when certain courses are a waste of your time. Instructors who don’t return your work, don’t show up for schedules online chats or videoconference classes, or skip online office hours. This isn’t acceptable from an accredited school, and if you complain to the director of the school it should be corrected quickly.

The advantage of distance learning is that all classroom activities, email and chat are saved on a server, so you do have a record of all interaction with your instructor, making a record of any problems you may have.

And the whole tech thing?

If the school is offering an online education, they should have exceptional technical support any time you need it. Ask about access to any online library resources, hours of operation for technical support help desks and what the procedures are if you can’t log into a classroom session.

The more informative and complete the answers are, the greater the chances are that the school will serve your needs by providing an excellent online education with efficiency and integrity.

If you are considering online education in order to get an advanced degree, there are dozens of accredited online college courses offered that are challenging that will broaden your horizons.

Employers today looking for employees with MBA’s or Bachelor’s degrees no longer differentiate between traditional classroom degrees and online degrees – they value education wherever it’s obtained. So don’t hesitate to check out the many online universities and colleges who operate with complete integrity and dedication to your higher education.

About The Author

Justin Brown is a successful business writer and educational advisor providing valuable tips and advice for career minded individuals who are interested in pursuing a distance learning target=”_blank”>associate degree, target=”_blank”>bachelor’s degree, or a target=”_blank”>master’s degree. His numerous articles offer career advancement tips and valuable distance education insight.

An article by Justin Brown about the history of online education and the opportunities that it provides for people today.

Distance learning covers a wide range of opportunities, from correspondence courses to virtual classrooms on the Internet, and the concept has been around for quite some time.

When the traditional classroom wasn’t available

While online education over the Internet is a relatively new development, the concept of distance learning is actually much older than most people realize. As far back as the mid-1800’s, some colleges were offering distance learning opportunities to students through correspondence courses. This provided a way for teachers, lawyers, doctors and ministers on the western frontier in the United States to keep up with recent developments and pursue advance degrees. At the end of the First World War, soldiers returning from the war were offered opportunities to pursue a variety of classes through correspondence courses and take classes via two-way radio. The two-way radio was also used for areas that were sparsely populated, such as Alaska. In fact, in Alaska and Siberia, the two-way radio and delivery of educational materials was frequently used for elementary and high school classes.

This faded over time and was replaced by closed circuit television, but with the birth of the Internet, distance learning really took off. For the first time, almost anyone could log on, download course materials and interact in real time with classmates and instructors while working from home. Today millions of people around the globe pursue degrees online.

Today’s Distance Learning is Sophisticated

The distance learning opportunities offered today are so varied that you can find a course for almost any interest you have. In addition to the traditional offerings for those looking for a traditional degree, there are courses that are specific hobbies, religious practices and personal interests.

You can find universities and colleges were you can pursue:

• An associate degree online
• A Bachelor’s degree online
• A Master’s degree online
• An MBA online

Or you can take continuing education courses such as:

• Online computer courses
• Art courses online
• Communications courses
• Creative writing

Why Online Learning is so great

Distance learning has grown in popularity faster than any other type of learning system and for a very good reason – it’s so practical in today’s fast-paced world. Just about everyone can vouch for the fact that they have too much to do and not enough time to do it already, so returning to school seems impossible. But in today’s economy, an advanced degree or a better education can be invaluable. To save both the money of a bricks-and-mortar school and the time spent commuting every day to and from class just makes sense.

The majority of people enrolled in online colleges and universities are working adults returning to school who appreciate the advantage of attending night and weekend classes from home so that they can be with their families and still attend classes.

It’s also a great opportunity for those who have a particular career in mind, but want to complete their degree before relocating. For instance, if your spouse has a good job and you want to get a degree in criminal investigations, but the nearest school is a 95 mile commute, an online degree makes sense for you. Simply sign up for an online degree program and get your degree in crime scene investigations.

Some advantages to Distance Learning

• You can take any class you want anywhere in the world; you aren’t limited by geography, so your curriculum is unlimited.
• You have no travel time or expense from commuting.
• Email makes scheduling time with your professor and contacting classmates simple and efficient.
• Working at your own pace is usually an option within some time frame.
• You can be at home with your family and still attend classes.
• You can be employed full-time and still work on your degree.
• An accredited online school offers the same level degree as a bricks-and-mortar college or university.

Facing the Challenges of Online Education

As with anything new, there is an adjustment period – and distance learning is no different. While it’s a real godsend for many people, others discover that they have to readjust their thinking if they want to take advantage of the opportunities available online.

When you’ve always attended classes where there is an instructor watching over you, it can be easy to forget that a virtual classroom is just as real, and you may have a tendency to slack off or treat the classroom as more of a chat room environment, treating it too informally. If you don’t take it seriously enough, you may discover that you aren’t getting enough out of it because you aren’t putting enough into it.

You must also pace yourself properly on independent assignments with distance learning. Can you keep track of your work and make sure your assignments are turned in on time without classmates to remind you and no study partners available?

A Few Things to Keep in Mind

1. You’ll need to be disciplined – it’s easy to put things off, and you don’t want to do that when you have a job and family obligations that could get in the way of your classroom work at the last minute.
2. Remember to always be respectful to your instructor online – he or she is a professional.
3. It can feel isolating to not have any “real” classmates, so contact a few others taking the class via email to share notes and open class discussions if possible.

Looking toward the future of distance learning

Virtual education over the Internet is becoming increasingly popular and has become accepted by the mainstream as a viable alternative to attending a traditional classroom environment.

One of the main complaints students have about online education – the isolation – is currently being addressed by many online universities that are developing new software and videoconferencing solutions for class discussions and lecture environments that open up more interactive possibilities.

More professors and instructors also now make themselves available via instant messaging during schedule hours for live chat “open forums” with students, adding an intimate feel to the courses. As the instructors continue to respond to the students’ needs, distance education is destined to thrive.

About The Author

Justin Brown is a successful business writer and educational advisor providing valuable tips and advice for career minded individuals who are interested in pursuing a distance learning target=”_blank”>associate degree, target=”_blank”>bachelor’s degree, or a target=”_blank”>master’s degree. His numerous articles offer career advancement tips and valuable distance education insight.

Once you decide to become an accountant, you need to start determining the area in which you would like to specialize. Management accountants are responsible for creating and maintaining a company’s accounting programs and procedures from the ground up. They also scour productivity, sales, and operations reports to find if anything is causing a loss of revenue and then plan ways to improve efficiency, operations, and sales. Management accountants have a strong background in both accounting and management.

Getting Schooled in Management Accounting

In order to become a management accountant, you will need to earn a degree from an accredited four-year college or university program. The programs vary by state, but the typical four-year curriculum looks much like any other accounting program, with a few variations. For example, you might need to take more courses in business and management than with a general accounting degree. In addition, you will most likely be required to pass two courses geared towards philosophy, three courses in social sciences, two courses in math, three courses in history, two art courses, two writing courses, and one foreign language.

Gaining Experience

Experience is invaluable in the world of management accounting. Try to arrange to work part-time in an accounting firm while you complete your college education. Many employers give preferential treatment to applicants that have some accounting experience under their belt. A large percentage of colleges offer work-study programs for this reason. Check with the college to which you are applying.

Upon completion of an accredited accounting program and completion of the CPA (Certified Public Accountant) exam, anyone interested in management accounting should look into IMA’s (Institute of Management Accountants) Certified Management Accounting (CMA) program or Certified Financial Accounting (CFA) programs. These programs do cost a little, but those who have completed one of the programs find that they earn up to 25% more than those not holding these specified credentials.

Earning the Big Bucks

The average salary for a management accountant is $38,000 to $68,000. There are three levels: Entry-level, intermediate, and senior. Obviously, entry-level management accountants earn approximately $38,000 per year, while the senior management accountants earn around $68,000. An intermediate management accountant’s salary is in the $53,000 range. Those management accountants holding a CMA or CFA can earn between $47,500 and $85,000 per year. Not too shabby! The work required to earn those salaries is challenging, however. It requires strong math and analytical skills.

To become approved into IMA’s program, you must provide them with a transcript of your college career. This is only the beginning of their list of requirements:

• You must pass the GMAT (Graduate Management Admissions Test) and be in the 50th percentile or higher.
• The transcript must be in English if you attended a foreign college.
• All transcripts must contain the college or university’s official seal.
• You must have passed the CPA exam or equivalent if you are from another country. A copy of that score must also be submitted.
• You must have worked as an entry-level management or financial accountant for two consecutive years. The work must have been completed within the past seven years. Jobs in which you were temporary or part-time only will not qualify. The work must have been in financial or management accounting full-time working only on these aspects of accounting.
• You must be a current member of IMA. Membership fees are $185 per year, plus an additional $15 if this is your first enrollment in their association.
• You must pay and additional $130 for each program that you want to attempt, CMA and/or CFA. Residents of the United States, Mexico, and Canada can receive 50% of that money back if they enroll in additional/continuing college courses within a year of applying for the CMA or CFA.
• Acknowledge that you are aware that it is your responsibility to continue your education. Many states require CPA’s, CMA’s, and CFA’s to complete 40 credit hours per year in continuing education for his or her accounting degree. CPA licenses must be renewed every two years.

CMA or CFA certification requires a yearly renewal fee. If you pay late, you cannot use your credentials on any advertising, business cards, etc. until you have paid your fees. If caught breaking this condition, you could lose your credentials completely.

The CMA and CFA program consists of study guides, an outline of the exam, all registration papers that you must fill out, discussion groups, additional reading materials, and a sample exam. Material covered on the CMA exam is covered in four parts. The information includes: Budget Preparation, Business Economics, Corporate Finance, Cost Management, Decision Making, Financial Analysis, Financial Reporting, Global Business, Information Management, Internal Controls, Investment Analysis, Performance Measures, Quantitative Means, Strategic Marketing, and Strategic Planning.

CMA and CFA programs are not easy. They require a lot of study time and then the rather lengthy exam. Should this dissuade you? No, think of it as a challenge! Persevere and you can give yourself a quick raise by becoming a Certified Management Accountant or Certified Finance Accountant.

View a list of >online accounting schools where you can begin studying to become a CPA, CMA or CFA.

As the opening line of the popular television show, Law & Order, explains: “In the criminal justice system, there are two separate yet equally important groups: the police who investigate crime and the district attorneys who prosecute the offenders. These are their stories.” That isn’t the whole story, though.

If you’ve ever watched CSI or one of the other popular crime shows and wondered “How much do they make?” or “What kind of education is needed?” or, most importantly “How can I get that job?,” then keep reading-the answers are here.

Chief of Domestic Operations: Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA)

The Chief of Domestic Operations of the DEA oversees clandestine surveillance, drug-trafficking investigations, and evidence collection. This includes both processing and storage. He or she also handles court cases that require investigators, chemists, agents and/or protected witnesses to testify and more.

In order to be a DEA, you need to be a U.S. citizen between the ages of 21 and 36 at the time you are hired. You also need to hold a four-year degree and have a valid driver’s license. In addition, you will need to pass a thorough background check, physical and possibly a polygraph (lie-detector test). You must also have three years or more of experience in law enforcement and have high-quality communication and managerial skills. While there can only be one Chief, he oversees hundreds of operations and thousands of employees involved in the “War on Drugs.”

Pay for this supervisory position starts at just over $40,000 per year, plus benefits. The Chief oversees employees that start anywhere from $33,000 to $40,000 per year.

While regular written examinations are not required in order to maintain this position, frequent urinalysis and occasional polygraphs are.

Ballistics Technician: Federal or State Bureau of Investigations

The weapon of choice in most homicide and suicide deaths is the gun. It’s no wonder, then, that there is a need for quality ballistics (the science of projectiles in motion) technicians in offices across the country and around the world.

A ballistics technician is well versed in all areas pertaining to guns. From telltale markings of specific gun manufacturers, to matching grooved patterns on a bullet to a gun barrel, to the complicated physics of how various bullets enter and exit different objects, a ballistics examiner or technician must have a keen eye for detail.

Job requirements for this criminal justice career include: 20/20 vision in one eye and at least 20/40 in the other, good hearing, and the ability to see colors. A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, valid driver’s license, and successful completion of an extensive interview and written exam are also required. A urinalysis, polygraph and/or background check may be required as well. If this is where your interest lies, consider taking classes in physics, chemistry and biology in addition to your criminal justice courses.

The annual salary of a ballistics technician ranges from $40,000 to $65,000 plus a complete government benefits package. The competition for these jobs is high, but so is the demand.

Police Officer/Sheriff’s Deputy: Cities, Counties and States throughout the U.S.

A career in criminal justice often refers to a police office or sheriff’s deputy. That’s because these men and women are at the forefront of the criminal justice system. They are most often the first point of contact for either the criminal or the victim. Some officers are regular “beat cops,” patrolling a specific area and interacting with a certain community group. Others work in the traffic division and help keep roads safe by ticketing people who are speeding or creating danger on the streets. Still others investigate crimes as detectives and/or investigators.

As of 1999, the US Bureau of Justice Statistics found that just 16 percent of state agencies required their police to hold a two-year degree and just four percent required a four-year degree. Thirteen percent of county police departments required a two-year degree of their officers and three percent required a four-year degree. Sheriff’s offices were the most lax, with only six percent being required to have a two-year degree and less than one percent required to have a four-year degree. The majority of all jurisdictions required a GED or high school diploma and six to 12 months of formal training.

Pay scales range considerably for this position-from $12,000 per year for part-time rural deputies to $28,000 starting salary for full-time, big city cops. Unfortunately, the statistically low pay and high risks associated with the job has led to a decline in the number of available officers. Other factors leading to this decline include the odd and often long hours, the high-stress level of the job, the higher divorce and suicide rate, and the inherent danger of dealing with criminals. Nearly every metropolitan area in the U.S. is experiencing a shortage of police officers, making it an ideal career choice for someone looking for a position in the criminal justice field that is not at risk for being downsized.

Other Positions

In addition to the positions outlined above, there are hundreds or even thousands of other criminal justice careers available. Administrators, for one, may find their work just as rewarding as a police officer without the risk.

Juvenile detention workers may find helping teens to be their calling. Court reporting is high-paying without much risk and many are private contractors setting their own hours. Regardless of the criminal justice career you choose, you’ll be contributing to society in a positive way.

View a list of >online criminal justice schools where you can begin studying to become a police officer, crime scene investigator or forensics expert.

Cops, robbers and prisoners-oh my! Besides the most visible players in the criminal justice game, there are many behind-the-scenes actors that turn the wheels of justice. During any day, criminals are caught, court hearings are held, investigations are being done, tests are run, fingerprints are analyzed, chemistry tests are performed, and reformed criminals are released.

Monday, October 2, 2006, 5:14 am

A call comes into a 911 operator with report of a bank being robbed. The person that answers the call, Cindy, is a high-school graduate with six months training and three years experience as a telephone operator for the local sheriff’s office. Cindy enjoys her job because she is good at talking to people in urgent situations and is confident in her abilities to route calls to the proper agency.

Monday, October 2, 2006, 6:21 am

Chief Robertson begins his day by briefing the police officers in his jurisdiction about the crimes of the day. A bank robbery early in the morning left one person dead and nearly $50,000 missing. The robbers were seen leaving the scene in a red van. All officers should be on the lookout for the vehicle.

Monday, October 2, 2006, 8:35 am

Bailiff Suzanne Reynolds calls the courtroom to order as Judge Stevens enters. The court reporter, Lisa, types away as the prosecutor presents the charges of drunken driving against defendant Larry Jones to the jury. The defense attorney then has a turn to tell the jury why Mr. Jones should be found not-guilty.

Monday, October 2, 2006, 11:32 am

Across town at the City Jail, Jeffrey Adams, a corrections officer, prepares to feed the inmates under his charge. At the very same time, police officers Joe Darrell and David St. George find the red van they’ve been looking for in the robbery case. They call into their precinct and ask for crime investigators to be dispatched. The dispatcher, Lorna, reports to her supervisor who then reports to Chief Robertson of the find and crime scene investigators are sent to the van. The officers secure the van and also request a search warrant be issued.

Monday, October 2, 2006, 11:48 am

Magistrate Lars receives a call from two officers he is familiar with-Darrell and St. George. They found the red van they believe has been used in the robbery that’s all over the news. They want a search warrant to properly view the contents of the inside of the van and have it explored for other evidence pertaining to the robbery. The magistrate (also known as a judge) issues a search warrant, giving the cops and investigators the green light to search and seize the vehicle. The magistrate has a number of assistants that help facilitate communications with higher courts, lower courts, and city officials, like the police officers.

Monday, October 2, 2006, 12:00 noon

Sandy Richey, fingerprints specialist, arrives on the scene of a red van with Justin Dames, a forensic photographer. Justin goes in first, snapping dozens of shots of the interior and exterior of the van. Sandy’s four years of attending classes at the local college to obtain her bachelor’s degree while continuing her education by attending seminars around the world have taught her that she must enter with caution. One wrong move and valuable evidence may be tarnished forever. She begins dusting with super-fine fingerprint powder, picking up prints on a sticky backed paper while Justin continues to get photographical evidence of the exact position of the fingerprints.

Monday, October 2, 2006, 3:04 pm

Sandy and Justin are finally finished and have collected a number of usable prints. They bring the prints and photos back to the forensics investigation office and check in with the administrators. Eventually, the prints will be loaded into AIFS (Automated Fingerprint Identification Systems) and compared with other prints of known criminals, unknown offenders, and government employees. The fingerprint examiner, whether Sandy or another specialist, will still have to do a visual comparison, but AFIS will reduce the comparisons from millions to a dozen or so.

Monday, October 2, 2006, 3:08 pm

In the crime lab, there are many other comparisons being done. Scientists are comparing shoe prints to those found at a crime scene, DNA is being extracted from biological samples, and chemists are testing unknown substances to prove whether or not they are drugs. Beyond that, there are evidence handlers and recorders that are responsible for keeping criminal evidence locked up and safe from those wishing to destroy or alter it.

Monday, October 2, 2006, 4:59 pm

Just one more case to bring before the magistrate before going home, the intake prosecutor presents Dinky and Pinky for their first appearance. They were caught trying to pass off stained $100 bills to a store clerk, who called police. Police arrived on the scene within a minute and arrested the duo. The magistrate decides that charges should be filed and directs the two to spend the night in jail until their grand jury can decide their charges in the morning. The jailer takes the two off to their holding cells.

It’s just another day in the criminal justice system.

View a list of >online criminal justice schools where you can begin studying to become a police officer, crime scene investigator or forensics expert.

Looking Around for Inspiration

A typical day for a fashion designer begins long before she arrives at work. Research to find new fashion trends starts in the community, and she’ll have her eyes open and her sketchpad ready as soon as she leaves the house. If she uses public transportation, a bus or train will hold a wealth of fashion information. In a car, she may purposely drive around college campuses or other places where young people gather to spot exciting new trends. Fashion designers follow what is happening in the haute couture world, but what many people may not realize is that designers are also keeping an eye on what is going on in the poorest inner city areas. Huge fashion trends emerge at both ends of the spectrum.

Saving Time with Technology

When she arrives at her desk, a fashion designer may go over her sketches and transfer some of them to her computer using a CAD (computer-aided design) program. She will be able to see her ideas on virtual models, and experiment with various color and fabric possibilities. With the touch of a button, she can see what a garment might look like in red or purple, or perhaps with a different neckline. She can try out different trim and buttons, and see how the garment might look on people with slimmer or fuller body types. Before the computer age, doing all this sketching by hand would have taken her hours.

At this point she may decide to visit textile suppliers to choose the actual fabrics she’d like to use. She’ll make note of the fabrics she likes, and perhaps bring back samples. Prototypes will need to be made, but at this early stage, they’ll be constructed from less expensive materials.

A Multitasking Professional

A fashion designer may have many projects going on at various stages of production. She may have just completed a prototype for one of her ideas and be trying it on a model to see if the pattern needs any adjustments. Minor changes may have to be made in the fabric, trim, or embellishments. Some of the models she works with are beautiful and glamorous, but others have a more average build and represent the clothing sizes that will be sold in department stores to the public. Many of her ideas will reach the prototype stage, but the firm she works for will make the final decision about which ones will go to market.

Once the decision is made about which garments will be marketed, a fashion designer will have to create samples. Samples differ from prototypes because samples are made from the actual materials that will go to market. From the pattern she has created, the designer constructs these samples and, again, she will work with models and make any final adjustments that are necessary. She has to be careful that the garment not only looks beautiful, but that the construction fits her firm’s budget as well.

To become a fashion designer she’s had many years of education. She can remember her coursework in sketching, CAD, pattern making, sewing, tailoring, fashion history, and design of many different types of clothing. She even studied human anatomy and psychology. All of this was worthwhile. She was able to create a beautiful portfolio and land the internship that eventually led to her job as a fashion designer – and now all the hard work is worth it when she sees her creation walking down the runway.

The Many Hats of the Fashion Designer

A fashion designer may be an active part of the marketing process for her creations. This may involve attending trade shows where wholesalers and retailers come to find out what they can purchase for mass sale. So part of a designer’s day may involve travel around the country or perhaps around the world. At the trade show, she will help showcase her creations, working with models and perspective clients to help ensure the sale of the garments. While at a trade show, she’ll not only be selling her work, she’ll be continuing to research the latest fashion trends.

Fashion designers must be in constant contact with customers, suppliers, and manufacturers during all stages of the manufacturing process, and they may be anywhere in the world. Sometimes this requires yet more travel on her part and other days she’ll be able to accomplish this communication through telephone or e-mail. Her hours will often be long but the work is fun and exciting. She’ll probably hang on to her job for a very long time as there is very little turn over in her field.

Eventually the day of a fashion designer comes to a close. She may want to make one last check on one of her creations, which is in the later stages of production. Then she will be on her way home to get a good night’s sleep. In the morning there will be a whole new world of fashion trends and ideas, and lots to do in the production process to bring them from just a sketch of an idea to a real garment proudly displayed in a department store window.

View a list of >online schools offering fashion design degrees or classes to find a program that’s right for you.

Maybe you’re thinking about becoming a nurse, but you want to know what nursing is really like. Perhaps you are interested in discovering what a typical “day in the life of a nurse” involves, or in learning about the realities of nursing from an experienced nurse.

A nursing career is not for everybody. Besides being comfortable with anatomy, the human body, and medical procedures (such as giving needles and administering medication), aspiring nurses must exhibit certain qualities and characteristics. First of all, you need to understand that nursing is hard work. Nurses often work long shifts, and a lot of the labor is physical. Flexibility is key, as is the ability to work under pressure and in stressful situations. Finally, good organizational skills and the ability to work well with people, including doctors and patients, are essential.

No Two Days are Alike

First of all, it’s difficult to really pinpoint exactly what a typical day in the life of a nurse involves, because each job description and task varies substantially from one nurse to the next. Some say that nurses do a million different things in a million different places.

For example, let’s consider a day in the life of an emergency nurse practitioner named Sarah. Sarah arrives at the nurses’ locker area prior to her 10-hour shift starting at 7 a.m. She gets herself ready for the day and reports to her particular station to begin her shift. At this point, Sarah receives any relevant updates and instructions regarding patients and is briefed on any current issues at hand. She then receives the medical records of the next available patient who came into urgent care who has already been registered and initially assessed, and this will be her first patient.

Sarah then sees her first patient, who had a bad leg injury from a bad fall. She asks about the patient’s medical history and then examines the injury and asks about his symptoms. After verifying what medication he is taking, she sends him to have an X-ray and gets ready for patient number two, a boy who has burned his hand. The boy is with his mother and Sarah asks questions to both of them. She examines the wound, which is not serious, dresses it and gives the mother and son written and verbal instructions for care and follow-up. The boy is discharged.

At this point the X-ray of the man’s injury is sent to her, which shows no broken bone or fracture, and she gives instructions to the man for care and follow-up and discharges him.

Dealing with Traumatic Experiences

Sarah’s next patient is a woman who is having a miscarriage. Sarah takes the woman’s medical history (including medications), takes the woman’s blood pressure and temperature, and sends her to get a blood test done to check for level of pregnancy hormone. Sarah also asks her questions about her pregnancy and current symptoms. Upon discovering the severity of the symptoms, Sarah decides to send her to see a doctor right away as she suspects complications.

A Non-Stop Roller Coaster

Basically, besides her two breaks and a short lunch, Sarah’s day involves a continuing influx of patients that she sees, examines, assesses, diagnoses, and then either treats herself, giving them instructions before discharge, or sends to see a doctor. By the end of her 10-hour shift, Sarah has seen almost 20 patients, whom she will probably never see again.

Changing Settings Mean Changing Duties

However, this typical day in the life of an emergency nurse practitioner is quite different from that of a public health nurse or a nurse who works in a seniors’ home. A public health nurse’s duties would involve a lot of assessment and report writing in his own office, and a lot of driving out around the community, visiting patients in their homes, visiting clinics and schools, appointments, meetings, giving public health lectures and being a part of public health campaigns, and more.

A nurse who works in a seniors’ home might have steady full-time hours and no shift work, with his or her own regular patients that he or she will be dealing with on a day-to-day basis. The nurses’ duties may involve patient assessment and monitoring progress, administering medication, bathing and dressing, feeding, and sometimes dealing with patients dying.

Every nurse’s job is different, and it’s important to discover in which area you might be interested. If you know you want to be a nurse, but you’re not quite sure in which area to specialize, however, you can still go ahead and begin your education, as most nursing students only make that decision after they’ve done a clinical or practicum and before they enter the work force.

Get Your Own Experiences

For a real, up-close-and-personal “day-in-the-life-of-a-nurse”-type experience, check with your community, local hospitals, training programs, and other organizations to see what they might have available in this department. For example, some hospitals offer a “Day in the Life of a Nurse” program for local-only high-school students who have expressed interest in nursing as a career.

Becoming a nurse is a big decision, and it’s important to determine whether this exciting, challenging, sometimes stressful and in-demand career is for you before you fork over thousands of dollars for the education required to become a registered nurse. Talk to as many nursing students and nursing professionals as you can. Go to the library and do research. Go online and find out whatever you can about nursing and the specific area or field in which you’re interested. Find out what kind of “A Day in the Life of” programs or nursing job shadowing programs are available in your community in order to be as fully prepared for what to expect as possible.

If you think a career in nursing is right for you, you may want to view our list of >online schools offering nursing degrees.

Arguably, elementary school teachers have the second most important job in the world today (second only to parenting). As the cost of living increases, parents must trust in their child’s teacher to help turn an active child into a bright, well-rounded student. By no means is this an easy task for some!

Job Outlook

There is a consistently high demand for teachers in almost every state. Certain grade levels teacher openings, such as high school, are frequently available, while others, particularly preschool and kindergarten teaching slots, fill quickly. This is an important fact to take under consideration when deciding to enter college in order to pursue a teaching degree. What age level are you comfortable handling? Do wild kindergarteners put shivers down your spine, or are hormonal pre-teens who like to take out their aggression on each other more fearsome?

Educational Requirements

To become an elementary school teacher, one must possess at least a bachelor’s degree. This requires a full four-years of college study with the last year or two requiring student teaching. A student teacher goes into a school in the final year or two of his or her college education and trains alongside a licensed teacher. This is the best way for a college student to gain hands-on experience at planning a curriculum, handling students, and experiencing a typical school day.

If the teacher is going into a certain field, such as special education or computer technology, he or she must complete courses specifically designed for their area of specialty. Kindergarten teachers are asked in many states to have completed additional courses in child development and behavior.

Passing Examinations

Many states require teachers to continue their education in order to keep their teaching positions, so college is ongoing for those interested in the education field. Typically, the state or the taxpayers residing in that school district pay for the extra college courses. While the college is paid for, the teacher must spend time traveling to the local college, attending the lectures, and completing any coursework.

Once the minimum requirement of a bachelor’s degree has been met, the teacher must pass the state’s teaching license examination. This testing process covers reading skills, writing skills, and teaching skills. If the test is passed, the aspiring teacher is given his or her license to teach. The only exception to this rule is for private school teachers. Many states do not require teachers in private school settings to acquire a license for teaching.

Expected Salary

Salaries for elementary school teachers vary from area to area. The national average ranges from $38,000 to $62,000. The salary is based on the area in which you will teach:

• Southern states like Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, and Texas find teacher salaries ranging from $44,000 to $47,000 per year.
• In the west, Californian teachers earn an average of $56,000 yearly. Arizona’s elementary school teachers’ salaries are approximately $46,000. Up in Washington, teachers earn approximately $49,000 per year.
• Central areas like Kansas and Iowa range between $44,000 and $45,000.
• New England’s elementary school teachers do very well. Vermont, Maine, and New Hampshire find the average teacher earning $47,000 to $48,000 per year. Massachusetts and Connecticut are slightly higher at $55,000 to $62,000.
• Alaskan teachers earn around $54,000 on average. While Hawaii makes a little less with their salary average of $52,000 per year.

Teachers can supplement their income by coaching one of the school’s sports teams or holding an after-school class or workshop. Summer school programs always need teachers, so additional opportunities for income are available through those programs as well.

One thing to remember with any teacher’s salary is that paychecks can be given year round or just during the months of the official school year. Many teachers prefer year round checks as it ensures there is money coming in when school is in a hiatus.

Other Considerations

There are other items to consider when taking a career in teaching. First, it is highly recommended (sometimes required) that teachers receive a flu shot, pneumonia shot, and full series of Hepatitis B vaccines. Children often come to school sick, and virus and bacterial infections can pass easily from child to teacher or child to child.

Teachers usually receive a good number of sick days per year, but this can vary depending on where you are teaching. In Vermont, which is typical of the majority of states in the union, the average beginning teacher is given ten to fifteen days and they can accumulate over the years.

Still citing Vermont’s 2004 statistics, teachers must work with their class for 177 days per year, minus any sick or personal time. Eight days are required for teacher in-service days.

The average Vermont teacher works for 7.5 hours per day and spends another 45 minutes planning the next day’s curriculum or grading papers. School begins at the end of August and finishes in mid-June. The remainder of June, July, and most of August comprise the summer vacation period during which a teacher can lounge, take a second job, or help with the summer education programs.

Other benefits that Vermont teachers receive are: Health insurance plans in which the school taxes pay for at least 80% of the monthly insurance rate. Dental insurance is usually a minimal charge amounting to dollars, if any. 63% of all teachers are involved in a cafeteria plan matched by their employer that pays for either a 401k or daycare expenses.

There is no doubt that teaching a class of elementary aged school children or secondary students is both rewarding and exasperating. Remember that your attitude and mannerisms can shape a child’s future. Teaching is not an easy job, but with the benefits and salary as a secondary reward, watching a child grow into a responsible young adult is truly satisfying!

View a list of >online schools offering teaching degrees and classes.