In 2015, a millennial milestone occurred with over 53 million millennials in the workforce — and this figure continues to rise. Millennials are even surpassing Boomers as they retire.

Because you reached adulthood in the early 21st century, you may benefit from knowing what are considered the best careers for millennials based on growth potential, pay scale, and other factors. While it’s no easy task to navigate the job market, there are some career paths that will provide you with much more opportunity than others.

We’ve rounded up research from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Young Invincibles and others to help you choose the best careers for millennials, whether you’re looking for the occupations with the highest forecasted new jobs, top jobs for those with an associate’s degree, or the highest-paying occupations for the Generation Y demographic.

We’ve also highlighted the best opportunities in the healthcare field for those in the 18 to 34 age group, the top science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) careers for millennials, and more. For your convenience, we’ve categorized the best careers for millennials according to these groups:

• Fastest-Growing Careers for Millennials
• Highest-Paying Occupations for Millennials
• Highest-Forecasted Number of New Jobs
• Top Healthcare Jobs for 18- to 34-Year-Olds
• Best STEM Careers for Millennials
• Top Jobs for Millennials With an Associate’s Degree
• Top Occupations for Millennials With a Bachelor’s Degree
• Top IT Careers for Millennials

Let’s take a look. You may just be inspired to consider majoring in a career you hadn’t considered before.

Fastest-Growing Careers for Millennials

As a millennial in the beginning of your career search or in the decision-making process of choosing an area of study, you no doubt want to know which careers are considered the fastest-growing.

According to national research from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, healthcare industries and occupations are anticipated to experience the quickest employment growth and contribute to the most careers between the years 2014 and 2024.

You’ll find that the growth in healthcare career opportunities is no surprise for a number of reasons, including the subsidizing of the industry by the U.S. government, the increase in healthcare recipients that are eligible, and the aging population who are in greater need of healthcare.

This is increasing the demand and forecast for healthcare-related jobs as more people seek treatment. What this means is that once you get your healthcare Diploma, Certificate, or AAS Degree, you’ll be prepared to work in one of the fastest-growing careers for your demographic.

Some of the fastest-growing career choices for millennials listed by the Bureau of Labor Statistics and Young Invincibles include:

• Occupational Therapy Assistants
• Home Health Aides
• Physician Assistants
• Therapists
• Biomedical Engineer
• Physical Therapist Assistants
• Physical Therapist Aides

Besides the above healthcare occupations, BLS.gov places Wind Turbine Service Technicians at the top of the fastest-growing jobs list for millennials, reporting a growth rate of 108 percent.

Highest-Paying Occupations for Millennials

Healthcare careers dominate the top of this category. Nationally, surgeons and physicians, according to BLS.gov, make the top of the highest-paying occupation list with a median annual salary of $187,200. This is followed by psychiatrists, dentists, and general and family physicians, all ranging in an annual median salary of between about $150,000 to $185,000. With annual median salaries of $157,000 to $187,000, other high-paying healthcare occupations reported by the BLS include:

• Anesthesiologists
• Obstetricians and Gynecologists
• General Internists
• Orthodontists
• Nurse Anesthetists

With median annual salaries hovering around $130,000, the next group in the highest-paying careers category falls within STEM classification. These include:

• Computer and Information System Managers
• Architectural and Engineering Managers
• Petroleum Engineers

Highest Forecasted Number of New Jobs

Personal Care Aide ranks as the top career choice with the greatest number of potential opportunities. Currently, the estimate stands at 458,000 projected new jobs. Also on the most-new-jobs list are:

• Registered Nurses
• Retail Salespeople
• Customer Service Reps
• Medical Assistants
• Software Developers
• Computer Systems Analysts
• Food Preparation and Service Workers

The Bureau of Labor Statistics has a complete list of the highest forecasted number of new jobs in its publication entitled “Occupational Outlook Handbook: Most New Jobs.”

Top Healthcare Jobs for 18- to 34-Year-Olds

The Bureau of Labor Statistics recently released its 2014 to 2024 Employment Projections summary and reported that healthcare occupations and industries are expected to have the fastest employment growth nationally and to add the most jobs between 2014 and 2024.

This is important news for millennials interested in positions like Physician’s Assistant, which Young Invincibles reports as the number one top job for Millennials. Young Invincibles also lists Dental Assistants and Therapists at 10 and 11, respectively, while a career as a Pharmacist ranks as number 15. Other top healthcare careers for Millennials are dietitian and medical scientists, which are tied for 20^th place, according to Young Invincibles.

The employment outlook future for Nutritionists and Dietitians looks bright, as well as for therapists, with huge job growth potential ranging from 21 to 27 percent.

As a millennial, this may be wonderful news if you’re considering getting a career in the healthcare industry and also since most of these fast-growing healthcare careers are entry-level. In addition to this, the promise of higher pay later on this field’s job opportunities has been validated by all the healthcare jobs being at the top of BLS’s highest-paying job list. Whether you look at the highest-paying jobs, fastest-growing jobs or the newest jobs, healthcare is dominating.

Top healthcare jobs on the Young Invincibles list include:

Physician Assistants. The best job Young Invincibles found for millennials that had expected growth potential is Physician’s Assistant. Growth potential by 2022 is around 38 percent and you’ll be able to enjoy a median annual salary of almost $91,000. Not to mention, 45 percent of these positions are expected to be filled by millennials.

Also referred to as PAs, Physician Assistants practice medicine under a supervised team of surgeons and physicians. Physician Assistants are educated and skilled in examining patients, diagnosing illnesses and injuries and providing treatment.

Biomedical Engineers. With a median income of $86,960, these people design and analyze solutions to problems in medicine and biology with the objective of enhancing the effectiveness and quality of patient care.

Therapists. Therapists rank high on the Young Invincibles list for best healthcare jobs for millennials. Therapists make around $70,000 annually. These professionals treat ill, disabled, or injured patients through therapeutic techniques incorporated into daily activities. Therapists help people recover, improve and develop the skills they need to live and work.

Best STEM Careers for Millennials 

STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) careers make up the majority of the Young Invincibles list. Out of the 25 jobs listed, STEM jobs make up 13 of them, including careers like:

• Software Developers
• Nuclear Engineers
• Computer and Information Research Scientists

Young Invincibles also revealed the best STEM careers for millennials:

Petroleum Engineers. These individuals develop and design techniques to extract gas and oil from deposits located below the surface of the earth, and have a median income $130,280. They also identify steps to extract gas and oil from older wells.

Actuaries. With a median income of $93,680, actuaries analyze the financial expenses of uncertainty and risk. They use statistics, math, and financial theory for assessing the risk of an event occurring and helping clients and businesses develop policies that will reduce the expense of that risk. The insurance industry relies on the work of actuaries.

Computer and Information Research Scientists. Designing and inventing new computing technology, as well as finding creative uses for technology that already exists, are the main functions of this group. They’re in charge of studying and solving complicated problems in computing for medicine, business, science, and other industries. Computer and information research scientists enjoy a median income $102,190.

Nuclear Engineers. As a nuclear engineer, you’re in charge of researching and developing the tools, processes, and systems used for deriving benefits from radiation and nuclear energy. Many find medical and industrial uses for radioactive materials, such as equipment that is used in diagnosis and treatment in the medical field, for example. Nuclear Engineers typically receive a median income level of $104,270.

Top Jobs for Those With an Associate’s Degree

Approximately 4% of careers nationally are in occupations that require you to have an associate’s degree. In May of 2013, the annual median wage for these careers was over $58,000. There are 49 designated careers by BLS with this level of education.

It may be worth noting that the healthcare and STEM fields hold the most jobs in the Young Invincibles’ Top 25 list that require either an Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree. The three top jobs for millennials with Associate Degrees, according to Young Invincibles, are:

• Dental Hygienists
• Petroleum and Geological Technicians
• Registered Nurses

Each offers a median annual income in the range of $52,000 to $71,000.

Top Occupations for Those With a Bachelor’s Degree

Around 18 percent of all U.S. jobs in May 2013 were in occupations that required you to have a bachelor’s degree. There were 166 designated careers by the BLS with this education level, with an annual median wage of over $68,000. Some those occupations include:

• Actuaries
• Petroleum Engineers
• Biomedical Engineers

Each of these careers offers median incomes ranging from $93,000 to $130,000 or more.

Top IT Careers for Millennials

Information technology (IT) managers are in charge of planning, coordinating and directing computer-related tasks in a company. They help figure out the IT objectives of the company and are in charge of implementing computer systems in order to meet these objectives. According to BLS, the top IT Careers for Millennials include:

• Computer Systems Design and Related Services
• Scientific Research and Development Services
• Software Publishers

Young Invincibles reports the top IT Careers for adults in the 18- to 34-year-old group include:

• Computer and information research scientists
• Software Developers and Programmers

What’s Next for You?

Now that you know more about the best careers for millennials, you can choose to align your higher education choice with this knowledge. Here at Vista College, we’ve been assisting students for over 25 years in choosing their path to success and we can help you, too, as a 21st century millennial.

We offer accredited programs with a number of options to ensure students receive the quality education they need in order to secure a successful career. We have degree programs in:

• Healthcare
• Business
• Technology
• Legal
• Trades

For instance, healthcare occupations denominated many of the best careers for millennials categories. Vista College offers a Medical Assisting Diploma, Medical Assisting Associate of Applied Science, and a Vocational/Practical Nurse Diploma, just to name a few of our healthcare program offerings.

The Medical Assistant Diploma course, for example, provides you with the latest skills in pharmacology, laboratory skills, human anatomy and physiology, clinical procedures and more to get you on course for a great job.

Furthermore, the Computer and Information Research Scientist career was also ranked highly for millennials, and our Information Technology Associate of Applied Science program would be perfect for providing you with the skills needed to do that job.

Questions to Ask Yourself

Here are some important questions to ask yourself before deciding whether or not a career in any field is right for you:

• Is your chosen career a match for your personality?
• Does your chosen career meet your financial goals?
• Does your chosen career have enough available jobs?
• Is your chosen career a growing one?

The first question is a personal one and the second question depends on your financial goals. However, the third and fourth questions can already be substantiated by the data provided by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. If you take the healthcare industry as an example, this field is projected to see a 19 percent growth rate between 2014 and 2024.

Even if you do pick a high-growth industry, that doesn’t necessarily mean you’re guaranteed fast promotions. That’s up to you and your hard work, your collaboration and your continued education. These three things play a huge role in your career success.

Of course, it doesn’t hurt to have the knowledge of what are considered to be the best jobs for millennials before choosing your major area of study, and we hope this guide has helped. Now that you’re armed with this information, be sure to check out related programs offered by Vista College and to continue reading our blog.

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Medical assisting is one of these in-demand careers. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) medical assistant jobs are projected to grow faster than average through 2022. However, just basing your career choice on demand alone is not always wise. You need to know more about the job to decide if it’s the best fit for you.

Medical careers are good job choices, not only for security and growth but for other reasons, such as:

• Availability of jobs for all education levels.
• Competitive earning potential for workers.
• Exciting work that keeps you on your toes.
• Making a positive impact on the lives of others.
• Opportunities for continuing education and advancement.
• Ability to choose and change specialties, such as geriatrics or pediatrics.

Medical assisting can offer you all this and more! Let’s learn more about this exciting occupation.

What Is a Medical Assistant?

When a patient visits a doctor or other medical professional, they are actually visiting an entire medical team. The medical assistant is likely the first member of that team to be in contact with patients and are often the last person the patient sees before leaving. The medical assistant fulfills many roles in the doctor’s office or in other medical settings. Duties may include assisting with patient care and performing administrative duties, such as making appointments.

A medical assistant is an important asset to the medical field. They support the work of doctors and other health professionals. Medical assistants often work in a clinical setting and perform routine tasks and procedures that assist the physician and patient.

Medical assistants don’t diagnose or treat patients, but this doesn’t make their job any less important. The assistant can specialize in administration, clinical work, or train to do both.

Medical assistants can choose which type of office they’d like to work in, such as podiatrist, pediatrician, health clinic, or hospital. They learn skills that can help them assist medical professionals in a variety of environments.

What Does a Medical Assistant Do?

Medical assistants have numerous duties that can include working with patients and performing tasks to keep the office running smoothly. Administrative duties of a medical assistant include the following:

• Answering phones.
• Welcoming patients.
• Scheduling patient appointments.
• Making arrangements for patients’ laboratory tests and hospital admissions.
• Filing and updating patient records.
• Filling out and coding insurance forms.
• Handling billing and bookkeeping.

Clinical duties include hands-on work with patients and often include the following:

• Preparing patients for exams.
• Taking and recording patients’ medical histories.
• Drawing blood and preparing samples for laboratory testing.
• Giving patients injections as directed by a physician.
• Taking and measuring vital signs.
• Assisting physicians with patient exams.
• Authorizing prescription refills as directed by a doctor.
• Changing dressings and removing sutures.
• Administering medications as directed by a physician.
• Explaining best ed treatments to patients.
• Giving patients instructions about their medications.
• Instructing patients about special diets.
• Performing basic laboratory tests.
• Taking electrocardiograms.

These tasks are just an overview of what medical assistants can expect to perform on any given day in private practice and clinical settings, but the tasks required can vary based on where the medical assistant works.

The Medical Assistant’s Role in a Hospital Setting

What do medical assistants do in a hospital setting? They complete many of the same tasks that would be performed in a doctor’s office, but there are other duties specific to a hospital environment. In this setting, the assistant may also perform work similar to that of a nursing assistant. Some additional duties in a hospital setting may include the following:

• Catheter care.
• Toilet assisting.
• Helping patients walk.
• Turning bed-ridden patients regularly.
• Bathing patients and caring for their skin.
• Reporting all changes in a patient to the nurse on duty.
• Making beds.
• Performing other duties as directed by the medical professional in charge.

The Medical Assistant’s Role in an Ambulatory Setting

Working as a medical assistant in an ambulance can be very different from working in the other settings. The assistant provides clinical and clerical support for medical staff in the unit, but there are other tasks that must be done, such as:

• Keeping the ambulance stocked to provide prompt patient care.
• Performing Point of Care Testing (POCT).
• Completing necessary patient forms.
• Taking and documenting patient samples and specimens.

A great amount of urgency goes along with this high-pressure atmosphere, but well-trained medical assistants can rely on their training to provide prompt patient care, allowing the EMTs to treat patients quickly and effectively.

The Medical Assistant’s Typical Workweek

Most medical assistants work Monday through Friday, although if the office or clinic is open on weekends or longer-than-normal hours, weekend work and odd hours may be required.

Because medical assistants are trained in both administrative and clinical tasks, the tasks they perform can change from day to day, and the workday can get hectic. Medical assistants must be able to multi-task and prioritize their daily requirements, while staying on top of their administrative duties.

Medical assistants are an important part of the medical team, and they have many responsibilities. How do you learn to do this multi-faceted job? Let’s take a look at education and training requirements.

Education and Training for Medical Assistants

You can begin a medical assistant career with a high school diploma and receive on-the-job training. Entering into this field requires very little, if any, formal training, but without an educational background, you likely won’t stand out from those who have competed training as a medical assistant.

Whether you decide to start out without formal training or to enroll in a Medical Assisting program, you’ll need certain qualities that help you succeed in this field:

• Interpersonal skills: Interpersonal skills are your people skills. You’ll be interacting with patients and physicians on a daily basis and must do so in a professional manner. Patients are often in pain or some other distress, so you must be able stay calm while assisting them.

• Analytical skills: You’ll use your analytical skills for much of the clerical work required, such as understanding patient charts and filing or coding patient medical records.

• Detail orientated: Attention to detail is an essential skill when recording patient information and taking vital signs. Doctors and the patient’s insurance company rely on accurate records to ensure everything is diagnosed and billed correctly.

• Technical skills: Medical assistants rely on their technical skills when using the basic clinical equipment and when using computers for administrative duties.

If you have these skills, you may be able to enter the field with a medical professional that provides on-the-job training, but many employers prefer to hire those who have completed some post-secondary education.

You have the choice of going for a Medical Assistant Diploma or an associate’s degree in this field of study. You can complete the diploma program in as little as one year or less and the associate’s degree in two years. You can even decide to complete the diploma program and get a job while finishing up the requirements for an associate’s degree. You need to know the requirements for each to decide which option is right for you.

Medical Assistant Diploma

The Medical Assistant Diploma is perfect for someone who wants to quickly gain the necessary skills to enter a career in medical assisting. Those with a diploma in this field can find work in hospitals, clinics, and doctor’s offices.

As part of the program you’ll take course topics that prepare you for this career, such as:

• Human anatomy and physiology.
• Medical terminology.
• Pharmacology.
• Laboratory skills.
• Medical billing and coding.
• Medical office management.
• Clinical procedures.
• Administrative procedures.

On-the-job-training is also part of the Medical Assisting program. You’ll complete an externship that allows you to gain experience in the medical environment, and it can lead to direct job offers once you finish your educational requirements.

Associate Degree in Medical Assisting

If you want to increase your chances of success in this field, you can continue your education and obtain an Associate of Applied Science in Medical Assisting. You’ll have a chance to further your knowledge by taking courses in these topics:

• Medical insurance.
• Human disease.
• Advanced diagnostic procedures.
• Phlebotomy.
• Medical law and ethics.
• EKG procedures.

The associate degree program also has an externship where medical assistants can receive important on-the-job training. Associate degrees can increase your chances of earnings. Workers with an associate’s degree earn up to 53,000 more dollars per year than those with only a high school diploma, and it just takes a couple of years to get out into the workforce and start your new career.

Once you’ve completed the program, certification is an option.

Certification for Medical Assistants

Certification for medical assistants is not a requirement, but getting certified may help you increase the number of job offers you receive. Employers often prefer those certified in medical assisting over non-certified applicants.

The requirements for certification can vary by state, but in most states you must be 18 years of age or older and pass an exam. Some states may require that you complete an accredited Medical Assisting program before allowing you to take the certification exam.

The National Commission for Certifying Agencies accredits five types of certifications for medical assistants. These include:

• Certified Medical Assistant (CMA)
• Certified Clinical Medical Assistant (CCMA)
• Certified Medical Administrative Assistant (CMAA)
• Registered Medical Assistant (RMA)
• National Certified Medical Assistant (NCMA)

These certifications are separate, and the exam must be taken through the appropriate certification agencies, such as:

• The American Association of Medical Assistants offers the CMA certification.
• American Medical Technologists offers the RMA.
• The National Center for Competency Testing offers the NCMA.
• The National Healthcare Association offers certification for the CCMA.

Certification is something you can decide on once you’ve completed your Medical Assisting program. Before you can begin to think about certification, you must choose a school that offers a program to fit your needs.

The Next Steps

If you’d like more information about the Medical Assisting programs we offer, you can fill out a form to receive more information about the diploma or associate degree programs. Once you complete the form, one of our Admission Representatives will contact you to explain the program and to answer any questions you may have.

Once you decide to enroll in one of our Medical Assisting programs, someone from our financial aid department can help you by explaining your financing options. In many cases, there is some sort of financial help available for students in need, so don’t allow financial difficulty hold you back.

At Vista College, we understand that most people lead a busy lifestyle, which often means putting off the training you need to enter into your desired field. This is why we offer programs that work around your schedule and that can be completed quickly to get you started on your new career.

Medical assisting is a challenging job, but it is one that allows you to make a difference in the life of others by helping them with their medical needs.

If you’d like to be part of this growing career field, contact us to request more information about our Medical Assisting programs. One of our Admission Representatives will get in touch with you and discuss how you can prepare to seek a job in this field.

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Considering that this job market didn’t even exist 20 years ago, the IT field is showing unstoppable growth. Although many companies are beginning to outsource their IT needs, there are still plenty of jobs to be found by U.S. workers who have a strong education foundation along with the people skills needed to communicate technical changes to a nontechnical audience.

An Industry on the Move

The changing face of IT is part of the reason for the increase in jobs. As more companies migrate to cloud-based systems as opposed to network servers, the need for professionals who are well-versed in cloud technology is growing. Although job growth in IT isn’t what it was five years ago, the demand for qualified employees in computer-based fields is still expected to grow at least twice as fast as more traditional careers.

A few years ago, the big career information technology demand was for Web-based employees. As more nontechnical staff members have become comfortable with handling the daily task of maintaining and updating webpages, the need for an employee who is solely dedicated to Web needs has decreased. At the same time, companies are more in need of employees who can manage network systems, cybersecurity and programming language. People who are interested in devoting their education and experience to these more specified areas are still in high demand.

While technical skills are a must for these positions, employers also want to hire staff members who have strong people skills, including problem-solving abilities and good communication skills. Today’s IT workers must be able to work in a team environment and be willing to understand the overall goals of the company. Gone are the days where the IT person just fixed a computer problem and moved on. The IT staff is now an integral part of the company who is depended on when making corporate decisions and whose opinion counts just as much as any other employee. Being knowledgeable about the business world and being comfortable in business situations will help increase your marketability.

The challenge for any IT professional is staying ahead of the curve. Unlike other business positions like sales or public relations, education for computer professionals does not stop after graduation from a degree program. IT staff must be prepared to learn new coding systems and software packages while staying on top of security risks. Increasing your knowledge and staying on top of emerging trends is a must for people in these areas.

The good news is that once you secure a position in the IT field, you can expect regular pay raises and job security. Most IT professionals enjoy at least a 5 percent annual raise. Unemployment for well-qualified IT staffers is also well below average. In 2013, the industry’s unemployment rate was only about 5 percent, which is 2.5 percentage points lower than the average in the United States.

While there are many career options for people with degrees in information technology, getting a general degree in computer sciences and finding a specialty is the best bet for most employees. Choosing a narrow degree program might make you too specialized to find a career that encompasses different areas of computing.

A sampling of current job descriptions and salaries in the IT field include:

Computer Support Specialist ($51,000) In this position, you’ll help members of your company or organization with their various computing problems. Employees in this position are often called on to help install new software, troubleshoot problems and repair equipment or computing systems that are outdated or damaged.

Web Developers ($65,000) Previously known as Web masters, a developer creates and maintains websites for your corporation. You’ll also check the site for glitches, make changes as needed and train other employees about how to post content, if necessary. Web developers have to be current in their knowledge of emerging Web trends and virus protection and should also have general knowledge of graphic design.

Computer Programmers ($79,500) If writing code for new applications or finding workarounds for existing problems is an exciting challenge for you, a job as a computer programmer might be a good fit. People in this position work closely with designers and computer engineers to create new products.

Database Administrators ($81,700) The job of a database engineer varies greatly based on the company’s needs but, in most cases, you’ll be expected to create new ways to store, organize and retrieve large amounts of data, such as mailing addresses, vendor lists and financial information. Having a knack for numbers and being able to categorize large amounts of data in a manner that is easy to use by nontechnical staff members is key.

Computer Systems Analyst ($86,000) With one foot in the business end of a company and one foot in the IT field, systems analysts create a way to organize the computing systems of a large organization. Working knowledge of cloud systems, networking and cybersecurity is a must, especially for large companies that store sensitive information.

Information Security Analysts ($90,000) Creating secure systems that can withstand hackers and cyberattacks is the main responsibility of an information security analyst. You’ll need to analyze the corporation’s computing weaknesses and find ways to prevent cybercriminals from finding those weaknesses. This can be a high-stress job with unexpected long hours, especially if faced with an attempt to steal your company’s information.

Computer Network Architects ($100,000) Employees in this highly specialized field build and maintain communication networks, like intranets and wide-area networks. These positions are usually found in companies that have several offices or ones that work with clients and customers in large geographic areas.

Software Developers ($101,000) Software developers create programs that allow IT systems to work seamlessly with other programs, like mobile devices. In this position, you’ll find new ways to allow your company or client to connect with customers and other employees through the use of cutting-edge technology.

Emerging fields, such as 3-D printing engineers and UI developers, also show great promise for fast job growth in the coming years. However, because the reach of these technological areas are still unknown, it’s best to get a more general degree while increasing your expertise in these new subjects.

The Future of IT Job Growth

There are very few job fields that can be guaranteed an increasing job market in the coming years. Fortunately, IT is one of them. No matter what happens to the economy or how the art of business evolves, computer and software programs are guaranteed to be a major part of any change the job market experiences. Some experts even believe that we are in the midst of a new industrial revolution and the increasing needs of artificial intelligence, robotics and 3-D printing will set humanity on a course of new education and enlightenment that has never been seen before.

How companies and organizations react to this change is still to be seen. An increased need for highly qualified, tech-based employees is a must, but these employees also need to be able to adjust to a changing marketplace. The workplace cannot anticipate a time when IT professionals will not be in high demand, so students who are currently considering what field to study should be encouraged to look at the IT sciences.

There is no evidence to suggest that these professionals will not be in high demand for at least the next decade. As workplaces become more engaged in online marketplaces and cloud-based servers, trustworthy employees who are skilled in these areas will always be able to find a competitive market that is vying for people with their particular skillset.

Women in IT Fields

The role of women in the growing field of information technology is changing the face of the industry. Although women traditionally represent a smaller percentage of IT employees compared with their male counterparts, a recent push both in higher education and from the White House shows there is a substantial interest from women who are entering the field of computer science.

If recent scientific research is correct, there is a substantial growth coming for women who are interested in entering STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) fields as their preferred career path. Although many people consider these technology-based career paths to be nontraditional options for women, females who do enter these fields earn more than 33 percent compared to women in more traditional roles, such as education, health and administration.

Although the field of technology has been a traditional male-based environment, women are slowly finding their own niche in the industry. As the industry grows and the demand for qualified employees expands beyond current boundaries, women are being offered more advanced positions within the IT field. A decade ago, there were few positions that required an educated employee – anyone who could maintain a website was considered well-qualified for the job. Today, however, we see the need for staff who are educated in cyberattacks and database maintenance as the entry-level staff members for most companies.

The ability to manage Internet-based communications within house are gone. Today, most companies need highly trained individuals who can combat cyberattacks while creating aesthetically pleasing websites for customers.

While women have been traditionally overlooked in the field of information technology, the increasing need for educated employees has leveled the playing field. Tech-based cities like Washington, D.C., and New Orleans have the highest ratings when it comes to hiring to women for IT positions. Companies in D.C., for example, have more than a 37 percent female-based IT staff, which is the highest among large American cities. Although the West Coast is known for having the most technology-based companies, the same numbers don’t hold true for women. In San Francisco, for example, women only make up 21 percent of the IT workforce. Companies in New York City currently employ close to 22,000 women in the IT field, which is significantly higher than many tech-based cities in California and Washington state. Other high-ranking cities include Philadelphia, Baltimore, Tucson, Arizona and Houston.

Mirroring most American job trends, women in IT earn less than their male counterparts for the same work. However, women who work in tech-based fields in Kansas City, Missouri, and Arlington, Texas, can expect to earn just as much as men in similar fields. As the gender gap closes in other cities, women can expect to earn better wages.

Although there are certain obstacles for women who want to work in IT, such as unexpected long hours, many companies are encouraging women to enter the field through growing entry-level opportunities and by promoting women to high positions. Although women only represent 30 percent of IT employees, new opportunities are opening up for all qualified staff members who have the training and education needed to handle this high-stress job.

Despite the numbers that show men are more likely to go into the IT field, industry experts suggest that women offer a new perspective on design problems and find different ways to approach problems. Building diverse IT teams that include men and women from different backgrounds is one of the best ways to create a promising problem-solving infrastructure that can tackle the biggest computing issues.

The increased encouragement that women are finding from colleges, the government, loan offices and other organizations has increased the number of female IT professionals. This, in turn, helps equal the playing field and enables more women to reach top-tier positions in IT. Networking groups that are specifically geared for women in technology fields are also being created across the country, such as Women in Technology, which provides opportunities for professional development, leadership awards and volunteer opportunities.

If you are considering entering the field of information technology and you’d like to explore your options, contact Vista College at 866-442-4197 or visit us online. There has never been a better time to enter the field of information technology and our online programs will help you become a highly qualified professional in the area of your choice.

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Before the Internet, if you had family responsibilities, held a full-time job, or had no transportation, it was challenging to attend classes at a college or university. Would-be college students with small children or people who worked full time during the day needed to make special arrangements to take classes. Finding childcare or taking night classes were a few solutions to the problem, but those solutions were either expensive or inconvenient.

With the explosion of the Internet, long distance education gradually became a respected way to earn a degree or certificate. Today, it isn’t unusual to know people who take classes online in order to pursue professional development or earn an accredited college degree. You no longer have to sign up for courses at a busy registration office or fight rush-hour traffic to get to an evening class.

Online classes make it possible to enjoy a quality education without even leaving home. There’s no need to sit in a classroom with your stomach growling because you didn’t have time to grab a bite to eat before you arrived on campus.  In fact, since you attend class from the comfort of your laptop or computer, you can even participate in class discussions while in your pajamas and bunny slippers.

But don’t be fooled by the PJs and fuzzy slippers, though — today’s online courses are just as rigorous as the classes taught on a brick-and-mortar campus. If you want to succeed in the world of online learning, it’s important to understand the strategies for college success. In other words, you must learn what is required to excel at courses offered online. Read on for several tips on how to succeed in an online class.

Tip #1: Get your computer up to speed.

Before taking an online course, it’s important to possess at least a basic understanding of computers and the Internet. Not surprisingly, computer literacy is the first step to developing online learning strategies. A few skills include:

• Feeling comfortable using basic software such as Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
• Having the ability to conduct simple Internet searches
• Using online databases
• Sending and receiving email
• Uploading and downloading attachments
• Saving and opening files

These are just a small sample of computer operations required during a typical online course.

In addition to these key computer literacy skills, you also need to have a computer that runs efficiently. Before taking steps to make your computer faster, backup all your important files on an external hard drive. Whether you’re a Mac or PC user, you can take steps to speed up your machine. If you’re a PC user, try to:

1. Restart your computer. Save anything you’re working on and restart your computer. Doing so can refresh your computer’s memory, making it run more quickly.
2. Remove any programs you don’t use. Go to the Control Panel and remove any unused program by clicking “Add or Remove Programs” or “Uninstall a Program.” You’ll see a master list of programs, and you can delete those you don’t need or use. After you remove the programs, make sure you empty your recycling bin.
3. Stop unnecessary programs from automatically running when your computer boots up. Chances are, you have programs that automatically start when your computer does, running in the background and taking up vital memory. You can prevent this from happening by opening the Start menu and running a search for “msconfig”. You can then uncheck any programs you don’t need that are running in the background.
4. Increase your desktop computer’s power plan to high performance. Select “Power Options” in the Control Panel. These settings tell the computer how to use power, which will lower performance to make the most of battery life. With a desktop computer that’s always plugged in, it makes sense to choose “high performance” since battery isn’t a concern.
5. Keep your machine up-to-date and install spyware scanner, an anti-virus program, and anti-malware. Your computer will have more resources to devote to key processes instead of bugs, adware, and viruses.
6. Run a Disk Cleanup. You’ll free up massive amounts of space by removing unnecessary system files, temporary files, and trash in your recycle bin. To do this, click “My Computer,” right-click “hardrive” then click “Properties.” Choose “Disc Cleanup”, which you’ll find in the “General” tab. Simply check the files you wish to delete from the pop-up menu.
7. Run a Disk Defragment. By defraging, you can organize data to free up space and allow your computer to put data together more quickly. Click “My Computer,” then right-click “Hard Drive.” Choose “Properties,” “Tools” then “Defragment Now.”

If you’re a Mac user, try to:

1. Remove any unnecessary programs. Drag the apps into the trash to uninstall manually, or you can download a program that will help you sort and remove them. Consider removing Garage Band and iMovie — all large files that many people don’t use.
2. Compress, delete, or remove large, unnecessary files. Find large files by pressing command + F in the Finder window. Click the “Kind” button and select “Other.” Scroll down to find “Size” and check the “in Menu” box, then click OK. Now you can search by file size. Choose any to compress, delete, or move to save on a backup drive. To compress a file, click it while holding the control button. Choose “Compress.” If you double-click the zip file, it will decompress the file.
3. Stop programs from starting when you boot your Mac. Your computer will be slower if you have many programs trying to start at the same time you boot your Mac. Go to “System Preferences” from the Apple Menu. Then Select “Accounts” and “Login Items.” Choose the items you don’t need, and click the minus symbol to remove them. You should also clear your desktop by moving all items into folders.
4. Fix disk permissions. Under “Applications”, choose “Utilities” then choose “Run Disk Utility.” Select your startup disk. Choose “First Aid” and “Repair Disk Permissions.” Restart your computer when it’s done.
5. Get rid of any unneeded dashboard widgets. You don’t need to have your dashboard activated for these widgets to take up RAM as they run updates in the background. You can use the Widget Manager if you have OS X 10.4.2 or later. Go to the “Dashboard”, and then click the plus symbol in the corner to open the Widget Bar. Click “Manage Widgets.” From here, you can either disable or remove widgets. If they’re third party, press the red delete button to get rid of them.
6. Get rid of any languages you don’t use. You can download a free program called Monolingual if you use Mac OS X. This will allow you to remove languages you don’t use to free up space. Just never delete “English” because it could cause your OS X to malfunction.
7. Beef up your RAM. If you find your computer runs slowly when switching between programs that are running or opening apps, you may need more RAM. Open the “Activity Monitor” to see if you could use more RAM. If you see mostly green and blue, your RAM is fine. If you have red and yellow, add more RAM. Apple support will tell you what you need to know to add additional RAM.

Tip #2: Access All Course Materials?

You’ve got all the basic computer skills? Great! But do you own a computer that has the ability to connect to high-speed Internet? Dial-up Internet won’t get you very far when you’re trying to access an online course. They have certain technical requirements that must be met before you can get to the material.

At least two weeks before the course begins, make sure your computer plays nicely with all the course’s online tools. Take time to learn how to navigate through the course portal so you don’t waste precious time trying to understand the technical aspects of the course. There’s nothing worse than starting an online course and realizing you don’t know how to find various features and functions of the classroom portal.

Before you know it, the class is progressing without you, and you’ll soon become overwhelmed. So set yourself up for success by making sure you know your way around the course website!

Tip #3: Take Initiative.

With online classes, it can take even more work to get feedback and set yourself apart from your classmates. Take the initiative by communicating more with your instructor. When you get a low grade on an assignment, touch base with your instructor to find out why.

Make sure you convey that you want to improve your work — not that you don’t agree with the grade. This shows your instructor you can take critical feedback, a key trait in the real world. By being professional with your interactions and reaching out with the intent of improving, your instructor will get a positive impression of you. You never know where this relationship will lead. Your instructor could become a key resource in your career, from providing suggestions and internship ideas to letters of recommendations.

Tip #4: Embrace every opportunity to learn and perfect your skills.

Are your writing skills not quite up to par? Are you terrible at spelling and grammar? Even though this online course might not be for English, it can play a crucial role in helping you become a better communicator. No matter what career you pursue, you will need to be a good communicator (even if it’s just over email) to help you succeed.

Since courses are delivered through the Internet, you will be expected to communicate through emails, message boards, research papers, and slide show presentations. Proper grammar, spelling, and syntax are a must. If you cannot clearly communicate through writing, your instructors, classmates, and future boss will have a hard time understanding you.

Tip #5: Develop Your Time-Management Skills.

You’ve registered for the course or degree program. You own a computer that has everything it needs to access the materials, and you possess some excellent computer skills. But all of this means nothing if you don’t have good time-management skills.

Online courses provide you with flexibility. You can study and complete assignments on your own schedule. While this can be a great advantage — such as the ability to work when you’re most alert — it can also pose some challenges. You need to be in charge of your schedule. By holding yourself accountable and being a self-starter, you’ll have traits that will translate perfectly to the real-world work environment.

Create a schedule for taking care of classwork based on the time of day when you work best and stick to it. Since you know your optimal working schedule, you can base your assignments around it.

Consult your syllabus, making note of important deadlines and due dates. Log into your course on a regular basis. In fact, log in at least three to four times a week to keep up with your assignments and messages from professors and virtual classmates. Estimate how long assignments and tests will take and add additional time to your estimates for breathing room.

A key part of time-management is organization. Find the style that works best for you and stick to it. Choose a software or a good old fashion day-timer that can support your organizational style and use it to keep track of everything related to school.

Tip #6: Find a Quiet Area to Work.

Don’t try to study and complete your homework in the middle of the living room where all the hustle and bustle is. If the TV is blaring, your dog is barking, and your kids are arguing about who gets the last chocolate chip cookie, you can forget about trying to concentrate on school. Instead, find a quiet area away from the rest of the family. It could be a home office, a bedroom, a spot at the kitchen table, or an out-of-the-way location where you won’t be disturbed.

Don’t have a quiet place to study at home? If possible, take your laptop to the local coffee shop or library and access free Wi-Fi as you study, read lecture notes, or do your homework. Sip a cappuccino, stick your earbuds in your ears to block out any noise, and get to work!

Maybe you have small children who keep you from studying in a peaceful environment. If that describes your situation, consider asking a family member or close friend to watch the kids while you study. You can even trade babysitting services with a friend. Offer to watch your friend’s children while he or she runs errands or takes a class. In exchange, your friend can babysit your little ones while you hit the books.

Tip #7: Network With Your Classmates.

The classmates of today could be your co-workers of tomorrow. They could prove invaluable to your career, giving you tips and opportunities. Make sure you communicate frequently with your classmates and make a good impression. This means engaging in discussions, providing valuable advice and support. It also means completing your share and excelling during team projects. Instead of just pulling your weight, find ways you can propel your team forward.

Tip #8: Use Problem-Solving Techniques.

Being an online student requires you to think out-of-the-box, using problem-solving skills whenever disaster strikes. Maybe your Internet or your computer stops working. The electricity may go out, or you might have trouble contacting your instructor with a question about an assignment or due date.

To be successful in an online class, you must be prepared to devise creative solutions to any issues that may arise. For example, if your computer breaks down, use a friend’s computer or visit the public or campus library to use one of the computers in the computer lab.

Online Courses Help You Achieve Your Goals

Not everyone has the desire or time to physically attend classes at a local college or business school. Long hours at work, caring for family members and inability to attend classes during the day prevent some from enrolling in traditional classes.

Thanks to the Internet, however, if you want to improve your career prospects, you merely have to enroll in online courses. No matter the time of day or night, online classes let you attend school on your own schedule, providing both flexibility and convenience.

But with these benefits come additional responsibilities. If you want to succeed in an online course or program, self-motivation is a key factor. Dedicating sufficient time for study and school work is crucial to perform well in an online program.

Demonstrating strong organizational skills as well as the ability to use technology is important, too. Managing your time wisely and communicating with instructors and classmates will also go a long way in helping you to succeed.

If you incorporate these online learning tips into your daily course assignments, you will be armed with all the tools you need to successfully complete a course online. Whether you are interested in upgrading your job skills, earning a certificate, or trying to pursue a college degree, online learning is one way of achieving your goals.

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High ROI on Degree Programs Is Good for the Economy

When prospective students choose degree programs with a high return on investment (ROI), it’s good news for the economy as well. Here’s why:

• College graduates who choose programs with a better ROI increase their chances of finding better-paying jobs after graduation. They have more disposable income, which helps to fuel the local and regional economy as they pay for goods and services.
• The graduates also pay more in taxes, which supports infrastructure and government programs that benefit everyone.
• People who provide a better standard of living for themselves tend to take better care of their health. They are more likely to schedule doctor’s appointments for preventive care and see a dentist for checkups. Taking preventative care of your health leads to fewer claims on health insurance for major problems.
• Better income levels also translate to better nutrition, fewer visits to the emergency room, and a lower risk of being involved in an accident. Less time away from work means more productivity, which also benefits the economy.

Choosing the right educational program is more than a matter of finding one that interests you. Your degree of choice can provide a number of benefits that you may not see right away. If you are wondering why you should be concerned about benefits to the economy from choosing a degree. Remember this: If the economy is a healthy one, you will reap the benefits as well.

An Associate’s Degree Represents Good Value

Pursuing an associate’s degree represents a good value for students. Consider the following information:

• Associate’s degree holders achieve a median net gain during their 40-year work life of more than $259,000 compared to high school graduates.
• There is a wide range of net gain among associate’s degree holders, with some of them realizing net gains of $100,000 during their working life and others experiencing much higher gains of more than $400,000 during their careers.
• Graduates who hold an associate’s degree earn more than high school graduates, and they are less likely to be unemployed, even when the economy shrinks.
• According to data collected from Colorado, Tennessee, Texas and Virginia, graduates from either occupation-based or technical associate’s degree programs earn more during their first year after graduation than a number of graduates holding bachelor’s degrees.

Associates’ Degrees With a High ROI

What types of jobs with associate’s degrees have a high ROI for graduates? Here are some examples of associate’s degree programs that will qualify you for a job with a median annual wage of $50,000 or more.

Funeral Service Education

To become a funeral service manager or director, an associate’s degree in funeral service education is required. Graduates then complete a one-to-two year apprenticeship. Funeral managers and directors must acquire a state or national license to provide services to clients.

The median annual wage according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) is $70,890. Job openings are expected to increase by 3.3 percent by 2024.

Air Traffic Control

All prospective air traffic controllers attend the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)’s training academy in Oklahoma for its 12-week training program. It’s not required to hold a related degree to be admitted to the program, but graduates of the associate’s degree in air traffic control will find that they can relate to the material in the FAA training program much more readily. The median salary of air traffic controllers is $122,950, which is the highest for jobs available with this level of education.

Avionics Maintenance Technology

This two-year program will give you the training needed to work with avionics equipment, including installations, tests, and repairs. You will become familiar with radar, radio and navigation systems, as well as the missile control systems of space vehicles and other types of aircraft. The median annual salary for an avionics technician is $58,540.

Aerospace Technology

Enrolling in an associate’s degree program in aerospace technology will prepare you for a career as an aerospace engineering and operations technician. This type of position involves working with and maintaining equipment used in the development, production and testing of new spacecraft and aircraft. The median salary is a respectable $66,180.

Video Game Design

Video games are big business, and people with the skills to design games earn average salaries of $81,000. An associate’s degree program in video game design gives students a good overview in music, marketing, programming and project management as well, which means they are ready to work as artists, musicians, coders and designers in this growing industry.

Web Development

Graduates of an associate’s degree program in web development can look forward to a bright future. The median annual salary for workers in this field is $64,970.

Computer Support Specialist

If you hold a computer support specialist associate’s degree and have a year or two of practical experience working with networks, employers will demand your skills. You may need to complete some further training, both formal and informal, to become a network specialist, but the effort will be worthwhile. The job has a median annual salary of $62,250.

AutoCAD Drafting

The two-year degree in AutoCAD drafting is an excellent choice if you are looking to break into one of the following well-paying fields:

• Architectural and civil drafter — annual average salary $50,710
• Electrical and electronics drafter — annual average salary $59,520
• Mechanical drafter — annual average salary $53,520

Engineering Technology

Depending on your area of specialization, an associate’s degree in engineering technology can lead to a number of career options that pay above a median annual salary of $50,000 per year:

• Aerospace engineering and operations technician — annual average salary $66,180
• Electrical and electronics engineering technician — annual average salary $61,130
• Electro-mechanical technician — annual average salary $53,340
• Mechanical engineering technician — annual average salary $53,910
• Engineering technician — annual average salary $61,260

Nuclear Power Technology

Graduates from an associate in applied science degree in nuclear power technology program are qualified for career opportunities as nuclear technicians. This type of work involves assisting engineers, physicists and other staff in nuclear production and research. The median annual pay for graduates is an impressive $80,260.

Petroleum Technology

If a career in the oil and gas or mining industry interests you, consider earning an associate’s degree in petroleum technology. Your investment in your studies will pay off when you’re hired as a geological and petroleum technician, providing support to engineers and scientists in the work of exploration and extraction of natural resources such as oil, natural gas and minerals. The median annual salary for this position is $55,610. The future looks bright for new graduates by the year 2024 in this field, with the job market expected to grow by 11.8 percent.

Radiation Therapy

The minimum requirement to work as a radiation therapist is an associate of science degree with a major in radiation therapy. Most employers require that radiation therapists pass a certification exam within three years of completing their degree, but the exact requirements differ depending on the state licensing exam requirements.

The median annual salary for this career choice is $80,220, and the job outlook is favorable to 2024, with demand expected to increase by 14 percent.

Respiratory Therapy

Graduates from an associate’s degree in a respiratory therapy program can look forward to a promising job outlook, as job growth is expected to increase at 12 percent, a faster rate than average. The median pay for this job is $57,790 per annum or $27.78 per hour.

Dental Hygiene

An associate’s degree in applied science with a major in dental hygiene will prepare you for a career as a dental hygienist. After graduation, you must pass a licensing exam to work in the field. Your effort will be worthwhile — the median salary is $72,330 or $34.77 per hour. The career outlook is positive to the year 2024, with jobs expected to grow at a rate of 18.6 percent.

Cardiovascular Technology

An associate degree in cardiovascular technology prepares students for careers specializing in performing either noninvasive echocardiograms or invasive cardiac catheterizations. The median annual wage for this career option is $54,880, with the top 10 percent of earners making $87,170. The demand for trained workers is expected to be strong as the population continues to age and rates of cardiovascular disease continue to rise. Projected demand is 22 percent.

Diagnostic Medical Sonography

Completing an associate’s degree in diagnostic medical sonography will bring you an excellent ROI. Demand for trained workers is expected to grow at a much faster rate than other jobs: 26.4 percent to the year 2024. Graduates from this program can expect to earn a median rate of pay of $68,970 per year, or $33.15 per hour.

Nuclear Medicine Technology

Enroll in a nuclear medicine technology program and obtain the training necessary to create images of a patient’s body at a doctor’s request. The program also teaches students how to prepare and administer radioactive drugs when a doctor has requests a contrast scan using dye. The median annual salary for this type of position is $70,180 or $33.74 per hour.

Occupational Therapy Assistant

An associate of science degree with a major in occupational therapy assistant opens the door to an in-demand career. Graduates must past a licensing exam before they can start working. A projected demand of 42.7 percent to the year 2024 is expected, and graduates of this program should have little difficulty finding employment once they meet the qualification standards. The median salary for this job is $57,870.

Physical Therapist Assistant

Studying for a physical therapist assistant associate degree will prepare you for a high-demand, well-paid career in the healthcare field. The combination of the aging population and the increased interest in physical fitness will serve to keep the demand high for trained physical therapist assistants. If you are interested in helping people improve their mobility and recover from injuries or disease, you can expect to earn a median salary of $55,170 per year with a career in physical therapy.

Choose an Associate’s Degree Program Wisely

Choosing an associate’s degree program that will give you a high ROI is important. You, your family and the community will reap the benefits of your decision. Whether you decide to further your education on campus or study online at your convenience, investing in yourself is one of the best decisions you can make to improve your future.

Take your time and consider the cost of your education and the time it will take to complete a degree program. Think about your potential future earnings, and if those earnings are projected to improve over the years. There is much to consider before you make your final decision.

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While you may have been preoccupied worrying about cavities or whether or not you remembered to floss that day, your dental assistant was focused on making your experience as seamless as possible. That not only includes arriving early to sterilize instruments, but also reviewing the procedures for the day and the patient’s medical history.

If you’re interested in dental care but aren’t sure if a position as a dental hygienist is the right one for you, consider becoming a dental assistant. Dental assistants have important responsibilities that still allow you to be a part of the exciting filed of dentistry.

The responsibilities of a dental assistant may vary by office, but usually include the following:

• Assisting the dentist in treatment procedures
• Prepping and developing dental x-rays
• Maintaining strict sterilization and infection control procedures
• Preparing and sterilizing dental instruments
• Performing office management tasks

While these are important responsibilities, there are other skills that are almost always required of dental assistants. The most important of which is patient interaction. As a dental assistant, you’re most likely the first person the patient sees. Are they nervous? Uncomfortable? Scared? Whatever the case may be, you have the unique opportunity to comfort them before their procedure — whether that’s simply talking them through the exam or even holding their hand if they become uneasy.

These interpersonal skills are crucial to a dental assistant’s role. They impress upon the patient your level of care and consideration, but they also illustrate the commitment you have for your practice and the experiences of your patients.

Dental Assistants Vs. Dental Hygienists and Lab Technicians

To the average patient, the differences between a dental assistant and dental hygienist may not be extremely obvious. Both hygienists and assistants care for the patient, or may assist the dentist in one way or another.

While the differences may not be obvious to a patient, there are important distinctions between a dental assistant and dental hygienist. And if you’re attracted to the field of dentistry, you may also be interested in a position as a dental lab technician. To sort through the differences, let’s explore the job responsibilities, years of education, salary benefits, and average hours worked for each position.

Job Responsibilities

Dental Assistants

A dental assistant’s responsibilities can be generally described as “manual.” This means their daily tasks mostly revolve around preparatory measures: sterilizing equipment, reviewing medical documents, assisting during examinations, and prepping patients.

Dental Hygienists

For dental hygienists, their responsibilities can be described as “specialized.” While these may vary by state and educational background, dental hygienists can be responsible for:

• Assessing patient’s oral tissues and overall dental health
• Developing patient treatment plans and discussing possible options for care
• Polishing patient’s teeth and removing deposits
• Processing dental X-rays
• Applying cavity-preventative agents

Dental Lab Technicians

If a dental assistant’s responsibilities can be categorized as manual and a dental hygienist as specialized, the dental lab technician’s responsibilities fall somewhere in the middle of the two. Dental lab technicians primarily work directly with the dentist, utilizing the patient’s impressions (molds) to create:

• Full dentures
• Removable partial dentures, or fixed bridges
• Crowns
• Veneers
• Orthodontic appliances and splits

While responsibilities may vary, there isn’t always a firm line of distinction. For instance, some dental assistants may remove sutures, apply anesthetics or create molds. The Dental Assisting National Board (DANB) can provide information on what responsibilities dental assistants can perform in each state and what requirements are needed beforehand.

Years of Education Required to Work in Dentistry

Dental Assistants

When discussing education, most dental assistants are enrolled in an educational program for 1-2 years. Depending on the practice, dental assistants may be required to receive a Dental Assistant Diploma or a Dental Assistant Associate of Applied Sciences (AAS degree). Additionally, dental assistants may chose to sit for the Certified Dental Assistant Exam, offered by DANB.

Dental Hygienists

For dental hygienists, the number of years enrolled fluctuates between 2 – 6. At a minimum, dental hygienists must graduate from an accredited dental hygiene program and become licensed in their practicing state. Additionally, dental hygienists who have successfully completed an associate’s program, have the opportunity to pursue a Bachelor’s and/or Master’s degree in Dental Hygiene.

Dental Lab Technician

Depending on the dental office, many dental lab technicians gain their education through direct work experience. Formal training programs vary in length and level of skill. Additionally, Dental Lab Technicians may become certified through the Certified Dental Technician exam, offered by the National Association of Dental Laboratories.

Projected Salaries of Dental Assistants, Dental Hygienists and Dental Lab Techs

Dental Assistants

It’s important to note that salaries vary based on a variety of factors: specialization in the field, location, number of years in the industry, and others.

The national pay scale for dental assistants, based on U.S. News & World Report Money, ranges from $24,220 – $48,350. The national average in 2013 was $35,640 – the median was $34,900.

Dental Hygienists

For dental hygienists, the national median salary in 2013 was $71,110. The best paid earned about $96,690 while the bottom 10 percent earned around $47,880.

Dental Lab Technicians

While dental lab technicians might expect a salary range of $25 – 50,000, these estimates will heavily depend on your level of experience, but also the size of your lab. For example, with a non-experienced technician working in a large lab (>25 people), the average estimated annual wage was $26,000. For an experienced technician working in the same size lab, the average estimated annual wage was $70,000.

Hours on the Job

Dental Assistants

Most dental assistants hold flexible schedules, with more than one-third working part-time. If you’re pursuing other certifications or responsibilities, the ability to work part-time is an enticing benefit. For dental assistants holding full-time positions, 35-40 hour workweeks are usual and may include Saturday or evening shifts.

Dental Hygienists

Dental hygienists have similarly flexible schedules, with roughly half working part-time. It is usually common for a dental hygienist to work for more than one dentist.

Dental Lab Technicians

Depending on the size of the lab, most salaried technicians’ schedules include 40 hours/week. Self-employed technicians generally work longer hours. Long hours can be attributed to the delicate and time-consuming nature of the job.

The Job Market

U.S. News and World Report ranked dental assistants as #30 in their Best Health Care Jobs report and #67 in their 100 Best Jobs report. The Bureau of Labor Statistics also estimates more than 74,000 new openings for dental assistants up to the year 2022. Whether that’s due to an increased focus on dental health in recent generations, or because of national health insurance, dental assistants are definitely in demand.

Let’s take a look at the states with the highest employment level, via the Bureau of Labor Statistics May 2013 report:

Equally important to identifying areas with increased career opportunities is identifying areas where competition may be higher. Here are the top five states with the highest concentration of jobs:

While we may already know the national average wage for dental assistants, that doesn’t mean there aren’t greater possibilities out there to earn more. Listed below are the five top-paying states, including their hourly mean wage and annual mean wage:

A Closer Look at Dental Assistants

Although this post should serve as a reference if you’re considering a position as a dental assistant, nothing quite compares to hearing real-life stories. How better to understand if dental assisting is the right career path for you than by comparing stories from others in the field?

Jane’s Story and Ashley Brown’s interview are great examples of individuals who have found fulfilling careers as dental assistants.

Overcoming Challenges

Realistically, even the most rewarding jobs have their own unique set of obstacles. In that respect, dental assisting is no different. Some common challenges dental assistants may likely face include:

• Overloaded Responsibilities: Depending on the day and number of appointments, it can be easy to fall behind in paperwork, or feel overwhelmed juggling the multiple “shoes” a dental assistant can fill.

• Physical Demands: Some dental assistants complain of back pain, especially from bending down/over for long periods of time. Wrist/carpel tunnel pain can also be a common complaint

In order to keep yourself emotionally and physically stable, maintain an open dialogue with your supervisors and members of your team. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, take a minute to rest. Ask a colleague for a helping hand, or even take a short walk outside to catch some fresh air. For physical pain, buy proper shoes with strong rubber soles for your feet, and be attentive of your shoulders while sitting or bending over. If they’re hunched, try to bring them back, as this can help alleviate some of the tension/pain.

Become a Dental Assistant at Vista College

With flexible career programs with day and night schedules and classes starting every 5 weeks, Vista College is making it simple to start your journey towards a career as a dental assistant. Taught by real-world expert instructors, our program offers hands-on learning ensuring that our students are fully equipped to deal with the real situations they will face in the field. With small class sizes, students can take comfort knowing they won’t be lost in the crowd.

Dental Assistant Diploma

Our dental assistant training program will take you through classroom instruction and real-world practical experience, all in less than one year. The certified dental assistant program includes instruction in:

• Dental Sciences
• Practical Infection Control
• Dental Materials
• Preventative Dentistry
• Dental Radiography
• Dental Office Management
• Dental Procedures

After completing the prerequisite course, students will be eligible for an externship in a dental office. Externships are a great way to get your foot in the door and experience a real-life practice. Better yet, a strong externship may lead to a job offer.

Dental Assistant Associate of Applied Science (AAS)

For students looking to further their dental assistance education, the Dental Assistant Associate of Applied Science can add to the foundational learning you received in the Dental Assistant Diploma program. The Dental Assistant AAS Degree program provides extensive training in:

• Dental sciences
• Dental materials
• Radiography
• Preventative dentistry
• Infection control

In addition, students will also learn dental office administrative skills, including database management and customer service/communication. The best part? Students can complete the Vista College Dental Assistant AAS program in as little as 80 weeks.

Student Assistance and Taking the Next Step

Whether you’re enrolling in the Dental Assistant Diploma Program or continuing on to receive your AAS degree, Vista College wants to provide you with every chance to succeed. Our Financial Aid advisors will guide you step-by-step through the entire process and can quickly determine your eligibility for college financial support.

While our programs can prepare you for your next step into the exciting field of dental assisting, landing that first job can still be challenging. Upon completion of your Dental Assistant Diploma or AAS degree, you can also get assistance from our Career Services team. We’ll help you prepare your resume and cover letters, develop a job search strategy, and practice your interview skills.

If you’re ready for a new career in dental assistance, Vista College is ready to help. Contact us today to learn more about our Dental Assistant Diploma Program or our Dental AAS degree.

The post What’s In a Smile? A Day in the Life of a Dental Assistant appeared first on Vista College.

The construction industry is a growing field. In 2015 alone, construction projects are expected to jump by nearly eight percent. If you enjoy building things, perhaps a degree in construction technology is for you.

There are many types of construction jobs. The trades and crafts are the heart of the construction industry. Most construction jobs are trade jobs. Tradespeople include electricians, plumbers, and HVAC specialists. Carpenters, finishers, and painters are also tradespeople.

But trades aren’t the only construction careers available. Project managers, safety specialists, and administrative support are essential for any construction project. Construction managers work with many different tradespeople to ensure project completion.

There is also a range of construction safety jobs. Job site inspectors and building safety specialists make sure that the job site — and the final building — is safe. Administrative staff order building supplies and provide customer and accounting services.

So how do you get a construction job?

This guide will introduce you to four popular career paths, highlighting the most essential skills for technicians. The need for skilled technicians in these areas is high, and more employers will be looking for these skillsets over the next decade.

Carpenter

There are about 901,000 carpenters currently employed in the United States. Job openings are expected to increase over the next decade, with a job growth of 24 percent. This dramatic growth is the result of increased construction throughout the U.S. The median salary for a carpenter is $39,940 per year.

Skills Needed

Most carpenters need a combination of formal education and on-the-job experience. In the past, many carpenters learned through apprenticeships after completing high school. Now, many industry experts recommend some formal training. Carpenters with a diploma in construction technology tend to earn a higher wage than other carpenters.

At Vista College, these courses are taught through our Construction Technology Diploma Program. Look for a certificate program taught by professionals. These instructors usually have extensive practical experience and excellent technical skills.

There are many types of carpenters, but in every role it’s important to learn and adapt quickly. Since construction projects can change rapidly, being adaptable will help you to become successful. Excellent math skills are essential because much of the job involves measurements.

Carpenters also need practical knowledge of tools and building materials. You may work with a variety of saws, grinders, and drills. You’ll also need to have a working knowledge of first aid and safety practices.

Carpenters with knowledge of green building techniques are in high demand. These carpenters have specialized knowledge of sustainability, green building codes, and building materials.

Career Path

Most carpenters have a high school diploma or equivalent when they start working. They gain the skills needed through a combination of on-the-job training and formal education. Certificates in construction technology are a good choice for most new carpenters. You’ll learn how to read and understand blueprints and building codes. You’ll also learn about building materials, first aid, and job safety. You’ll also get hands-on experience with a variety of construction techniques.

Many people begin as general carpenters. These carpenters work in many roles and gain experience roughing out, drywalling, and tiling. You might work on residential projects like houses or larger apartment buildings. As a carpenter, you’ll perfect many different construction skills.

Some carpenters specialize in a craft like bricklaying or finish carpentry. These carpenters often have advanced skills and education in one area. They usually contract with larger construction companies.

Carpentry can also lead to a career in construction management. Most construction managers have practical experience in carpentry first. If you go this route, your understanding of building techniques will help you plan and oversee projects.

HVAC Technician

HVAC technicians earn an average of $43,640 per year. Like other construction work, jobs for HVAC technicians are growing much faster than the rest of the economy. Over the next decade, jobs for HVAC technicians will grow by more than 20 percent.

Skills Needed

HVAC jobs are quite technical. Specialists have to understand welding, soldering, and piping. They need to have a good working knowledge of vents and ducting. Finally, HVAC technicians should understand a variety of refrigeration, heating, and air conditioning systems. For a list of technical HVAC skills, consult Vista College’s HVAC technician program.

Since HVAC technicians must diagnose and fix problems on the job, good problem solving skills are essential. These technicians should have good spatial reasoning and an aptitude for mechanical work. A working knowledge of mathematics is essential; HVAC technicians need to understand air pressure, flow, and system capacities.

HVAC technicians with electronic skills are highly sought professionals. Construction companies contract these HVAC technicians to install building automation systems. These networked HVAC systems are needed more than ever, but few technicians have the training to install them. If you have experience with electronics, this is a growing niche.

If you plan to run your own business, you should also have business experience or education. These business skills include marketing and communicating with customers. Successful HVAC business owners will also have a strong grasp of project management so that they can juggle multiple clients and complete projects on time.

Vista College’s Associate of Applied Science in Trades Management — HVAC is an excellent choice for those who want to start their own business. This program combines business education with HVAC technician training, offering classes in business operations and project management.

Career Path

HVAC technicians have many paths available to them. They may be hired by a specific company to perform maintenance for their equipment, or work for an installation and service company with a number of clients. Project managers and contractors with HVAC experience are in high demand. Many HVAC technicians go on to set up their own businesses doing HVAC service, repair, and installation.

HVAC technicians usually have a combination of education and practical experience. Most HVAC technicians have a high school diploma and a technical diploma, certificate, or associate degree. Earning an HVAC diploma usually takes about a year.

You can gain practical experience in entry level roles or through a formal apprenticeship. Many new HVAC technicians work as an assistant to experienced technicians while gaining on the job knowledge. As an assistant, you are likely to assist in installing heaters and air conditioners. You might also inspect and repair HVAC systems.

More experienced HVAC technicians may start their own company or work for larger construction companies. They are likely to manage HVAC and construction projects. In these roles, you could be responsible for overseeing projects and other HVAC specialists.

Because HVAC technology is changing so rapidly, new career paths are emerging every day. These include specialists in building automation, networking, and performance testing. HVAC technicians with sustainability experience are likely to be in particularly high demand as energy auditors, green building consultants, and green technology specialists.

Electricians

The demand for electricians is rising quickly. Right now there are about 583,000 electricians working in the United States. Over the next decade, that’s likely to grow by about 20 percent. Electricians earn a median salary of $49,840 per year.

Skills Needed

As with other trades, electricians need excellent technical skills. They install and repair wiring, so they need to understand circuits and fuse boxes. Vista College’s Electrical Technician Diploma offers a hands-on approach that teaches students to install fuse boxes and connect circuits.

Electricians also need good reading and writing skills to understand blueprints and building codes. And they use math to make sure circuits are loaded properly. Successful electricians have excellent troubleshooting skills to diagnose and solve wiring problems on the job.

Electricians who run their own business also need a solid grasp of business operations. This includes skills like project management, which will help you manage many projects at the same time. Vista College teaches these business skills through our Electrical Technician Associate’s Degree.

A good understanding of construction technology is also recommended. Electricians often work with construction companies to install wiring in new houses or apartments. Understanding the construction process is essential when you’re working on new construction. Construction technology includes knowledge of building materials and building codes.

Career Path

Electricians gain their skills through a combination of education and on-the-job training. You should have a high school diploma or the equivalent. Most electricians go on to get a diploma or certificate as an electrical technician. Choose a career training school that focuses on practical skills. These certificate courses are shorter than a four-year degree and are typically taught by professionals in the field. In such a course, you’ll get hands on experience and guidance from practicing electricians.

As a new electrician, you’ll assist an experienced electrician. New electricians help to set up wiring and circuits. They usually work as an assistant electrician for three to five years.

Some people choose a formal apprenticeship instead of working as an assistant. Apprenticeships are paid positions where new electricians learn on the job.

Experienced electricians sometimes become licensed as master electricians. They often work on their own or for larger companies. They install wiring for new projects. These electricians usually manage several projects at the same time. Some electricians become construction managers, where they oversee construction projects.

Construction Manager

As long as there are new construction projects, there will be a need for construction managers. There are approximately 400,000 construction manager jobs today. In the next decade, jobs will grow by 16 percent, which is faster than the general economy. Construction managers have one of the highest salaries within the building trades. The median annual wage is $82,790.

Skills Needed

Construction managers are called construction project managers. As you might guess by the alternate name, you’ll need excellent project management skills to succeed in this role. Courses in project management can help new construction managers master these skills.

Construction managers also need excellent time management skills. They are responsible for managing many projects at once. In this career, you will need to solve problems quickly and work well with clients. As a construction manager, your job description will include subcontracting tasks and negotiating deadlines.

Most construction managers enjoy working with people. Construction managers are in constant contact with clients, vendors, and subcontractors. A person with great customer service skills often excels as a construction manager.

Construction managers also need a good understanding of construction technology and safety. They need to be able to read and understand blueprints and building codes. Most construction managers also have practical experience in the building industry.

Career Path

Many construction managers begin by working in the construction trades. A good working knowledge of construction technology is essential for a good construction manager. Construction managers may start as general carpenters, or in a specialty trade.

Many people who want to become a construction manager pursue a certificate or a diploma. Although it is possible to become a construction manager with no formal education, this route is less common. A certificate in construction management should teach business skills as well as construction technology. The Construction Management courses offered by Vista College include business operations and project management.

Many new construction managers get their first jobs as an assistant project manager. These roles are often found in large construction companies. As an assistant project manager, you’ll help to coordinate employees and projects. Many people work as an assistant project manager for three to five years.

Many construction project managers will become a construction manager once they gain enough experience. As a construction manager, you’ll be responsible for planning and overseeing entire projects.

What Next?

The demand for people in the construction industry is likely to remain high for years to come. After all, construction is at the backbone of our economy.

If you are interested in a job in construction, you have several possible ways to get started. You can talk to those already working in the industry to find out more about the areas you’re interested in. Most professionals are happy to tell you more about their career path. When you’re ready to take the next step, contact Vista College to find out more about a certificate in these construction trades.

The post 5 Growing Careers in Construction appeared first on Vista College.

For-profit colleges and trade schools is the fastest growing sector of education in the United States. A for-profit or proprietary-college is any post-secondary school that is run by a private business for profit.

Also known as career colleges, for-profit trade schools offer a range of programs for one purpose: to arm students with professional-level skills for the ever-competitive job market. The main difference between for-profit and non-profit colleges is that the former rely on profits for funding, as opposed to donations or government handouts. For-profit colleges also have to pay taxes.

Four Major Types of Higher Education in America:
1) For-Profit  (Proprietary) Colleges: Specializes in job-related training, pays taxes, and relies on profits for funding.
2) Private (Non-profit) Colleges: Receives tax exemptions and usually affiliated with religious subsets.
3) Public (Non-profit) Colleges: Funded and operated by state government.
4) Community Colleges: Funded by state jurisdiction. Mostly for two-year associate degrees but some offer four-year bachelor’s degree programs.

For-profit trade schools often take more innovative strides in training students and launching them into the workforce. With their growing reputation for helping students land employment opportunities, the best for-profit colleges have become an increasingly popular choice among today’s students. The following article covers the eight main advantages of attending a for-profit trade school.

1. For-profit Colleges build partnerships with decision-makers and help graduating students succeed in the job market.

Career colleges have an exceptional ability to build relationships with the decision-makers in today’s job market. On the one hand, this occurs based on the needs of the students, many of whom make their enrollment choices based on how a particular college will give them a leg-up among employers once they graduate. Career colleges must deliver, because their enrollment numbers rely on their ability to turn students into successful, gainfully-employed graduates.

Thanks in part to this mutual interest, students who attend a for-profit trade school will often find access to internships and other unique employment opportunities while transitioning from college life into the workforce. Considering the extent to which most fields have become competitive, the improved prospects for which graduates are known to benefit has been a testament to the educational quality of such institutions.

While it has thus far sparked only murmurs in Congress, the issue of student career prospects has been gaining traction as part of a growing awareness for the wellbeing of millennials — a movement spurred by America’s spiraling student debt problem.

While all this is happening, however, for-profit schools — with their ability to secure partnerships with proven job-assistance programs — are leading the way in terms of helping students make the college investment pay off with gainful, field-appropriate employment upon graduation.

2. For-profit colleges have the scalability and flexibility to adjust programs for expected job growth and trends.

Career colleges stay updated on the flow of the job market. As such, for-profits know which fields have growing opportunities, which fields are in decline, and which fields are likely to expand in the near future. Best of all, for-profit trade schools cater their programs accordingly. They expand programs and departments in areas of study that are in high demand among employers, and curb areas of study that yield little or no demand.

This stands in marked contrast to regular colleges, where many a tenured professor will go on teaching certain disciplines for years — sometimes even decades — after their sell-by date in the real world. At best, adaption to trends in the job-market is slow in the departments of traditional non-profit colleges, where unsuspecting students are often encouraged to major in fields of study that simply don’t translate to employability.

By staying on top of where the job market is heading, for-profit trade schools are at the forefront of offering courses in newer, burgeoning fields — many of which are simply not established at regular colleges. This adaptability makes for-profit colleges the better choice for applicants who are serious about gaining skills for in-demand, lucrative fields.

3. For-profit trade schools offer an education model based on competency instead of duration.

For-profit trade schools do far more than develop partnerships with employment programs. There’s also an effort among for-profit institutions to place the emphasis of an education on student competency, as opposed to seat time.

This change marks a drastic shift from traditional education models, where the emphasis is typically placed on the amount of time that a student spends studying a particular topic. In the for-profit sector, there’s an understanding that credit hours alone don’t necessarily equate value in the eyes of employers. When it comes to the job market, things like skills, knowledge, and competency are the true assets that enable applicants to land work.

At for-profit colleges, methods to make teaching more efficient are constantly in development. These methods ensure that students gain the skills that are needed to turn degrees into bona fide credentials for the job market.

With that criteria in place, students that attend for-profit colleges and trade schools graduate with credit hours and by demonstrating professional-level skills in their chosen area. Since the emphasis is on skill-building the most gifted students at for-profit institutions can gain the skills needed in far less time than they would at a regular college. By developing a competency-based educational model, the best for-profit trade schools create a win-win situation for all parties involved: the schools, the students, and the employment bodies looking for new talent.

With their growing reputation for skill-based curriculum, career colleges are increasingly viewed as the most ideal of breeding grounds for new talent among prospective employers. Furthermore, the competency-based model helps students learn at their own pace, and also allows for-profits to graduate individuals in a timelier manner, thus freeing up class slots for newer enrollees while fast-learning students land lucrative positions sooner in life.

The for-profit competency model creates a learning infrastructure in which students are developed as individuals. This model is a refreshing contrast to the square-peg mindset of traditional non-profit learning institutions. This contrast — coupled with the growing wave of criticism toward accreditation in regular schools — is gradually positioning for-profit colleges as a preferable alternative to non-profit colleges.

4. For-profit colleges use less funding from taxpayers than public and not-for-profit schools.

Some people say that too many tax dollars are being swallowed up by schools, welfare, and entitlement programs. Others would say that taxes, while sometimes annoying, are necessary to support basic infrastructure, such as roads, bridges, parks, sidewalks, and garbage collection.

Regardless of where you might stand on the issue of taxation, it’s worth noting that for-profit schools are not reliant on funding from taxpayers than not-for-profit colleges. In a study conducted by Georgetown University researcher Robert J. Shapiro and economist Nam D. Pham, it was found that for-profit colleges take less than a third as much government funds as schools in the public and non-profit sectors. Some for-profit trade schools, like Vista College, take no direct government funding.

5. Career colleges do more with their money to help make a better education system for their students.

Public and not-for-profit schools might currently dominate the higher learning marketplace, but they’re doing far less to maximize their funds in ways that would benefit students in the long run.

The main problem here is that non-profit colleges can’t seem to figure out the right way to spend their money — most of which goes to building lavish dorms, eateries, and workout facilities to attract applicants. All of this spending can leave little for these schools to spend on developing programs that give students the necessary skills and knowledge to compete in today’s job market.

When paired with a learning environment in which students are rubber-stamped based on seat time — regardless of skills gained — the consumer amenities of today’s public campuses can cause tangible skills to be less important than the campus’s modern services and facilities.

As recently as 2007, spending on post-secondary education accounted for 3.1 percent of gross domestic product in the United States. This more than doubled the 1.5 percent of likewise spending in other developed nations. With all things considered, the biggest problem with school funding is not that too much public money is being earmarked for schools. The problem is that too many schools are misspending their money. The exceptions, of course, are for-profit colleges, which focus their funds in the areas that help students graduate with job prospects.

6. For-profit colleges have a better graduation rate than non-profit colleges and universities.

In comparison to non-profit colleges, for-profit trade schools turn out a greater number of graduating students on a year-by-year basis. According to data compiled by the U.S. Education Department, students who have a lack of high school diploma, for example, are only 17 percent as likely to earn an associate or bachelor’s degree as students who have their high school diplomas. At for-profit colleges, students without a high school diploma are 24 percent as likely to earn two or four-year degrees.

These numbers might not seem like a huge improvement over regular schools, but it at least means that, when driven, roughly one in four students with unique challenges will graduate when attending a for-profit college vs non-profit college, and it will all be accomplished with less cost to taxpayers.

As more non-traditional students enroll in college, these numbers are sure to increase. After all, few people can get by these days on a minimum wage salary. People in their late 20s who dropped out of high school or passed on college are coming to the realization that a college degree is likely their only way to achieve more.

There are also untold numbers of workers who made their way into fields back when the barrier of entrance was lower in various trades. Such people will often enroll in college to update their skill sets and to stay competitive amidst rising standards within their industries. For many of these people, the objective is twofold — to hold up their end among younger, more educated talent, and to stay on top of newer, potentially disruptive technologies.

In any case, such people could account for a growing segment of students at for-profit trade schools in the years ahead. As career colleges develop improved methods for helping attendees who don’t fit the conventional student profile, there should be a rising number of first-time graduates who didn’t enter college right after completing high school.

7. For-profit colleges generally provide better education because we are disciplined by the job market.

The success of any school primarily relies on the ability of its staff to help the vast majority of its students complete their degrees. Without that cycle of success, a school will gain a poor reputation in the marketplace and ultimately close its doors.

For-profit trade colleges and trade schools have strived to prove themselves amidst the fierce completion of not-for-profit and public schools. At for-profit colleges, the objective is to see students actually succeed in the job market with the skills and knowledge they gain from their studies, whether a class takes place in a traditional classroom or online environment. For the students of for-profit trade schools, this unique commitment to skill-building and job-finding is invaluable.

As anyone who’s attended a regular college knows, the question of whether employment actually awaits in the outside world can be worrisome throughout a two or four-year degree program. Students at for-profit colleges have an extra-level of assurance that other students lack — an added commitment on the part of the school to the post-graduation career prospects of every student who completes their studies.

Of course, it’s been somewhat of an uphill battle on the part of for-profits to establish legitimacy in the broader educational marketplace. This reputation is because for-profit schools are a newer type of institution, and therefore lack the prestige that has long been granted to public and non-profit schools.

In many ways, however, this situation is merely a case of history repeating itself. After all, there was once a time when land-grant and community colleges were the new players on the block, and both have since become primary options among millions of students pursuing higher educations.

8. For-profit colleges use up-to-date technology and provide online learning environments.

Of all the innovations that for-profit colleges and trade schools have brought to the educational playing field, one of the most important has been the manner in which they have leveraged information technology. With this innovation, for-profit colleges have been able to offer some of the best courses within an online environment — a common setting for many for-profit study programs.

The Department of Education recently observed that courses held online are often more engaging than classes held in the classroom. In its drive to improve this type of learning even further, the for-profit sector has a number of advanced curriculum specialists whose primary function is to continually innovate, develop, and fine-tune the content of online courses so that the leaders of tomorrow can get the most advanced educations today.

Consider the Possibility of Attending a For-Profit Trade School

By staying on top of a mounting list of reasonable demands on the educational front, career colleges can appeal to to an ever-growing range of consumers and lawmakers alike. For-profit schools could lose their standing if they don’t focus on issues that plague regular colleges, such as soaring student loans, unresolved veteran matters, and the high prevalence of low-paying jobs being handed to graduates nationwide. For-profit trade schools are working to be a leading player on the postsecondary stage.

If you’re ready to get started on a promising career path, Vista College, a for-profit trade school, can arm you with the skill sets and knowledge levels demanded by employers in numerous fields.

Day and night, we offer a range of online and on ground courses for various two and four-year degree programs. With eight campus locations in Texas and New Mexico, Vista is among the nation’s best for-profit colleges. Visit us online today to learn more about our programs.

The post 8 Reasons You Should Choose a Trade School appeared first on Vista College.

However, it turns out that it’s completely possible to balance the right amount of rest with a healthy social circle and robust study habits. Being successful in college means building a balanced timetable, and all it takes is a little bit of know-how and a no-nonsense attitude. It all starts with what you do – and don’t do – right before you go to bed.

Sleep Is Not for the Weak

Anyone who’s set foot on a college campus – virtual or otherwise – has probably heard at least one student speaking of all-nighters as though they are battle scars worth boasting about. While sleep deprivation may inspire delusions of academic heroism, the reality is that most students aren’t sleeping enough even though it’s one of the most beneficial ingredients of how to be a successful college student.

When you look around a classroom, you’re likely to notice two separate camps of people: the students who show up bright-eyed and bushy-tailed, ready to absorb information, and the ones who can barely keep their eyes open at their desks. The latter student is quite a common sight, as many studies have proven. While 73 percent of college students report having sleep problems, only 11 percent report sleeping well.

College students have repeatedly won the title of most sleep-deprived demographic for many years, despite the fact that good sleep is essential to almost every aspect of college life. Failure to get enough quality sleep at night means that your efficacy and energy during the day is greatly diminished.

• Daytime sleepiness is a huge problem for college students, with 50 percent of them reporting drowsiness during peak productivity hours.
• Of those college students who struggle with drowsiness, 82 percent say it negatively affects their academic performance.

Failing to get enough sleep doesn’t just mess with your academic potential, it can also lead to rocky relations. A recent study from the University of California, Berkley, suggests that sleep deprivation limits our ability to:

• Practice active listening
• Experience and demonstrate gratitude
• Prioritize the needs of others

These are vital elements to all relationships, platonic or otherwise. When it comes to meeting new people – a pretty big element in a successful college career – a Swedish study has found that sleep deprivation makes you seem both less attractive and less approachable!

How Successful College Students Prepare for Bed

If you’re not sure how to be a successful college student, examining your sleep habits is definitely the place to start. While upping your sleep quantity is a good jumping-off point, it’s vital not to forget the importance of quality. After all, an astonishing 18 percent of college men and 30 percent of college women experience insomnia even when trying to get enough hours of sleep.

There are many habits you can practice that will get your brain primed and ready for the good night’s sleep you need to be successful in college. Here are a few of them.

1.     Plan for Sleep

Like most other things, sleep is best done on a schedule. It may seem counterintuitive to try and regulate your body’s natural sleeping patterns, but chances are you could use the structure. Planning a sleep schedule is the best way to create consistency in sleeping that you wouldn’t otherwise get naturally. If you don’t prioritize and stick to getting enough sleep, it’s easy to get overwhelmed and overtaken by all-nighters or be tempted to go to last-minute parties.

While many people know an established bedtime is effective in improving cognitive performance as well as behavior in children, the idea of going to bed at a certain time loses sway as we get older. Going to bed at a similar time every night gives your body a chance to settle into regular and uninterrupted Rapid Eye Movement (REM) cycles during sleep. The brain consolidates procedural memories – the ones that remind you how to do things – during REM sleep.

Since college students in particular are generating so many procedural memories on a daily basis, sticking to consistent sleep schedules can be a huge boost to academic performance.

2. Prepare Your Body

To stave off the dreaded insomnia experienced by so many students, you have to make sure your body is ready to embrace the sleep it needs. It’s a matter of contention whether or not vigorous exercise within a couple hours of bedtime can negatively affect your sleep, but there are many other things you can do to prepare for relaxation.

Low-intensity forms of physical activity such as yoga or taking a leisurely stroll can improve your ability to fall asleep. Anything that relaxes your muscles is beneficial to you before bed. Even something as simple as a warm bath or relaxing shower can greatly improve your chances of falling and staying asleep for a healthy period of time.

Something simple and habitual is also good to do every night as part of your scheduled bedtime routine. For instance, drinking a cup of herbal tea is one excellent way to promote relaxation and sleepiness naturally.

3. Plan the Next Day

Many of us have trouble leaving our worries by the wayside when it’s time to get to sleep, and for college students the stress can be astronomical. When you’ve got homework, finances, and other plans rolling around in your mind, it can be almost impossible to get to sleep – and waking up in a cold sweat because you forgot about an assignment is never fun. To avoid the stress of the unknown, it’s well worth it to begin making a to-do list every night or even just for the week.

Keeping track of your assignments, social engagements, and basic chores is something that will enhance your quality of life overall, but it’s a great thing to do before bed in particular. You don’t want to be kept up by visions of dancing textbooks in your head, and locking down what you’re going to get done the next day can prevent that from happening

4. Relax Your Mind

While making a to-do list can cut down on confusion and clear away some of your mental clutter, you may still struggle with generalized anxiety that makes it hard to fall and stay asleep. Even if you’ve squared away things you’re going to do the next day, emotional turmoil can linger. That’s why it’s important to do a relaxing hobby before bed.

Mindfulness meditation is one of the most effective ways to relax before going to sleep. It’s a mind-calming practice that focuses on being grounded in the present moment through breathing, observation, and other exercises. With as little as a 20-minute session, mindfulness meditation can produce a deep relaxation response in the body, and practicing it consistently produces even better long-term sleep benefits. In one study, participants who attended a mindfulness-awareness education group twice a week for six weeks learned and applied these techniques. They experienced:

• Fewer instances of insomnia
• Decreased fatigue
• Reduction in symptoms of depression

Though there are many different ways to practice mindfulness, here’s one simple exercise you can do: Close your eyes and put as much focus as possible into the act of breathing. Inhale through your nose and exhale through your mouth, counting to six each time. Focus on the minuscule movements of your body that all work together to pull air in and send it back out.

You’ll notice after a minute or two that your heart rate may slow and your mind may clear – and that’s exactly the state of relaxation that promotes excellent sleep.

5. Unplug and Unwind

It’s becoming more and more difficult to disconnect from all things digital, especially social media. It’s a particularly hard sell for college students, whose lives tend to be scheduled and accessed through the convenience of apps and the Internet. With this convenience comes a whole lot of stress that’s just a phone-vibration away, and extremely hard to turn off.

When thinking about stress, it’s important to understand the term allostatic load. This is defined as the cumulative physical consequences from the constant heightened endocrine state produced by the experience of chronic stress. It’s basically wear and tear on your body from stress, and evidence suggests that nonstop texting and electronic engagement can increase it measurably.

You’re probably familiar with the vague feeling of underlying alertness or anxiety that often comes with having a phone next to your bed that could go off at any moment. It can really affect your ability to relax enough to sleep, and checking your phone at night can throw your schedule off course. However, you don’t need to disconnect completely from the digital world to experience sleep benefits. Putting your phone away and/or putting it on silent for at least a half hour before bed can keep your circadian rhythm on track. Otherwise, the light from your phone screen would have signaled your brain to stay awake.

Putting electronics down for a period before bed also leaves you time to engage in more fruitful presleep pursuits, like the aforementioned meditation or quick yoga session. Reading is also an excellent way to end the night without any electronics involved – as long as you stay away from the textbooks. In fact, recreational reading can reduce stress levels by up to 68 percent.

What Not to Do Before Bed

Part of learning how to be a successful college student is avoiding bad habits that can throw you off your game. In many cases, being proactive and picking up new habits can make a world of difference. Just be sure to watch out for these disruptive don’ts.

1. Drinking Caffeine

It may seem like common sense that the successful college student avoids caffeinated beverages before bed, but a good portion of students appear to live off the stuff. While the occasional cup of coffee around midday isn’t likely to hurt anything, the closer you get to bedtime, the more disruptive the consumption of caffeine is. To drive this point home, consider that caffeine consumed even six hours before bedtime reduces total sleep time by at least one hour.

What’s interesting about the study is that participants were asked to rate how much they thought the consumption of caffeine affected their sleep. Those who consumed it immediately or three hours before bed reported adverse effects on sleep quality, but those who drank caffeine six hours before bed didn’t – even though their results clearly showed a decline in sleep efficiency. The moral of the story is that even if you think caffeine won’t affect your sleep, it’s best to stick to a 2 p.m. cutoff.

2. Drinking Alcohol

Although it may feel like having a drink or two before bed is a good way to help yourself fall asleep, it actually decreases the quality of your sleep measurably. Those REM cycles that help consolidate learning and memory are adversely affected by the consumption of alcohol – and the more you drink, the more off-kilter they become. If you rely on alcohol to fall asleep, you increase your chances of experiencing:

• Sleepwalking and talking
• Sleep apnea
• Decreased memory function
• Daytime sleepiness
• Learning impairment

3. Eating

You know that what you eat has a profound effect on your health in general. Did you know that when you eat can also make a marked difference in your sleep quality? It takes your stomach about three hours to empty itself after a meal, and you should wait at least that long before going to bed after eating. If you don’t, you can actually end up gaining weight and heighten your risk of developing acid reflux disease.

Eating a full meal before bed also slows your digestion, and takes up energy that could be better spent resting and rejuvenating your body. If you’re looking to have a snack before you sleep, make sure it’s a small portion size and low in fat and fiber, since those food groups take longer to digest.

4. Socializing

If you’ve ever had a tough time getting up in the morning, you probably know how well socializing with friends and fellow students can get you up and energized. That’s exactly the reason you should keep socialization to a minimum in the hour or two before bedtime, even though it’s easier said than done. Socialization with more than one person – say, at a party – gets your brain firing on all cylinders, and that’s not what you want before you head to bed.

If possible, place a cushion of at least half an hour between the end of your social engagements and bedtime. That will allow you some time to process your interactions and any emotional fluctuations you may have had without interfering with your ability to fall asleep in a timely manner.

5. Cramming

Even people who aren’t sure how to be successful in college probably know one thing: Cramming is never good. While it’s certainly an inevitable fact of university life, the bottom line is that the fewer times you cram for a test, the better. Procrastination is something that happens to the best of us, but if you’re looking to actually learn material, spaced learning is more effective than cramming for a full 90 percent of the student population.

Aside from being an ineffective study tool, trying to squeeze in as much information as you can is a great way to see your stress levels skyrocket, which will very likely tank your sleep quality and therefore make you less cognitively prepared to take that test anyway. If you absolutely must cram, be sure you do it the right way with:

• Healthy snacks
• Regular short breaks
• A half-hour cushion before bed

How to Be Successful in College

College is complicated, but luckily, spending a little time changing what you do and don’t do before bed can make a real difference. Like anything else in life, it takes motivation and a bit of willpower, but if you can do even one thing to improve your sleep quality, you’re making the kind of changes that are the key to being successful in college.

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You could learn conversational Spanish or French. You could tour the entire fifty states of the U.S. You could probably eat at every single restaurant in Midtown Manhattan.

Or you could earn a paralegal associate degree and create a lifetime career for yourself.

What Is a Paralegal?

The terms paralegal and legal assistant are used interchangeably. The terms refer to those individuals who officially and professionally assist attorneys or legal departments. A large percentage of paralegals employed directly by law firms and private attorneys are required to hold a degree in paralegal studies, legal studies, or post-baccalaureate paralegal certification.

While some law firms and corporations may consider hiring individuals with a non-legal bachelor’s degree, it’s more marketable to hold a paralegal associate degree. This is especially true in less populated, non-metro areas where job demand is lower and competition is higher.

Paralegal Job Outlook: The Types of Paralegal Work

The general role of a paralegal is to prepare legal documents and perform research. However, each paralegal position can go far beyond these duties. Depending on the area of specialization, type of legal services, and type of law firm and corporation, a paralegal’s job can be very different from one job to the next.

There are many types of legal services, law firms, and opportunities for paralegals. Paralegals can fulfill a number of different roles:

Corporate paralegal — This type of paralegal may require a broad knowledge of various legal areas including finance and bankruptcy, business litigation, and real estate. Corporate legal departments will typically have additional regulations and protocol to follow in respect to a paralegal’s responsibilities. A corporate paralegal may be required to attend meetings, log board minutes, draft documents, and draw up corporate resolutions.

Litigation paralegal — A litigation paralegal must have outstanding communication skills. Their type of work requires constant interaction with clients, witnesses, court officials, and department heads. They often serve as the liaison. Drafting court documents, pleadings, motions, and briefs are all responsibilities of a litigation paralegal.

Family law — Family law paralegals often work with couples filing for divorce or mothers seeking child support. They can also provide other civil and family legal assistance. A family law paralegal may prepare divorce documents, correspondence, and legal notifications among other assigned duties.

Civil litigation — Civil litigation paralegal duties are similar to general litigation paralegals. However, civil law procedures that differ from criminal law can actually impact paralegal duties. Civil litigation paralegals may be involved with court proceedings and preparations.

Estate and probate administration — This type of paralegal work includes assisting with estate trustees when someone dies. The paralegal wills the remaining assets to the living. Carrying out the instructions of a will can partially fall upon a paralegal and attorney. They may also prepare documents for court probate appearances, taxes, and trusts.

Labor law – Labor law paralegals work with employees and employers to assist with work practices. They also defend against unfair labor practices, and work with union leaders and others involved in employment and labor practices. Duties often include handling time sensitive documents and working under pressure. A labor law paralegal may handle strikes or salary negotiations.

Immigration law — Immigration law may involve immigration, green card, or temporary visa applicants. An immigration paralegal is responsible for assisting with green card/visa applications and immigration status documents. Immigration cases can often last for several years.

The various types of legal services reach far beyond this list. Paralegal opportunities are just as diverse as the law itself.

Paralegal Employers

The paralegal career outlook is promising, as the types of employers are equally varied and numerous. A paralegal can be hired under various employment agencies or entities. These include:

• Consumer agencies and organizations, such as the BBB
• Corporate legal departments
• County, state, or federal prosecutors
• Private law firms
• Insurance companies
• Real estate agencies
• Legal services, such as public defenders or legal aid
• Local and state government

The list goes on and on. A certified paralegal has countless options for employment and career choices. The career presents opportunities for individuals who are passionate about joining the legal field, but can’t invest eight years or more to become a lawyer. It’s the next best thing to being a lawyer. It could even open the door for exactly that opportunity.

Paralegal vs. Lawyer

The differences between a paralegal and a lawyer are similar to the differences between a nurse and a doctor. A lawyer must attend school for much longer. Lawyers must also pass the bar exam and be professionally- and legally-licensed to practice law. Many lawyers attend school for six to eight years. Employers typically require paralegals to be certified or hold a paralegal associate degree. However, a two-year program is usually sufficient.

While lawyers can practice privately, paralegals must operate under the supervision of a legal department, law firm, private attorney, or some type of legal service. They cannot offer legal advice, cross examine witnesses in court, conduct depositions, or sign pleadings and other court documents. However, both lawyers and paralegals may perform legal research, file motions, draft legal documents, interview witnesses, provide estate planning, write legal briefs, and draw up contracts.

A paralegal is much like a lawyer’s right-hand man or woman. Most lawyers rely heavily on their paralegals to assist them with cases, research, and workload. It’s common for a paralegal to work closely with the lawyers and attorneys who employ them. While a paralegal provides invaluable assistance and organizational aid, a lawyer ultimately takes all legal responsibility for the work done.

Paralegal Salaries

As with any type of employment or career, salaries can vary greatly according to location, experience, time employed, demand, and supply. According to national statistics, the 2013 median pay for a paralegal was about $47,570. But those statistics vary with specialized paralegal fields, such as corporate and insurance paralegal work.

According to the same data, the absolute lowest reported wage for a paralegal was $30,000. However, most paralegals are paid significantly more — the highest reported salary was over $75,000. Corporate paralegals who become senior paralegals can potentially earn a six digit salary. Factors such as location play a big role in determining salary. A paralegal who works in New York City is going to earn more than a paralegal who works in rural Nebraska.

Of course, there are multiple, diverse locations for paralegals to find employment. It’s important to know where to start looking while you’re still earning your degree.

The Top Ten Best Cities for Paralegal Work

Location shouldn’t restrict your paralegal career, but certain cities can offer the best opportunities for your interests and skillset.

1. New York

This is pretty obvious due to its population and enormous business activity. Roughly one in every 800 people in New York City is a paralegal. This is a shockingly high number. Chances are, if you have a Paralegal Associate’s degree and a successful internship, New York may be a wise choice for your paralegal career. Consider all of the Wall Street companies, businesses, and corporations in Manhattan that need legal representation. There are also thousands of law firms in New York. Many firms hire paralegals simultaneously.

2. San Francisco

One in every one thousand people is a paralegal in San Francisco. The average paralegal salary is $70,000 and the average wage is $30 an hour. This is more than twenty thousand over the national average. The reason for the high paralegal employment rate in San Francisco is partially attributed to the ever-growing Silicon Valley tech businesses. All of these businesses need legal representation.

3. Los Angeles

This isn’t a surprise due to its metro size, population, and thriving industry. The entirety of Hollywood needs legal representation, not to mention film and production companies. One in every five hundred people in L.A. is a paralegal. The average salary is $60,000.

4. Boston

Boston is considered the fourth best city in the U.S. for paralegal employment. Roughly one in every nine hundred people is employed as a paralegal. The cost of living in Boston is not nearly as high as many other large cities. The average salary for a Boston paralegal is about $50,000.

5. Chicago

As the third largest city in the U.S., Chicago has its own financial and technology sector which demands plenty of legal services and paralegals. The Chicago areas of Joliet and Naperville are ranked as the second in the nation for highest employment — making it an even more attractive city for paralegal work. The average pay for paralegals in Chicago is $53,000 or $25 an hour.

6. Washington D.C.

The U.S. Justice Department in D.C. is considered the largest employer of paralegals. This doesn’t come as a big surprise considering the amount of lobbying and lawmaking that goes on in Capitol Hill. There’s an abundance of opportunities for paralegals in D.C. Plenty of surrounding suburban areas offer more affordable living. About thirty thousand paralegal jobs are estimated to exist in D.C. The average annual salary for a D.C. paralegal is $64,000 — this is at least eighteen thousand more than the average.

7. Flint, Michigan

This Michigan city is about an hour away from Detroit. However, there are many paralegal opportunities. The average annual salary is $64,000, which is much higher than average.

8. Durham, NC

The Research Triangle consists of Duke University, North Carolina and North Carolina State Universities. This triangle leads to a large amount of paralegal work opportunities in Durham.

9. Denver

Denver is one of the most pleasant cities in the U.S. — it is also one of the fastest growing. Over the past five years, paralegal opportunities have grown far more than other cities can boast. Most paralegals work in legal services and government. The average paralegal salary in Denver is $50,000.

10. Dallas

Dallas is front and center of Texan industry and business, oil corporations, cattle farming, and many other entities. The population is dense, which means more people are in demand of labor, civil, or family law services. The several surrounding noteworthy areas like Arlington, Fort Worth, and even Oklahoma City or Austin make the potential for paralegal work limitless.

How to Become a Paralegal

The steps to becoming a paralegal vary depending on location and employment. One paralegal may help draft documents and write correspondence, while another paralegal could be involved with court processes, preparing witnesses, interviewing clients, and so forth.

Technically speaking, paralegals do not have an actual required degree of education unlike doctors or lawyers. However, next to zero companies or law firms will hire an individual with no experience or education in paralegal studies. Most law firms and paralegal employers prefer individuals who have a paralegal education.

So how do you get a paralegal associate’s degree? Trade schools are one option. Most trade schools that offer certification in programs like massage therapy and medical assistance also offer paralegal studies certification. But most trade schools require daily class attendance. Many offer no financial aid. Trade schools are also not highly regarded by a lot of employers, because they’re not accredited. They may not be the most convenient or wisest way to obtain a paralegal certification.

Attending a college campus is another option. This requires a serious time commitment. For adults who have a fulltime job, attending classes every day isn’t always possible. Some schools offer night and weekend courses, but they are often limited. Attending only nights and weekends classes also means much slower progression toward a degree.

A Well-Rounded Paralegal Associate’s Degree Program

A well-rounded education paralegal program is the type of associate’s degree that will make the best impression on employers. Vista College offers a paralegal degree program which covers all fundamental aspects of the law. Areas of study include:

An Associate of Applied Science degree in Paralegal Studies is a very marketable degree for individuals who want to work as a paralegal. Most law firms’ corporate legal departments require this level of education. It will also give you an advantage over those who have unrelated bachelor’s degrees. If a potential employer is comparing two candidates for a paralegal position, the vast majority of employers will choose the candidate with legal service education or experience. This will be the candidate they do not have to train on the job: the one with a paralegal associate’s degree.

So what do you want to do in the next 70 weeks? To start, you could earn a paralegal associate’s degree at Vista College and completely change your future. The Vista College AAS online degree program is a tremendous opportunity to earn an associate’s degree in paralegal studies. If you want to earn it as fast as possible, 70 weeks is all it takes.

Of course, you don’t have to complete the program in 70 weeks if your schedule doesn’t allow it – you can take up to 105 weeks to finish the program. Regardless of your age, location, or reason for enrolling, you can shape your own paralegal career in a well-rounded degree program. Start working towards your paralegal associate’s degree by visiting Vista College online now.

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