Archive for the ‘College Classes’ Category
Friday, May 13th, 2011
Medical billing and coding online courses are your way in to the healthcare industry, a billion dollar money-making industry! Online courses can help you balance work, career, and even family commitments while allowing you to obtain a degree that will enable you to work in a great new career like medical billing and coding.
Medical billing and coding online courses put you in control.
For adults going back to school, they will learn all about the paperwork process! Medical billing and insurance coding are the ways in which a physician gets paid. So, you’ll be directly responsible for correctly completing the paperwork that helps insurance claims go through as well as the payment of the physicians involved.
As a medical and billing coder, you will submit and follow-up on medical claims to various insurance companies. This paperwork is submitted in order to receive payment for services rendered by a healthcare provider. It may be done on paper or, in some instances, even electronically.
Skills associated with medical billing and insurance coding professionals are:
Highly Organized
Efficient
Proficient Typist
Detail-oriented
Multi-tasking
In this fast-paced career, you will need to stay on top of paperwork, including following up on paperwork as needed. Good organization skills, a comfortable typing speed, and a knack for keeping on top of the details are a few skills that can help you go far in the medical billing and coding career–and make you become a desirable asset to any company!
In your medical billing and coding class you will learn about health insurance plans and policies as well as the laws and regulations that control them. You will also learn about the Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System, the standardized coding system used by the American Medical Association.
For this in-demand degree, you’ll learn all about bookkeeping, like the scheduling and registering of patients, and become informed about accounts receivable and how revenue flows. Medical billing and coding online courses also contain information regarding the ethical implications of this career as well as legal responsibilities.
Besides learning the ins and outs of medical billing and coding in your online classes, you may have a light biology class or two to learn anatomy and other medical terms (and we’ve got the list of nursing iPad apps to help!). You will become familiar with medical terminology in order to help you figure out which coding to use when.
Image Courtesy of Flickr, luxomedia.
Who We Are: Information you can trust. For more than 20 years, My College Guide has provided information to help students find the best college degree and career for them. Get information on medical billing and coding to get you on the road to the right career for you!
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Tags: adult learners, adults going back to school, distance education, Distance Learning, medical assistants, medical billing and coding, medical degree nursing, online, online college, online college course program, online college courses
Posted in Choosing a College, Choosing a Major, College Campus, College Classes, College Life, College Search, Distance Learning, Online Colleges, Online Degrees, Online Education | No Comments »
Thursday, May 12th, 2011
My College Guide knows that choosing your college major ranks up there as one of the top stressors just below choosing a college and financial aid! We’ve said it over and over: an undecided major is not a bad thing. In fact, it may help you find a new interest or passion that you didn’t even know you had!
Don’t just take our word for it! Check out this great video from High Point University. Hear the Chair of the English Department, Dr. Matthew Schneider, at High Point University make some very good points about why an undecided major is nothing to fear! Watch Undecided? by High Point University on YouTube or below.
Feel better? Not choosing a major doesn’t automatically mean you will take seven years to finish college! Read about this college myth and more right here on My College Guide.
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Tags: Choosing a Major, college major, college majors, college myth, college myths, Colleges and Social media, colleges and youtube, high point university, undecided major, youtube
Posted in Choosing a Major, College Classes, College Life | No Comments »
Wednesday, May 11th, 2011
If you’re a busy working adult, going to business college online could be a great way to get your business degree without totally disrupting your regular life.
Business College Online? Don't forget about the importance of internships and networking!
But to make it worth your while, you have to put a lot of time and effort into it—just as you would if you were attending a regular, campus-based program. In addition, going to business college online presents some unique challenges. Below are tips for making the most of it!
How to network while attending business college online.
One thing most business schools do really well is to provide networking opportunities for their students. As an online student, you can still network—you just have to be a little more creative about it.
Actively participate in class forums, discussion groups and live chats. The best way to get to know your peers is to interact with them. So don’t miss an opportunity to get involved.
Join networking clubs in your community. Opportunities for networking are plentiful—even for adults going back to school. Whether your local chamber of commerce, an industry-specific association or even a Meetup group organizes them, events are happening all around you. Get out there!
Don’t forget about the importance of internships. You might think that by attending business college online, you can skip the internship. But that’s not a good idea! Many programs actually require you to complete an internship, but even if yours doesn’t, you should make an effort to find one. An internship can greatly enhance your network—and your job opportunities when you graduate.
Getting the most out of your classes when attending business college online.
Getting the most out of your business college online experience means more than just working hard towards your bachelor’s degree online—it means actively participating in class.
Get to know your professors. Many professors make themselves available for Skype sessions or, at the very least, live chats. Make sure you’re taking advantage of these opportunities! Use them to ask questions, get clarifications, and to get their perspective on subjects of concern to you. The effort could pay off when it comes to grade time!
Volunteer to lead. The most successful people in business are those who are unafraid to take charge. And the best place to hone those skills? Is in the lecture hall—virtual or not. So volunteer for group projects and presentations. You’ll be glad you did!
Image Courtesy of Flickr, bgottsab.
Who We Are: Information you can trust. For more than 20 years, My College Guide has provided information to help students find the best college degree and career for them. Get information on subjects like business college online and then some to get you on the road to the right career for you!
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Tags: adults going back to school, business, business administration, business administration degree, business administration skills, business college, business college online, distance education, Distance Learning, internship, online, online college, online college course program
Posted in Choosing a College, College Campus, College Classes, College Life, College Search, Distance Learning, Fun Stuff, Online Colleges, Online Degrees, Online Education | No Comments »
Tuesday, May 10th, 2011
Looking into a vocational technical school? There’s a lot of them out there, so how do you find the best school for you? My College Guide has tips to help you find the perfect fit!
Vocational Technical School Tips
Class Size – How big are the classes and the classrooms? If large lecture halls aren’t your thing, make sure that the vocational technical school that you pick includes plenty of hands-on class time than book time.
Hands-On – The key to a successful vocational technical school experience is that ever-critical hands-on learning! How does your potential college compare? Check out the kitchen or the garage and see if the field you are interested in is complete. There’s no better way to learn the skills you need than actually getting in there and doing it for yourself!
It’s All in the Details
Retention Rate – Find out the percentage of students that continue on in their education. A high drop-out rate could mean that the program isn’t up to par. Students may be dropping out because the course just didn’t meet their expectations. Do your research and see what you can find. Your potential vocational technical school can supply you with this information.
Accreditation – My College Guide has said it before and we’ll say it again: Make sure your school is accredited! An accredited school can be your key to financial aid. Not only that, but choosing an accredited vocational technical school can mean that your degree will be taken seriously—and that the program is well-developed to help ensure your future success!
Modern and Tidy – As an adult going back to school, you need to make a visit! If you are interested in mechanics, check out the garage. Want to be a chef? Browse the kitchen! Is everything taken care of and in good shape? Does it look up to date and modern? You should expect a little wear and tear if the vocational technical school has a lot of hands-on class time (as it should) but in general, it should feel well-kept, welcoming, and modern! An outdated facility could be a big, giant sign that you may not necessarily receive the education you are paying for.
Image Courtesy of Flickr, ssibara.
Who We Are: Information you can trust. For more than 20 years, My College Guide has provided information to help students discover the best college degree and career for them. Get information on things like vocational technical school and other questions to find the right career for you!
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Tags: adult education, adult learners, adults going back to school, career schools, Choosing a College, Choosing a Major, Financial Aid, Technology, trade schools, vocational school
Posted in Career Colleges, Choosing a College, College Campus, College Classes, College Life, College Search, Vocational School | No Comments »
Monday, May 9th, 2011
Breaking into the video game development industry is tough, but by seeking out the best online degrees for gamers, you can give yourself a leg up! So what are the best online degrees for this industry? Well, the answer is: It depends.
What are the best online degrees for gamers?
What aspect of video gaming are you interested in? Developing a video game is a complex process requiring many different skill sets, from programming to scriptwriting. There’s no such thing as a one-size-fits-all degree!
The Best Online Degrees For Gamers
If you want to work behind the scenes, developing the programming that is at the heart of every video game, you may want to consider degree in computer science.
A computer science degree will require you to learn all the programming languages you’ll need to succeed in video game development, plus give you a solid foundation in a variety of programming-related skills that will help you adapt as the industry changes.
You can, of course, also get a video game development degree. Many of the top schools offer them! Do your research before you decide which avenue to pursue!
The Best Online Degrees For the Creatively Inclined
Would you rather create the characters of the game and the world they inhabit? Then you have several options.
A degree in art design will enable you to get your foot in the door as a 2D artist, designing game environments, backgrounds and characters. But if you want to bring the games to life, rendering them in 3D and animating characters, you may want to consider a degree in animation, or even gaming art.
But don’t forget, every video game needs a plot, a story line, and even a script! If words are your thing, try a screenwriting or film studies degree—although even a BFA in creative writing could give you the skills you need.
Ultimately, there is no one “best online degree” for the video game industry. Make sure the program you choose has a solid foundation in liberal arts, a focus on the technical or creative skills you’ll need to succeed, and, most importantly, a curriculum that feels comfortable to you. That’s the best online degree for you!
Image Courtesy of Flickr, Solo.
Who We Are: Information you can trust. For more than 20 years, My College Guide has provided information to help students find the best college degree and career for them. Get information on the best online degree programs to get you on the road to the right career for you!
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Tags: best online degree, choosing a college major, computer science, degree in computer science, degrees for gamers, film studies degree, games, gaming degree, liberal arts, liberal arts colleges, most employable majors, online college, online college course program, online college courses, online degree programs
Posted in Career Colleges, Choosing a College, Choosing a Major, College Campus, College Classes, College Life, College Search, Distance Learning, Online Colleges, Online Degrees, Online Education, Vocational School | 2 Comments »
Saturday, May 7th, 2011
When you’re trying to decide whether you should pursue an online degree program, there’s one question you want answered—will this be worth it? After all, no one wants to spend hundreds of hours and potentially thousands of dollars for a degree that goes nowhere. You need to be sure that there will be a job for you when you graduate—preferably one that pays well!
Consider your interests to find the best online degree program that will pay off!
We have good news—My College Guide did your homework for you! Online degree programs targeted toward any of the five careers mentioned below are almost guaranteed to pay off! According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, they’re among the fastest growing professions in the country!
Scientifically inclined? Choose online degree programs in healthcare.
Registered nurses will be in high demand, with job growth percentages in the double digits! You can begin your career with an associate’s degree in nursing, but many nurses go on to get their bachelor’s or even master’s degree!
Medical assistants will also be sought after—especially as the baby boomer generation becomes elderly. The lowest paid medical assistants can receive all of their training on the job, but an associate’s degree will ensure you’re qualified for a broader range of (potentially higher paying) opportunities.
Doctors and surgeons always have a pretty healthy job outlook, but as the elderly population in the United States grows, so does the demand for physicians. And online degree programs can get you started!
Got a head for business? Choose one of these online degree programs.
Accountants have never lacked for opportunities. But job growth is expected to be higher than ever—increasing by more than 20 percent! To become an accountant, you’ll need to get a bachelor’s degree. However, to qualify for the highest-paying accountant jobs, you’ll need to pass the Certified Public Accountant (CPA) exam. The good news? Many online degree programs can help you prepare for it!
Management Analysts—also called consultants—will experience almost a 25 percent growth in job opportunities! If you’d like to help companies learn how to become more efficient and profitable, you should start by getting a bachelor’s degree in business. But to really hit pay dirt, you’ll want to get your MBA.
These are just a few of the many fast growing occupations in the United States. Do your research and you’re sure to find online degree programs that will quickly get you on your way to a rewarding career!
Image Courtesy of Flickr, Evil Erin.
Who We Are: Information you can trust. For more than 20 years, My College Guide has provided information to help students find the best college degree and career for them. Get information on the best online degree programs to get you on the road to the right career for you!
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Tags: accounting, accounting degree programs, adult learners, associate's degree, bachelor's degree, business, business administration, business administration degree, choosing a college major, medical assistants, nursing, nursing degree, online college, Online Colleges, online degree programs
Posted in Career Colleges, Choosing a Major, College Classes, College Life, College Search, Distance Learning, Online Colleges, Online Degrees, Online Education, Vocational School | No Comments »
Friday, May 6th, 2011
Many adults returning back to school (and even students fresh out of college) are turning to an associate of arts degree. Online or on-campus, this degree can help get you working towards a bachelor degree in less time and with less money!
Thinking of obtaining an associate of arts degree? There's no better time than now!
An associate’s degree is an undergraduate degree like any other except—this one only takes two years to complete! Best of all, earning this degree cuts two years from earning a bachelor’s degree!
You can find an associate of arts degree from the usual higher education institutions, like community colleges, junior colleges, technical and vocational schools, and colleges with bachelor’s degree programs.
The Purpose of an Associate of Arts Degree
An associate of arts degree (AA) helps you complete your general requirements before continuing on and snagging a bachelor’s degree. Of course, your credits may transfer differently, but as general rule, an associate degree will reduce your time spent studying for a bachelor’s degree by two years and help you prepare for the workload involved in earning a four year degree.
You’ll need to compare programs and check out the sister college for the four year university you plan on transferring to. Some four year colleges offer an associate of arts degree so you won’t need to transfer colleges and will know that your credits will qualify toward completion of your bachelor’s degree.
What To Expect
An associate of art degree can help bulk up your resume!
As with any degree, associates, bachelor, or beyond, you will have specific courses that you will need to complete in order to graduate college. You won’t just get to “do art” all day.
You may be required to complete courses in math, English (like English Composition or Literature), and the humanities (like sociology or psychology) as well as other subjects. Whether you complete these courses on-campus or online, you will have certain art-related courses to complete in order to graduate. Your art classes can also vary depending on the school you are attending and what they have to offer!
What’s Next?
Your associate of arts degree can help you work toward a bachelor’s degree in quite the range of subjects! These majors include business administration, languages, social sciences, law, accounting, and the arts, of course. Your academic background will then form the basis for jobs in the same fields—and beyond!
Image #1 Courtesy of Flickr, geishaboy500 / THOR.
Image #2 Courtesy of Flickr, DailyPic / Joan M. Mas.
Who We Are: Information you can trust. For more than 20 years, My College Guide has provided information to help students discover the best college degree and career for them. Get information for associate of arts degree programs and find the right career for you!
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Tags: adult learners, adults going back to school, associate of art degree, associate's degree, business administration, Choosing a College, Choosing a Major, college major, college majors, College Transfer, distance education, Distance Learning, online college, online degree programs, online distance learning, transfer
Posted in Choosing a College, Choosing a Major, College Campus, College Classes, College Life, College Search, Distance Learning, Online Colleges, Online Degrees, Online Education | No Comments »
Thursday, May 5th, 2011
Bring on your desire to begin your online distance learning – but you’ll need more than motivation to finish your online degree program! Check out My College Guide’s list of online distance learning tools of the trade. Figure out what you already have and what you need to know before you officially enroll and before that first day of class!
Your online distance learning checklist!
Online Distance Learning: Personal Checklist
Textbooks – For some online distance learning programs, your textbooks will be available completely online. For others, you will have to go to an outside source or your school’s online bookstore. You can cut costs if you consider purchasing new or used college textbooks! Make sure you plan ahead in case you need to buy or rent your college textbooks!
Time – You are a busy working adult. Are you ready for the challenges of balancing work and leaving time to study for school? Every online distance learning institution is different. Find out how many hours on average you will be expected to set aside for schoolwork and see how you can fit that into your schedule.
Tools of The Trade
Computer – A busted computer is not going to make your online distance learning experience an easy one! If you have a computer that is prone to crashes and lags, that won’t make your college experience very enjoyable. You’ll need something that will let you take quizzes and tests without getting you locked out! Some financial aid options will go towards the expense of a new computer or laptop. Fill out the FAFSA, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, and see what how you qualify.
Reliable Internet – Do you have internet access? While the thought of heading to the library or stealing from your neighbor may sound appealing, not having access to the internet won’t work as an excuse for when you can’t turn in your research paper! You may want to consider getting your own internet service. Free up your time and make life a little bit easier on you (Psst! Even your browser can help with your online distance learning experience).
The Joys of Technology
Tech Support – Things happen. If there’s a glitch in the site or you can’t access a needed page on your college’s website, you’ll need the assistance of tech support! See if there’s an email address or working phone number that you can hang on to “just in case.” It’s reassuring to know good to that there’s somewhere to go for help!
Image Courtesy of Flickr, Theen … / Theen Moy.
Who We Are: Information you can trust. For more than 20 years, My College Guide has provided information to help students find the best college degree and career for them. Get information on online distance learning and find the right career for you!
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Tags: Distance Learning, FAFSA, Financial Aid, financial aid packages, Firefox addons, firefox and college, firefox extensions, online distance learning, online learning, rent textbooks college, study guide, study habits, used textbook websites, used textbooks
Posted in Career Colleges, Choosing a College, College Campus, College Classes, College Life, College Search, Distance Learning, Online Colleges, Online Degrees, Online Education, Online Tools, Preparing for College, Technology, Vocational School | No Comments »
Monday, May 2nd, 2011
What does the phrase “continuing education” mean to you? Do you picture a room full of senior citizens learning to use the computer? Or a room full of doctors learning about the latest surgery technique?
The many faces of continuing education.
Neither definition would be wrong. In fact, “continuing education” is a fairly generic term meant to encompass every single form of post secondary education.
However, it’s most commonly used to describe the following three types of education.
Continuing Education for Adult Learners
Nontraditional students returning to school are often said to be taking part in continuing education. People in this category could be pursuing a four-year college degree, learning new skills at a vocational school, or even taking post-graduate classes.
If you fall in this category of learners, your goal is to learn a new set of skills that will propel your career in a new direction!
Continuing Education for Dabblers
Some people are simply perpetual students at heart. They probably already have a bachelor’s degree (or three), but never tire of learning. If you usually take classes based on your interests—and not concrete career goals—you’re most likely a dabbler. You can even elect to audit classes—meaning you won’t collect college credit for them (and don’t have to worry about your grades)!
Continuing Education for Professionals
Some industries require practitioners to take a certain number of continuing education credits to stay licensed. For instance, if you work in the health services industry as a doctor, nurse or other medical professional, you will have annual continuing education requirements.
You can also expect to have to take continuing education classes in the fields of law, accounting, engineering, massage therapy—even hair styling!
Continuing Education the Online Way
No matter which category of continuing education aficionado you fall into, chances are you can fulfill your needs online. There are thousands of colleges and technical schools offering online degree programs—and many will allow you to cherry pick classes if you don’t want to pursue a formal degree!
People seeking professional continuing education credits can also find what they’re looking for online. Whether that’s through a series of webcast seminars, or taking an online class, there are plenty of opportunities for distance learning. Just check with your state licensing board to see what the requirements are!
Image Courtesy of Flickr, robynejay.
Who We Are: Information you can trust. For more than 20 years, My College Guide has provided information to help students find the best college degree and career for them. Get information on continuing education to get you on the road to the right career for you!
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Tags: adult learners, adults going back to school, career schools, Continuing Education, distance education, higher education, online college, online college course program, trade schools, vocational school
Posted in Career Colleges, Choosing a College, Choosing a Major, College Campus, College Classes, College Life, College Search, Distance Learning, Online Colleges, Online Degrees, Online Education, Vocational School | No Comments »
Saturday, April 30th, 2011
In tough economic times like these, getting a master’s degree online can give you a real competitive edge. But don’t kid yourself—getting a master’s degree is hard work—online or off.
Thinking about getting a master's degree online?
Before you make the commitment to getting your master’s degree online, put some serious thought into it. Do a gut check and make sure an online program is the right choice for you.
The master’s degree online and you.
Online master’s degree programs are a great choice for working professionals. But it’s a different sort of graduate school experience. Before applying, ask yourself:
How self disciplined am I?
Online master’s degree programs offer a level of flexibility that can’t be matched by most traditional schools. Often, you’ll be given a syllabus, access to pre-filmed lectures and an assignment list, and simply be expected to complete the necessary work by the end of the term.
That means you can study whenever it’s convenient for you, whether that’s before your morning Wheaties or after your kids are finally in bed! But, as an adult going back to school, if you can’t commit to a regular study schedule—and stick to it no matter what—getting your master’s degree online might not be the best choice for you.
Do I have the right personality to go to school online?
There can be no doubt about it—the experience of getting a master’s degree online is very different than that of a traditional graduate program. While you’ll probably participate in regular online discussions with your peers and may even chat with a study group over Skype, it can feel rather isolating.
So if you’re the type of person who needs regular, in-person interaction to feel fulfilled, studying online will be challenging for you. If, on the other hand, you just want to learn at your own pace, on your own time, getting a master’s degree online might be just the thing for you!
The #1 question to ask yourself before getting a master’s degree online.
Once you decide that yes, you do think an online master’s degree program is the right choice for you, there’s only one question you need to ask yourself:
Will getting a master’s degree online pay off?
For most professions, the answer is an unqualified yes! For careers ranging from business to education, an advanced degree usually translates into a bigger paycheck. But there are exceptions. So before making the commitment, take a look at your industry and make sure getting a master’s degree online will enhance your job outlook.
And if it won’t? Maybe you should consider using your online master’s degree as a way to transition into a better paying field!
Image Courtesy of Flickr, lauren-janelle.
Who We Are: Information you can trust. For more than 20 years, My College Guide has provided information to help students find the best college degree and career for them. Get information on master’s degrees online that will get you on the road to the right career for you!
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Tags: adult learner, adults going back to school, Choosing a College, distance education, Distance Learning, master's degree, online college, online college courses, study habits
Posted in Choosing a College, College Campus, College Classes, College Life, College Search, Distance Learning, Online Colleges, Online Degrees, Online Education | No Comments »
