Opportunities for nurses expand and deepen with advanced degree work

Posted on May 12, 2011 by admin

Registered nurses (RNs) are linchpins in the healthcare cycle system. They provide medical and emotional support for the sick and injured by keeping detailed track of patients’ symptoms and monitoring their improvement or decline.

Nursing is an extremely stable profession. The median income for RNs who were employed during May of 2008 was $65,130, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

The BLS notes that a student who is considering a career in this field may pursue a diploma, an associate’s degree in nursing (ADN) or a bachelor’s of science degree in nursing (BSN). All RNs must pass the National Council of Licensing Examination for Registered Nurses to be officially licensed to practice in every state.

As certain career specialties and positions with higher pay are only open to BSN holders, current students should carefully weigh the advantages of each educational path when choosing their nursing courses.

A RN with an ADN may decide to deepen and specialize their skill sets with entry-level training in hospital, hospice and residential settings. They may then decide to pursue a BSN.

As patient care methodology is in continual flux, nurses are expected to stay at the forefront of their field in order to provide best care practices. To this end, they may take continued nursing courses to stay current. These professionals can choose to pursue an online master’s degree in nursing, for example, and complete advanced coursework while working full-time.

With experience, some RNs may choose to specialize even further. For example, professionals who are interested in the future of methodology and practice in their field may focus on nursing theory during their training.

Many RNs with experience and advanced levels of education can serve as teachers. Whether leading clinics in low-resource settings or speaking at conferences overseas to advance nurses’ rights, these professionals can contribute enormously to the health field as a whole.

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Teacher qualifications vary according to state, subject and licensing procedures

Posted on April 27, 2011 by admin

Most students may recall at least one teacher, whether in elementary, middle or high school, who was pivotal in shaping their interest in a subject. Motivated, committed instructors are essential to the intellectual development of our youth.

Their work provides many students with analytical skills, necessary knowledge and positive mentor-ship.

Determining whether to become a teacher is the right career choice for you may be a decision you will come to through experience. You may have served intermittently as a writing instructor or a private tutor, and would now like to pursue a long-term career as an educator.

The licenses you will need in order to teach will depend on what type of instructor you’d like to be, who you would like to instruct and the kind of school setting you would like to be in.

The availability of positions, in particular, depends heavily on the state in which you teach and the subject you decide to specialize in. Urban and rural public schools, for example, are traditionally in great need of qualified instructors.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), private school instruction often does not require licensing. These institutions may seek an instructor who holds a bachelor’s degree in the subject they wish to teach. In most states, individuals who wish to teach general education in public schools are required to hold a bachelor’s degree and complete supervised practice, and obtain a license from the State Board of Education.

The BLS adds that licensing practices vary from state to state. Every prospective teacher is tested on their basic competency in reading, writing and proficiency in their subject. Other states require continued learning for license renewal, such as a master’s degree in education.

Licensing may become easier with certification from an accredited program, the BLS notes. At most four-year colleges, students can apply for such education programs, and develop their skill sets through specialized teacher courses.

Even further certification is available for teachers who wish to show their advanced competence. These nationally certified professionals are often given higher salaries and benefits, and can teach in several different states.

According to the BLS website, in the 2005 to 2006 school year, entry-level teachers who held bachelor’s degrees earned an average of $33,227 per year.

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In social work research, collaboration can lead to innovative solutions

Posted on April 4, 2011 by admin

Many academics use their research to provide innovative solutions for complex issues.

Social work is no exception. In fact, the importance of sociological research to social workers cannot be overemphasized. Without these professionals’ fresh analysis of certain populations, tired and ineffective approaches may remain in use.

Academics may begin their careers with a bachelor’s degree in social work, and take on research positions when they enroll in master’s or doctorate degree programs, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

The military is one population that researchers have recently highlighted. The Shorthorn reports that soldiers often avoid seeking counseling because they are wary of the associated stigma.

To remedy this, social work professor Alexa Smith-Osborne is planning a research study of the counseling needs of soldiers before and after deployment. Working with a medical social worker in the army, Smith-Osborne will supervise the cases of a number of enlistees, to develop support plans that are “off the record” for servicemen, the outlet reports.

Each year, new findings from other fields prompt reform of popular ideas in social work. For example, issues that have traditionally been considered the lot of government – poverty, healthcare, the environment – are being addressed by leaders in business.

Michael Porter of Harvard Business School has, in recent years, researched the economic health of the inner city. He has concluded that business leaders must invest in urban neighborhoods for the American inner city to gain a competitive advantage.

Leaders of social services may bristle at Porter’s recommendations for collaboration between the private and public sector. However, Porter emphasizes that the community-based organization (CBO), which is comprised of social workers, is a key link between low-resource individuals and wider sources of capital.

CBOs have detailed knowledge of the individuals residing in local communities. Porter notes that these social service organizations can work as liaisons between employable residents and businesses that are seeking workers.

If an urban community were to collaborate with a large corporation to create employment opportunities, social work researchers would be at the front lines to track the effects of this change on residents. They could create further recommendations on the future roles of the CBO. They could also assess whether or not a local social services center has outdated approaches or attitudes that actually work against the long-term interests of local residents.

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A changing crime landscape suggests criminal justice degree students should specialize

Posted on March 16, 2011 by admin

As the landscape of criminal activity changes, professionals who have developed tailored Criminal Justiceskill sets are being called upon to investigate new crimes.

The internet, for example, is a relatively new platform for criminal activity. Identity theft and fraud are crimes that commonly occur online and can be classified as cybercrime. Even more insidious are harassment and hate crimes, like cyberbullying, that can end in harm and death of victims. A recent spate of teenage deaths across the U.S. tragically highlights the spread of this new form of assault.
As a result of these changes, the employment of private detectives and investigators is expected to grow by 22 percent over the next seven years, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). This is much higher than the average rate of growth for all occupations.

Crime shows and films may glorify the excitement of being a criminal investigator, but they usually don’t depict the intensive training, education and work that is invested into getting to that point.

Criminal justice degree students who are planning to become investigators may take courses in political science and criminology.

An associate’s or bachelor’s degree, combined with direct experience in police investigation, can lead to a career in criminal investigation. These professionals may choose to specialize with work experience. In fact, most criminal justice students can enter the field right after graduation, the BLS reports.

Alternately, criminal justice degree seekers may have an idea about the type of investigator they would like to be while they are still in college. A computer forensic analyst will have pursued both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in computer forensics. An investigator of corporate crimes – a topic that is on the minds of many in the wake of last year’s Wall Street scandals – will typically have a master’s degree in law or business.

Schools may offer scholarships for graduate students of criminal justice. Recently, Wesh.com reported on a Florida university’s founding of a scholarship program for graduate students who are enrolled in their criminal justice degree program. The funds were established in honor of a former student, Jennifer Keese, who was allegedly abducted in 2006 and never found.

Missing persons investigators often track down suspects through their computer trail, including their online financial transactions, e-mails, telephone numbers, vehicle registrations and personal information on networking sites, according to the BLS site.

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What can I do with a sociology degree?

Posted on March 9, 2011 by admin

If you’ve ever felt conflicted about a lawmaker’s decision and wish it could have been you giving him key advice, you might be a good candidate for a degree in sociology. Professional in this field are researchers of people, systems and behavior. They study how individuals respond to their environment.

As a sociologist working in a think tank or academia, you could have an excellent platform to offer solutions to complex social issues and ineffective government policies.

There are also opportunities for sociologists to engage directly with their subjects. One famous example is Sudhir Venkatesh, a sociology professor and author of Gang Leader for a Day, a study of the residents of Chicago’s former Robert Taylor Homes.
Instead of doing remote research through statistical analysis, Venkatesh went on site to the low-income projects himself. He befriended individuals directly involved in the drug trade in order to develop a close intimacy with how illegal economies function and sustain local communities in the absence of legal employment opportunities.

Venkatesh’s methods are controversial. However, he challenges some common critiques of academics in sociology – namely that their work is too abstract and distanced from the lived experience of their study subjects, and that such gaps make for inappropriate or ill-suited policy recommendations.

Criminologists are a speciality within sociology that have had a large impact on policy in recent weeks. The governor of California recently announced reforms to the state’s burgeoning prison system, reports the San Jose Mercury News. Jerry Brown intends to get rid of the juvenile prison system altogether, and outlined a transfer of state inmates to county prisons. Criminologists had determined that both measures would benefit the state immensely, according to the news outlet.

The employment of sociologists is expected to grow at a faster rate than the national average, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports. A bachelor’s degree is essential for any entry-level position, and internship experience is recommended.

Aspirants to the field are expected to use a range of methods of statistical, comparative and historical analysis, according to the BLS. They need to ensure they can write clearly and crisply. Good research skills, which can be developed through coursework in ethnography and anthropology, are essential.

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A degree in nursing can increase job security

Posted on March 3, 2011 by admin

Registered nurses (RNs) are linchpins in the healthcare cycle system. They provide medical and emotional support for the sick and injured by keeping detailed track of patients’ symptoms and monitoring their improvement or decline.

Nursing is an extremely stable profession. The median income for RNs who were employed during May of 2008 was $65,130, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).

The BLS notes that a student who is considering a career in this field may pursue a diploma, an associate’s degree in nursing (ADN) or a bachelor’s of science degree in nursing (BSN). All RNs must pass the National Council of Licensing Examination for Registered Nurses to be officially licensed to practice in every state.

As certain career specialties and positions with higher pay are only open to BSN holders, current students should carefully weigh the advantages of each educational path when choosing their nursing courses.

A RN with an ADN may decide to deepen and specialize their skill sets with entry-level training in hospital, hospice and residential settings. They may then decide to pursue a BSN.
As patient care methodology is in continual flux, nurses are expected to stay at the forefront of their field in order to provide best care practices. To this end, they may take continued nursing courses to stay current. These professionals can choose to pursue an online master’s degree in nursing, for example, and complete advanced coursework while working full-time.

With experience, some RNs may choose to specialize even further. For example, professionals who are interested in the future of methodology and practice in their field may focus on nursing theory during their training.

Many RNs with experience and advanced levels of education can serve as teachers. Whether leading clinics in low-resource settings or speaking at conferences overseas to advance nurses’ rights, these professionals can contribute enormously to the health field as a whole.

Posted in Bachelors Degree, Health Care & Medical, Nursing, Udegrees | Tagged , , , , , | 1 Comment

A criminal justice degree can lead to a fulfilling career as a social worker or warden

Posted on February 24, 2011 by admin

Recently, U.S. lawmakers from both political parties have emphasized how incredibly expensive it is to maintain their state prison systems. Many seem to be agreeing on a few common solutions, including a focus on incarcerated individuals who need addiction treatment.

Last week, Nathan Deal, Georgia’s governor, talked about the troubles of his state’s system, reported the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. He emphasized that imprisoning nonviolent offenders with drug problems is a waste of state resources. Randall Shepard, Indiana’s chief justice, described how judges and parole officers can use a risk assessment tool to determine which offenders need community-based treatment, according to the Indianapolis Star.

Students who are interested in law enforcement may utilize their criminal justice degrees Criminal Justiceto enter the world of probation and correctional treatment. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), probation officers are tasked with deciding which convicted individuals should, in fact, be imprisoned. Correction treatment specialists deal directly with the incarcerated. They may rise through their prison’s ranks to manage other officials and even become a jail warden, according to the BLS.

Warden are in a unique position to enact change. Some transform their jails into models of efficiency. One such example is warden John Wetzel, who worked to reform the Franklin County jail in Pennsylvania during his tenure, the Herald-Mail reports. Wetzel made his prison safer and saved his state money by implementing a Day Reporting Center, where nonviolent offenders receive counseling along with substance abuse treatment. The news outlet noted that the center’s clients have a recidivism rate of 18.2 percent, which is drastically lower than the national average.

For years, social workers have raised awareness of similar support networks. In receiving substance abuse treatment, a clean, sober offender has a better chance at coping with his issues in a healthy fashion. Employment and skill programs are set up within many prisons to help inmates transition back into society. In some prisons that have partnered with local colleges, inmates can even earn a bachelor’s degree.

College students may consider contributing to prison reform by advocating for training inmates in life skills or providing the training themselves. They could help offenders undo deep-seated behaviors and reduce the allure of a life of crime.

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Most secure jobs in 2011 and the degrees needed to get them

Posted on February 7, 2011 by Amy

An article on Monster+Hotjobs lists the most secure jobs in 2011 and describes which jobs will most likely grow in the years to come. These positions have certain educational requirements and if any of these jobs sound interesting to you, the suggested degree programs for each career are listed below.

Project Manager – Since project managers can over-see projects in many different industries a bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Information Technology, Finance, Management, Communications, or Business can all be beneficial to the position. Project Managers should also have strong analytical and organizational skills. Some schools offer master’s degree programs in Project Management or certificates that can be earned along with a bachelor’s degree.

Social Media Manager – This is a fairly new position that is becoming popular with the growth of social media sites and their use in marketing brands and monitoring brand discussions online. A bachelor’s degree in Marketing would be helpful in this career path. Also, a bachelor’s degree in Information Technology could be of use, as it is important to understand the relationship between marketing and technology that happens across the internet and in social media. Some colleges offer master’s programs in Internet Marketing which would help to augment your skills.

Physician Assistant – As the healthcare industry and need for physician assistants continues to grow, people studying in the medical/healthcare field will see much success in finding a job upon graduation. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the physician assistant program itself usually takes two years. Most people entering into these programs already have a bachelor’s degree or health field related experience. In order to start on the right path, a degree in Nursing or Surgical Technology would be recommended. Also, completing a program to become an Emergency Medical Technician or a Paramedic can be beneficial. Requirements for the physician assistant program can differ at every school.

Physical Therapist and Physical Therapist Assistant – A career as a Physical Therapist requires a post-graduate degree certification from an accredited school. The BLS recommends the following undergraduate programs as the most beneficial for becoming a Physical Therapist: Biology, Anatomy, Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics, Statistics, and Social Science. In order to become a Physical Therapist Assistant, schools offer a two year associate’s or certification program specifically geared toward becoming a Physical Therapist Assistant.

Staffing Manager – Due to the high unemployment rate, people are often settling for temporary positions in hopes of turning them into a permanent job. This created an increase in demand for Staffing Managers who help these people and companies find each other. The recommended degree for this career is a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Communications, or Human Resources. It’s important for a staffing manager to have strong communication and organizational skills. Also, graduate degrees in the same programs as mentioned above would be advantageous.

Posted in Bachelors Degree, Computers & IT, Health Care & Medical, Health Information Technology, Masters Degree, Nursing, Social Media | Tagged , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Crime trends highlight needs for city renewal and potential careers in urban planning

Posted on February 3, 2011 by admin

If you live in a highly populated urban area in the U.S., chances are that the crime rates in your city are significantly higher than what you’d find in the suburbs or the country. Population density combined with low job opportunities can lead to battles over limited resources.

Trying to pinpoint exactly why crime trends unfold as they do is difficult work. Figuring out whether drops in crime, for example, are mere blips or signs of deeper changes in an urban landscape is the job of a sociologist, who may analyze such trends over several decades.

In St. Louis last year, for example, major violent crimes fell by 9.2 percent, according to a report in the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. Why this happened, however, is extremely unclear.

Professor of criminology Richard Rosenfeld told the news outlet that the city’s declining population may be a factor, but is not the main reason for the drop – nor is their high unemployment rate. He added that the shrinking drug market could be contributing to fewer crimes. Further research could reveal the cause as a combination of these factors, if any.

An introductory sociology course on metropolitan trends can offer students an excellent survey of how crime is shaped. Some of the topics covered may include a city’s history, its employment landscape, the state of education and the presence of illicit trades.

Some theories suggest that economic revitalization is key to urban renewal and, by proxy, a decline in crime rates. Social welfare is usually the work of lawmakers. However, connecting jobs with members of low-income neighborhoods can be the work of an urban planner.

Students who are interested in creating solutions for urban poverty could consider a career in city planning. The work requires an intimate knowledge of urban demographics. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), planners help chart the use of a city’s space. By analyzing the economic and social issues of the area they work in, they can become savvy in predicting the needs of a local population. They may plan revitalization projects to attract businesses and investment.
A bachelor’s degree in economics, social sciences or political science could be a first step to becoming a community planner. A master’s degree, however, is essential for a position, along with courses in demography, economics and statistics, according to the BLS.

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Psychology majors should consider earning graduate degrees to become psychologists and researchers

Posted on January 26, 2011 by admin

Psychology, or the study of human behavior and mental processes, is a rich field of study.

Gaining a deeper appreciation and understanding of cognitive function – why we think and act the way we do – has clear benefits. On one hand, psychology studies help clarify what motivates us and how we form beliefs. Moreover, targeting precisely what shapes our behavior and coping skills can help us influence our own future actions. We can choose to become more efficient, for example, if we understand what discourages us from being so.

PsychologyTreating breaks in healthy cognitive function is another focus of mental health studies. Mood disorders, in particular, are the complicated specialty of psychiatrists. There is a possibility you know someone who has suffered, or is currently suffering, from a mental health issue like depression or anxiety.

Seeking treatment for psychiatric problems has gained increasing acceptance in the last decades, and psychology is an extremely popular major for many bachelor’s degree seekers.

A bachelor’s degree in psychology, however, will not get one far, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). A career as a therapist or psychologist requires advanced degrees, including a master’s and a doctorate in psychology.

Though a psychologist may choose to work in private practice, he may also want to help our society’s disadvantaged. By working in public settings, such as community clinics and outpatient programs, psychologists can aid those who have suffered clear trauma and have little access to support.

Returning veterans are an example of such a population. They may need counseling in job skills, substance-abuse prevention programs and even suicide prevention services upon return. One organization that administers these services is the National Veteran’s Foundation, which offers a round-the-clock hotline for veterans in crisis, according to the Huffington Post.

Psychologists can also work outside patient care to instead advance developments in neuroscience, the BLS describes. Neuropsychologists, who perform research on the brain, may test the effects of certain drugs on brain function. They may also experiment on other species with brain function comparable to humans, like zebrafish or mice. They can help find treatments for stroke and learning disabilities.

This niche of study is particularly important, as new findings on the brain and behavior can continually affect the work of practicing clinical psychologists.

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