America’s accredited career and technical schools have the same concerns as you. They know that their success is measured by how many of their graduates are able to find good jobs in areas where there is growth and opportunity. A high job placement rate means that the college is succeeding in its mission. But if their graduates aren’t getting jobs, then the reputation of the college will suffer. When schools train students to succeed in growing career fields, everyone wins.

How do career schools decide what programs to offer? Mostly by studying trends and statistics. The best source for employment statistics is the U.S. government. The Labor Department has a division called the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The BLS publishes vast amounts of employment information and data on its website. It’s free and available to anyone.

In the publication “Occupational Outlook Handbook” the BLS tracks and evaluates hundreds of occupations such as medical assistant, truck driver, carpenter, accountant, cosmetologist, motorcycle repair, law enforcement, graphic design, and many more. A description is provided for each job, along with information about training and advancement opportunities.

There’s also a section called “Job Outlook.” This section gives the BLS projection of the job’s future potential. That’s what career colleges want to know.

Growing Careers

For example, here’s what the Occupational Outlook Handbook 2010-2011 Edition predicts for dental assisting:

“Employment is expected to grow 36 percent from 2008 to 2018, which is much faster than the average for all occupations. In fact, dental assistants are expected to be among the fastest growing occupations over the 2008-18 projection period.”

This is a very positive expectation. It means that despite difficult economic times in which the unemployment rate is unacceptably high, the field of dental assisting is expected to continue to create new jobs. Career colleges use this type of information to help them plan their curricula. Many career schools offer programs in dental assisting because they are confident that their graduates will be able to find opportunities in that field.

Career Fields That Are Declining

Let’s look at another example-file clerks. File clerks classify, store, retrieve, and update office information. In many small offices, they often have additional responsibilities, such as performing word processing, entering data, sorting mail, and operating copying or fax machines.

Does training to be a file clerk sound like a good idea? Here’s what the Occupational Outlook Handbook 2010-2011 Edition has to say about opportunities for file clerks:

“Employment is expected to decline rapidly. Employment is expected to decline due to productivity gains from office automation and the consolidation of clerical jobs.”

The job outlook for file clerks is terrible! Career colleges recognize this. Chances are the career college or technical training school that interests you will not offer a program in file clerking. If they trained students to be file clerks, their graduates would enter a job marketplace with few opportunities.

Finding the Career College for You

Career schools are not employment agencies, and cannot guarantee you a job. But when you choose a program at a reputable career college, you can be assured that the school has done its research and is offering educational programs that reflect the current job marketplace. And that’s good to know!

So how do you choose a career college? The best way is to start online. You can read the Occupational Outlook Handbook online at http://www.bls.gov/oco/. See which careers are expected to keep growing. Then go to a reputable college directory website such as Education-For-Careers. You’ll find a search engine that allows you to specify your search terms and get information about schools that are appropriate for you. A good college directory website will have information about online programs (also called distance learning), financial aid, job placement services, and much more.

Choose four or five schools that offer what you are looking for. Compare programs and then contact them. You can apply to as many schools as you want. Once you are accepted, apply for financial aid. When you have all the information you need, then make your choice. One thing is for sure-no matter what accredited career school you choose, it’s very likely that the school has researched which careers are growing and has crafted its curriculum to meet the demands of employers.

The student who hasn’t a clue can often be very worried about this but in actual fact they are often better off than the student who sees career as a particular occupation they will have when they graduate for the rest of their life. Career is a lifelong journey and a process of continually developing skills and personal qualities that are transferable. It is far better if the student can focus on the journey rather than on a particular destination.

Education and Career Guidance go hand in hand. For almost all careers nowadays academic qualifications are a pre-requisite. However students also need to be able to make decisions and choices, plan initiatives and be creative thinkers. This is because the reality today is that the majority of the students I see will have not one but several careers. They will have to change roles and organizations and reinvent themselves many times.

Is it ever too late to get back into education?

It is never too late to get back into education. Learning is a life-long process and people are most alive when they are learning and engaged. There are also so many opportunities now for people to return to education. There are also many more opportunities for students to remain in education after second-level. The National Framework of Qualifications provides a level for everyone and all qualifications in the NFQ are recognized at home and abroad.

At secondary school level education, career advice and career guidance are very closely linked. You are guiding the student and helping equip them with the skills and self knowledge to progress further. With post-graduates current job opportunities and prospects play a much bigger role.

Post Graduate Options:

Why should a Graduate consider Post Graduate study? How can a career guidance face to face session help a graduate pick a post graduate course?

There are several reasons why a graduate should consider postgraduate study. It can improve their employment prospects, may give them the chance to specialist in a particular area, may help them change a career direction.

An Arts degree for example can be a good choice at undergraduate level as it keeps a tremendous range of options open if a student isn’t quite sure what path they would like to follow. The difficult task for many Arts graduates can then be deciding which postgraduate course to choose and this is where getting professional advice can certainly help. A professional assessment will look at their level of educational achievement to date, their personality type, aptitudes and interests as well as job experience to date. There are over 1400 different subjects that can be studied in Ireland at post-graduate level and when busy studying for a degree many students find they are not aware of the choices available to them. This is where educational guidance can be of huge benefit.

Are employment prospects heavily factored in a career guidance session for a graduate?

Employment prospects are certainly considered in a career guidance session with a graduate but again it has to be remembered that ultimately we are striving to prepare the student best for a lifetime of change and uncertainty and help them equip themselves with the skills necessary to survive for whatever jobs may be available or whatever opportunities may arise. In the world of business a Masters degree has almost become an essential if you want to be called for interview whereas in many other career areas a few years work experience is often valued more than additional qualifications.

People regularly seek advice from experts on their health, investments, and how to fix their car. But when it comes to the biggest decision of all, choosing a life/career direction, they struggle in silence.

It doesn’t matter if you are a student, a job seeker, a career changer, or someone considering semi-retirement options, finding a direction that fits you is just plain difficult by yourself.

Many hope they will eventually fall into the right career. Others wait for the “billboard” moment in which their future life direction will suddenly flash before their eyes. Does it happen? I have yet to see a billboard with my name on it.

Studies show that only 15-20% of all U.S. workers are highly satisfied in their current jobs. Add to that fact data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics which shows that the average worker now moves through 10+ jobs over the course of a career and you get an ugly picture of how well we all do when left to our own devices.

If so many people are frustrated and unhappy, why don’t they seek help?

3 Key Reasons People Don’t Seek Career Guidance from a Career Consultant

1. They don’t know what career consultants really do;
2. They don’t think they can fit it in to their schedule;
3. They’re afraid it will cost too much.

Sound familiar?

So why should you seek the guidance of a career consultant?

What a Trained Career Consultant Can Do for You

* Help you assess your interests, strengths, skills, values, and personality;
* Help you identify a career direction that really fits you;
* Help you uncover what may be holding you back;
* Help you map out education and training steps (if needed);
* Help guide you in how to market yourself (resume prep, networking, interviewing).

The absolute best thing about the career guidance process is the way it makes you feel. Stop right now and close your eyes. Check how you really feel about your current situation. How do you feel about the way the next 10 years of your life are likely to unfold if you stay on the current path?

Are you on the right track? Are you really happy? Is your current direction the best use of your talents? Do you feel valued? Are you excited when you wake up in the morning?

OR…

Do you feel like you’re drifting, boxed in, or just scraping through each day? Are you frustrated, anxious, or even angry because you really don’t know what your next step should be? If you fall into this second group, it’s time to get some help.

You take your car to a professional for a tune-up… isn’t your career direction more important than an oil change?

How to Find A Qualified Career Consultant

* An easy way to find qualified career guidance is to search online. But as you consider your options, make sure that you choose a program that lets you actually speak directly with a career consultant – some services only offer email exchange.
* Look for a career consultant or career counselor who has a Masters Degree and at least five years experience in career guidance.
* Beware of anyone who will not tell you up front what his/her fees are.
* Look for a program that offers a combination of self-assessments and 1-to-1 personal career guidance.

Stop waiting for a billboard moment. Get the help you deserve to find a life direction that fits!

A dynamic and open view is essential for the appropriate career guidance and this has always worked wonders for all. The right career move can sure make your dreams into reality, but a wrong one can easily leave you empty-handed. One does not get to make career choices each day and it is thus better to make the right decision at the first time to step ahead on the path to success. With so much help online one can easily find the answers to all their career related queries easily and effectively.

The experts at these centers are people who will help you evaluate your strengths and interest and help you decide on a right career choice after that. Proper career guidance actually helps you in choosing a field which inspires you and can take you to new levels of success. Today when everything changes at the wink of the eye, parents alone cannot help you decide about the career choice as they themselves are not aware of the vast and exciting new opportunities. To be one of the best get the advices from a career guide and learn about the new world of opportunities which can sure get you all you have ever dreamed.

American InterContinental University Online
Earn your degree online from American InterContinental University. American InterContinental University’s mission is to provide for the varying educational needs of a culturally diverse and geographically dispersed student body with the goal of preparing students academically, personally, and professionally for successful careers. AIU online offers bachelor and master degree programs in Information Technology as well as business degree programs with technology specializations. AIU Online provides bachelor degrees that can be earned relatively fast and master’s degrees that can be completed in as little as 10 months. Location: ONLINE

Brooks College – San Jose
Located near the heart of Silicon Valley, Brooks College in San Jose, California, offers a two-year Associate of Science degree program in Network Technology. This program is designed to provide hands-on experience in networking various client platforms including Command-Line Interface, Microsoft, Novell, LINUX and UNIX. Students will also get Local (LAN) and Wide-Area Networking (WAN) training on a multi-platform environment. Location: San Jose, CA

Herzing College
Since 1965 over 35,000 Herzing College graduates have obtained the technology, design, and business training needed to succeed. With over 20 different programs, Herzing helps you obtain the skills needed for the work force. At Herzing College, you can gain the advanced skills employers are looking for and choose from a fast track diploma program to a complete Bachelor’s of Science Degree. Get the latest certifications employers demand — Microsoft® MCSE and/or MCSA, Cisco® CCNA, i-Net+, A+, Network+. If you’re not satisfied with any of the courses, you can repeat any course you pass at no tuition charge. Location: Various U.S. Locations

Katharine Gibbs Schools – Philadelphia
The Personal Computers and Network Technology diploma program at Katharine Gibbs School at Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, trains students to install, network, configure, design and troubleshoot computer operating systems (DOS, Windows, Novell and Unix), computer software, and computer hardware while being prepared for Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE) certification. The College also offers a shorter Computer Networking Technology diploma program covering many of the same topics. Location: Philadephia, PA

Westwood College
From the high-tech degree programs offered at Westwood College of Technology to the rewarding aviation maintenance programs offered at Westwood College of Aviation Technology, all of their attention is focused on student success. Westwood College has many successful programs in design, information technology, aviation technology, electronic engineering, medical, surveying, automotive technology, graphic design, hotel and restaurant management, and much more. Westwood believes in their approach of a hands-on, career-focused educational curriculum. The primary goal of Westwood College is to prepare students for rewarding jobs in high-demand careers. Location: Various U.S. Locations

University of Phoenix
Successful professionals choose University of Phoenix as the place to advance their Counseling Careers. Get started on your counseling degree today at University of Phoenix where you will have the opportunity to learn the skills, knowledge, and attitudes you need for success! Learn more about counseling degrees and careers available through our Bachelor of Science in Human Services degree, or specialization in management for experienced human service workers. University of Phoenix offers the following counseling programs:

* Master of Counseling
* Master of Counseling/Community Counseling
* Master of Counseling/Marriage, Family and Child Therapy
* Master of Counseling/Marriage, Family and Child Counseling
* Master of Counseling/Mental Health Counseling
* Master of Counseling/School Counseling

All graduate programs are designed to meet educational standards for professional licensure and certification and to foster development of counseling careers across the industry. Join the many professionals who will significantly advance their counseling careers this year with a counseling degree from University of Phoenix! (Education programs vary by location.) . Location: Various U.S. and Canada Locations

A degree in Business Administration from an accredited business college or training program may be the single biggest step to increasing your paycheck and breaking into upper management. Our business colleges offer the best MBA, Bachelor our Associate business programs in the nation. Learn the skills you need to get ahead in the business sector. Start your business training program and earn your degree in as little as 9 months! Boost your career and get ahead in today’s tough market.

DeVry University Centers
Are you a busy professional with little time to spare? DeVry University Centers provide you the convenience of both day and nightime classes. DeVry University Centers offer Bachelor’s degrees in Business Administration and Master’s degrees in Accounting and Financial Management, Business Administration, Human Resource Management, Information Systems Management, Project Management, Public Administration, and Telecommunications Management. Earn your undergraduate or graduate degree in business from a DeVry University Centers. Location: Variou U.S. Locations

International Academy of Design & Technology
The International Academy of Design and Technology at Chicago, Illinois, offers an Associate Degree program in E-Commerce that combines business theory and concepts with real-world computer experience. The University also offers Associate and Bachelors Degree programs in Merchandise Management and in Advertising and Design for students interested in both business and design. Location: Chicago, Illinois

Gibbs College – Boston
The Gibbs College in Boston offers Students the opportunity to earn their Associate Degrees in Business Administration with a specialty in Accounting, Management, or Office Administration focusing on either Business Technology, Legal Office Administration, and Medical Office Administration. All business programs can be finished in only 18 months. Location: Boston, MA

Katharine Gibbs School – Providence
The first Katharine Gibbs College opened in Rhode Island, the Gibbs College in Providence provides a number of business career development programs including: Executive Assistant Program, Legal Executive Assistant Program, Medical Executive Assistant Program, Administrative Assistant Program, and Legal Administrative Assistant Program. Location: Providence, RI

University of Phoenix
At University of Phoenix, you can earn your bachelors, masters or doctoral degree any way you want to – on campus, online, or in certain areas using a combination of both. University of Phoenix has grown to be the nation’s largest private accredited university, specializing in providing education of working adults by offering degree programs that are highly relevant, accessible, and efficient. With several campuses and learning centers throughout the United States, Puerto Rico, and via the Internet, you can complete your degree no matter where you live, what hours you work, or how often you travel or relocate. Location: ONLINE

Online schools prepare students for the professional workplace by providing specialized training to use industry technologies and medical techniques.

* Technologists perform diagnostic imaging examinations to produce images of a particular part of a patient’s body.
* Students will learn how to work directly with patients by explaining the procedure, positioning patients for the x-ray, and protecting patients from any unneeded radiation exposure.
* Technologists conduct complex x-rays using different types of imaging equipment. They work with computed tomography, commonly known as a CT scan, to generate a three-dimensional picture of a targeted area. The use of magnetic resonance imaging creates the same type of photo as a CT except it uses non-ionizing radio frequency to create image contrast.
* Students can also learn how to use mammography equipment, record patient history, and maintain equipment.

Online schools provide students with in depth understanding of all these areas to produce a well-rounded professional.

Students can enter programs at the certificate, associates, bachelors, and master’s degree level. Many students pursue either an associate’s degree or a bachelor’s degree. These two-degree levels are the most common sought after educational paths. Earning a master’s degree is less common but many already working professionals earn this two-year degree to gain top-level positions in their career. Certificate programs are fairly similar to associate’s degree programs but generally focus on preparing students for certification exams.

Earning an education through a distance learning program can have students completing courses and learning how to operate the industry’s specialized equipment. Curriculum also focuses on medical care of patients and diagnostic imaging.

* A patient care course instructs students on the procedures and techniques used to manage patients inside the office. Topics like psychology and medical terminology further the understanding of how to communicate and work with patients.
* A diagnostic imaging course provided by an online school focuses on different ailments and injuries that affect the human body. Instruction on anatomy helps students learn about the human body to help them in the diagnosis of a patient in regards to completing x-rays.
* Skills acquired through an associate’s degree program include preventing harmful radiation, positioning patients, and operating equipment.

Continuing education promotes a more in depth understanding of radiologic technology.

In a four-year bachelor’s degree program student’s focus on advanced techniques and science courses. Some advanced concepts may include how equipment operates and surgical procedures. Science courses in anatomy, physiology, and chemistry give students a more comprehensive understanding of the medical field. Radiologic career schools online make the education process more centralized and focused.

Being a cosmetologist requires focused skills that can be gained through online schooling.

* Cosmetologists provide a wide range of services that include shampooing, cutting, coloring, and stylizing hair.
* Other frequent activities can include providing clients with skin and nail treatments, which include manicures and facials.
* Students should expect to learn these procedures and techniques through a number of courses that are designed to prepare students for professional work.
* Many programs incorporate a business side to the curriculum to help students learn how to manage an established salon or open their own business.

Students are able to perform the necessary duties to complete a wide selection of activities through online career training.

Online education is made up of two components, which is conceptual knowledge and practice.

* Learning how to do nails, skin, and hair is highly focused on participating in the act. This fact makes finishing school completely online not feasible.
* Online career schools allow students to take foundational courses online and then choose a salon in their hometown to gain practical experience. This is important because students are required to be licensed to work and it prepares them for board examinations.
* In general students can enter online schooling to gain an education in a one or two year program. One-year programs typically take the form of certificate programs. A two-year program is usually considered an associate’s degree.

Certificate programs can last around nine months and focus on basic beauty techniques.

* These basics are covered in courses like haircutting, manicuring, and hairstyling. Other focuses include facials and scalp treatments.
* Some online programs break down learning into beginner, intermediate, and advanced cosmetology sections. Through this set up students work their way up to advanced procedures, which may include facial peels.
* The main focus through training is to successfully gain the necessary knowledge to pass board examinations. This is done by gaining the skills to provide procedures for skin, hair, and nails.
* Specific duties mastered include safety, personal hygiene, beauty salon operation, and salesmanship.

Continuing education is a great way for students to learn advanced techniques and business principles.

An associate’s degree program prepares students to perform traditional aspects of cosmetology and business practices.

* The business side of this major is essential to not only advance in the career but open a personal business if desired.
* Through specific coursework on cosmetology concepts and business procedures students can learn how to implement both aspects into their work and market their personal skills.
* With a one-year certificate students can become hairdressers and stylists and earn $20,000 annually.
* When stepping into management positions after completing an associate’s degree students can expect to earn between $30,000 and $40,000 annually.

One of the most common and popular choices for students is to attend college or university for four years and earn a Bachelors’ degree. There is a better option than this if you want to get working straightaway and face newer challenges in life. If you are also keen to pursue an exciting career after high school, you could join a medical billing class in a career training school.

One of the fastest growing career options in the health care industry today, a medical billing professional is in great demand in the job market. According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), medical billing features amongst the top 20 most popular healthcare professions.

The most important reason why attending medical billing class makes more sense than attending four years of college or university is that it prepares you and makes you ready to get a job faster. You could a degree in the shortest possible time. Think about it – the shortest time that you could get an associates’ degree in college would take you 2 years whereas the medical billing degree can be yours in short six months. Moreover, you are ready to get an assured job, soon after you become a graduate!

The reason why medical billing classes can offer you a degree in a shorter time is because they do not teach you general education, which you would have learnt in high school anyway. The medical billing classes would teach you actually how to do the job rather than simply getting a vague idea of how to go about it. These classes offer you hands on experience, which employers are keen to see in prospective candidates.

Career schools offer excellent options for adult learners by providing evening classes and weekend options. One could even complete such courses through online tuition.

There are several other reasons why medical billing classes are better option than career schools. Usually, a four year college education can also get you ready for a job, but since the college does not offer placement opportunities, you are at a loss where to look for the job. In medical billing classes, you are assured of job placement.

The best part about career schools is that they keep a job ready for you which you can take up as soon as you graduate. Medical billing classes teach you the technicalities to such an extent that you can comfortably handle a job responsibility even if you have not worked anywhere before.

While the final decision is yours just remember that the medical billing profession is geared for a phenomenal growth in the next decade. So whether you are going to spend 6 months or 2 years in getting a formal education, you must make sure that you are investing your time, money and energy for a secured and assured future.