Strategic security management varies by industry. If you are employed at a large investment bank, for example, a large part of your focus will be on cybersecurity to protect the bank’s information and funds. Large companies need strategic security management to protect employees while traveling and to prevent corporate espionage. Managers in the field develop policies and procedures to enhance the security of their organization’s computer networks, customer information, financial assets, trade secrets, and patents.

What Kinds of Businesses Need Strategic Security Management?

Security Management is critical across industries and organizations. From private corporations to nonprofits and government agencies, keeping assets, information, and personnel safe is of paramount importance.

Federal, State and Local Government Agencies

A government’s confidential data and computer networks must be safeguarded. Security measures might involve protecting energy and water supplies, transportation systems, and U.S. airspace from chemical, biological, electronic, or other terrorist attacks.

Banking and Financial Institutions

Financial institutions of all sizes move money and make investments all over the world. Strategic security protects the integrity of computer networks to prevent hacking and theft of confidential information and assets.

Private Companies

Strategic security departments help protect intellectual property and the people who create it. They might identify competitors trying to steal trade secrets or determine if internal employees are selling confidential information. Strict security procedures protect employees when they travel abroad, and protocols are in place for background checks and security clearance.

Healthcare Facilities

Under federal mandates, hospitals and other healthcare providers must securely control patient records and adhere to HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act). Strategic security would oversee compliance and protect patients and medical personnel.

Social Media

Social media platforms can be useful communication tools during a security emergency, but they are also subject to breeches and hacks. Large social media companies are now often held responsible for the content they allow on their platforms, particularly if it leads to a crime. That’s why they have large, diverse teams spread across the globe to investigate and analyze data to protect the billions of users on their sites.

What Does a Strategic Security Manager or Analyst Do?

Regardless of the organization, there are some day-to-day responsibilities you might have as a strategic security advisor, manager, or analyst:

• Collect data and analyze and evaluate sources, assets, events, and systems for potential risks and vulnerabilities
• Identify, describe, and critically evaluate information sources
• Appraise current and emerging threats and challenges
• Evaluate security issues using qualitative and quantitative analysis
• Manage intelligence and counterintelligence operations
• Evaluate and order new security tools and technologies
• Implement contingency planning and proactive security measures
• Conduct and present basic research in strategic security issues
• Write reports and make presentations that express your ideas and recommendations to decision-makers

There is significant demand for information security analysts and . If you have a desire to protect American citizens, assets, and critical infrastructures, working in Strategic Security Management allows you serve. ·¬ÇÑÓ°ÊÓ offers online µþ²¹³¦³ó±ð±ô´Ç°ù’s, Master’s, and Doctorate degree programs in Strategic Security, as well as two levels of certificates, that will help prepare you to work in Strategic Security Management. Click Learn More to discover a rewarding career path.

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When you run your own business, efficiencies ensure improved productivity and profitability. But how do you work efficiently, while still producing quality products and providing excellent customer service? Prioritize, automate, delegate, and always innovate.

1. Follow a Business Plan

A well-developed business plan gives you a roadmap to where you want to go and how you might get there. It helps you understand the market, your competitors, your target audience, and what makes your products and services truly unique. It also helps you keep track of your business’s financial health. With a business plan as your guide, you can stay better focused on your overall goals and the strategies that will get you there by the most efficient means.

2. Prioritize Business Responsibilities

Your attention can be pulled in many different directions during the course of a day or week. Whether you keep a notebook or a list on your phone or computer, you’ll need to track your to-dos and prioritize in order of importance. As tempted as you may be to place the easy or fun tasks first, make sure to think of the health of your business. For example, products need to be ordered when they’re in demand. Bills need to be paid on time or you will end up with service charges and a bad credit rating. And you need to prioritize tasks by the net revenue they generate at the most affordable spend. Prioritizing will also ensure that the most important tasks are already done when unseen events occur.

3. Automate Your Small Business

Sometimes you have to spend money to make money. Keeping records by hand or entering data on spreadsheets is a waste of your valuable time and attention. As just one example, if you invest in a point-of-sale system (POS) that records your customers’ purchases and contact information, you will have all the data you need to personalize future marketing programs, provide optimal service at each visit, and track your inventory. You can provide better service more quickly. There is software available for just about any type of business, and consultants can help you choose the right one.

4. Delegate Some of Your Business Responsibilities

One of the best ways to free up your time to focus on the big picture is to delegate whenever possible. Determine who might be the best qualified to take a few items off your plate. Maybe you have an assistant who’s a rock star at social media. If you can trust them with your brand, let them take on the job of community manager. Instead of plugging in payroll numbers and generating your own checks and tax forms, consider a payroll service. And if money is tight as it often is, look for affordable—even free—help. Local colleges are always looking for companies to place students for internships. The student will get college credit, and you can assign them tasks that will help you out while giving them real world experience. Another possibility is , where you can receive free business advice and mentoring from retired executives, either in person or online.

5. Collaborate with Other Small Businesses

There are many other small business owners who are experiencing the same issues that you face every day. Consider joining a local professional organization where you can network and learn from one another. You could even team up with small businesses in your area or with similar services to yours and create joint marketing events. For example, if you run a hair salon, reach out to that local vendor selling organic cosmetics and create a joint venture. Another tactic for your up-and-coming salon might to be offer free services to influencers in exchange for a highlight on their blog or vlog.

6. Always Innovate in Your Business

It’s tough to be an expert at everything when running your own business. But it’s important to stay up to date with what’s happening in your industry. Taking some classes online can also help to fill in any knowledge gaps. If you want to learn how to be a more efficient small business manager, consider a well-rounded business program that provides foundational instruction and real-world examples of how to do things right.

At ·¬ÇÑÓ°ÊÓ, we offer an Associate degree in Small Business Management that will give you the skills you need to become a successful small business manager. Do you already have some experience or a certificate in a business field? You may be able to transfer those credits to your degree program so you can start ahead. Call 800-209-0182 to speak to a counselor or fill out the form to request more information.

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If you’re a health and beauty professional with a loyal following, you’ve probably thought about opening your own salon at one time or another. You know that running a business isn’t as simple as nailing up a sign and opening your doors. You need a business plan and skills to start right and make sure your salon remains profitable for the long term.

10 Things You Will Need to Do to Run Your Own Salon

• Develop a Health and Beauty Business Plan: A well-developed business plan will provide you with a solid foundation and strategy for success. It should include such components as:
  • Your Target Market
  • Potential Competitors
  • Expected Revenue and Expenses
  • Financial Plan
  • Marketing Plan
  • Profit Projections
• Choose a Location: Choosing the right location is probably the most important decision you will make for the success of your salon. You will also need to have a basic understanding of plumbing and electrical systems to avoid any business shutdowns. A nice entrance with great landscaping will also help attract new customers.
• Marketing: Marketing refers to promoting and selling of products or services, including market research. If you want to attract new clients, you need to promote your business through advertising, special promotions, and social media.
• Accounting and Finance: There are many expenses in running your own salon and you will need a reliable means to keep track of your revenue. Even if you hire an outside accountant, you should have a good understanding of how to measure the profitability of your business.
• Adhere to Health and Safety Regulations: There are many federal () and state regulations you will need to follow to keep your customers as well as your employees safe.
• Practice Good Communication Skills: Whether you are writing a Facebook post or a thank you note to a good customer, you’ll need to be at the top of your game with great communication skills. Listening well while discussing what type of style a customer is looking for will also be critical to keep customers coming back.
• Human Resources: As your salon grows, you may need to hire additional stylists and service providers, as well as administrative and cleaning staff. A good knowledge of human resource requirements regarding non-discrimination and the minimum wage requirements of your state will be very valuable.
• Purchasing: You will need equipment and supplies to set up and run your salon and you’ll want to be sure you get the best quality at the fairest price. The more you can learn about the art of purchase and negotiation, the more profitable your business will be.
• Acquire Good Computer Skills: You will probably not have the time to book appointments, process payroll and keep all your business records using pencil and paper. You’ll want to increase your computer skills and learn about special software for running a salon.
• Ongoing Professional Development: New styles, techniques, and technologies are always on the horizon. If you want to keep your business running well, it will be part of your job to find good training programs and workshops for you and your staff members.

Now that you know what you’ll need, how do you acquire these important skills? At ·¬ÇÑÓ°ÊÓ, we offer an online Associate degree in Health and Beauty Management that will help you get you the skills you need to run your own salon. Do you already have some experience or a certificate in a cosmetology or massage therapy field? You may be able to transfer those credits to your degree program so you can start ahead. Call 800-209-0182 to speak to a counselor or fill out the form to request more information.

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Do you binge-watch cop shows and legal dramas? Are you the one telling your online friends to do a fact check before they post? Then, you might be a good fit for a Paralegal Degree. It’s an opportunity to have a legal career without becoming a lawyer. By the way, did you know that while demand for lawyers is only average, the much faster than average through 2029? That may be because the need for Paralegals expands beyond law firms.

What Do Paralegals Do?

Paralegals play a vital role working in law offices, corporate legal departments, banks, finance and insurance companies, nonprofits, and government agencies. In a legal capacity, you would support attorneys and even meet with clients to gather information. Here are just a few examples of job responsibilities you might have as a Paralegal, depending on the type of work your employer specializes in:

• Conduct research and prepare legal arguments for a court case
• Develop a filing system for all ongoing and completed cases
• Prepare for real estate closings by gathering information from the buyer and seller, and calculating how much each party will owe
• Assist with managing a will and distribution of assets after someone dies
• Monitor changes to government rules and write reports to other members of the firm
• Interview clients and witnesses to prepare for a court case
• Review medical, police, and other records
• Attend hearings and assist at a trial
• Use legal database software for recordkeeping and generating reports

Why You Should Get a Paralegal Degree

You don’t need to work for a law firm to utilize all the skills you will learn in a Paralegal program. Here are some other good reasons to get a paralegal degree:

• You will develop good research skills. Many organizations need good researchers including libraries, museums, think tanks, and the government.
• You will become an analytical thinker. Whether you are listening to a speech or reading an article on the web, you will automatically question whether it is backed up by facts.
• You will be a great communicator. A Paralegal degree program will teach you how to speak and write effectively, as well as to listen. These skills are essential in just about any profession.
• You can specialize in any area of law that might interest you. If you choose to go into law, you could focus on family law, personal injury, Worker’s Compensation, probate, labor and employment, real estate, etc.
• No day will be the same. You will work on a variety of projects with many different clients and will learn a lot from each one.
• You will be helping people. Whether it’s assisting in the defense of an innocent person, getting someone compensation after an injury, or standing up for a worker’s rights, you will play a vital role in improving someone’s life.
• You will learn more advanced computer and database management skills. Regardless of the organization you work for, your computer skills will be an asset and make you stand out from the crowd when applying for jobs.
• Your skills are transferrable to any location. If you’ve always dreamed of living in a particular city or large metropolitan area, you can take your Paralegal skills with you.
• Many Paralegal programs offer classes online. An online option means you can take classes when and where it’s most convenient for you but be sure the program is an ABA Approved Paralegal Education Program.
• You will be a lifelong learner. Once you have a Paralegal Degree, a fire of knowledge will be lit that will last a lifetime. Laws and legal precedents change frequently, and so do technology, research sources and communication channels. To keep up, you need to always be learning.

At ·¬ÇÑÓ°ÊÓ, we offer an American Bar Association (ABA)-approved Paralegal Studies program that is flexible and online. You can earn an Associate or µþ²¹³¦³ó±ð±ô´Ç°ù’s degree that will give you a solid foundation to become a successful paralegal and enable you to have a competitive edge with employers. Do you already have some experience or a certificate in a law-related field? You may be able to transfer those credits to your degree program so you can start ahead. Call 800-209-0182 to speak to an advisor or fill out the form to request more information.

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It’s almost the New Year. What can you do to change your life for the better? Get a college degree! Studies have shown time and again that a college degree can open up career opportunities, increase your lifetime earnings, and pave the way to a better, happier life. It’s time to get ahead by getting that degree you always dreamed of. You could start a whole new career or build on the one you already have with the credentials to propel you into a better future. The opportunities are as limitless as your potential.

Earn More with a College Degree

A college degree is worth the investment. Did you know that college graduates earn more than their peers who don’t have a degree? The than workers who hold only a high school diploma.

Access a Better Future with a College Degree

Money can be a great motivator to make a New Year’s resolution. But it should never be the only reason you choose a new path. Here are some other reasons why going back to school for a college degree could be the best move of your life:

• Gain Greater Job Satisfaction with a College Degree: , and they experience better job satisfaction. A college degree opens doors and gives you choices now and into the future. Discover your passion. Choose a career that really interests you and makes use of your many talents.
• Learn Important Life Skills: In addition to your coursework, a college education will teach you important life skills such as time management, good organization, and self-discipline. You will also learn soft skills like:
  • Problem Solving
  • Critical Thinking
  • Communication
  • Collaboration
  • Leadership
• Access Better Job Benefits: generally offer more benefits than those jobs that only require a high school education. Benefits can include health insurance, retirement savings, life insurance, and disability insurance.
• Experience Better Job Security: As just one example, researchers from the COVID Inequality Project found that due to the fallout from COVID-19 than workers without a college degree. This was mainly because they had jobs that could be done from home or were considered essential. A college degree could prove a buffer against long-term unemployment, helping to secure your financial future.
• Save More for Retirement: The Social Security Administration reports that to a retirement savings fund, even when high school graduates had similar incomes and access to savings plans. Many employers will also contribute money to a retirement savings fund for jobs that require a college degree.
• Find Opportunities for Advancement: With a college degree, you’re more likely to have skills that qualify you for a broader range of careers that offer more opportunities for advancement. Many high school graduates work in the service industry in lower paying jobs that don’t offer as many chances to be promoted.
• Network with Others: College provides many opportunities to meet new people from diverse backgrounds. As a student you can join professional organizations and societies in just about any field.. You can meet students like you or people already working in the career of your future; they can be great contacts to have when you graduate and are looking for that first job.

But how do you fit the pursuit of a college degree into your busy life? Will you need to quit your job and dedicate yourself full time to the pursuit of a degree? Yes, you can fit college courses into even your hectic life. No, you don’t need to quit your job. There are part time and online programs available, as well as financial aid to make it more affordable. Make that New Year’s resolution today to get ahead in your career by going back to school.

At ·¬ÇÑÓ°ÊÓ, we offer Associate or µþ²¹³¦³ó±ð±ô´Ç°ù’s degrees in a variety of careers that could help you get ahead. Do you already have some experience or a certificate in your field? You may be able to transfer those credits to your degree program so you can complete your degree faster. Call 800-209-0182 to speak to a counselor or fill out the form to request more information.

The post New Year, New Career: How a College Degree Will Help You Get Ahead appeared first on National.

One of the best reasons to earn an accounting degree is that you can use it for so many different career paths. If you enjoy working with numbers and collaborating with others, an accounting degree may be a worthwhile path to pursue. Whether you work for a small non-profit, multinational corporation, hospital, or even within law enforcement, the possibilities are numerous. Here are just a few of the types of jobs you can get with an accounting degree:

• Bookkeeper: At the outset of your career, you might consider becoming a bookkeeper. In this important role you will pay the bills, send out invoices, collect payments from customers, and update the company’s financial records. You could work for a small or large company, or you could take your skills to several companies and work independently.
• Tax Preparer: Whether it’s helping individuals or large corporations to complete their tax returns, as a tax preparer you will also recommend ways to save money on taxes while following all international regulations and U.S. federal and state laws. Tax preparers earn an average salary of with better than average job growth predicted.
• Environmental Accountant: In this career you can combine your passion for the environment along with your expertise in using numbers. You will analyze how company decisions impact the environment, report on the fiscal impacts of new regulations, and make cost-benefit recommendations regarding new projects. Environmental consultants earn an average salary of per year.
• Cost Estimator: Specializing in a particular industry, you will collect and analyze data to estimate the time, money, materials and labor required to manufacture a product, construct a building or provide a service. Cost estimators earn a median salary of per year.
• Forensic Accountant: While working for a law enforcement agency, you will look for signs of money laundering and examine data to determine where missing money has gone. You could be called to present your evidence during a criminal trial as an expert witness. Forensic accountants earn an average salary of per year.
• Certified Public Accountant: As a CPA, you will learn about many different industries as you travel to companies to audit their financial records to ensure they are complying with accounting regulations and reporting accurate numbers to stockholders. for Accountants and auditors can earn a median salary of , with average job growth predicted through 2029. You will need to take acquire additional certification to serve as a CPA.
• Financial Analyst: You will collect data, organize information, and analyze historical results to make forecasts and generate financial reports. The median salary for financial analysts is per year with a faster than average job growth predicted through 2029.
• Personal Finance Advisor: People of all ages need help in managing their money and their investments. As a financial advisor, you will meet with clients to help them understand the current state of their finances, and recommend investment strategies to meet their goals for retirement, saving for college, or protecting their assets for future generations. You will need to take additional classes in financial planning to qualify for the role and will need professional certification. Personal finance advisors earn a median salary of .
• Accounting Software Developer: Financial professionals are always looking for ways to streamline their workload using technology. If you have a knack for numbers and technology, you could combine your expertise in accounting and computer science to design programs to meet specific needs in reporting and analysis. A related career is Accounting Information Technology specialist. Software developers earn a median salary of per year with a much faster than average job growth predicted.
• Actuary: An Actuary generally works for an insurance company or in risk management in a large corporation. You would help determine how much to charge for auto, life or homeowners’ insurance, and assist companies in managing any financial risk. Actuaries earn a median salary of per year with a much faster than average job growth outlook through 2029.

At ·¬ÇÑÓ°ÊÓ, we offer an online Associate or µþ²¹³¦³ó±ð±ô´Ç°ù’s degree in Accounting, plus a variety of certificates, that will help you acquire the skills you need for a rewarding career. Do you already have some experience or a certificate in a financial field? You may be able to transfer those credits to your degree program so you can start ahead. Call 800-209-0182 to speak to a counselor or fill out the form to request more information.

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Long-term patient care facilities have been in the spotlight during the coronavirus pandemic. Frontline workers at nursing homes, assisted living facilities, Alzheimer’s care facilities, rehabilitation centers, and continuing care retirement communities are getting notice—and credit—for the very difficult jobs they do every day. But those staff members who work directly with patients and residents can’t do it all on their own. They need proper training, instruction, and management. They need a safe and secure environment for them and their facility’s residents. They need genuine and passionate leadership. It’s never been more apparent. That’s where managers and directors come in.

As a manager at a long-term care facility, you would need a combination of hard and soft skills. You’ll need to be kind, compassionate, caring, respectful of others, and a good leader. But to be a truly effective manager, you’ll also need to know about healthcare regulations, licensure and certification requirements, organizational structure, fiduciary responsibilities, and how to build, train, and run a diverse staff.

Do you think you could do the job?

What Skills do You Need to Effectively Manage Long-Term Patient Care Facilities?

Whether you’re an entry-level manager or an experienced professional, there are innate skills you’ll need to do your job well. You may already possess some of the most important of these.

Soft Skills You May Already Have:

• Empathy and compassion for others
• Respect for an elderly population
• Effective Leadership
• Excellent communication skills
• Ability to get along with diverse populations
• Exacting attention to detail
• Top-notch organizational skills
• Creative problem-solving skills
• Ability to multitask
• Fairness
• Decisiveness
• Analytical thinking
• Time management skills
• Respect for patient confidentiality
• Patience
• Calm demeanor

If you’ve checked off most of these soft skills, you may be a good fit for long-term care management. But how can you learn the ins and outs of running an actual facility? It’s critical work that requires a wide range of knowledge and skills. You’ll need to know how to manage a budget, maintain a facility, run a staff, and so much more, all while placing resident needs as your top priority.

You Can Learn Concrete Long-Term Care Management Skills in a University Program:

• Healthcare management and evaluation
• Quality assurance and improvement
• Law and the regulatory environment
• Healthcare policy and ethics
• Financial accounting
• Billing and record keeping
• Negotiations
• Supervisory skills
• Electronic health software
• Medical inventory management
• Building and grounds maintenance
• Sales and marketing

To become a manager of a long-term patient care facility you will generally need a bachelor’s degree and experience working in this type of community. With a bachelor’s degree in Healthcare Management, you can take many different directions in your career. In addition to managing a long-term care facility, you could be a patient finance manager, health insurance manager, a healthcare department manager or a physician practice manager.

If you’ve ever considered a healthcare career that impacts seniors, it may be time to step up and make a difference. There is a critical need for medical and health services managers now. According to the Bureau of Labor statistics job growth for the field is expected to be much faster than average through 2029. And the mean salary for is $100,980.

At ·¬ÇÑÓ°ÊÓ, we offer a µþ²¹³¦³ó±ð±ô´Ç°ù’s degree in Healthcare Management that will teach you the skills you need for a rewarding career. Do you already have some experience or a certificate in a medical field? You may be able to transfer those credits to your degree program so you can start ahead. Call 800-209-0182 to speak to a counselor or fill out the form to request more information.

The post How to Effectively Manage Long-Term Patient Care Facilities appeared first on National.

There has rarely been a better time for women to work in Construction Management. New houses and office buildings continue to go up, and homeowners seem to have an unending supply of renovation projects they want to complete. Builders everywhere complain that they do not have enough qualified managers to handle all the work they would like to schedule.

But did you know that only about ? Yet those women who do enter the field often find it both rewarding and lucrative. The median salary for the profession is more than $95,000 per year and is expected to increase much faster than average through 2029. Even better news for women entering the field is that unlike most professions, the gender pay gap in construction occupations is minimal. Women earn 99.1 percent of their male counterparts.

What Does a Construction Manager Do?

As a Construction Manager, you would plan, coordinate, budget, and monitor building projects from start to finish. You might work out of a main office but you’re more likely to spend most of your time working on a construction site. That’s where you would monitor the project and make daily decisions about construction activities, making sure deadlines are met and responding to any emergencies.

To be a construction manager, you will want to start with a bachelor’s degree, but you can expect to learn additional management techniques through on-the-job training. Large construction firms increasingly prefer candidates with both construction experience and a bachelor’s degree in a construction-related field.

Why Is There a Current Shortage of Construction Managers?

A recent survey conducted by the Associated General Contractors of America ranked construction managers among the . The report also noted that many leaders in the field believe the limited supply of field managers creates risky environments.

Managers are in short supply as a result of increased demand for new construction, an aging workforce and a dwindling supply of new talent. During the 2008 recession, many construction workers decided to pursue different careers. Other possible reasons for the shortage include a lack of planning for the future and budget cut that resulted in fewer trainees. But what is bad news for employers trying to find qualified workers, could be good news for you.

Why Women Should Consider a Construction Management Career

Construction projects require a high-level of collaboration to be successful. Adding individuals with an inclination toward this type of communication improves overall workforce productivity. Often those people are women. A report from the National Bureau of Economic Research found that for a company’s overall collaboration because women are more likely to work cooperatively than men.

Also, companies that have diversity in management have a distinct advantage when they go to bid on contracts, particularly those with federal funding. Many projects favor minority and women-owned businesses and that can give a company the edge it needs to win the bid.

At ·¬ÇÑÓ°ÊÓ, we offer an online µþ²¹³¦³ó±ð±ô´Ç°ù’s degree in Construction Management that will help prepare you for a rewarding career. It can provide you with knowledge and skills around the diverse aspects of residential and commercial construction projects. You’ll learn how to effectively manage and supervise projects, including key aspects like planning, controlling, scheduling, and monitoring the various phases.  Do you already have some experience or a certificate in a construction field? You may be able to transfer those credits to your degree program so you can start ahead. Call 800-209-0182 to speak to a counselor or fill out the form to request more information.

The post Why We Need More Women in Construction Management appeared first on National.

Are you are interested in a healthcare career, but would rather stay out of the treatment room? A career as a Medical Administrative Assistant would allow you to be an important part of a healthcare team, without drawing blood or collecting patient lab samples. While most Medical Administrative Assistants work in private practices, you might also work in a large hospital, outpatient clinic, rehabilitation center, nursing home or hospice-care facility. Regardless of the setting, you’re likely to be the first person a patient sees when they arrive for a doctor visit. You represent the whole facility—and your profession. You’ll need stellar interpersonal skills, awesome organizational abilities, a calm demeanor, and a lot of patience.

What Medical Administrative Assistant Skills Could You Already Possess?

You may already have many of the skills you will need for a successful career as a Medical Administrative Assistant:

What Skills Will You Need to Become a Medical Administrative Assistant?

To work in a healthcare setting, you’ll need to learn about patient care delivery systems and the laws and regulations that govern the industry. You’ll need to learn the proper way to greet patients and update their data into medical record systems and use scheduling systems. You’ll also need to understand:

• Essentials of Anatomy and Physiology
• Medical Terminology for Health Professions
• Human Pathophysiology and Pharmacology
• Medical Law and Ethics
• Medical Records Management
• Healthcare Coding and Billing
• Medical Office Procedures Using Technology
• Medical Office Inventory and Supply Maintenance

Is there a Need for Medical Administrative Assistants?

Hospitals and clinics everywhere would not be able to function without Medical Administrative Assistants. They have been considered essential workers, especially during the coronavirus pandemic, and stayed on the job during some very challenging times.

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, than average through 2028. And unlike many other in-demand healthcare professions, it won’t take years of schooling to qualify.

How Can You Become a Medical Administrative Assistant?

Because there are so many specific skills needed to complete medical administration duties, you’ll want a good education and proper training to work in this exciting field. An Associate degree program, rather than just a certificate, will help you learn the important skills you need to do the job and be competitive in the job market.

Many colleges offer training programs to become a Medical Administrative Assistant, but you will want to choose the one that meets your needs. When researching the schools that will make it onto your shortlist, keep the following questions in mind:

• Are classes offered online so they will be convenient to your current work schedule?
• Will the school accept credits from a previous college you attended as well as credits for work experience, certifications you received, or national exams that you passed?
• Does the program offer a practicum that is required for graduates to be eligible to take a credentialing exam?
• Does the timeline to finish the degree fit with your future goals?

At ·¬ÇÑÓ°ÊÓ, we offer a Medical Administrative Assistant Associate Degree that will help prepare you for a rewarding career. Do you already have some experience or a certificate in a medical or administrative field? You may be able to transfer those credits to your degree program so you can start ahead. Call 800-209-0182 to speak to a counselor or fill out the form to request more information.

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Now more than ever, America needs police officers who are well-trained, committed, and eager to serve. Have you always dreamed of working in law enforcement? There are several routes you can take to become a police officer, but going to college for a Criminal Justice degree is where you’ll want to start. A CJ degree will provide you with a solid foundation of knowledge and help get your foot in the door of a police academy.

Attain Important Knowledge with a Criminal Justice Degree

Whether you obtain a µþ²¹³¦³ó±ð±ô´Ç°ù’s or an Associate degree in Criminal Justice, the knowledge you acquire during your program will help you understand the big picture of the criminal justice system. It will also teach you the role police officers play and how you could make a difference. Other ways a Criminal Justice degree can help get you closer to your dream of becoming a police officer include:

• Get the edge you need over academy candidates who do not have a degree.
• Become eligible for federal law enforcement agencies such as the FBI and the Drug Enforcement Administration that require a college degree.
• Learn about a wide range of possible law enforcement career paths such as:
  • Community policing
  • Prison security
  • Courtroom security
  • Probation and parole
  • State trooper
  • Detective
• Learn about the study of criminology, forensics, homeland security, private security, and juvenile justice, and more.
• Advance your opportunity for promotion. Even if you’re already on the job, you may have to complete additional college credits to be considered for promotion into higher positions.
• Learn investigative skills, problem-solving skills, and organizational tools that allow large amounts of information to be collected, evaluated, and processed.
• Develop better speaking and writing skills, as well as all-important computer skills.
• Take classes in a foreign language, as many cities are looking for officers who speak Spanish or other languages.

How to Choose the Best Criminal Justice Program

Many colleges and universities offer Criminal Justice degrees, but how do you choose one that will provide you what you need in a format that fits your lifestyle and your timeline? When researching the schools that will make it onto your shortlist, keep the following questions in mind:

• Is the school regionally accredited?
  • Most institutions of higher education can boast accreditation. However, the credits from schools with regional accreditation are often viewed as the highest possible level of accreditation. Credits from these institutions are widely honored and more readily transferrable to other institutions.
• Are classes offered online so they will be convenient to your current work/life schedule?
  • Especially given the recent city lockdowns, choosing a school that does online education—and does it well—can be critical to completing your degree in a timely manner.
• Will the school accept credits from a previous college you attended as well as credits for military service, work experience, certifications you received, or national exams that you passed? These might include the College Level Examination Program (), DANTES Subject Standardized Tests (), Joint Service Transcripts (),or Community College of the Air Force ().
• Does the timeline to finish the degree fit with your future goals?
  • Although there is no short-cut to a quality education, you can shorten the time it takes to earn your degree. Many schools will allow you to transfer college credits and test out of certain courses. But what about life experience, military service, and professional achievements? At ·¬ÇÑÓ°ÊÓ, we strive to give you the maximum amount of credit possible before you transfer into your program. You could earn up to 75% of your degree through transfer credits, allowing you to start ahead and finish sooner.

At ·¬ÇÑÓ°ÊÓ, we offer both an Associate and Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice that will help prepare you to enter a police academy for a career as a police officer. We also have more than 20 years’ experience delivering in an online content format. Do you already have some experience or a certificate in a Criminal Justice field? You may be able to transfer those credits to your degree program so you can start ahead. Call 800-209-0182 to speak to a counselor or fill out the form to request more information.

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