The Rise of Free Online College Courses

The Rise of Free Online College Courses

To say that attending college is an expensive process is an understatement. As at 2012, total student debt in America is believed to have exceeded $1 trillion. In 2011, the New York Times reported that average student debt was approximately $26,500 and online college courses are not much cheaper. However, the advent of free online college courses, other known as MOOCs (Massive Open Online Courses), could change the face of education forever.

It started off as an experiment but all signs point towards it being a huge success with large numbers of public universities set to offer MOOCs to anyone who applies in the hope that many of the participants will pass the course; enroll in the college and pay the normal tuition fees. In a country where a degree in religious and women's studies in a prestigious university can cost up to $100,000, MOOCs could open up the world of education to students. Why are colleges interested in offering these free taster courses? Many American colleges are in huge debt and need some method of attracting more students.

Growth of a Phenomenon?
The University of Arkansas, the University of Cincinnati and Arizona State are just three of the well-respected colleges involved in the plan. The growth of MOOCs really spiked in 2012 as start-ups such as Udacity and edX came to the fore and offered hope to those who previously couldn't afford education. These courses were founded by professors of top schools such as Stanford and Harvard with millions of people worldwide taking the teachers up on their offer.

At this stage, one wonders if MOOCs can one day replace college degrees. If this were the case, it would make a profound difference to an incredible number of would-be students. One issue was that colleges were not giving credit for MOOCs but even this looks set to change. A number of universities in Austria and Germany are giving credit for MOOCs and this could spread to American educational institutions as Colorado State has made noises about following the lead of its European counterparts. The University of Washington is also considering this course of action though students at the college will need to pay a fee and do extra work with a professor from the institution if it goes ahead with the plan.

The Future of MOOCs
These free online courses are no longer a novelty and will continue to be used as a tool to encourage prospective students to enroll in a university. The University of Texas in Arlington has teamed up with Academic Partnerships to offer free online college courses to would-be nursing students. To date, more than 80% of those that accepted the free offer returned and paid for the on-campus course. If nothing else, MOOCs give students a 'try before they buy' option, a valuable resource when courses are so expensive. Free online college courses could pose a threat to traditional education but if these institutions find a way to utilize MOOCs to their advantage like the University of Texas, giving something for free could turn out to be very lucrative.

Jason Kay is a professional resume writer and recommends visiting http://onlinecoursereview.net to help you choose an online college course.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7549583

5 Key Benefits of Homework Help

5 Key Benefits of Homework Help

The 5 key benefits of assignment help are identified in this article to understand its relevance in the academic life of the student and also to take a new approach towards assignment help services.

1. Help with an urgent assignment

Some students may wish - either there were only exams or only assignments for grading. This is because assignments increase the amount of stress taken by students about their academic performance.

The whole grading system in school and college works in a way that benefits the student because firstly, it considers assignment work and not just term exam performance and secondly, the student gets a chance to know a new subject. This is better because think about learning it the hard way: Directly appearing for a final exam without getting to know the subjects through regular assignments.

2. Assistance with difficult subjects

This is another key benefit because students may get baffled with homework in difficult subjects such as Math and Science. Besides, homework is something that is expected to be submitted by the student, irrespective of whether or not they find it difficult. During such stressful times, assignment help service providers can be immensely beneficial.

3. Increasing the familiarity level with the subject

Let us think about the scenario in which a student named Julia likes statistics and she is passionate about making a career in statistics. But Julia seldom understands the advanced statistical methods and she is stuck with the subject like forever.

Julia can't abandon her dream to succeed in statistics and at the same time she cannot study well.

4. Overall performance

Now, as mentioned above we are basically talking about skill development through training. Once this is done, rest of it falls in place. You are performing well in homework and you are selecting the electives as per your career aspirations and performing in those subjects as well. Isn't that a commendable overall performance?

5. Exam help

Students have a tendency of getting anxious about term exams because they do not know about where to ask for study help. It is not that the support system from college/school is lacking but then it is important to avail the services of an assignment help service provider whenever needed. Besides it is very difficult for a teacher to focus on individual students during class sessions conducted in school/college. Hence some teachers do recommend assignment help service providers for students.

TutorPace, Inc. is leading Online Tutoring and Homework Help Company located in Texas, United States. Tutorpace provides Unlimited Online Tutoring. services for the students from K-12 to college level with all different Study Subjects including online maths test preparation, English help, science and more.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/8003508

The Importance of Getting Your TABC Certification

The Importance of Getting Your TABC Certification

Any reputable alcohol seller-server establishment in the state of Texas needs its employees to be safe and responsible while on the job. Businesses need individuals who are schooled in the rules, regulations, and practices involved in alcoholic beverage service. Though the state itself doesn't mandate alcohol seller certification, individual businesses do, and you'd be hard-pressed to find a bar or restaurant who won't require its bartenders and servers to undergo TABC certification. If you're a member of the service industry in Texas, you absolutely need to have a TABC seller-server certification.

Proper Education is Essential 

To serve responsibly and prevent hazards or accidents at your business, you first need to be educated about the industry you're working in. A TABC certification course will teach you the state laws and serving regulations that you will encounter every single day when you're on the job. You need to be able to spot habitual drinkers, and intervene safely with intoxicated customers. You should know how to properly check IDs, and spot minors attempting to order or purchase alcohol. Most importantly, an alcohol seller certification ensures that you are aware of your situation and surroundings at all times, keeping yourself and your establishment safe. When you perform your duties properly, you safeguard yourself against costly mistakes that incur harsh repercussions.

There Are Simple Options Out There
Typically any sort of certification course requires a day or weekend in a classroom, learning with other individuals in the profession. These courses are thorough but costly, and sometimes difficult to accommodate within your schedule. A different option is to obtain your TABC certification online. Texas servers can take the same state-approved course from their computer, which often helps deal with scheduling conflicts as the course can be fit right within your activities. The online option is also more cost effective, especially when one factors in the cost of driving to and from the classroom course in addition to the course cost itself.

Set Yourself Up for Success
By completing a TABC certification online, Texas bartenders and servers can get their TABC certification more quickly and efficiently, which in turn helps them get hired and get serving sooner. The certification itself is valid for 2 years - plenty of time to perfect your craft and become the best server you can be. Your certificate of completion from your course provider serves as your permanent TABC license, and it's wise to request two copies - one for your employer, and one for your own records. After two years, just retake the course to learn the new regulations that have been put in place since your last certification.

To protect yourself and your employer against unnecessary hazards and mistakes, a TABC certification is not only necessary - it's the smartest and most responsible decision you can make.

To know more about Texas TABC Certification course please visit: http://www.sellerserver.com/texas-tabc-certification.html

Jay Dorson, expert in writing 'Alcohol Safety' tips for all USA alcohol sellers and servers to serve alcohol responsibly. Alcohol seller/server certification is regarding alcohol awareness class online and alcohol server training techniques. The article contains more of Online TABC Certification tips & techniques to serve alcohol effectively in TX state.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7039629

Best Accredited Schools for Sonography in San Antonio, Texas

Best Accredited Schools for Sonography in San Antonio, Texas

San Antonia, Texas is a comfortable blend of Old West and modern lifestyle. It is a festive city where residents enjoy strolling the River Walk, visiting with friends on home or restaurant patios, or attending events at historic sites like The Alamo. The city is renowned for its active creative arts community. Sonographers studying and working in San Antonia appreciate the fact the city actively promotes a healthy lifestyle. In fact, the San Antonio Parks & Recreation division has won national recognition for its excellent programming in park venues.

Sonography Education in San Antonio, Texas

There are two well-recognized organizations offering graduated sonography students opportunities to earn a credential. They are The American Registry of Radiologic Technologists and the American Registry of Diagnostic Medical Sonography. A number of students choose to take the exams to earn registration at both organizations, earning an ARRT Certificate and an ARDMS Certificate as registered sonographers.

Saint Philip's College offers an ARRT-recognized ultrasound technician program in San Antonio, Texas as of 2014. There is an ARRT-recognized program offered by Virginia College in Austin, Texas, which is 80 miles away. Austin also has the nearest CAAHEP-accredited ultrasound technician school as of 2014. All quality sonography schools can assist students with finding opportunities to apply for scholarships. There are other organizations like the Health Careers Foundation also offering financial assistance to qualified applicants.

How to Earn Sonography Certification?

ARRT has two pathways to earning sonography certification.

The primary pathway certification in sonography is in a state of transition. Until December 31, 2014, students pursuing primary pathway certification must have completed an ARRT-Recognized ultrasound technician programs within the prior three years. As of January 1, 2015, primary pathway certification in sonography will require the student to earn an academic degree before certification is allowed. The ARRT recognized program ensures that students obtain the necessary didactic and clinical training to meet ARRT competency requirements.

The second ARRT pathway is called the post-primary pathway in recognition of the fact these are ARRT certified students pursuing additional certification as a sonographer. The student must already be ARRT registered in Radiation Therapy, Radiography, Nuclear Medicine Technology or Magnetic Resonance Imaging. ARRT will also recognize ARDMS registration for Magnetic Resonance Imaging. The pathway requires documentation of sonography clinical experience as prescribed by ARRT. Effective January 1, 2016, candidates for the post-primary pathway must also have completed at least 16 hours of structured education, meaning experience alone will no longer be enough.

Once the documentation and competency requirements are met on either pathway, the ARRT certification candidates must pass the ARDMS examination. The exam assesses the cognitive skills and knowledge needed to perform the typical job responsibilities of a sonographer. After certification, the professional can use the Registered Technologist (R.T.) credential.

Many Diagnostic Medical Sonographers choose to take the ARDMS SPI exam in addition to, or as well as, the ARRT certification exam. There are several ARDMS prerequisites, and students graduating from an ARRT-recognized educational facility can qualify under prerequisite 1, prerequisite 3A, or prerequisite 3B:

• Prerequisite 1 requires a two-year allied health degree in a program that is patient-care related and 12 months of clinical ultrasound/vascular experience.
• Prerequisite 3A requires a Bachelor's degree in any major and 12 months of clinical ultrasound/vascular experience.
• Prerequisite 3B requires a Bachelor's degree in sonography or vascular technology but no clinical experience. The best option for a student depends on the person's educational status.

Taking the ARDMS exam is a good decision because the certification is recognized globally. Most states do not require sonographers to be licensed, so employers rely on certifying organizations like ARDMS and CAAHEP to help with maintaining quality standards in the ultrasound technology profession. ARDMS is recognized as having the highest standards of excellence in sonography. Earning certification as a Registered Diagnostic Medical Sonographer can lead to more job opportunities since employers in all fifty states recognize it as a sign of quality.

Salary and Job Outlook for Sonographers in San Antonio, Texas

The median average wages for sonographers in the San Antonio-New Braunfels metropolitan statistical area was $62,080 or $29.85 per hour as of May 2012. This represents a lower wage than the national rate of $31.90 per hour. However, sonographers are earning 52 percent more than the average hourly wage of $19.59 for all occupations in the local area.

The healthcare and bioscience industry is one of the largest employers in San Antonio. In fact, one out of every six people employed in San Antonio works in this industry. There has been steady industry growth over the last 10 years, and the growth is expected to continue per the San Antonio Chamber of Commerce. Sonographers can find job opportunities in hospitals, physician offices, clinics, nursing homes, outpatient settings and other facilities. There is also a diversity of employment opportunities due to the fact that San Antonio has a large military healthcare delivery system, as well as a commercial one.

A List of Best Schools for Diagnostic Medical Sonography Study in San Antonio, Texas

School Name: St. Philips College
Address: 1801 Martin Luther King DR, San Antonio 78203
Contact Person: Nancy Leahy
Contact Phone: (210) 486-2113
Accreditation: ARRT Recognized

Earn Your Sonography Degree in Nearby Cities

You can find the nearest schools in the following cities in Texas: 4 cities near to San Antonio Texas with accredited sonography schools in 2014

• Austin
• Temple
• Corpus Christi
• Houston

Nearby States with Accredited Sonography Schools

• Louisiana
• Arkansas
• New Mexico
• Oklahoma

If you are looking for medical sonography schools in other cities and states, visit our website to get the latest list of ultrasound tech programs.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/8476639

How to Get an Online College Degree

How to Get an Online College Degree

Ready to Pursue Higher Education? Learn Helpful Tips on How to Get an Online College Degree

It's time! If you've wanted to get your college degree, now is the time to take action and prepare for your future. The U.S. Census Bureau cites that workers with a bachelor's degree earn an average of $26,000 more per year than those with only high school diplomas. Getting your degree online can provide the foundation you need for a promising future, on a schedule that fits with your life. Learn online, prepare for your future!

Learn How to Get an Online College Degree 100% Online

Research Online Education Providers - This is a very important first step! Take the time and energy to research online universities. From accreditation to online degree programs, you should carefully look into every aspect of the schools you come across. Take notes and keep track of the pros and cons of each school. Determine what is most important to you; i.e., national accreditation, individualized support and criminal justice degree programs. From your research, you can pinpoint the school that is best for your online learning experience.

Choose Your Online College Degree Program - Next, you need to take an in-depth look at the available degree programs. What are you interested in learning? Which area seems like it would be an ideal foundation for your future career? Look at the individual courses included in the degree program along with the descriptions. Also, do an Internet search of the degree program and corresponding careers to see if it peaks your interest.

Create an Effective Study Schedule - Learning how to get an online college degree is an important part of getting started, as is creating an effective schedule. Although you are learning online, you still need to study on a regular basis and spend an ample amount of time learning. Creating a set study schedule can encourage you to study every day and help you progress through your studies. Determine a regular scheduled time to dedicate to your studies and move toward your goal!

Manage Your Time - Time management is key to success in an online degree program. Not only do you have to set a regular study schedule, you need to plan ahead. Don't wait until the last minute to study for quizzes and tests or complete assignments. Pull out your calendar and make note of the important milestones and deadlines in your courses. Then determine how you can properly prepare and achieve success.

Be an Active Student - In an online course, you need to take an active role - don't be passive, make your presence known! Participate in online study groups, group discussions, whiteboards and forums. There are a myriad of opportunities to get involved and be more than just a faceless online student. Taking the steps to learn how to get an online college degree is just the beginning. Your online degree program will require you to participate - plus, you'll maximize your learning opportunities! Collaborating with your teachers and peers will only enhance your educational experience.

Now that you've learned how to get an college degree online, you can start by taking the first step. Do your research and determine the best school for your higher education. Remember, college graduates earn more than their high school counterparts, so what are you waiting for? Take action and get started with your college education. Your hard work and dedication will pay off and you'll be able to hang your degree on the wall with pride.

After she graduates in February 2006, she plans to move to Austin, Texas, where he will teach public school as a Teach For America corps member. During her two years with Teach For America, Patricia will earn a Master of Arts in Teaching degree from Allied University one of the few accredited online colleges.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/4945730

Top Schools for Medical Transcription Students

Top Schools for Medical Transcription Students

Medical transcriptionists, also referred to as medical terminology stenographers, transcribe verbal records created by doctors and other health care professionals. Once transcribed, these records are used for administrative purposes and to create medical reports. To secure employment as a medical transcriptionist, a person must enroll in the appropriate courses and obtain a two-year associate's degree or a one-year diploma. The Association of Healthcare Documentation Integrity-AHDI-evaluates and rates the curriculum of medical transcription schools. The standard set by the AHDI requires that such schools offer courses in medical ethics and law, medical transcription technology, laboratory medicine, pharmacology, disease concepts, and medical grammar. The following are some of the top medical transcription schools from which one can choose:

Central Texas College

Central Texas College provides a distance learning program in medical terminology stenography. The college is an accredited community college and offers open admission to qualified students. Courses at Central Texas College include physiology, transcription, medical terminology, keyboarding, and proofreading.

Medical Transcription Education Center

The Medical Transcription Education Center-M-Tec-was the first transcription school to receive ADHI approval. M-Tec is considered by many educators as one of the best options for students who have no previous experience in the healthcare field and those who are entering the medical field from an unrelated profession. M-Tec offers on-campus or online courses and the school's instructors work closely with each student during his or her studies. In addition, faculty members help graduates find suitable employment after their degree is earned. Many medical practices will only consider job candidates with prior experience, and for this reason will not hire recent graduates. However, many employers waive this requirement for M-Tec students due to the school's excellent reputation.

Andrews School

Founded in 1989, the Andrews School is an AHDI approved learning institution that offers students from all walks of life a high quality education in the field of medical terminology stenography. A very high percentage of Andrews School graduates have successfully obtained gainful employment in the healthcare field. Students and can train via distance learning or attend one of the school's traditional college campuses.

Medline School of Medical Transcription

The Medline School of Medical Transcription-MSMT-is an accredited school that offers one-year or two-year online programs. The school's instructors are certified transcriptionists who are still actively working in the field. Therefore, students learn from instructors with a high level of practical experience. In addition, students can qualify for paid internship programs which gives them a way to offset tuition costs.

Career Step

Career Step is an accredited medical transcription school that has been given AHDI approval. Students can take courses online or on-site through Career Step's affiliation with community colleges across the country. Online courses are available to students in the United States, the Philippines, South Africa, Australia, and Canada.

Employment Outlook

According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, a fourteen percent job increase is expected by 2016 in the medical transcription field. It is for this reason medical transcription schools will most likely see an increase in enrollment over the next ten years. The demand for suitable training programs will most likely increase as well, and those pursuing this career can look forward to good job security and competitive wages.

Thinking about becoming a medical transcriptionist? This is a very in-demand job right now. Find out what the medical transcription salaries [http://www.medicaltranscriptionsalarydata.com/salary/salary.html] are from [http://www.medicaltranscriptionsalarydata.com]

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/6551047

5 Leading Online Schools

5 Leading Online Schools

The internet has revolutionized many parts of our economy. You can shop, meet people online and, now, you can take college courses for credit. Five schools are influencing "distance learning" like no others before them. Let's take a look at online education providers as offered by these leading schools.

The University of Phoenix was among the first accredited universities to provide college degree programs via the internet. Founded in 1976, the university began to offer internet degree programs in 1989. The program has grown to where 150,000 students are in the process of pursuing degrees on the Bachelors, Masters and Doctoral level at any given time. Programs in Technology, Business, Education, Nursing, and Management are offered and The University of Phoenix has now become the largest private university in the US.

DeVry University offers business and technology degrees on the undergraduate and graduate level. In addition, the school offers graduate level certificate programs. Headquartered in Illinois, the school allows students to work on their degree while online, at a local campus, or both. Indeed, campuses can now be found in 21 states as well as in Alberta, Canada.

Westwood College traces its roots to Denver, Colorado where it was founded in 1953 as the Denver Institute of Technology. Fifteen campuses in California, Colorado, Georgia, Illinois, and Texas comprise the physical campus with the internet opening up the school to students around the world. Westwood offers programs in Aviation, Business, Criminal Justice, Design, Technology, Health Sciences, and Industrial Sciences.

Kaplan University is a wholly owned company of The Washington Post Company, a publisher of one the nation's leading newspapers, The Washington Post. Kaplan's offerings include degrees in Arts and Science, Business, Criminal Justice, Education, Technology and Design, Nursing and Health Care, Paralegal Studies, and Financial Planning. The school offers students degrees on the Associates, Bachelors, and Masters levels as well as certificates for certain programs.

Founded in Naples, Florida in 1970 by a couple who wanted to offer a way for working adults to pursue doctoral degrees, Walden University has evolved into a large, online university offering students degrees on the Bachelors, Masters, and Doctoral level. Now headquartered in Minneapolis, the university features five distinct schools: School of Education, School of Management, School of Health and Human Services, School of Psychology, and the NTU School of Engineering and Applied Science.

Online education is not for everyone and that is why the first three universities give to their students the option to study on campus, while the last two are strictly internet based. However, all five schools offer to students something that traditional programs do not have: the opportunity to pursue a degree at a pace the student determines and at a place [your computer] that is appealing to many. Unquestionably, online education has arrived as a viable alternative for degree seeking students around the world.

(c)2005; Matthew C Keegan, LLC

Matt Keegan is The Article Writer who writes on a variety of topics including aviation, business, customer service, product review, sales, and more. Visit [http://www.thearticlewriter.com] for additional samples of his work.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/47207

The Rise of Free Online College Courses

The Rise of Free Online College Courses

To say that attending college is an expensive process is an understatement. As at 2012, total student debt in America is believed to have exceeded $1 trillion. In 2011, the New York Times reported that average student debt was approximately $26,500 and online college courses are not much cheaper. However, the advent of free online college courses, other known as MOOCs (Massive Open Online Courses), could change the face of education forever.

It started off as an experiment but all signs point towards it being a huge success with large numbers of public universities set to offer MOOCs to anyone who applies in the hope that many of the participants will pass the course; enroll in the college and pay the normal tuition fees. In a country where a degree in religious and women's studies in a prestigious university can cost up to $100,000, MOOCs could open up the world of education to students. Why are colleges interested in offering these free taster courses? Many American colleges are in huge debt and need some method of attracting more students.

Growth of a Phenomenon?
The University of Arkansas, the University of Cincinnati and Arizona State are just three of the well-respected colleges involved in the plan. The growth of MOOCs really spiked in 2012 as start-ups such as Udacity and edX came to the fore and offered hope to those who previously couldn't afford education. These courses were founded by professors of top schools such as Stanford and Harvard with millions of people worldwide taking the teachers up on their offer.

At this stage, one wonders if MOOCs can one day replace college degrees. If this were the case, it would make a profound difference to an incredible number of would-be students. One issue was that colleges were not giving credit for MOOCs but even this looks set to change. A number of universities in Austria and Germany are giving credit for MOOCs and this could spread to American educational institutions as Colorado State has made noises about following the lead of its European counterparts. The University of Washington is also considering this course of action though students at the college will need to pay a fee and do extra work with a professor from the institution if it goes ahead with the plan.

The Future of MOOCs
These free online courses are no longer a novelty and will continue to be used as a tool to encourage prospective students to enroll in a university. The University of Texas in Arlington has teamed up with Academic Partnerships to offer free online college courses to would-be nursing students. To date, more than 80% of those that accepted the free offer returned and paid for the on-campus course. If nothing else, MOOCs give students a 'try before they buy' option, a valuable resource when courses are so expensive. Free online college courses could pose a threat to traditional education but if these institutions find a way to utilize MOOCs to their advantage like the University of Texas, giving something for free could turn out to be very lucrative.

Jason Kay is a professional resume writer and recommends visiting http://onlinecoursereview.net to help you choose an online college course.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/7549583