Federal Work Study

Federal Work Study programs offer jobs to undergraduate and graduate students to allow them to earn the money they need to pay their educational expenses. Federal Work Study programs are designed to encourage community work, and work related directly to the student's major. The income you can earn will be at least minimum wage, and may be higher depending on the nature of the work performed.

The total amount of your Federal Work Study award depends on when you apply, the level of need, and the funding level of the school. You are not allowed to earn money in excess of the award under the program. You may of course earn money elsewhere. Undergraduates earn money on an hourly basis, and graduate students may be paid hourly or be placed on a salary.

Your school is obligated to pay you directly, unless you request that they apply payments to your tuition bills, other fees, or room and board. Work may be on campus or off. Off-campus work will usually be with a private non-profit agency or public agency where you can find work in the public interest. Some schools do have arrangements with private for profit organizations where you perform work directly related to your programs of study.

Source: The Student Guide, published by the US Department of Education. Note that federal financial aid programs are subject to change. Check with the school(s) of your choice to get the very latest information.


http://www.education-online-search.com/articles/financial_aid/federal_work_study

Graduate School Financial Aid

Looking for financial aid to go to graduate school? Join the club. There are lots of people that need financial aid in order to take on the expense of going to graduate school. But take heart, there are lots of ways that you can find financial assistance. This brief article will discuss some of them, and point you at other resources that can help you explore your options further.

The first step is to determine what the schools you are interested in attending charge for tuition, and what financial aid options they offer. You should do this as part of the initial application process. Getting accepted to a graduate school that you can't afford to go to is not very helpful. Make sure that you calculate your return on investment (you can use our ROI calculator) to see when you can expect to have recouped your investment in graduate school, and begin to see a return.

So find our about all their internal options even before you look at outside options. Make sure you get all the required applications in on time. Some schools are able to offer forms of gift aid (also known as institutional aid). This is the most sought after form of aid, as it does not need to be repaid. However, it usually has additional stipulations related to scholarship merit, need, or other very specific criteria.

Graduate schools may offer employment opportunities as a form of financial aid as well. This can include working as a teaching assistant or other forms of on-campus employment. For example, internships that provide degree related experience are an interesting form of aid. All of these opportunities can be explored through the financial aid office of each school that you are considering.

There are many forms of federal financial aid programs as well. You can request a Free Application for Federal Student Aid at http://www.fafsa.ed.gov. You can also get FAFSA forms from your graduate school. This will help you get access to many federal programs, including Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants, Federal Subsidized Stafford Loans, Federal Unsubsidized Stafford Loans, Federal Perkins Loans, Federal Pell Grants, and Federal Work-Study Programs.

If you submit your FAFSA application to a school, it usually needs to be received by the school after January 1 and before March 1 for applications for the following school year beginning in the Fall. However, FAFSA applications can still be submitted on the web until June 30. FAFSA processes your application and determines your financial need level and sends the graduate school a financial aid report.

It is up to the school to determine what they consider your financial need to be, and how much you will be granted. You will need to cover the remaining amounts by other means, most likely by private loans. This can include money from individuals, corporations, or foundations. The terms under which money can be received vary greatly and will require some research. It may require some research on your part to determine which private financial source is best for you.

Some of these private sources include Sallie Mae, CitiAssist, and Access Group. These companies offer varying terms based on the available information on the student's credit history. Contact each of these groups to find out what the best terms you can get to cover your remaining expenses.

If you are part of a minority group, or a veteran, there may be other types of financial aid options available to you as well. Veterans Educational Benefits is a program for veterans who have had at least one year of active service and you can find out more about this program from the Veterans Affairs Department in Washington D.C. If you are part of a minority, and don't know where to go, ask your candidate college's financial aid officer bout options for minority based benefits.

As you can see, there are a lot of different options for paying your graduate school expenses. However, with diligent effort to explore these options you can find the best path for you.


http://www.education-online-search.com/articles/financial_aid/graduate_school_financial_aid

PLUS Loans

PLUS Loans are loans that your parents can get to pay for your undergraduate degree expenses provided that you are enrolled at least half time. A key requirement of this is that your parents must have no adverse credit history. Your parents can apply by filling our a PLUS Loan application. While it is not required, having the student fill out a FAFSA form enables their parents receive the maximum amount of financial aid for which the student is eligible.

One of the most attractive parts of PLUS loans is that there is no need to determine your "Expected Family Contribution" (EFC) as must be done with other form of federal financial aid. This makes the process simpler. However, you are still limited to the amount of money required to pay your tuition, fees, room and board.

After filling out the loan application, one of the first steps is a credit check. If they do not pass the credit check, your parents will need to get someone with better credit history to co-sign the loan, or demonstrate that there were extenuating circumstances leading to the past credit problems.

Under Direct Loan programs, it will not be necessary to find a lender, as the federal government will be the lender. Under a FFEL Program, your parents will need to find a participating lender. Contacting your school or your state's education agencies is a good place to start

The amount your parents can borrow is equivalent to the amount you need to pay in educational expenses (tuition, fees, room and borad) minus the amount you receive in other financial aid. So if your educational expenses are $5000, and you receive $3000 in other finiancial aid, your parents could then borrow an additional $2000 as part of a PLUS loan.

Your school first received the funds, and then may require your parents to immediately endorse a check back to the school. The amounts received will first be applied to tuition, fees, and room and board, and any leftover amounts will be sent to your parents, unless they authorize the release of the funds back to you.

Your school is required to notify you in writing of each deposit to your account (or to send you a check). You may cancel the loan at any time by providing a notice in writing to your school. Once you provide such notice, you will receive no more funds, and if you provide such notice within 14 days of the last deposit to your account (or the date of the last check), you may return that last deposit (or check). All other funds you may have received prior to that, however, still constitute a loan and still need to be repaid.

The interest rate is variable, but will not exceed 9 percent. For the perdio from July 1, 2003 to June 30, 2004, the interest rate was set at 4.22 percent. Interest rates are adjusted every year on July 1. Your parents will have to pay a fee of up to 4% of the total amount of the loan.

PLUS Loans do not come with a grace period. Repayment must begin within 60 days of the initial receipt of funds. Under certain circumstances your parents can obtain additional deferrments, but these types of deferrment must be applied for, and are not automatic. The federal government subsidizes the interest during any deferrment.

Source: The Student Guide, published by the US Department of Education. Note that federal financial aid programs are subject to change. Check with the school(s) of your choice to get the very latest information.


http://www.education-online-search.com/articles/financial_aid/plus_loans

About The SAT Reasoning Test

The SAT Reasoning Test (formerly the SAT I: Reasoning Test and the SAT Test) is a 3 hour and 45 minute test designed to measure a student's "critical reasoning" skills. There are three types of SAT questions on the SAT Reasoning Test:

1. Critical Reading
2. Math
3. Writing

An SAT score is delivered for each of the three SAT question areas. Each score is on the familiar 200 to 800 scale. SAT Writing also has two sub scores:

1. A sub score for the multiple choice questions on a scale of 20 to 80; and
2. A sub score for the essay on a scale of 2 to 12

The test is administered in multiple timed segments always starting with the 25-minute essay and ending with a 10-minute multiple choice writing section. The remaining segments (six 25-minute and two 20-minute) can be delivered in any order.
The Unscored Section

One of the test sections on the SAT Reasoning Test is an unscored section. The unscored section will have SAT questions all of the same type. The questions may be critical reading, math, or writing (multiple choice, not an essay). This section does not count in a student's SAT score. It is used to try out new questions and for statistical purposes.
Comparing the SAT I: Reasoning Test and the SAT Reasoning Test

The following table gives a brief comparison of the old SAT (the SAT I: Reasoning Test) with the New SAT (the SAT Reasoning Test). The biggest change is the addition of the new writing section. This is in line with the fact that the majority of leading colleges and universities now require scores from a standardized writing test. As College Board President Gaston Caperton explained, "With the addition of the writing section, it [the SAT} will be even more valuable in assessing the academic skills students need to succeed in college and today's workforce." (Quote source: August 31, 2004 College Board Press Release).

Old SAT
SAT I: Reasoning Test
Time: 3 hours New SAT
SAT Reasoning Test
Time: 3 hours and 45 minutes
Math
Score M 200-800 Math - Enhanced with higher level math form third year college prep math courses
Score M 200-800
Verbal
Score V 200-800 Critical Reading - Short and long reading passages, sentence completions. Analogies eliminated.
Score CR 200-800
Writing - This is a completely new section that did not exist on the previous test.
Score W 200-800
Table: Old SAT vs. New SAT
Can the SAT I and SAT Reasoning Test Scores be Compared?

The answer is both yes and no. For the new Writing part of the test there is nothing in the old SAT to compare to. The new math SAT score may be compared with the old test's math SAT score. Similarly, the new Critical Reading SAT score may be compared with the old test's Verbal SAT score.


http://www.education-online-search.com/articles/testing/sat_testing/about_the_sat_reasoning_test

About The SAT

The SAT (Scholastic Aptitude Test) was created by the College Entrance Examination Board, more commonly referred to as the College Board, in the 1920s. It was first delivered in June of 1926 to just over 8,000 students. In 1927 the test was first scored on the now familiar scale of 200 to 800. By 1930, the SAT had been divided into two sections, the SAT Verbal and SAT Math sections, which have stayed with the test for most of its history. The subject specific Achievement Tests were first introduced by the College Board in April of 1937. In 1947, the Educational Testing Service (ETS) was founded to do research, assessment development, test administration and scoring, and other education related initiatives. The Educational Testing Service has been administering and scoring the SAT ever since. The PSAT (Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test) was introduced in October of 1959. In the 1970s, through a partnership between the College Board and the National Merit Scholarship Corporation, the PSAT was changed into the Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT). In the 1993/1994 academic year, the College Board introduced a newly designed SAT Program with the SAT Test becoming the SAT I: Reasoning Test and the Achievement Tests becoming the SAT II: Subject Tests. In March of 2005 the "New SAT" was introduced after another significant redesign program. With the introduction of the New SAT, the test names changed to SAT Reasoning Test and SAT Subject Tests.
The SAT, From Modest Beginning to a Major Force

From its modest beginnings in 1927, when just over 8,000 people took the test, the SAT has grown to a record number 1,419,007 test takers in 2004, or 48% of students nationwide In 2004, 53% of SAT test takers were female with average SAT scores of 504 on the SAT verbal section and 501 on the SAT math section. 47% of SAT test takers in 2004 were male with average SAT scores of 512 on the SAT verbal section and 537 on the SAT math section.
SAT, SAT I, SAT Reasoning Test - What's In a Name?

In a little over 10 years there have been two redesigns of the SAT test and several name changes. Enough has changed to possibly lead to some confusion. The SAT Program (referred to as the Admissions Testing Program prior to 1994) is one of the major programs of the College Entrance Examination Board, or College Board. The College Board's other major programs include the PSAT/NMSQT and the Advanced Placement Program (or AP).
The SAT Program includes:

1. The SAT Reasoning Test. This is what most people simply refer to as "the SAT". Prior to 2005 this test was referred to as the SAT I: Reasoning Test. Prior to 1994 it was simply the SAT.
2. The SAT Subject Tests. These can also be referred to simply as "Subject Tests". Prior to 2005 these were referred to as SAT II: Subject Tests. Most parents, and anyone who took the tests prior to 1994, would remember these as Achievement Tests. Subject tests are available in: English, history and social studies, mathematics, science and languages.

The "New SAT"

The New SAT represents the first major redesign of the SAT Program since the 1993/1994 academic year. Introduced in March of 2005, major changes have been made to the SAT Reasoning Test including:

* The addition of a new writing section with a written essay as well as multiple choice questions.
* In the math section, higher-level math, including topics from third-year college prep math courses, is now included.
* A Critical Reading Section (previously known as the verbal section) which includes short and long reading passages. Analogies have been eliminated.

Very little, beyond the name, has changed in the SAT Subject Tests. There is no longer an SAT Subject Test on writing since writing has been added to the SAT Reasoning Test.
The Purpose of the SAT

The SAT Program is designed to facilitate the college admissions process by providing a nationally standardized way of measuring critical thinking skills and knowledge. The intent of the test is to measure how well a student has mastered the skills necessary to be successful in college. Grades alone do not accomplish this because they are not standardized across schools. Standardized tests, such as the SAT, are one of the components used by colleges and universities in their admissions process, along with: a student's grades, high school transcripts, extra-curricular activities, written essays, and, potentially, interviews.

Note: All statistics quoted in this article are from an August 31, 2004 press release from the College Board.


http://www.education-online-search.com/articles/testing/sat_testing/about_the_sat

About The PSAT NMSQT

The PSAT/NMSQT (Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test) was first introduced in 1959 as the PSAT. In the 1970s, through a partnership between the College Board and the National Merit Scholarship Corporation, the PSAT was changed into the Preliminary Scholastic Aptitude Test/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test (PSAT/NMSQT). The PSAT/NMSQT serves two purposes:

1. As the preliminary SAT, the PSAT/NMSQT provides a student with a means to become familiar with the format of the SAT Reasoning Test in an actual test environment while also providing feedback, through the score, on areas for focus for SAT prep.
2. It is the qualifying test allowing students to compete for National Merit Scholarships.

Format of the PSAT/NMSQT

The PSAT/NMSQT is not as long or rigorous as the SAT Reasoning Test. The PSAT/NMSQT is 2 hours and 10 minutes in length. Like the SAT Reasoning Test, it is divided into three sections:

1. Critical Reading - this is a 50 minute section
2. Math- this is a 50 minute section
3. Writing - this is a 30 minute section

Most of the questions on the PSAT/NMSQT are multiple choice. There are some "student-produced response" or grid-in questions in the math section. In grid-in questions a student must write their answer in the supplied grid. There is no student-written essay on the PSAT/NMSQT as there is on the SAT Reasoning Test.
The PSAT/NMSQT Score

As with the SAT Reasoning Test, three scores are delivered for the PSAT/NMSQT, one each for the Critical Reading, Math, and Writing sections. Unlike the SAT Reasoning Test, the scores are on a 20 to 80 scale, and there are no sub scores for the writing section. In addition, a "Selection Index", which is simply the addition of the three scores, is also reported. The Selection Index is used in the National Merit Scholarship qualifying process.

Typically, a student's high school will deliver their PSAT/NMSQT scores to them.
When to Take the PSAT/NMSQT

A student should plan on taking the PSAT/NMSQT in the fall of their junior year. Students must take the test in the fall of their junior year to potentially qualify for the National Merit Scholarship competition. Many students first take the PSAT/NMSQT in the fall of their sophomore year. Students who take the test in their sophomore year do not qualify for the National Merit Scholarship competition and must retake the test in the fall of their junior year to compete.

Where to Take the PSAT/NMSQT

The PSAT/NMSQT is not given in test centers as is the SAT Reasoning Test. It is given at a student's high school or other school in their community. Students should check with their school's guidance counselor for test dates, times, and locations.
National Merit Scholarship Notification

Notification of qualification as a "Commended Student" or National Merit Scholarship Semifinalist happens automatically in September of a student's senior year. A student's school will notify them.


http://www.education-online-search.com/articles/testing/sat_testing/about_the_psat_nmsqt

Consolidation Loans

Consolidation Loans are loans that you or your parents can get to combine multiple loan packages you have received into a single package. This can be particularly useful when interest rates have dropped since you first got your loan, as getting a new loan may well provide you with a lower interest rate. You can pursue a Consolidation Loan at any time that you have begun repayment, or entered into a "grace period" (a period of time after you graduate prior to when you need to start loan repayments).

The interest rate on a Consolidation Loan is variable in nature, but will not exceed 8.25 percent. Consolidation Loans can have a repayment period of 10 to 30 years. You can complete repayment early. Note that if you choose a loner repayment period the the total cost of the loan is likley to exceed the cost of the original loans as the longer payment period results in more total interest. Many people try to keep the payment period shorter for that reason.

All loans covered in the financial aid articles on this site are eligible for a Consolidation Loan. If you have received a FFEL Loan, contact your lender to pursue a FFEL Consolidation Loan. For Direct Consolidation Loans, contact the Loan Origination Center's Consolidation Department at (800) 557-7392 or visit: http://www.loanconsolidation.ed.gov.

Source: The Student Guide, published by the US Department of Education. Note that federal financial aid programs are subject to change. Check with the school(s) of your choice to get the very latest information.


http://www.education-online-search.com/articles/financial_aid/consolidation_loans

Career Education Institutes

Career education essentially means vocational education that develops basic skills required to execute jobs in technical fields. There are many career education institutes that guide students who are looking for the right opportunities to enhance their careers.

Individuals exploring different fields of work, changing professions, or simply looking for a career description are briefed about different vocational careers. The counselors or qualified specialists at career education institutes inform potential students about various colleges and institutions imparting vocational courses that can prepare them for fruitful careers. They also enlighten students about financial aid programs from various sources and summer job programs - both locally and nationally.

Career education resources that offer an extensive assortment of circulating books, pamphlets, audiovisuals, electronic databases, software and periodicals. They assist students in dealing with job search strategies, resume and letter writing, making the right career choices, employment and academic test preparation. They conduct pre-employment tests to determine the skill and personality of the candidates to analyze whether they are fit for a particular job.

Career education institutes also provide assistance to people who are unhappy with their career or job choice. An assessment is done using a series of questions. Answers to the questions are evaluated and students are giving the appropriate advice to help them take effective steps in planning for a job or career change.

There are websites of vocational centers that provide details on career exploration, career and education, work opportunities, trade and technical schools and career related reference resources. People can register and seek necessary guidance from professionals. The sites also provide information on several career descriptions. They also give information on educational sites relating to a particular career such as tutorials, directories, industry news, glossaries and associated academics. Career education institutes have proved to be a boon for people on the look out for suitable jobs.

Career Education provides detailed information on Career Education, Career Education Online, Life Centered Career Education, Career Education Programs and more. Career Education is affiliated with Adult Continuing Education.


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College And University Faculty

Job Duties

College and university faculty teach and advise more than 15 million full- and part-time college students across the United States. They also complete a large portion of the research conducted in the country. Faculty stay abreast of the latest developments in their field and may consult with government, business, nonprofit, and community organizations. Faculty usually teach several related courses in a specific, specialized subject area. They teach undergraduate and graduate students, or both. They give lectures, prepare exercises, design laboratory experiments, grade exams and papers, and advise students on an individual basis. Most use computer technology extensively, including the Internet, e-mail, software programs, and CD-ROMs. Some use more sophisticated technology, such as telecommunications and videoconferencing, to teach courses via the Internet.

Job Skills

College and university faculty should enjoy working with students and be able to motivate the to succeed in their academic endeavors. They need to have the ability to communicate effectively with students, as well as relate well to them. Their minds should be inquiring and analytical, and they should have a strong desire to pursue and pass on knowledge. They often work in environments in which they have little direct supervision, requiring them to be self-directed and self-motivated.
Income

In 2002, full-time college and university faculty earned a median annual salary of $64,455. Earnings ranged from instructors, who earned $37,737, to professors, who earned $86,437. Faculty in 4-year institutions earned more on average than faculty in 2-year institutions. Average faculty salaries in public institutions were lower, on average, than in private institutions.

Training and Education

Individuals who hold doctoral degrees are considered for full-time, tenure-track positions at four-year colleges and universities. Some institutions, however, may hire master's degree holders or doctoral candidates for disciplines such as the arts or for part-time and temporary positions. Faculty positions are divided into four ranks: professor, associate professor, assistant professor, and instructor. Most are initially hired as instructors and assistant professors. 2-year colleges usually hire candidates with master's degrees for full-time positions, and many institutions require candidates to have teaching experience or experience with distance learning. Candidates with dual master's degrees sometimes get preference because they are able to teach more subjects.

A major step in the career of a faculty member is attaining tenure. At the end of their initial 7-year term, their record of teaching, research, and overall contribution to the institution is reviewed. If the review is positive, tenure is usually granted, meaning they cannot be fired without just cause and due process. This protects their academic freedom, enabling them to teach and conduct research without fear of losing their jobs due to unpopular ideas. It also provides a high measure of financial security to professors.

Employment

In 2002, college and university faculty held about 1.3 million jobs. A majority were employed in public and private 4-year colleges and universities and in 2-year community colleges.

Job Outlook

Between 2002 and 2012, employment of college and university faculty is expected to grow much faster than the average. A large portion of jobs will be part-time. Retirement of current faculty and continued increases in student enrollment will combine to create good job opportunities in many types of postsecondary institutions. The growth in college and university enrollment is due largely to the increase in population of 18- to 24-year-olds.

For more information on how to pursue this profession,


http://www.education-online-search.com/articles/careers/teaching_careers/college_and_university_faculty

Become A Teacher

Teaching Career Overview

This article provides an overview of teaching careers and the requirements to become a teacher. In addition to an overview of job duties, salary levels, and employment prospects, this article discusses the career's necessary skills, training, educational requirements, and licensing requirements. Additional information is provided, including a reference to schools offering the teaching and education degrees that are a key part of the process to become a teacher

Teachers are in high demand. More than 5.8 million teaching jobs existed in 2002. While new job creation is expected to occur slowly, expected teacher retirements will keep the market for new teachers very strong for many years.

One reason that so many people want to become a teacher is that the job can bring great satisfaction, as teachers at all levels play a pivotal role in the development of their students. In addition, teaching jobs bring great flexibility, with most jobs providing substantial summer time vacations.

Job Duties

Teaching duties vary according to the level of student being taught. Kindergarten, elementary, middle, and secondary school teachers must teach their students the basic skills that they need across a wide array of topics, such as math, English, science, history, and more. Students at these levels are also learning how to learn, and the teacher must help them develop good listening and study habits, as well as the proper ways to participate in class. In addition, these types of teacher must create an environment that is conducive to their students learning the basic social skills that they need.

Post-secondary teachers can be divided into two groups -- those that teach at a degree granting institution (associate, bachelor's, or master's degrees), and those that teach vocational skills. Vocational teaching jobs tend to focus on specific skills development. The range of skills taught can vary greatly, as the teacher trains someone to become an ultrasound technician, a computer repair technician, an auto mechanic, a cosmetologist, a welder, or one of many other career-oriented specialties. Teachers at degree-granting institutions will likewise have their own specialty, but the overall educational experience at the insitution is oriented toward providing the student with a much broader education than that provided at a vocational school.

Job Skills

Teaching jobs require a large number of different skills. A through knowledge of the subject matter is, of course, required. Knowing a subject well enough to teach it effectively requires a much deeper understanding than that required to use that knowledge one's self. This includes a need to be able to see where a student may be stuck, which requires substantial additional insight.

In kindergarten, elementary, middle, and secondary schools, teachers must have a great deal of patience, as well as an understanding of the limitations of the knowledge of their students. Strong communications skill are likewise critical. The ability to motivate students and the ability to command the attention of the audience are also very important at these levels.

In post-secondary teaching jobs, excellent communication and motivational skills remain important. At these levels, however, an even more thorough knowledge of the subject matter becomes essential. A high level of professional or industry expertise becomes valuable at the college or post-secondary vocational level. In colleges and universities, many professors advance by publishing scholarly articles, and by proving their ability to bring research grants and funding into the school.

Income

Salaries for pre-school, kindergarten, elementary, middle, and secondary school teachers are around the $42,000 mark, with the top 10% earning up to $68,000. Earnings for post-secondary teachers are higher, with the average being around $49,000 and the top 10% earning more than $92,000. Average salaries for post-secondary teachers vary greatly according to years of experience and level of seniority as follows:
Postion Average Salary
Instructor $37,737
Lecturer $43,914
Assistant Professor $51,545
Associate Professor $61,732
Professor $86,437

Training and Education Required

Teachers working in the United States as pre-school, kindergarten, elementary, middle, or secondary school teachers, in the public school system, require a license. The nature of the licensing requirements varies by state (and in the District of Columbia). A mimimum requirement in all states is to have a Bachelor's degree. In addition, all teachers are required to complete a teacher training program, designed to ensure that the teachers have a good balance of skills to bring to the classroom.

In some states, alternative teacher licensing is possible as part of efforts designed to reduce the teacher training requirement. Alternative teacher licensing is used in those areas where there are severe teaching shortages, and the process is designed to bring in teachers that can bring in needed expertise in specific subject areas such as math and science. Some teachers complete their bachelor's degree in a specialist subject and then do a graduate teacher training course, and others do their degree in education, allowing them to become licensed after their first degree.

Requirements for post-secondary teachers are quite different. At a minimum, a bachelor's degree is required, but full-time positions at four year college or universities that are, or may become, tenured (instructor, assistant professor, associate professor, and professor), are usually held by those with a doctoral degree. Lecturers are brought in on short term contracts, and their level of education may vary. Most jobs at two year colleges are held by people that have master's degrees.

Find schools offering Teaching Degrees (no obligation):

Many different colleges and universities provide the training required to become a teacher. A good list of such institutions can be found on this page of college and universities offering Teaching Degrees and related training.
Employment

Teaching careers can take many paths. The number of available jobs varies by market segment, as follows:
School Level Number of Jobs in 2002
Pre School 424,000
Kindergarten 168,000
Elementary School 1,500,000
Middle School 602,000
Secondary School 1,100,000
Post-Secondary School 1,600,000
Special Education 433,000

About 2/3 of pre-school teachers are employed in child day care centers. The great majority of kindergarten, elementary, middle, and secondary school teachers work within the local government educational system. Most post-secondary teachers work within public and private 4 year colleges and universities, or within 2 year community colleges.
Outlook

The job prospects for teachers are excellent for the next 10 years. Enrollment growth is expected to be only moderate, but the expected retirement of existing teachers will provide for excellent job prospects and promotion prospects through 2012.


http://www.education-online-search.com/articles/careers/teaching_careers/become_a_teacher

Assistant Principal

Job Duties

Assistant principals help principals in most aspects of school administration. Some intend on being assistant principals for their entire career, while others acquire the position in order to prepare for becoming principal. Their duties vary, but usually include scheduling student classes, ordering textbooks and supplies, and coordinating transportation, custodial, cafeteria, and other support services. They are often responsible for student discipline and attendance problems, social and recreational programs, and health and safety matters. In some instances, they may counsel students on personal, vocational, and educational matters. Assistant principals are playing an increasingly important role in developing new curricula, evaluating teachers, and dealing with school-community relations, all of which were previously the sole domain of principals. The number of assistant principals employed by a given school is usually dependent on the size of that school's student populati on.

Job Skills

Assistant principals need to have specific knowledge of leadership concepts gained through experience as well as formal education. They must possess qualities such as leadership, determination, confidence, innovativeness, and motivation. Today, assistant principals are required to be intimately familiar with computer technology. This is because they are required to gather information, collect data, and coordinate technical resources for their students, teachers, and classrooms. They should be good decision-makers and be able to organize and coordinate work efficiently. Strong interpersonal skills are essential, due to the high percentage of time spent interacting with others.

Income

In 2002, assistant principals earned a median annual salary of between $62,230 and $70,874, depending on the grade level of their schools. High school assistant principals earned the most on average, followed by Jr. high/middle school assistant principals, and finally, elementary school assistant principals. Benefits for assistant principals are typically very good, including 4 or 5 weeks of vacation each year and generous health and pension packages.

Training and Education

Most assistant principals have a master's degree in education administration or educational supervision. Some, especially those aspiring to be principals, have a doctorate or specialized degree in education administration. In private schools, due to the lack of State licensure requirements, some assistant principals have only a bachelor's degree. In some States, assistant principals are required to be licensed as school administrators, and many States use national standards developed by the Interstate School Leadership Licensure Consortium. Some States also require assistant principals to take continuing education courses in order to be able to renew their licenses. Most assistant principals hold teaching positions prior to advancing to an assistant principal position.

Employment

In 2002, education administrators (the occupational category to which assistant principals belong) held about 427,000 jobs. 60% worked for State and local governments, and 20% worked for private institutions. Less than 5% were self-employed.

Job Outlook

Between 2002 and 2012, employment of assistant principals is expected to grow faster than the average. A large percentage of assistant principals are expected to retire during this period, and education continues to hold greater importance in people's lives. There has been a steady increase in responsibility for principals, making their jobs much more stressful. They have become more accountable for the performance of students and teachers, as well as responsible for adhering to a growing number of government regulations. In many areas, overcrowded classrooms, safety issues, budgetary concerns, and teacher shortages have added to the stress. This combination of changes has discouraged many teachers from taking jobs as assistant principals.

For more information on how to pursue this profession, please see our Education Degree directory.

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Academic Dean Or Chairperson

Job Duties

Academic deans and chairpersons work in colleges and universities, providing various types of administrative support. Academic deans, including deans of faculty, provosts, and university deans, establish academic policies and programs, develop budgets, and make faculty appointments. They supervise and coordinate deans of individual colleges and chairpersons of academic departments. They often spend a good deal of their time working on raising money for their institution.

College or university chairpersons are responsible for departments that specialize in particular fields of study, such as English, biological science, or mathematics. In addition to their teaching duties, they also coordinate schedules of classes and teaching assignments; propose budgets; recruit, interview, and hire applicants for teaching positions; evaluate faculty members; encourage faculty development; serve on committees; and perform other administrative duties. A primary part of their job is balancing the interests of faculty, administrators, and students.

Job Skills

Academic deans and chairpersons need to have specific knowledge of leadership concepts gained through experience as well as formal education. Strong interpersonal skills are essential, due to the high percentage of time spent interacting with others. They must possess qualities such as leadership, determination, confidence, innovativeness, and motivation. Today, academic deans and chairpersons are required to be intimately familiar with computer technology. This is because they are required to gather information, collect data, and coordinate technical resources for their students, teachers, and staff. They should be good decision-makers and be able to organize and coordinate work efficiently.

Income

In 2002, academic deans and chairpersons earned a median annual salary of between $73,595 and $107,414. Benefits for academic deans and chairpersons are typically very good, including 4 or 5 weeks of vacation each year and generous health and pension packages.

Training and Education

Academic deans and chairpersons most often hold a doctorate in their specialized field. Most have attained a professorship before they advance to dean or chairperson status. Many colleges and universities offer advanced degrees in higher education administration, educational supervision, and college student affairs. These programs are accredited by the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education and the Educational Leadership Constituent Council.

Education administration degree programs include courses in school leadership, school law, school finance and budgeting, curriculum development and evaluation, research design and data analysis, community relations, politics in education, and counseling. Education supervision degree programs include courses in supervision of instruction and curriculum, human relations, curriculum development, research, and advanced teaching courses. Education directors advance through promotion to more responsible administrative positions or by transferring to more responsible positions at larger schools or systems. They also may become superintendents of school systems or presidents of educational institutions.

Employment

In 2002, education administrators (the occupational category to which academic deans and chairpersons belong) held about 427,000 jobs. 60% worked for State and local governments, and 20% worked for private institutions. Less than 5% were self-employed.

Job Outlook

Between 2002 and 2012, employment of academic deans and chairpersons is expected to grow faster than the average. While colleges and universities are often subject to fluctuating economic cycles, overall student enrollment will continue to grow, creating more of these types of positions. A large percentage of academic deans and chairpersons are expected to retire during this period, and education continues to hold greater importance in people's lives. However, competition for academic deans and chairpersons, positions which hold a high level of prestige, is expected to remain fierce.

http://www.education-online-search.com/articles/careers/teaching_careers/academic_dean_or_chairperson

Scientific Photographer

Job Duties

Scientific photographers use their knowledge of scientific procedures to illustrate or record scientific or medical data. They do this by capturing images of a variety of different subjects and material. They often have specialized scientific knowledge in such fields as engineering, medicine, biology, or chemistry.

They choose and present a subject in order to achieve a desired look or effect, and select the appropriate equipment, such as artificial light, a particular lens, filters, tripods, and flashes. They operate either a traditional film camera or a digital camera, and some may choose to develop their own film. They may convert the film to a digital image and then edit and electronically transmit images using email. This allows them to manipulate or enhance the digital image to achieve their desired effect.

Job Skills

Scientific photographers need to have knowledge of the particular branch of science in which they work. They also should possess an artistic aptitude, good eyesight, and strong hand-eye coordination. They need to have good interpersonal communication skills and be skilled at working with others. They should be patient, accurate, and have an eye for detail. More and more, they are required to have knowledge of computer software programs and applications relevant to their work.

Income

In 2002, scientific photographers earned a median annual salary of $24,040. Earnings ranged from the lowest 10%, who earned less than $14,640, and the highest 10%, who earned more than $49,920. Salaried photographers tend to earn more than self-employed photographers. Freelance photographers spend large amounts of money purchasing and maintaining their cameras and other equipment.

Training and Education

Scientific photographers can receive training through universities, community and junior colleges, vocational-technical institutes, or private trade and technical schools. Courses cover basic processes, standard equipment, and techniques. Bachelor's degrees provide a very strong and well-rounded education, especially those that include courses in business.

Regardless of training, employers seek individuals who have a good eye, imagination, and creativity. Many entry-level photographers start out as assistants to more experienced photographers, and gradually move up in level of responsibility. Photographers who operate their own freelance business need to have additional knowledge and skills, including writing, hiring, licensing, pricing, and financial record keeping.

Click here for more information on Photography Schools and the programs that they offer.

Employment

In 2002, photographers held about 130,000 jobs. More than 50% were self-employed, and most worked in major metropolitan areas.

Job Outlook

Between 2002 and 2012, the number of scientific photographers is expected to increase about as fast as the average. Demand will be tempered by increasing productivity and the reduction in barriers to consumer digital photography technology. As scientific photographers face keen competition for jobs, those who are the most creative, flexible, and business savvy will have the best chances for employment.

http://www.education-online-search.com/articles/careers/photography_careers/scientific_photographer

Portrait Photographer

Job Duties

Portrait photographers often work in their own studios, taking pictures of groups or individuals. They often specialize in particular events, such as weddings, religious ceremonies, or school photographs. They also may work on location. Some portrait photographers may own their own business, which requires them to arrange for advertising, schedule appointments, mount and frame pictures, purchase supplies, keep records, bill customers, and possibly hire and train new employees.

They choose and present a subject in order to achieve a desired look or effect, and select the appropriate equipment, such as artificial light, a particular lens, filters, tripods, and flashes. They operate either a traditional film camera or a digital camera, and some may choose to develop their own film. They may convert the film to a digital image and then edit and electronically transmit images using email. This allows them to manipulate or enhance the digital image to achieve their desired effect.

Job Skills

Portrait photographers need to be able to put people at ease and help them relax in front of the camera. They need to possess an artistic aptitude, good eyesight, and strong hand-eye coordination. They need to have good interpersonal communication skills and be skilled at working with others. They should be patient, accurate, and have an eye for detail. More and more, they are required to have knowledge of computer software programs and applications relevant to their work.

Income

In 2002, portrait photographers earned a median annual salary of $24,040. Earnings ranged from the lowest 10%, who earned less than $14,640, and the highest 10%, who earned more than $49,920. Salaried photographers tend to earn more than self-employed photographers. Freelance photographers spend large amounts of money purchasing and maintaining their cameras and other equipment.

Training and Education

Portrait photographers can receive training through universities, community and junior colleges, vocational-technical institutes, or private trade and technical schools. Courses cover basic processes, standard equipment, and techniques. Bachelor's degrees provide a very strong and well-rounded education, especially those that include courses in business.

Regardless of training, employers seek individuals who have a good eye, imagination, and creativity. Many entry-level photographers start out as assistants to more experienced photographers, and gradually move up in level of responsibility. Photographers who operate their own freelance business need to have additional knowledge and skills, including writing, hiring, licensing, pricing, and financial record keeping.

Click here for more information on Photography Schools and the programs that they offer.

Employment

In 2002, photographers held about 130,000 jobs. More than 50% were self-employed, and most worked in major metropolitan areas.

Job Outlook

Between 2002 and 2012, the number of photographers is expected to increase about as fast as the average. The demand for portrait photographers will be mainly fueled by general population growth. Demand will be tempered by increasing productivity and the reduction in barriers to consumer digital photography technology. As portrait photographers face keen competition for jobs, those who are the most creative, flexible, and business savvy will have the best chances for employment.

http://www.education-online-search.com/articles/careers/photography_careers/portrait_photographer

Photographic Machine Operator

Job Duties

Photographic machine operators work with various types of photographic-related machines, including mounting presses and motion picture film printing, photographic printing, and film developing machines. Both amateur and professional photographers depend on these workers to complete their final photographic product.

Photographic machine operators often specialize in various types of work and have specialized job titles. Film process technicians operate machines that develop exposed photographic film or sensitized paper in a series of chemical and water baths to produce negative or positive images. These technicians mix developing and fixing solutions, load film into the machine, immerse the negative in a stop-bath, transfer it to a hyposolution, reimmerse it, and, finally, dry the image. Color printer operators produce color prints from negatives using color printing equipments. They determine settings, set controls, and produce a specified number of prints.

Job Skills

Photographic machine operators need to possess good manual dexterity, due to the high percentage of their jobs spent working with their hands. They must have excellent vision, including normal color perception, because of the visual nature of the work. In addition, they should have highly-developed hand-eye coordination.

Income

In 2002, photographic machine operators earned a median hourly wage of $9.05. Earnings ranged from the lowest 10%, who earned less than $6.53, to the highest 10%, who earned more than $15.60. The median hourly wage was $10.15 in photofinishing laboratories, and $7.20 in health and personal care stores, the two largest employers of photographic machine operators.

Training and Education

Employers of photographic machine operators usually prefer to hire high school graduates or experienced workers. Photography courses that include instruction in film processing can be advantageous, as can the ability to perform simple mathematical calculations. These types of courses are offered by high schools, vocational-technical institutes, private trade schools, and colleges and universities.

Photographic machine operators typically receive on-the-job training from their companies, manufacturers' representatives, and more experienced workers. New employees gradually learn to use machines and chemicals. On-the-job training usually lasts from a few hours to several months. Some workers update their skills by attending periodic training seminars.

Click here for more information on Photography Schools and the programs that they offer.

Employment

In 2002, photographic machine operators held about 28,000 jobs. 40% worked in retail establishments, mostly general merchandise stores and drug stores. 30% worked in photofinishing laboratories and 1-hour minilabs. A very small percentage were self-employed.

Job Outlook

Between 2002 and 2012, the number of photographic machine operators is expected to increase more slowly than the average. The main cause of this slow growth is the increased popularity of digital cameras. Consumers who own digital cameras and technology will be able to download and view pictures on their computer, as well as manipulate, correct, and retouch their own photographs.

http://www.education-online-search.com/articles/careers/photography_careers/photographic_machine_operator

Photographic Process Worker

Job Duties

Photographic process workers, sometimes known as digital imaging technicians, work with computer images of conventional negatives and specialized software to alter photographs by removing unwanted background, varying the contrast, or combining features from different photographs.

Today, much of this work is completed using computers and digital software, some workers still use old-fashioned methods, performing many specialized tasks by hand directly on the photo or negative. Airbrush artists use airbrushes to restore damaged or faded photographs, or to color or shade drawings to create photographic likenesses. Photographic retouchers accentuate the subject of a photograph by altering negatives, prints, or images. Colorists improve the lifelike appearance of photographs by adding oil colors. Photographic spotters work with photographic prints and images to remove imperfections.

Job Skills

Photographic process workers need to possess good manual dexterity, due to the high percentage of their jobs spent working with their hands. They must have excellent vision, including normal color perception, because of the visual nature of the work. In addition, they should have highly-developed hand-eye coordination.

Income

In 2002, photographic process workers earned a median hourly wage of $9.72. Earnings ranged from the lowest 10%, who earned less than $6.79, to the highest 10%, who earned more than $17.43. The median hourly wage was $9.75 in photofinishing laboratories, the largest employers of photographic process workers.

Training and Education

Employers of photographic process workers usually prefer to hire high school graduates or experienced workers. Photography courses that include instruction in film processing can be advantageous, as can the ability to perform simple mathematical calculations. These types of courses are offered by high schools, vocational-technical institutes, private trade schools, and colleges and universities.

Photographic process workers typically receive on-the-job training from their companies, manufacturers' representatives, and more experienced workers. New employees gradually learn to use machines and chemicals. On-the-job training usually lasts from a few hours to several months. Some workers update their skills by attending periodic training seminars.

Click here for more information on Photography Schools and the programs that they offer.

Employment

In 2002, photographic process workers held about 28,000 jobs. 25% were employed in photofinishing laboratories and 1-hour minilabs. 1 in 6 worked in portrait studios or commercial laboratories that specialize in processing the work of professional photographers for advertising and other industries.

Job Outlook

Between 2002 and 2012, the number of photographic process workers is expected to increase more slowly than the average. The main cause of this slow growth is the increased popularity of digital cameras. Consumers who own digital cameras and technology will be able to download and view pictures on their computer, as well as manipulate, correct, and retouch their own photographs.

http://www.education-online-search.com/articles/careers/photography_careers/photographic_process_worker

News Photographer

Job Duties

News photographers, sometimes referred to as photojournalists, photograph newsworthy people, places, and sporting, political, and community events for newspapers, journals, magazines, or television. Some work as salaried staff employees, while others own their own businesses and are known as freelance photographers. Freelance news photographers may license the use of their photographs through stock photo agencies or contracts with other types of clients.

They choose and present a subject in order to achieve a desired look or effect, and select the appropriate equipment, such as artificial light, a particular lens, filters, tripods, and flashes. They operate either a traditional film camera or a digital camera, and some may choose to develop their own film. They may convert the film to a digital image and then edit and electronically transmit images using email. This allows them to manipulate or enhance the digital image to achieve their desired effect.

Job Skills

In addition to photography skills, news photographers need to comprehend the story behind the event they are photographing in order to match their pictures with the story. They also should possess an artistic aptitude, good eyesight, and strong hand-eye coordination, and be able to think and act decisively. They need to have good interpersonal communication skills and be skilled at working with others. They should be patient, accurate, and have an eye for detail. More and more, they are required to have knowledge of computer software programs and applications relevant to their work.

Income

In 2002, news photographers earned a median annual salary of $24,040. Earnings ranged from the lowest 10%, who earned less than $14,640, and the highest 10%, who earned more than $49,920. Salaried photographers tend to earn more than self-employed photographers. Freelance photographers spend large amounts of money purchasing and maintaining their cameras and other equipment.

Training and Education

News photographers can receive training through universities, community and junior colleges, vocational-technical institutes, or private trade and technical schools. Courses cover basic processes, standard equipment, and techniques. Bachelor's degrees provide a very strong and well-rounded education, especially those that include courses in business.

Regardless of training, employers seek individuals who have a good eye, imagination, and creativity. Many entry-level photographers start out as assistants to more experienced photographers, and gradually move up in level of responsibility. Photographers who operate their own freelance business need to have additional knowledge and skills, including writing, hiring, licensing, pricing, and financial record keeping.

Click here for more information on Photography Schools and the programs that they offer.

Employment

In 2002, photographers held about 130,000 jobs. More than 50% were self-employed, and most worked in major metropolitan areas.

Job Outlook

Between 2002 and 2012, the number of news photographers is expected to increase about as fast as the average. Demand will be tempered by increasing productivity and the reduction in barriers to consumer digital photography technology. As news photographers face keen competition for jobs, those who are the most creative, flexible, and business savvy will have the best chances for employment.

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Photographic Equipment Technician

Job Duties

Photographic equipment technicians are usually employed by independent repair shops, equipment manufacturers, or retailers. They dismantle, repair, adjust, and clean cameras, lenses, projectors, and other types of photographic equipment. In smaller shops, technicians usually work on a variety of types of photographic equipment, while in larger shops, they usually specialize in a particular type of brand. Technicians determine the damage to the equipment, make the necessary repairs, reassemble the equipment, and test whether it meets manufacturer specifications.

Technicians use a variety of small hand tools, such as jewelers' screw drivers, files, wrenches, soldering instruments, microscopes, micrometers, and gauges. They also use precision testing instruments, such as digital voltmeters, optical measuring devices, electronic timers and mechanical testing devices.

Job Skills

Because this work is meticulous and usually indoors, photographic equipment technicians need to be patient and persistent. They usually are required to interact with customers, so they should be able to communicate well and get along with others. In addition, they are often required to have good writing skills.

Income

Photographic equipment technicians who have 3 to 5 years of experience and highly-developed skills may make from $9.00 per hour to $17.00 per hour. Some are paid by the job, rather than hourly. Still others may make a percentage of the shop rate charged to the customer. Employees of manufacturers or larger repair shops may receive vacation and health benefits.

Training and Education

Photographic equipment technicians can receive training through private vocational schools that teach photographic equipment repair, as well as through some community colleges. Employers usually prefer to hire technicians who have 3 to 5 years of experience and are fully qualified. Applicants without this level of experience must have received formal training or have a strong background in high school physical sciences and electronics theory. They must also be able to comprehend technical manuals and blueprints, as well as have an aptitude for mechanical work.

Another route into the occupation is through training in the armed forces. However, some general civilian experience or training may be necessary since military photographic work may specialize in specific types of equipment. Yet another way technicians enter the field is through on-the-job training from their employers.

Click here for more information on Photography Schools and the programs that they offer.

Job Outlook

Between 2002 and 2012, the number of photographic equipment technicians is expected to increase about as fast as the average. Population growth and the popularity of amateur and family photography will contribute to a continuing need for repair and service of photographic and related equipment.

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About Photography Careers

Photography, like many other professions allied to the communications industries, is going through a revolution. The advent of digital photography has not only revolutionized how photographs are taken, it also affects the transmission, storage and manipulation of the images produced. However there is still a place for the more traditional analog photography technologies, although these are being gradually replaced as the quality of digital photography improves.

Photographers are used in several different areas of industry, including newspapers and magazines, illustrations of books and television. There are portrait photographers and fine art photographers who need artistic talent and creativity, commercial and industrial photographers whose photographs are used as illustrations or archival material, and scientific photographers.

Many photographers are freelance, working on a project or contract basis, and using agencies to gain work. Others are salaried, working with newspapers or large corporations.

Most people enter professional photography after gaining a college degree in photography – often photojournalism. A degree course will give a well-rounded background of photography, the technologies and materials used, computerization, and some of the creativity necessary to compose good photographs.

Earnings averaged at around the $22,300 area in 2000, with the top 10% of photographers earning in excess of $46,000. Competition is fierce to gain a foothold in this industry, so qualifications help to get that important first job.

http://www.education-online-search.com/articles/careers/photography_careers/about_photography_careers

School Nurse

Job Duties

School nurses work in various academic settings, providing primary care to children. Their duties range across a wide spectrum and may include emergency care, illness prevention, health counseling, community and public relations, vision and hearing screening, and health education. They may be responsible for the care of students with advanced medical conditions, providing them with tracheostomy care or tube feeding. They work in either school-based clinics or school campuses. School nurses strive to increase the well-being, success, and achievement of the students they care for. They help encourage positive mental and physical development, health safety, and learning.

Job Skills

School nurses need to have well-developed communication skills, and the ability to observe accurately and make decisions accordingly. They must be able to work with patients who are sometimes reluctant to cooperate. They must be willing to work with a team, as well as supervise others. Due to the intense nature of the work, school nurses should be emotionally stable and have a sympathetic disposition.

Income

In 2002, school nurses earned a median annual salary of $48,090. Earnings ranged from the lowest 10 percent, who earned less than $33,970, and the highest 10 percent, who earned more than $69,670.

Training and Education

School nurses must first become registered nurses (RNs) by earning their nursing license. In order to obtain a nursing license, which is required by all 50 States and the District of Columbia, students must graduate from an approved nursing program and pass a national licensing examination. Candidates have three different options for educational paths leading to certification as a registered nurse. The first option is obtaining a bachelor's of science degree in nursing (BSN). BSN programs are offered through colleges and universities and take 4 years to complete,. The second option is an associate degree in nursing (ADN), offered through junior and community colleges, which takes 2 to 3 years to complete. The third option is a 3-year diploma program administered by hospitals.

All three types of programs qualify students to be hired as a registered nurse, but BSNs provide graduates with the most opportunity for advancement within the nursing profession. In fact many nurses certified through ADN or diploma programs go on to enter bachelor's programs. Public health nurses can become certified by the National Association of School Nurses (NASN), which is affiliated with the National Board for Certification of School Nurses (NBSCN). In order to become certified, school nurses need to pass the NBSCN national school nurse certification examination. Click here to see a list of schools offering School Nursing Certification Programs and to contact their admissions departments for more information.

Employment

In 2002, registered nurses, including school nurses, held approximately 2.3 million jobs, making the occupation the largest in the healthcare field.

Job Outlook

Between 2002 and 2012, the number of school nurses is expected to increase faster than the average. More new RN jobs are expected to be created than any other occupation, mostly because of the need to replace aging registered nurses as they leave the profession. Factors such as the growing elderly population, general growth of healthcare, rising median age of registered nurses, increased emphasis on preventative treatment, and technological advances will keep registered nurses, including school nurses, in high demand.

http://www.education-online-search.com/articles/careers/nursing_careers/school_nurse

Registered Nurses

Registered nurses assist patients in coping with illness, advocate for patients, families, and communities, and promote awareness of health-related issues. They report their patient observations to physicians, help surgeons perform operations, administer medications, and assist patient with rehabilitation. The range of tasks they may perform is restricted by State law, and determined by the type of facility they work in, including hospitals, physician's offices, surgical centers, clinics, long-term rehabilitation units, private homes, government agencies, schools, and worksites.

Job Skills

Registered nurses need to have well-developed communication skills, and the ability to observe accurately and make decisions accordingly. They must be willing to work with a team, as well as supervise others. Due to the intense nature of the work, registered nurses should be emotionally stable and have a sympathetic disposition.

Income

In 2002, registered nurses earned a median annual salary of $48,090. Earnings ranged from the lowest 10 percent, who earned less than $33,970, and the highest 10 percent, who earned more than $69,670. The highest annual salary was found in employment services, and the lowest was found in nursing care facilities.

Training and Education

In order to obtain a nursing license, which is required by all 50 States and the District of Columbia, students must graduate from an approved nursing program and pass a national licensing examination. Candidates have three different options for educational paths leading to certification as a registered nurse. The first option is obtaining a bachelor's of science degree in nursing (BSN). BSN programs are offered through colleges and universities and take 4 years to complete,. The second option is an associate degree in nursing (ADN), offered through junior and community colleges, which takes 2 to 3 years to complete. The third option is a 3-year diploma program administered by hospitals. All three types of programs qualify students to be hired as a registered nurse, but BSNs provide graduates with the most opportunity for advancement within the nursing profession. In fact many nurses certified through ADN or diploma programs go on to enter bachelor's programs.

Employment

In 2002, registered nurses held approximately 2.3 million jobs, making the occupation the largest in the healthcare field. A majority of jobs were held in hospitals.

Job Outlook

Between 2002 and 2012, the number of registered nurses is expected to increase faster than the average. More new RN jobs are expected to be created than any other occupation, mostly because of the need to replace aging registered nurses as they leave the profession. Factors such as the growing elderly population, general growth of healthcare, rising median age of registered nurses, increased emphasis on preventative treatment, technological advances will keep registered nurses in high demand.

http://www.education-online-search.com/articles/careers/nursing_careers/registered_nurses

Public Health Nurse

Job Duties

Public health nurses focus on populations instead of just individual patients, although they do work with individual patients a great deal of the time. They typically work for government or private agencies, including schools, health departments, ambulatory care clinics, and retirement communities. They work to improve the overall health of the community in which they work. They plan and implement health-related programs. They teach individuals and groups about health issues like preventative care, nutrition, and childcare. They arrange for immunization clinics, blood pressure testing, cholesterol level testing, and other health screening clinics. They often work closely with teachers, parents, physicians, and community leaders. Their main goal is to work with local governments to correct health problems that face particular communities.

Job Skills

Public health nurses need to have well-developed communication skills, and the ability to observe accurately and make decisions accordingly. They must be able to work with patients who are sometimes reluctant to cooperate. They need to be able to honor the wishes of their patients. They must be willing to work with a team, as well as supervise others. Due to the intense nature of the work, public health nurses should be emotionally stable and have a sympathetic disposition.

Income

In 2002, public health nurses earned a median annual salary of $48,090. Earnings ranged from the lowest 10 percent, who earned less than $33,970, to the highest 10 percent, who earned more than $69,670.

Training and Education

Public health nurses can become certified by the American Public Health Association (APHA). They must also become registered nurses (RNs) by earning their nursing license. In order to obtain a nursing license, which is required by all 50 States and the District of Columbia, students must graduate from an approved nursing program and pass a national licensing examination. Candidates have three different options for educational paths leading to certification as a registered nurse. The first option is obtaining a bachelor's of science degree in nursing (BSN). BSN programs are offered through colleges and universities and take 4 years to complete,. The second option is an associate degree in nursing (ADN), offered through junior and community colleges, which takes 2 to 3 years to complete. The third option is a 3-year diploma program administered by hospitals. All three types of programs qualify students to be hired as a registered nurse, but BSNs provide graduates with the most opportunity for advancement within the nursing profession. In fact many nurses certified through ADN or diploma programs go on to enter bachelor's programs. Click here to see a list of Nursing Schools, and/or to contact their admissions departments for more information.

Employment

In 2002, registered nurses, including public health nurses, held approximately 2.3 million jobs, making the occupation the largest in the healthcare field.

Job Outlook

Between 2002 and 2012, the number of public health nurses is expected to increase faster than the average. More new RN jobs are expected to be created than any other occupation, mostly because of the need to replace aging registered nurses as they leave the profession. Factors such as the growing elderly population, general growth of healthcare, rising median age of registered nurses, increased emphasis on preventative treatment, and technological advances will keep registered nurses, including home health nurses, in high demand.

http://www.education-online-search.com/articles/careers/nursing_careers/public_health_nurse

Personal Care Aide

Job Duties

Personal care aides, who are also referred to as homemakers, caregivers, companions, and personal attendants, provide help to people who are elderly, disabled, or sick. Their clients usually require a greater amount of care than their family and friends can provide to them. Aides usually travel to the client's home. They work with small children whose parents are incapacitated or discharged hospital patients with short-term needs. They differ from home health aides because they do not provide health-related services, but rather housekeeping and routine personal care. They may clean the house or apartment, do laundry, or change bed sheets. They often cook and plan meals for their clients. They may dress them, and sometimes bath and groom them. Some work with clients outside the home.

Personal care aides give their clients a certain amount of psychological support. They counsel families regarding nutrition, cleanliness, and household tasks. They sometimes toilet train children who are severely mentally handicapped. Sometimes they may sit and listen to clients discuss their everyday challenges and problems. Personal care aides are supervised by registered nurses, physical therapists, or social workers if they work in home healthcare agencies.

Job Skills

Those types of people who tend to succeed in personal care aide jobs generally enjoy helping other people and working hard. They tend to be emotionally stable and responsible. They are passionate about their work and their clients, and they usually have a pleasant and optimistic personality. They also need to be honest, tactful, and discreet.

Income

In 2002, personal care aides earned a median hourly wage of $7.81. Earnings ranged from the lowest 10%, who earned less than $5.90, to the highest 10%, who earned more than $10.67. The following shows the median hourly wages in the industries employing the largest numbers of personal care aides:

• Residential retardation, mental health, and substance abuse facilities: $8.63
• Vocational rehabilitation services: $8.40
• Community care facilities for the elderly: $8.14
• Individual and family services: $8.12
• Home health care services: $6.72

Training and Education

Training for personal care aides varies by State. In some States, no formal training requirements exist and on-the-job training is the standard. In other States, aides are required to have formal training, such as certification by the National Association for Home Care. Certification through this organization is a demonstration that the applicant has met industry standards. Some States also require applicants to have had a physical examination that includes tests for tuberculosis and other communicable diseases. Personal care aides advance by moving from cleaning to personal care duties, but advancement is very limited in this occupation. You can explore more about training for patient care careers by clicking on this link for patient care technician training.

Employment

In 2002, personal care aides held about 608,000 jobs.

Job Outlook

Between 2002 and 2012, employment of personal care aides is expected to increase faster than the average. A growing population of elderly people - the population group that most needs personal care aides - will account for much of the rising demand for these workers. More patients in other age groups will also rely more on personal care aides because hospitals are increasingly moving patients out of their facilities and back into homes in order to reduce costs. The occupation also has a high rate of turnover due to the low training requirements, low wages, and high emotional demands of the job.

Office Nurse

Job Duties

Office nurses provide care to patients in outpatient facilities like physicians' offices, clinics, ambulatory surgical centers, community clinics, workplaces, dialysis centers, pain management centers, and emergency medical centers. They help patients prepare for examinations, and they assist patients during examinations. They administer injections and medications under the direction of physicians. They may assist with minor surgeries. Some office nurses are also responsible for clerical duties, such as record keeping and office management. They work with patients of all ages who have all types of illnesses and injuries. They provide patients with education, pain and case management, and discharge planning.
Job Skills

Office nurses need to have well-developed communication skills, and the ability to observe accurately and make decisions accordingly. They must be willing to work with a team, as well as supervise others. Due to the intense nature of the work, office nurses should be emotionally stable and have a sympathetic disposition.
Income

In 2002, office nurses earned a median annual salary of $48,090. Earnings ranged from the lowest 10 percent, who earned less than $33,970, to the highest 10 percent, who earned more than $69,670.

Training and Education

Office nurses can become certified by the American Academy of Ambulatory Care Nursing (AAACN). They must also become registered nurses (RNs) by earning their nursing license. In order to obtain a nursing license, which is required by all 50 States and the District of Columbia, students must graduate from an approved nursing program and pass a national licensing examination. Candidates have three different options for educational paths leading to certification as a registered nurse. The first option is obtaining a bachelor's of science degree in nursing (BSN). BSN programs are offered through colleges and universities and take 4 years to complete,. The second option is an associate degree in nursing (ADN), offered through junior and community colleges, which takes 2 to 3 years to complete. The third option is a 3-year diploma program administered by hospitals. All three types of programs qualify students to be hired as a registered nurse, but BSNs provide graduates with the most opportunity for advancement within the nursing profession. In fact many nurses certified through ADN or diploma programs go on to enter bachelor's programs. Click here to see a list of Nursing Schools, and/or to contact their admissions departments for more information.
Employment

In 2002, registered nurses, including office nurses, held approximately 2.3 million jobs, making the occupation the largest in the healthcare field.

Job Outlook

Between 2002 and 2012, the number of office nurses is expected to increase faster than the average. Office nurses will grow at a particularly fast rate because physicians are being pressured into treating more patients in less time, increasing the need for office nurses to handle more responsibility. More new RN jobs are expected to be created than any other occupation, mostly because of the need to replace aging registered nurses as they leave the profession. Factors such as the growing elderly population, general growth of healthcare, rising median age of registered nurses, increased emphasis on preventative treatment, technological advances will keep registered nurses, including office nurses, in high demand.


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Occupational Health Nurse

Job Duties

Occupational health nurses offer health services in the workplace to employees, customers, and anyone else at the worksite who may have an injury or illness. They may prepare accident reports and provide emergency care. If further medical assistance is needed, they arrange for that to take place. They work to identify potential or acute health problems. They provide counseling and conduct health examinations and inoculations. They also tackle challenges of accessibility for disabled workers, productivity, and workers' compensation issues. They work in many different types of facilities, from hospitals to manufacturing plants. Occupational health nurses combine knowledge of public health and nursing theory to attempt to create healthier workers. Because low employee health costs businesses upwards of $1 trillion per year, business leaders depend on occupational health nurses to maintain a health workforce.

Job Skills

Occupational health nurses need to have well-developed communication skills, and the ability to observe accurately and make decisions accordingly. They need to be able to honor the wishes of their patients. They must be willing to work with a team, as well as supervise others. Due to the intense nature of the work, occupational health nurses should be emotionally stable and have a sympathetic disposition.

Income

In 2002, occupational health nurses earned a median annual salary of $48,090. Earnings ranged from the lowest 10 percent, who earned less than $33,970, and the highest 10 percent, who earned more than $69,670.

Training and Education

Occupational health nurses can become certified by the American Association of Occupational Health Nurses, Inc. (AAOHN). Certification involves 4,000 hours of work experience and 50 contact hours of continuing education. They must also become registered nurses (RNs) by earning their nursing license. In order to obtain a nursing license, which is required by all 50 States and the District of Columbia, students must graduate from an approved nursing program and pass a national licensing examination.

Candidates have three different options for educational paths leading to certification as a registered nurse. The first option is obtaining a bachelor's of science degree in nursing (BSN). BSN programs are offered through colleges and universities and take 4 years to complete,. The second option is an associate degree in nursing (ADN), offered through junior and community colleges, which takes 2 to 3 years to complete. The third option is a 3-year diploma program administered by hospitals. All three types of programs qualify students to be hired as a registered nurse, but BSNs provide graduates with the most opportunity for advancement within the nursing profession. In fact many nurses certified through ADN or diploma programs go on to enter bachelor's programs. Click here to see a list of Nursing Schools, and/or to contact their admissions departments for more information.

Employment

In 2002, registered nurses, including occupational health nurses, held approximately 2.3 million jobs, making the occupation the largest in the healthcare field.

Job Outlook

Between 2002 and 2012, the number of occupational health nurses is expected to increase faster than the average. More new RN jobs are expected to be created than any other occupation, mostly because of the need to replace aging registered nurses as they leave the profession. Factors such as the growing elderly population, general growth of healthcare, rising median age of registered nurses, increased emphasis on preventative treatment, and technological advances will keep registered nurses, including home health nurses, in high demand.

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