Knowing What To Look For In The Best Online Education
by: Mark Woodcock
The traditional way to receive an education, by attending what is known as a bricks-and-mortar institution, will always be a common and an accepted way to learn. There is something very tangible about going to a classroom and listening to a lecture given by an instructor standing in front of you, by interacting with peers, and by handing in tests and assignments in person. However, that is not always the most convenient way for a person to receive an education, especially a higher education from a college or university. Technology has afforded the opportunity for people to study and attend classes online. Though not a very recent development in education, it is a constantly improving and evolving device for learning that offers new choices and opportunities to many people who might not otherwise be able to receive a bachelor's, master's, or even doctorate degree, as well as supplement their careers with continuing education classes and certification programs. It is important to understand what it requires of the student, and what factors to look for in an educational institution, in order to receive the best possible online education.
The advantages of online education are many. There is a flexibility that comes with having round the clock access to coursework, online lectures, and study materials. There is the convenience of not having to commute to a classroom, or move into a dorm or near a specific campus. And there is the ability for an online student to be able to improve himself intellectually and professionally while at the same time working and enjoying family time. But, do not let these benefits fool you. The flexibility of online education does not make it an effortless endeavor. Students who know when they begin that they have to be resolute in their intentions earn the best online educations. Because of the extra time and effort that is required in order to succeed in the virtual classroom setting, online learning can be harder than traditional courses. An online student has to be dedicated and determined, as well as self-driven.
Often, online learning is an ideal situation for those who have been away from college for a while and have been out in the workforce. Maturity and life experience is often a big advantage when it comes to the demands that come with online education. For many older students, the online format has several advantages, both personal and professional. Online learning embraces the concepts of lifelong learning and self-improvement. The ready availability of the format allows these desires to be satisfied more easily than ever before. Taking advantage of online education also provides people with more career advancement opportunities, and helps them to compete professionally on a global scale. However, there are issues involved with returning to school, such as finding the time. That is why the convenience of an online education is often the best choice for an individual.
When seeking out colleges or universities that offer online educational programs, it is important to know what to look for. The best online educational programs come from colleges and universities that are fully accredited, and that are able to offer diversity in the curriculum and in the faculty that present it. It is vital that the faculty embrace the technology that is required for use in the virtual classroom format. It is important that faculty is willing and able to virtually communicate with students, whether it is to record a lecture or to communicate via email. It is also important for faculty to work with the technology in order to engage the students, which can be a challenge in an online classroom. It is also in their best interest professionally for faculty to be on par with technology in order to stay current themselves. In order to provide the best possible online educational experience, there must be a willingness to open the lines of communication on the part of an instructor as well as a student, in order to overcome the challenges that are brought on by the online classroom.
Though seemingly the easiest way to earn an education, online learning has a unique set of challenges. In addition to a great commitment of time and self-drive on the part of the student, online education requires the same commitment on the part of the educational institution and its faculty in order for online learning to reach its fullest potential. Online learning certainly offers flexibility and convenience for a student, especially one who has been in the workforce for a while. Being able to improve one's education and professional prospects while at the same time being able to maintain work and family responsibilities is one of the huge advantages of earning an online education. As long as a student is aware of the commitment required to be a successful online student, and finds an accredited program at a college or university that embraces the technology of the virtual classroom, then the student will receive the best in what online education currently has to offer.
Tuesday, July 25, 2006
Finding the Right Medical Transcription School For You
Finding the Right Medical Transcription School For You
by: Chris Dunn
COMPETENCY-BASED
Finding the right medical transcription school may be the most important decision you will make in your career. This may seem like a bold statement - especially since, at first glance all medical transcription schools look pretty much the same. But nothing could be further from the truth. There are really only a few medical transcription schools that are truly competency-based. That is, schools that prepare you to get a job upon graduation.
DIPLOMA MILLS
Oh, don’t worry, there are plenty of “diploma mills” out there. The problem is that in this business, a diploma is not what matters. The only thing that matters is whether you can perform the work. And the only way to learn to do the work is to enroll in a top-flight medical transcription school. Taking shortcuts on a fast track to a diploma is a total waste of time and money. Too many people find this out the hard way — and it is a very costly mistake, indeed.
MYTH OF NO OPPORTUNITY
Unfortunately, most people who make that mistake become completely discouraged and disillusioned and just give up, assuming that there is no real opportunity for a career in medical transcription. When the reality is that there are hundreds of unfilled medical transcription job vacancies every day of the year. Right now the medical transcription industry is literally begging for new talent. But medical transcription companies need people that can produce, not people that require a lot of handholding and mentoring.
CONVENIENCE
One aspect you will want to consider in finding the right MTS for you is convenience. Some vocational and community colleges offer MT programs. The obvious challenge there is travel time and arranging your schedule to fit theirs. One great benefit for going the home-study route is that you can study whenever YOUR schedule allows. For many stay-at-home moms, this is a very, very big advantage.
by: Chris Dunn
COMPETENCY-BASED
Finding the right medical transcription school may be the most important decision you will make in your career. This may seem like a bold statement - especially since, at first glance all medical transcription schools look pretty much the same. But nothing could be further from the truth. There are really only a few medical transcription schools that are truly competency-based. That is, schools that prepare you to get a job upon graduation.
DIPLOMA MILLS
Oh, don’t worry, there are plenty of “diploma mills” out there. The problem is that in this business, a diploma is not what matters. The only thing that matters is whether you can perform the work. And the only way to learn to do the work is to enroll in a top-flight medical transcription school. Taking shortcuts on a fast track to a diploma is a total waste of time and money. Too many people find this out the hard way — and it is a very costly mistake, indeed.
MYTH OF NO OPPORTUNITY
Unfortunately, most people who make that mistake become completely discouraged and disillusioned and just give up, assuming that there is no real opportunity for a career in medical transcription. When the reality is that there are hundreds of unfilled medical transcription job vacancies every day of the year. Right now the medical transcription industry is literally begging for new talent. But medical transcription companies need people that can produce, not people that require a lot of handholding and mentoring.
CONVENIENCE
One aspect you will want to consider in finding the right MTS for you is convenience. Some vocational and community colleges offer MT programs. The obvious challenge there is travel time and arranging your schedule to fit theirs. One great benefit for going the home-study route is that you can study whenever YOUR schedule allows. For many stay-at-home moms, this is a very, very big advantage.
Distance Learning Doctorate Degrees - What To Do After Your Masters Degree
by: Gina Sarento
Online education is becoming an increasingly popular method of earning a bachelor’s or associate’s degree. However, many schools are not also offering advanced degrees for master’s and doctoral degrees. A distance learning doctorate is an ideal solution for individuals who have a master’s degree already and do not have the time to go back to school full time. Most people with a higher education are already in the workforce and have stringent time commitments for personal and professional obligations. This can hamper someone from continuing their education but with the flexibility of online programs, this issue can be solved.
In order to attain a distance learning doctorate, you must have access to a computer and have an Internet connection. If you are not yet skilled in the basic functions of a computer and how to use the Internet, it is advisable to learn before starting classes. You will use this resource heavily, so you should have expert knowledge already. Most people already have sufficient knowledge of the Internet and computers since they are used so frequently in business today.
There are several methods for attaining a distance learning doctorate. Research various schools for their philosophies and curriculum before committing to a program. There are various approaches and one will likely suit you best. It is advisable to start a doctoral program at the same place you intend to complete it so there is no re working of existing work or credits that do not transfer. Take your time to research methods and choose one that will realistically suit your style of learning and time constraints.
One method to obtain a distance learning doctorate is a completely book free method that is custom made to your personal goals. This method brings you in contact with a professor who specializes in your field and will create a curriculum for those needs. The assignments are completely written and cover related topics in your field. You will need to research and write about a number of topics all relating to the industry in which you specialize. This is a viable option because you are learning practical applications for your business.
Another method is to utilize the distance learning doctorate curriculum to study and research with testing and thesis submissions. The majority of the work is done online but has a more structured course schedule. You will likely have detailed assignments and need to use books as well as do Internet research. Testing may be required at local affiliated testing centers that are located in your area. Some schools will even have a split curriculum where portions are on site and other portions are available online.
Traditional methods of learning are very sound; however, many people have too many responsibilities at work or in their personal lives to commit to the time involved in earning a doctorate degree. Colleges and universities have recognized this and have adapted distance learning doctorate programs to account for this. Accelerated and custom class curriculum account for work experience and knowledge to help speed the process. Utilizing technology, the schools offer comparable classes with the added convenience of working at your own pace from your own home.
by: Gina Sarento
Online education is becoming an increasingly popular method of earning a bachelor’s or associate’s degree. However, many schools are not also offering advanced degrees for master’s and doctoral degrees. A distance learning doctorate is an ideal solution for individuals who have a master’s degree already and do not have the time to go back to school full time. Most people with a higher education are already in the workforce and have stringent time commitments for personal and professional obligations. This can hamper someone from continuing their education but with the flexibility of online programs, this issue can be solved.
In order to attain a distance learning doctorate, you must have access to a computer and have an Internet connection. If you are not yet skilled in the basic functions of a computer and how to use the Internet, it is advisable to learn before starting classes. You will use this resource heavily, so you should have expert knowledge already. Most people already have sufficient knowledge of the Internet and computers since they are used so frequently in business today.
There are several methods for attaining a distance learning doctorate. Research various schools for their philosophies and curriculum before committing to a program. There are various approaches and one will likely suit you best. It is advisable to start a doctoral program at the same place you intend to complete it so there is no re working of existing work or credits that do not transfer. Take your time to research methods and choose one that will realistically suit your style of learning and time constraints.
One method to obtain a distance learning doctorate is a completely book free method that is custom made to your personal goals. This method brings you in contact with a professor who specializes in your field and will create a curriculum for those needs. The assignments are completely written and cover related topics in your field. You will need to research and write about a number of topics all relating to the industry in which you specialize. This is a viable option because you are learning practical applications for your business.
Another method is to utilize the distance learning doctorate curriculum to study and research with testing and thesis submissions. The majority of the work is done online but has a more structured course schedule. You will likely have detailed assignments and need to use books as well as do Internet research. Testing may be required at local affiliated testing centers that are located in your area. Some schools will even have a split curriculum where portions are on site and other portions are available online.
Traditional methods of learning are very sound; however, many people have too many responsibilities at work or in their personal lives to commit to the time involved in earning a doctorate degree. Colleges and universities have recognized this and have adapted distance learning doctorate programs to account for this. Accelerated and custom class curriculum account for work experience and knowledge to help speed the process. Utilizing technology, the schools offer comparable classes with the added convenience of working at your own pace from your own home.
College Interview General Preparation
by: Jonathan Mayheart
Lets first think of a college interview, what is it really, why do they even bother to take the time and personally meet each applicant, and what kind of power a good interview has. You have probably conducted your own national college search, and already know your preferences. Colleges have interviews for one simple reason, it works, it works for them – some data shows them that the applicants they personally meet and talk with, on average, succeed in their programs and have been succeeding in their program for some time now. So they know it works. But what is “it”? the college interview is the “it”, and it is no different than a job interview.
The college interview was not thought of as a mean to intimidate potential students, to keep them away, to embarrass and humiliate the next graduates of this college, it is meant for one simple, and very important, reason – to meet and evaluate the motivation and potential of the young person applying to the college. And that’s all it is. There is nothing personal or evil in it, other from the fact these people want to know what you are made of and how serious you are. You need to think of it as a part of your campus tour.
So a college interview is basically like a thoughtful conversation with someone you never met before and that wants to know who you really are, what you went through in your life and where you are heading. But when talking to a stranger about this you can allow yourself to be casual and say some things that you can not say in a college interview, you have to think of how you want to present yourself, and how not to get dragged to the pleasing “tell me what I want to hear” mode.
Preparation will get you a long way, it is the absolute key in getting through the college interview successfully. There is no such thing as over preparing for this, and in fact, if you do this the proper way, you will need to tell yourself at a certain moment that its time to stop preparing.
Let’s go over some of the points in the preparation procedure, things you will want to look into while getting ready for your college interview.
Try and know who your contact is – a simple thing, try and get the name (or names of the persons) that will be conducting the interview, when you will start the interview you will have a nicer way to present yourself and greet the interviewers than most applicants do. It will also show that you prepared in advance and that you are serious about getting this position, this will set you off in the right tracks. When you do your initial national college search, you can also look for the contacts interviewing applicants. No potential harm here. Only good can come out of this one.
Research - can I stress this enough? College interview success – research, research and more research. Lets ask ourselves one basic questions, if someone wants to get into his favorite spot team (any position) will he (or she) not know the names of past hero’s? The teams greatest moments? Its accomplishments? Or course the candidate will know. And you need to show that you are the same, your motivation and enthusiasm to get in to this program will shine when you provide enough evidence to prove you know everything there is to know about the place itself. Ways to get information, research the college web site, search engines for other information, people name search will give you some knowledge about the teachers and their accomplishments, any publications of the college itself are also good. If you are reading this while doing your national college search, you can enjoy the opportunity to add something to your list. Even the ordinary campus tour can give you a chance of finding a little more about the place.
In researching the college you can study materials of the college. College’s course book online, find interesting questions regarding the courses. Some students seem to think that asking questions at the interview might seem presumptuous, but in fact it makes you seem interested and sophisticated. Here are some questions you might consider asking The programs you might be interested in majoring in, construction on the campus and new facilities, financial aid, How the school treats AP tests, how they compare this college with national colleges, the campus tour, school advising, ask interviewers about their opinion of the school, what they like best, and why the courses are better than in other places (no example or names, just say other places).
Your answers – take a look at our “college interview questions” section to familiarize yourself with the potential questions you may face, and practice with family member or friend, keep answers short and sweet, know what you are saying and do not get too personal. Talk slowly, and think about each question before you answer, even if you have been practicing for this particular question for the past two months. Never cut someone when they are talking, not even if you are extremely excited about your answer.
Promoting yourself – think about a few strong points you got, and that you want the interviewer to remember about you, no need to mention these in every answer, but three or four times (with reference – “as I already told you, I think I am very good at managing people… that’s why I took the school paper publishing project”). If you have a problem identifying traits you want to promote – read your resume or application form again carefully and mark the points you think are worth focusing on. You can also try and add some humor to the interview, say something about the campus tour, and your impression of the college.
by: Jonathan Mayheart
Lets first think of a college interview, what is it really, why do they even bother to take the time and personally meet each applicant, and what kind of power a good interview has. You have probably conducted your own national college search, and already know your preferences. Colleges have interviews for one simple reason, it works, it works for them – some data shows them that the applicants they personally meet and talk with, on average, succeed in their programs and have been succeeding in their program for some time now. So they know it works. But what is “it”? the college interview is the “it”, and it is no different than a job interview.
The college interview was not thought of as a mean to intimidate potential students, to keep them away, to embarrass and humiliate the next graduates of this college, it is meant for one simple, and very important, reason – to meet and evaluate the motivation and potential of the young person applying to the college. And that’s all it is. There is nothing personal or evil in it, other from the fact these people want to know what you are made of and how serious you are. You need to think of it as a part of your campus tour.
So a college interview is basically like a thoughtful conversation with someone you never met before and that wants to know who you really are, what you went through in your life and where you are heading. But when talking to a stranger about this you can allow yourself to be casual and say some things that you can not say in a college interview, you have to think of how you want to present yourself, and how not to get dragged to the pleasing “tell me what I want to hear” mode.
Preparation will get you a long way, it is the absolute key in getting through the college interview successfully. There is no such thing as over preparing for this, and in fact, if you do this the proper way, you will need to tell yourself at a certain moment that its time to stop preparing.
Let’s go over some of the points in the preparation procedure, things you will want to look into while getting ready for your college interview.
Try and know who your contact is – a simple thing, try and get the name (or names of the persons) that will be conducting the interview, when you will start the interview you will have a nicer way to present yourself and greet the interviewers than most applicants do. It will also show that you prepared in advance and that you are serious about getting this position, this will set you off in the right tracks. When you do your initial national college search, you can also look for the contacts interviewing applicants. No potential harm here. Only good can come out of this one.
Research - can I stress this enough? College interview success – research, research and more research. Lets ask ourselves one basic questions, if someone wants to get into his favorite spot team (any position) will he (or she) not know the names of past hero’s? The teams greatest moments? Its accomplishments? Or course the candidate will know. And you need to show that you are the same, your motivation and enthusiasm to get in to this program will shine when you provide enough evidence to prove you know everything there is to know about the place itself. Ways to get information, research the college web site, search engines for other information, people name search will give you some knowledge about the teachers and their accomplishments, any publications of the college itself are also good. If you are reading this while doing your national college search, you can enjoy the opportunity to add something to your list. Even the ordinary campus tour can give you a chance of finding a little more about the place.
In researching the college you can study materials of the college. College’s course book online, find interesting questions regarding the courses. Some students seem to think that asking questions at the interview might seem presumptuous, but in fact it makes you seem interested and sophisticated. Here are some questions you might consider asking The programs you might be interested in majoring in, construction on the campus and new facilities, financial aid, How the school treats AP tests, how they compare this college with national colleges, the campus tour, school advising, ask interviewers about their opinion of the school, what they like best, and why the courses are better than in other places (no example or names, just say other places).
Your answers – take a look at our “college interview questions” section to familiarize yourself with the potential questions you may face, and practice with family member or friend, keep answers short and sweet, know what you are saying and do not get too personal. Talk slowly, and think about each question before you answer, even if you have been practicing for this particular question for the past two months. Never cut someone when they are talking, not even if you are extremely excited about your answer.
Promoting yourself – think about a few strong points you got, and that you want the interviewer to remember about you, no need to mention these in every answer, but three or four times (with reference – “as I already told you, I think I am very good at managing people… that’s why I took the school paper publishing project”). If you have a problem identifying traits you want to promote – read your resume or application form again carefully and mark the points you think are worth focusing on. You can also try and add some humor to the interview, say something about the campus tour, and your impression of the college.
Sunday, July 23, 2006
Characteristics of a Quality Medical Transcription School
by: Chris Dunn
First and foremost, a good medical transcription school will have a comprehensive curriculum designed specifically for medical transcription training. This does not mean some off-the-shelf program that mixes and matches curriculum and study material from a hodge-podge of medical and non-medical sources. You are looking for a solid A to Z curriculum that was designed by Medical Transcriptionists specifically for medical transcriptionists. There is a big difference. You don’t want a version of anatomy that is adapted from a veterinarian course. Yes, this sounds crazy, but you would be surprised at what you will find out there!
You are looking for a medical transcription school that teaches you the medical terminology, human anatomy, physiology and disease processes, abbreviations and plurals, and a host of other foundational material — all from a medical transcriptionist’s perspective.
Second, and of no less importance, the medical transcription school that you select must have an extremely strong focus on practical application. All the text-book training in the world is insufficient without a strong practicum to go along with it. Sitting in a classroom without applying what you are studying would be like memorizing vocabulary and learning to conjugate verbs in a foreign language and then assuming you could immediately go to that country and speak fluently with the natives. It just isn’t realistic. It takes a lot of practice before you can start actually doing it well.
The best medical transcription schools will not graduate you until you can demonstrate a level of practical competency. And guess what? The way many doctors dictate reports is more reminiscent of a foreign language than anything else. Slurred speech, poor grammar, rapid wording, and run on sentences only serve to exacerbate an already complex and specialized language — the language of medicine!
But in the end, the best way to select the right school is to find out where the national medical transcription employers are recruiting. You can rest assured that they are doing their homework. They will not be in the habit of hiring graduates from institutions that have not proven themselves capable of producing productive graduates. Getting a good job with a great company is really what counts isn’t it? In the ideal world you want the employers to come to you!
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