The New Rules of Marketing & PR: How to Use Social Media, Online Video, Mobile Applications, Blogs, News Releases, and Viral Marketing to Reach Buyers DirectlyThe New Rules of Marketing & PR: How to Use Social Media, Online Video, Mobile Applications, Blogs, News Releases, and Viral Marketing to Reach Buyers DirectlyDavid Meerman Scotts marketing bible has become a modern day business classic.

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Posts Tagged ‘college courses online’

Employers Help Pay College Tuition!

Thursday, May 6th, 2010

College tuition has risen almost geometrically over the last decade. MSNBC, a cable news network, stated the average tuition was slightly over $7,000 for the 2009-10 academic year. CNN has come up with a similar number; a four-year Bachelor’s will cost approximately $27,000. Both news services say these cost increases didn’t include room, board or other living expenses. They also expect tuition to rise 15% by 2010-11. In other words, financing a degree is getting harder than ever. Extra expense can be added when obtaining an on campus or online graduate school degree.

This is forcing young college students to change their financial strategies. More students than ever are holding down jobs while going to online colleges so they can work the daylight hours then take their classes at home at night. Many corporations are even helping them. McDonald’s and Blockbuster will help pay for their employee’s education (even to covering the entire tuition) as long as the student works for them. The only kink in this strategy is finding such a job during the current recession.

It is true that many universities offer grants and scholarships based on financial need or academic performance. The federal government also offers student loans at longer terms and lower interest rates than banks, especially now under President Obama’s new health and education initiative. Even with Obama getting the federal Pell grant up to nearly $6,000 next year, this often leaves huge gaps between what a student gets and what school costs. If you need more information about government grants, look on the internet.

Yet there’s still one resource many students (and their parents) have left fairly untapped. There are quite a number of other public corporations besides McDonald’s and Blockbuster out there that have financial aid available to the future workforce. There are a number of professional and social societies who will be glad to help out with scholarships and grants, too. Here are four very different examples of this academic generosity:

(1) For engineers, the National Aeronautic and Space Agency (yep, that’s NASA, you future rocket scientists!) offers a scholarship competition to students who submit the best approach to space exploration. NASA wants to engage more students in STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) disciplines.

(2) For veterinarians, the American Veterinary Medical Association initiated a debt relief program for those who work on food animals such as sheep, cows and pigs. The group has announced it’s out to combat the spiraling amount of debt many vets incur before they ever graduate.

(3) For journalists, the Scripps Howard Foundation awards a number of different scholarships to students for their achievements in the classroom, on the job, or for their community. The Foundation says these grants are intended as investments to help bring out a young writers’ potential and ensure they stay in the communications profession.

(4) There are even programs for pharmacists. The gigantic retail pharmacy corporation, CVS Caremark, has teamed with some colleges for scholarships and internship programs. They want to increase diversity in their profession and help high school students gain interest in the area. There is an abundance of information about grant for online school on the web.

Remember, this is only four examples. There are a number of other companies who are looking to help students get online degrees. With the cost of education skyrocketing, every cent helps.

Once you’ve invested in a four year degree, progressing further via traditional on campus oronline university programs to an advanced degree also requires additional funding. Finding out what free scholarships and grants is available is going to help get that degree.

An Agricultural Engineering Career Starts With A Science Degree!

Thursday, May 6th, 2010

The Bureau of Labor Statistics states the demand for agricultural scientists is “greater than average”, growing as the world’s population grows. One need only turn on the news to understand why. World hunger is pandemic. Even the diets of prosperous countries are suspect. Because of this, the demand for this STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) profession is at an all-time high. Those wishing to enter this growing and diverse field are well served by a science degree.

Agricultural scientists research just about every aspect of the production of food. By that it’s meant the study of crops and livestock to increase their quantity and quality as well as control pests and weeds safely conserve soil and water. It’s now even involved in methods of turning plants into fuel. If you need more information about degree in technology, look on the internet.

Thanks to recent developments in biotechnology and biogenetics, agricultural science is one of the most dynamic fields out there. This is causing many to go enroll at online colleges to keep abreast of the latest scientific discoveries. This is becoming particularly acute as knowledge of nanotechnology is becoming part and parcel with the discipline.

These days, agricultural science has divided into four main specialties; food sciences, food tech, soil/plant science and animal science (not to be confused with veterinary science). The first use all relevant forms of science and engineering to invent ways of improving food, from preserving through delivering. The techs assist scientists in the testing, reporting and monitoring of experiments. Plant, soil and crop scientists, as well as agronomists, study all manner of crops to feed the world and conserve resources. As for animal scientists, the work to invent ways of producing better meat, eggs, and milk. Each of these contributes in some vital way to the entire field of agricultural science.

Training requirements for agricultural scientists depend on their specialty. It’s usually a good idea to eventually plan for a Masters and/or a PhD. On the other hand, the Bureau also recommends an undergraduate pursue as general as possible B.S. in Agricultural Science before deciding on a particular specialty. There is an abundance of information about online college on the web.

As there is such a critical need for agricultural scientists, financial assistance is available from more than just federal, public and private grants. Nearly every state in the U.S. has agricultural scholarships programs, usually tied with a local university program. There are also federal S-STEM grant opportunities through the National Science Foundation. An academic financial advisor is a good person to talk to about all the possibilities, as well as a little research through your favorite web engine.

Aiding and abetting this critical need is the number of agricultural scientists is extremely small, barely 62,000 for all the specialties. Thus the need is considered higher than average, depending on the specialty. The low end of the salaries is $35,000 for a technician to over $100,000 for experienced scientists. The average wage is $56,000 for scientists. There are almost always excellent benefits packages tied to the field, including health, retirement packages and other perks.

Add to it the advances it’s making in research, and it will be an in demand occupation for some time to come. Begin with a bachelor science degree; expand as you find your personal field of interest, and do it all at an online university that will allow work and study as needed.

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Life in the Fast Lane: Speeding up Your College Degree!

Friday, April 30th, 2010

A college education can change your life, professionally and personally. People with college degrees make more money and climb the corporate ladder faster. More money can lead to a better quality of life for you and your family. Colleges online may be the fastest way to get your degree and speed up that promotion or raise.

Many professionals looking to earn a degree, choose online college because of the flexibility. Online students can set their own schedule, attend lectures and complete assignments on their time. This makes it possible to hold down a job and spend time with family while attending school. Of course this freedom means the student has to be disciplined enough to stay on top of the course work. If you need more information about distance education degree, look on the internet.

Since online college allows the student to go at their own pace, some students complete their degrees in less time. You can take as many or as few classes as you want. If you can handle the heavy course load, you may be able to complete your degree in two years instead of the usual four.

For those who really want to be on the fast track, there are accelerated degree programs. The information for these courses is condensed and so is the length of the class. These intense courses allow students to whip through a bachelors degree in two years instead of four. Or earn a masters in 18 months compared to two years. Students in accelerated programs may take one or two courses a semester instead of several at the same time.

There are also ways to make your work and life experience earn you college credit. The College Level Examination Program, CLEP, allows students to get college credit for what they already know. If you pass the test, you can earn between three and 12 college credits. Twelve credits is equal to one semester at college. And since the CLEP test costs $72, that’s quite a deal compared to a semester of tuition. There is an abundance of information about college degrees online on the web.

Some colleges accept work experience as college credit, allowing students to skip introductory courses. Someone already working in a marketing company could get credit for their work experience and bypass basic business courses. A business school in Minnesota is offering this option to working students seeking a bachelors degree in marketing. Imagine having hours of credit toward your college degree without ever taking a college course.

Professionals who want to go back to school have a financial aid option not available to traditional students. Your company may be willing to foot the bill for your education. Some businesses offer tuition reimbursement programs or participate in programs that offer tuition discounts to employees. If having a college degree makes you a more valuable, productive employee, your boss may support picking up the cost.

Getting a degree from accredited online schools can be more convenient than attending a traditional university. If you’re already in the working world, it can pay to choose a college that offers class credit for your professional experience or try to test out of basic distance learning programs.

Financial Aid Scams Are On The Rise!

Friday, April 30th, 2010

There’s no doubt that college grants, scholarships and fellowships can make tuition more affordable, whether you attend a traditional campus or an online school. These forms of financial aid typically don’t have to be repaid the way student loans do, but you don’t want to get scammed either. In 2008 there were 177 complaints about scholarship and grant programs (as reported by the Federal Trade Commission). This jumped in 2009 to nearly 840.

Free scholarship seminars and scholarship consultant visits might result in a company asking for as much as $2,000 for their services, the Smart Money report noted. One Arizona woman took up a federal stimulus grant money offer of $15,000, according to a March report from Phoenix-based ABC 15. The woman followed the offer’s instructions: cashing a $2,000 check that she received from a company and sending the company $2,100 that she thought covered taxes; but she never received the grant balance, and the $2,000 check provided to her bounced after her own money to the company cleared, ABC 15 suggested. If you need more information about pell grants, look on the internet.

Students and parents seeking online college grants, scholarships and fellowships might consider some advice from experts:

(1) Don’t get involved with free grant offers that arrive unsolicited, and don’t pay money for “free” government grants, the Federal Trade Commission and ABC 15 reporter Joe Ducey caution. If you have not applied for a government grant (online or otherwise) and are told you’re receiving one, it’s a scam, according to information attributed to the Better Business Bureau. And telemarketing calls can be stopped by registering your telephone number with the National Do Not Call Registry, the Trade Commission reminds.

(2) Don’t deposit checks when you aren’t familiar with who has provided them, and don’t wire money to anyone you don’t know, Ducey advises. Also, don’t give bank account information to a company you don’t know and when you don’t know why the information is needed, the Federal Trade Commission notes.

(3) Don’t listen to fake promises. There are legitimate companies out there touting that they can provide students with scholarship lists in exchange for advance fees, the Trade Commission notes. There are also companies that charge advance fees to take student profiles and compare them with potential scholarship opportunities, the Trade Commission reports. But legitimate companies never guarantee or promise scholarships or grants for online college and traditional college pursuits, the agency suggests. You might conduct an Internet search on unsolicited grant offers, Ducey says. And you might also make sure the names of government agencies are correct, the Trade Commission advises.

(4) Do research grants online and at the library and talk with financial aid representatives and guidance counselors. There’s typically no cost for applying for online college grants, scholarships and fellowships that schools, large companies, non-profit organizations and government agencies make available. Completing a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which is available on the US Department of Education Web site, allows applicants to receive information about the types of government financial aid, including low-interest student loans, best suited to them. And a Web site that the Federal Trade Commission says is the only official access point for federal grant-making agencies in general includes an online database. The government itself doesn’t contact anyone to offer money, Better Business Bureau information on the database Web site reports. And the database Web site states that it doesn’t ask for social security numbers, banking or credit card information and that it doesn’t share information, except when it comes to government agencies that can offer assistance.

(5) Do your homework. If you’re attending a financial aid seminar, the Federal Trade Commission recommends you investigate the organization you’re considering paying for help and that you be wary of “success stories”. Ask for three referrals and then ask the referrals if they’re satisfied with products and services received. Ask the company about costs, services provided and their refund policy, and get this information in writing, the Trade Commission suggests. Be cautious of evasive seminar representatives and those who are reluctant to answer questions. Keep in mind that, with some operators, you may never see your money again, even with refund policies in writing, the Trade Commission reports. There is an abundance of information about grants for college on the web.

“Free” money almost certainly isn’t, either for traditional or online programs, if it comes from a company that is not legitimate. There definitely are student loans, scholarship, loan and aid sources, but research is your friend.

Tax Relief Helps Those Going Back To College!

Wednesday, April 28th, 2010

It seems the nation is so concerned about the high cost of higher education even the Internal Revenue Service is stepping in to provide a little relief. The IRS is not only administering a series of tax credits, but also giving students – or their equally strapped parents – a series of income tax deductions. Those attending distance learning program classes and traditional on campus schools should explore these credits.

As many students know all too well, it’s nigh impossible to go for a full degree without encountering some sort of college loan. True, these loans do allow a grace period of six months after graduation before one has to start paying, but with these loans many times getting into the multiple thousands of dollars, they end up being very bitter pills to swallow. As of last year, the IRS has made it a little easier on the general public. If you need more information about college degree programs, look on the internet.

The first thing the IRS did was make it possible for more people to claim these deductions. They increased the phase out limit, or how much you can earn and still be able to file for a deduction. Before 2009, the limit for single claimants was $55,000 adjusted gross income for full deductions and from $55,001 to $70,000 for partial deductions. For people filing joint returns, the ceilings were $110,000 and $145,000 respectively. Starting with this year, the limits are now $60,000 and $75,000 for individuals and $120,000 and $150,000 for joint returns.

One thing to consider is one must have attended an accredited, “qualified” institute of higher learning, and the student must be going to the school on a minimum half-time basis. The university can be either an on campus or online college. From there, the college loan must be applied to paying a pretty broad list of items, including tuition, fees, equipment, room and board and travel.

There are some important restrictions to contemplate. The IRS will not allow any deductions if the loan comes from a personal relative. They also won’t allow most deductions if it’s part of a private corporation’s educational program, especially one that employs the student. There is also a limit to how much one can deduct a year. There is an abundance of information about college courses online on the web.

After keeping all these conditions in mind, calculating the deduction is a pretty simple matter. For instance, if a single person earns under $60,000 that tax year, the first thing to do is get a statement from the lending institution. Break down what was paid to the principle from the interest. Then deduct the interest paid with a 1098-A form. If it’s between $60,001 and $75,000, the IRS’s web site has a pretty easy formula to figure out what percentage can be deducted. If one’s filing a joint return, substitute the respective numbers regarding the various phase out numbers.

While the IRS doesn’t try to turn these kind of deductions into a series of Fibonacci sequences normally used to contemplate the limits of the universe, it’s probably advisable one do all this with the aid of a tax expert. Find one that actually specializes in all of this, too, not just the typical tax person who disappears after April 15.

Distance learning degree program tudents and on campus attendees should be encouraged to advance their education. Scholarships, grants, and student loans are all there to facilitate this.

Online Students Tinker With Engineering Degrees

Saturday, April 17th, 2010

Engineers are the inventors of our society. They are the people who make and test the things we use everyday. Engineers use scientific knowledge and mathematics to solve problems creatively. There are many different types of engineers with civil, mechanical, electrical and software engineers just to name a few. Many of these specialized online graduate schoolavailable and may be growing in popularity thanks to a new national campaign.

President Obama launched a campaign last year called, “Educate to Innovate”. The President says he will make it a national priority to help students in the US to lead the pack in STEM subjects (science, technology, engineering and math). John Holdren, the Director of the White House Office of Science and Technology, echoes this sentiment saying America needs a STEM workforce that can develop clean sources of energy to reduce our dependence on foreign oil and discover cures for cancer.

President Obama’s plan has three main priorities. First, the President wants all students to think critically in STEM subjects. Second, he wants to improve math and science teaching. Thirdly to expand STEM education and career opportunities for underrepresented groups like women and minorities.

Online college is helping to bring higher education to a broader population. More students means more potential people enrolling in STEM courses. Online college students choose the number of classes that fit their schedule. Then they can watch lectures, complete assignments and take exams over the Internet when it’s convenient.

Bachelors degrees in all types of engineering are available through most online colleges. There are also programs for masters or doctorate degrees. Most engineers have bachelors degrees in their selected specialty. The level of education, the field of engineering and the experience all contribute to a workers salary. These qualifications lead to a broad range of yearly salaries for engineers between $37,000 and $120,000.

Don’t let the cost of degree in technology stop you from going. The Department of Education will provide more than $116 billion this year to help students and their families pay for college. There are federal grants, loans and work study programs to help make college affordable. A FAFSA (free application for federal student aid) will help your college determine which programs fit your needs and qualifications. These programs are available whether you choose to attend a traditional college or an online college.

Many colleges and universities offer scholarships specifically geared to engineering students. There are also private scholarships offered by foundations and business organizations. For example, some business groups grant scholarships to women and minorities who choose engineering as a major The Barry Goldwater Scholarship and Excellence in Education Foundation awards scholarships to 300 engineering students each year. The students get $7,500 toward their studies.

The number of students with a major in engineering increased by eight percent between 1997 and 2007, that number may jump again over the next decade if President Obama’s initiative to inspire young people in STEM degrees takes off. With hundreds of online colleges more students have the opportunity to get a degree

A Degree In Techology Is A Good Choice!

Saturday, April 17th, 2010

The gaming industry is starting a new campaign this year. It wants more women in gaming. No, not as players, but as employees. According to site, GamesCareers.biz, the industry has discovered that 10% of all applications received are from women. As industry studies state 38% of all gamers are female, it’s a situation they feel must be rectified immediately. There is more to this field than just development and a degree from accredited online schools will open many doors.

It isn’t hard to see why women are generally turned off by the industry. At gaming conventions, the bulk of females present are convention employees, booth models and bored dates/mothers. To the industry, it means missing a large chunk of the general population. They feel the best solution is to employ more women, both in the research and development, as well as marketing side.

Because of this, Microsoft held a conference at its Washington headquarters. News service CNET, who also attended, noted around 150 pros attended, 90% of them women. The cable news service then joked Microsoft probably got all the women who work in the industry. If you need more information about on line degree programs, look on the internet.

One can see why many women don’t want to work in gaming. The gaming giants EA and ActiVision are facing lawsuits about their work environment. Although they are paid well in a field other guys would die to be in, developers tend to work long hours with little overtime compensation. This is a situation that isn’t particularly attractive to young women, which studies have profiled as more family- and home-oriented.

One company that’s taking the lead in this problem is Sony Online Entertainment, another leader in the video game field. According to CNN, they have created a program they’ve called G.I.R.L., for Gamers In Real Life. Led by Torrie Dorrell, Sony’s Senior Vice President of Global Sales and Marketing, it’s a scholarship program designed to lure young women into game development.

Gamers In Real Life has already granted two sums of $10,000 each to two deserving students. It has a third scholarship set for May, 2010. Another reward is the recipients become interns at Sony. You can learn more about this program on the web. If women look around, they probably can find other programs like GIRL. There is an abundance of information about stem degree on the web.

This isn’t the only program available for ladies who desire to play games as a career. Game development is a part of computer science, and as such is a STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) field. Contacting the National Science Foundation about an S-STEM scholarship/grant should be seriously thought about. After all, even the military uses game simulation as a way to train its young warriors.

As a part of their curriculum, many accredited online schools offer game development. They even do TV commercials promoting it. Women should contact financial aid officers at these universities for what opportunities are out there. One shouldn’t be surprised if there are many more opportunities once one has obtained a technology degree online.

Insurance Underwriting A Growing Field For Online Graduates!

Thursday, April 15th, 2010

The insurance industry is again going through an incredible amount of change. At the same time underwriters love to recall their industry started in the late 17th Century, when a group of investors began insuring the safe return of cargo ships at Lloyd’s coffeehouse. Disasters as big as Krakatau and World War II haven’t stopped them. That still doesn’t mean the general public understands what it is or how, even after President Obama’s recent health legislation, it’s still an enduring occupation. Education about the field and a degree, perhaps on campus or via online programs, is pretty much a requirement.

At its core, insurance assumes risk. An insurance company, often called a carrier, creates an agreement, called a policy, and accepts a regular fee, or premium, stating it will compensate a person or industry against the possibility of some kind of disaster. Whether it’s illness, death, property damage or something similar, if disaster occurs, the carrier pays off the injured a predetermined amount of money. Underwriters, with the aid of actuaries, evaluate the risk. The greater the risk is, the higher the premium.

The field of underwriting does not have a specific or formal course one can take. Obtaining a Bachelor’s of Science is a good start. They do look for people who are detail-oriented, with good communication and judgment skills. Working with those in the industry, as well as co-workers, as a part of the every day work is vital. If you need more information about pell grants, look on the internet.

There are two main types of underwriting. They are life/health and property/casualty. There is a third kind, financial, that caused a lot of news last year due to the AIG fiasco, but is more a Wall Street specialty. What all have in common is they are a white-collar, five days a week, nine-to-five occupation.

Yet if there is a job that goes through radical change every decade or so, it’s underwriting. Game changes have included the creation of HMO’s, the computer revolution, HIV, no fault insurance and Obama’s just passed comprehensive health initiative. This causes insurance veterans to go back to online colleges for seminars and new courses in order to stay up with industry changes.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics states that employment in the field should be relatively stable for the next ten years, with most replacements coming from the present labor force either retiring or leaving the field. As one might surmise, the main employers are insurance carriers, which absorb nearly 70% of the labor force. Salaries can range anywhere from $35,000 to nearly $90,000. The Bureau states benefits packages for underwriters are generally much better than most professions, particularly insurance coverage. There is an abundance of information about pell grant application on the web.

As one can imagine, the profession is getting ready to go through another volley of changes. What they may not realize is computer innovations will end up having as much an impact as the Obama health initiative. For more information, a good place to start is with the professional organizations, the two main ones being the Insurance Institute of America and the Insurance Information Institute. Students can also talk to their online college career counselor about the field.

College degree programs can be your way to get into this field or another of your choosing. Money for school can be a problem, but with the availability of college grants and scholarships, many who thought they couldn’t go to school will find out they can.

Many Career Options With A Degree In Science!

Tuesday, April 13th, 2010

You hear every American, from the President himself to the everyday citizen, talking about things this country needs. Among them is a new utility infrastructure, green technology, smart telephones, miniature computers and even growing food more efficiently. All this will take skilled manpower, in which the U.S. is enduring a shortage. It’s reaching critical proportions. People who work in these areas fall into a vastly broad category called STEM (for science, technology, engineering and math), and the federal government is creating programs, grants and new scholarships to counter this. For those already working, looking to enter these fields, online college classes may be the way to go.

This shortage has been keeping online colleges humming, not only in helping young students obtain their first Bachelor’s degree, but from seasoned workers needing to move on to their Masters, Ph.D’s or just staying current in their respective specialties. At its core, STEM is a field of perpetual study. It’s also so broad it can use clearer definition. Probably the best way to start is to define the four main categories. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, these four groups should be seen as the following:

(1) Natural Science Occupations – What the government is primarily looking for falls into three main subdivisions: Life scientists, physical scientists and natural scientist technicians. They are 13% (752,000) of all STEM personnel. Specialists include agricultural and food scientists, biological scientists, conservation, environmentalists and geophysicists, astronomers and medical scientists. There is also a major need for technicians to assist scientists in conducting experiments through reporting the results. If you need more information about online college course, look on the internet.

(2) Engineering – The second largest group at 2.2 million (approximately 37%). Almost every product used today is due to some form of engineering. The number of specialties is as broad as the number of people in the field. They include agricultural, biomedical, chemical, civil (the largest category), electrical/electronics and mechanical engineers among others. There are also drafters and technicians, who assist the engineers in designing and then testing the products they help produce.

(3) Technology – The largest group at approximately 2.9 million (almost 50%), these people are the main work force of the field, and the fed primarily reserves this category for those in computer and information tech. These people make computers function. Some workers create new software, others design computer systems, some just work on databases. Others teach people how to use computers and while others keep them running in proper order. It should be noted though this area also does design and development of the machines.

(4) Mathematicians: The smallest of the groups at less than one percent (barely 57,000) focuses on mathematics almost exclusively. Yes, there are those who theorize to the clouds, but also include actuaries, operations research analysts and statisticians. Practical mathematicians work on anything from figuring out what your insurance premium will be to setting odds for casinos. On the other hand, an ivory tower has its benefits. There is an abundance of information about online graduate schools on the web.

As a group, STEM workers earned about 70 percent more than the average worker in 2005. They also enjoy better than average benefit packages, including insurance, investment/retirement, continuing education and vacation programs. This is due to an extremely strong demand for workers. Depending on the specialty, growth is expected to range anywhere from 10% to 31%.

Online college classes mean those who are working, who have families, who have responsibilities that cannot be interrupted can still attend college with online college degree programs and get their science bachelor degree.

Work From Home And Support Your Family!

Monday, April 12th, 2010

You rarely see them, but they are some of the most important people at any hospital, clinic or doctor’s office, particularly in these days of health insurance reform. They are also one of the fastest growing careers in the health care industry. Officially, they are called Medical Records and Health Information Technicians, but if you ask them they’d simply say do medical billing. Read below and you’ll see why the profession is becoming one of the most popular at online colleges.

According to the Department of Labor, a medical billing expert assembles patients’ health information; including medical history, results and all other healthcare provider services. They organize and manage health information data by ensuring its quality, accuracy and security. Then they bill appropriate insurance carriers, then you. If you need more information about online college degree, look on the internet.

It’s a career path that only needs 2 years of education, making entrance relatively easy, although 6 month to 4 year programs are also available. Usually, no more than a Bachelor’s degree is all that’s really needed, unless one hopes to go into top management at a big hospital or insurance firm. The job is cited by numerous sources as being extremely stable because of pressing need.

As this is an extremely regulated industry, knowledge of rules and bylaws are also needed. Also, as various governing bodies ranging from federal and state governments as well as professional organizations is also required. As these regs change constantly, a medical billing expert’s job is one of constant education. One has to stay on top of such things as HIPAA, electronic processing software and Medicaid/Medicare are also de rigueur.

With health care and health insurance now in a state of constant overhaul, the future of the medical billing field is a pretty secure one. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) stated there were over 528,000 medical billing experts as of 2008. They expect a 15% growth in the profession, slightly over 600,000, over the next ten years. There is an abundance of information about distance learning college degree on the web.

The Bureau also reports the average salary for a medical biller is slightly over $30,000 as of 2008. The demand being so pressing, the way most medical billers increase their income is move from one organization to another about every two years. Even in the current employment crisis, if one checks their local classifieds they will see a number of ads placed every week. Advancement is also possible if one knows how to jump. Many major hospitals and clinics actually have whole departments just to handle all their billing.

Once you have completed your college degree programs, and secure employment as a medical biler, the compensation usually includes excellent health benefits, career advancement/work-study programs and financial aid to advance with a distance learning course.

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